Hello from the South Coast
New member here - well I thought that if I was going to take advantage of all this valuable information then the least I could do was join and pay the membership fee.
My heart sinks every time I have to drive my S500 down the 2 mile pothole riven unmade track from my house to the main road and my 300TE now dies when the engine gets warmed up and I've given up trying to figure out why so have decided to replace it with a G Wagon. Having read lots of stuff on here I think a 463 SWB is the one for me.
Now just need to find the right one - I tend to keep cars until they give up on me rather than the other way around. Off roading not really important for me. A well kept, well serviced non rusty example with leather interior is what I'm looking for so bear me in mind if you hear of something that might be suitable.
I see that the Wheeler Dealer G is for sale - I appreciate that the seller is a member/visitor so may be awkaward but would appreciate any comments on whether this should be a definite contender and in particular the sale price - £14,895, which is a bit scary.
Mark - based between Brighton and Eastbourne
Hello Mark,
Welcome to the GWOA and forum and as a paid up member - well done to you. Consider your self having earned a gold star. No, have two for setting an example.
A W463 is a good choice but I wonder if, from a 300TE (considered as a family car) to a short wheel base that, this is the right wheel base for you?
Esthetically, the proportions of the Short Wheel Base is better looking but as a family vehicle it ain't. If you have small kids, to get them in and out of the vehicle will become tedious after the novelty has worn off. The front folding seat does not allow for much room to go past in order to alight or get into the vehicle. Other than that, it is fine.
If you want to discuss the problems with the 300TE lets parley.
Without knowing the full facts, I am guessing that you could have a false air leak issue as your vehicle stalls when warmed up. I am sure you have checked the condition of distributor and rotor arm.
For my opinions worth, the base figure for this vehicle should be between £10K - £12K may be less, for non genuine alloy wheels, not my personal choice.The brake fluid has not been changed for a while, its dark in colour. The distributor cap is missing its guard and the expansion bottle looks suspicious. It may have had a head gasket renewal where the bottle has not been thorough cleaned out. The radiator core should be checked out for any cold spots, the give away is still in black coloured core suggesting either the original radiator in which case it needs checking or having been replaced with the blackened core, this could happen but replaced a renewed core usually come unpainted.
Not my taste of side steps, cheapens the vehicle! No substituting the genuine M/B side steps.
hi mark welcome to the GWOA from hailsham / eastbourne
Thanks Adrian,
Are you able to recommend a good local mechanic/garage?
Haven't quite given up on my 1990 300TE but it seems to need someone that can cope with more than just changing plugs etc. but the car's not really worth enough to warrant several hours at main dealer service department labour rates.
Best,
Mark
There's Olly at PCS Hordean about an hour away, maybe a bit too far but he has an excellent reputation and even his own G.
May I please add; anyone using services through recommendations or suggestions made from this forum, to please provide us feed back of those services providers on cost and general attitude of service given to you.
Please do get written quotes and compare with other garages.
Please do ask what the garage's hourly labour rate is.
Just to add, Olly at PCS has an excellent reputation and is very active in the MBClub forum. If you have a look you will see many testaments to his skills and services. Also, I think he gives discounts to MBClub members. Sign up to the club is free.
hi mark
for parts use gav 1st or Mercedes Benz at westham (eastbourne)
ask for Clive in the parts department he even changed the MB data
for my new engine so no miss/wrong orders
i use B Pilbeam unit 12
martlets
diplocks way
hailsham
east Sussex BN27 3JF
FROM eastbourne 2nd roundabout past BMW shop opposite parcel force
( ask for Richard Wilson )
they have done my wheel bearings engine change 617/617a vacuum
problems ect ect
pop in and have chat with them hour rate ect
hope this helps
Adrian
WOW!
Just received my new member "welcome pack". I would have been happy with a letter and maybe the last edition of the magazine/newsletter.
That great fluorescent jacket will no doubt come in handy when I eventually manage to get my 300TE out on the road.
Just need a G now to go with that brilliant little keyring.
Note to visitors rather than members - the joining gift pack is worth the price of membership.
Many thanks.
Mark
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Thanks Adrian,
Are you able to recommend a good local mechanic/garage?
Haven't quite given up on my 1990 300TE but it seems to need someone that can cope with more than just changing plugs etc. but the car's not really worth enough to warrant several hours at main dealer service department labour rates.
Best,
Mark