Merc CE coupe...is it a bad idea?
Discussion
Currently got the daily driver up for sale and a few mates are hardcore old merc fans and keep telling me to try one of these.
Can't go out shopping until the Golf is gone but when it is I'm looking at things like this
Are they a money pit waiting to happen, what are the things to look for, anyone got/had one?
I'm guessing they are in the old tax bands so no surprises there and I'm not expecting high mpg but then if I worried about things like that I wouldn't be looking at big old barges.
Can't go out shopping until the Golf is gone but when it is I'm looking at things like this
Are they a money pit waiting to happen, what are the things to look for, anyone got/had one?
I'm guessing they are in the old tax bands so no surprises there and I'm not expecting high mpg but then if I worried about things like that I wouldn't be looking at big old barges.
never had one but had a couple of 190s which are similar in engineering. Not in the money pit bracket by any means... that said that is a later 320 model which apparently could have issues with head gaskets or oil weeping from the valve cover, or something like that. Also these later models I know in America commonly have an issue with the wiring harness degrading and breaking down which causes running faults and is very expensive to fix. But I believe it's heat releated so less common over here. If it doesn't have warning lights/misfires/stalling oddities then it's likely OK.
I believe that 4 valve straight six was relatively economical?
Anyway an earlier 300CE (2 valve) shouldn't be ruled out if you plan to operate cheaply - a bit less powerful but more tried and tested engine - very solid in fact and the kind of thing you could go across the desert in.
Apart from those problems pretty solid. Based on the E-class not the S-class so running costs shouldn't be horrific by any means. The dealers even do a 25% (or something?) discount on work on cars over a certain age that this might fit in to that bracket.
There's one been for sale at Cleave Motor Salvage near me for a while (not write off but trade in) but it's way overpriced for its condition, in my opinion. Also CMS has just caught fire, I can see what is apparently it burning in a plume of black smoke out of my office window, so it is probably no longer available...
and there goes another police car...
I believe that 4 valve straight six was relatively economical?
Anyway an earlier 300CE (2 valve) shouldn't be ruled out if you plan to operate cheaply - a bit less powerful but more tried and tested engine - very solid in fact and the kind of thing you could go across the desert in.
Apart from those problems pretty solid. Based on the E-class not the S-class so running costs shouldn't be horrific by any means. The dealers even do a 25% (or something?) discount on work on cars over a certain age that this might fit in to that bracket.
There's one been for sale at Cleave Motor Salvage near me for a while (not write off but trade in) but it's way overpriced for its condition, in my opinion. Also CMS has just caught fire, I can see what is apparently it burning in a plume of black smoke out of my office window, so it is probably no longer available...
and there goes another police car...
Yes! Buy a 320CE/E320 Coupe....I'm not bias, honest 
As Pentoman has said, head gaskets can go....usually noted an oil leak around the back of the block.
The wiring loom may need replacing, and the usual gearbox problems can become known as mileage increases. This it noted by clunky gear changes.
They are the major/well known items to go wrong, but get a Merc Specialist to give it the once over before purchase, just to be safe.
They are typical "Old-skool" Merc build quality/reliability, so you shouldn't have any major problems running it day-to-day. Maybe buy a warranty just to be safe, though.
My E320 Coupe is a daily driver, and she's been good to me. I did have a problem with the immobiliser, though. If it has Merc's remote locking system, it may have a passive immobiliser. It annoyed me, so had it by-passed
As for MPG, expect about 20-22 on a run and no more than 18 around town.
Good luck with your search!
Darren
As Pentoman has said, head gaskets can go....usually noted an oil leak around the back of the block.
The wiring loom may need replacing, and the usual gearbox problems can become known as mileage increases. This it noted by clunky gear changes.
They are the major/well known items to go wrong, but get a Merc Specialist to give it the once over before purchase, just to be safe.
They are typical "Old-skool" Merc build quality/reliability, so you shouldn't have any major problems running it day-to-day. Maybe buy a warranty just to be safe, though.
My E320 Coupe is a daily driver, and she's been good to me. I did have a problem with the immobiliser, though. If it has Merc's remote locking system, it may have a passive immobiliser. It annoyed me, so had it by-passed
As for MPG, expect about 20-22 on a run and no more than 18 around town.
Good luck with your search!
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Tuesday 16th September 13:34
Why not go for something like an E220 coupe? None of the head gasket or wiring loom issues as far as I know and reasonably economical without being underpowered. I had an E320 coupe and loved it, didn't have any loom issues either and the head gasket only weaped oil slightly. Watch for rusty front wings though just ahead off the wheelarch above the bumper, however they bolt on and can be replaced easily. There might also be some surface rust around the aerial which will only be cosmetic but expensive to fix.
I`ve got a Wanted add in the classifieds at the moment for a 220 / 230 coupe . If anyone has a good condition CE / E class coupe , drop me a line . Condition more important than mileage of course .
I ran a 300 TE as last year`s winter run about and 24-26 mpg easily achievable even with the heavier body . I`d go for the 12 valve over the 24 valve engine and they do go on and on . Have a good look at a few before you buy though as even those which have had a very hard existence seem to drive ok !
