• Interesting to hear what @bq says about them. I’m not expecting small/ new car efficiency, but rather something to be able to lug some stuff around.

    Done some research into things to look out for but any info/ knowledge would be great if I go see this one

  • Interesting to hear what @bq says about them. I’m not expecting small/ new car efficiency, but rather something to be able to lug some stuff around.

    Done some research into things to look out for but any info/ knowledge would be great if I go see this one

    I had a 300TE-24. I bought it for £800 and sold it for a little less. In the two years I had it, however, it swallowed over £6000 in maintenance and repairs. At least £2 grand was spent on a suspension refurb because the 24 valve model didn't have the cheap replaceable balljoints, so needed complete new control arms each side. Then another grand when it snapped a driveshaft clean in two, and I spent a lots of money chasing an idling problem that never did get fixed before I sold it.

    It did drink a lot, but I don't care about fuel economy. (except the time when the one of the fuel pipes fell off and dumped a whole tank of petrol all over my driveway)

    The thing was a money pit, but when it worked it was fantastic and I loved it. It was super comfortable. I could fit a fridge-freezer in the back, and even the headrests were electrically adjustable. I'd have another but I would not buy the 'fast' one (not very fast by modern standards) and I would go in with my eyes wide open.

    As this one is an E200 and not the earlier 200TE it will have the biodegradeable wiring loom under the bonnet which will cause issues. Check if it's been replaced; if not I think they are no longer available from Mercedes UK, so you will need to have one made up or maybe you can get one direct from Germany.
    Looking at the pattern on the 7th seat this one looks like it has MB-Tex seats - i.e. vinyl. This was actually an extra cost option over the standard cloth, and is very hard wearing. The real leather seats are pretty vinyl-ish anyway.
    Check everything works electrically, especially the remote central locking. The actual locking system is vacuum operated but the remote fobs are basically an aftermarket alarm immobiliser, and fail after 20 years or so.
    They like to rust, so check under the jacking point covers and the wheel arches. Genuine front wings are very pricey these days.
    The estates have Citroen-style self levelling suspension at the back. If it feels like its riding on solid wooden blocks then that will need fixing. It should be uber-comfortable.

  • I bought it for £800 and sold it for a little less. In the two years I had it, however, it swallowed over £6000

    Love this.

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