I ran a 300 TE as last year`s winter run about and 24-26 mpg easily achievable even with the heavier body . I`d go for the 12 valve over the 24 valve engine and they do go on and on . Have a good look at a few before you buy though as even those which have had a very hard existence seem to drive ok !
74merc said:
...E220 coupe? None of the head gasket issues as far as I know
Hi 74merc.Head gaskets seem to be common thing to leak for the 4 and 6 cylinder models in '124 series.
The gearboxes are known issue on 4 and 6 cylinder models, too.
Obviously, the life of these items depends on how the car has been driven
Darren
Yes do it,great cars but there are alot of dogs out there and people cashing in on the appeal of the coupe over the saloon so shop around and buy the best you can afford . I brought a E320 coupe 6 months ago , fantastic car to waft around in and havnt spent a penny on it since buying it , oh exept 20 pence for a dipstick o ring. Downside is the fuel these days but then i only use it for school runs ETC .
Well the Golf has been sold, so I've got a £3k (or less) to blow on the new ride. 
My only worry is it's not going to be that practicle, not sure if the bike will fit in the boot or how easy it'll be to get it in the back seat, then theres the prospect of the better half having to drive 2 tonnes of barge to the shops, I guess I've just got to go and find one close to go kick tyres.
My only worry is it's not going to be that practicle, not sure if the bike will fit in the boot or how easy it'll be to get it in the back seat, then theres the prospect of the better half having to drive 2 tonnes of barge to the shops, I guess I've just got to go and find one close to go kick tyres.
My 190's four-speed auto died at 65k miles because the radiator for it leaked water into the oil. Was an '86 though. A friend's '89 auto died at somewhere just under 200k. Lots of warning with bangs etc on that one.
Also just because it's an 80s merc doesn't mean it can't rust
Nice looking example though that is, apart from the rust. Bargain £250 as well! If it's like a 190 the wings bolt on, no welding required, so could be a functional bargain for somebody! Has 190k though.
FWIW that has period aftermarket (dealer fit?) "Carat" bumpers.
Also just because it's an 80s merc doesn't mean it can't rust
Nice looking example though that is, apart from the rust. Bargain £250 as well! If it's like a 190 the wings bolt on, no welding required, so could be a functional bargain for somebody! Has 190k though.
FWIW that has period aftermarket (dealer fit?) "Carat" bumpers.
Currently looking like I might be swaying back into the BMW camp. 
As tempting as these look, they are a bit of an unknown quantity to me and having had a few e36's in the family fleet it looks like I might be going that route.
Might just keep my eyes on the market though, you never know...
As tempting as these look, they are a bit of an unknown quantity to me and having had a few e36's in the family fleet it looks like I might be going that route.
Might just keep my eyes on the market though, you never know...
raceboy said:
Currently looking like I might be swaying back into the BMW camp.
As tempting as these look, they are a bit of an unknown quantity to me and having had a few e36's in the family fleet it looks like I might be going that route.
Might just keep my eyes on the market though, you never know...
Whilst I have never had an E36.... lots of other BMW's though! Knowing the reputation of the E36 I'd take a E Class any day of the week. As tempting as these look, they are a bit of an unknown quantity to me and having had a few e36's in the family fleet it looks like I might be going that route.
Might just keep my eyes on the market though, you never know...
Buy a pucka historied car with lowish owners (dont worry too much about the miles) and budget on replacing the front wings and front and rear 'crash pads' on facelift cars (pads crack easily...you'll notice this problem if you look around) and are about £40 each plus painting, wings are £150 for new genuine MB, or about £30-£40 for replacement, or if your lucky drop on some second hand genuine for a similar price.
I sent my Full MB historied 1 owner E220 estate into a main dealer and all they could find was the thermostat was running cool and the front wiper was smearing...... though judging by the bills the previous owner maintained it money no object.
two main expensive issues were replacement petrol tank (best part of a grand) and a new air bag module (
about £1200!) ...all at MD main dealer prices, so could have been done much cheap
David911RSR said:
Interesting thread. I am also looking for a 300CE or 320 coupe. Nothing much on PH or Autotrader, so please PM me if you know of a decent car thats for sale.
Thanks, David
Bolide has a really nice one at www.w124.co.uk but prepare yourself for a shock when you hear the price .;)Thanks, David
I have a 1992 ce230, K reg, i bought it almost 3 years ago with one previous owner plus demo and 53,000 miles on the clock. I paid what i thought was top dollar (c£4,500) as it was in excellent, genuine condition (ie not been refurbished but very well looked after) - the person i was buying it off noticed the cylinder head gasket had gone just before he delivered the car to me and he had it repaired. Since then i have done over 30,000 miles in the car and it has not skipped a beat - i have it serviced at Ball & Hargreaves, a local MB specialist and i would say it is an excellent, comfortable car. Fuel economy is about 30mpg on a run so not great but as expected realistically. The car is blue/black (like a dark grey in the flesh) with mushroom leather and i have the original reecipt for £31,000 when the car was bought as an ex demo back in 1992!
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