300E 4-Matic or 300E 24-V ?

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scotthope

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Joined
Aug 29, 2002
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Their are two alternatives to the standard 300E saloon that I am investigating. The 4-Matic which I understand is just the same as the standard 300E but with 4 wheel drive. The 300E 24-Valve which is obviously more powerful but does it have any other improvements ?

Can anyone advise on these cars regarding any other variations with them and their pros and cons ? Are they a "risky bet" and is it best to avoid them and stick with the standard 300E ?

P.S. Thanks to all who added to my previous post. Once I have cleared this issue up, I will be looking to find a nice car !
 
The 300-24V is actually a later model of the 300E with a few more refinements.

The 4-matic is NOT a good car to have, try getting parts for one, even from the stealership, they are not in there database. I didnt believe it too, until we had 2 customers who are now regulars.

Read my guide to 124 revisions, and that will clear up the differences of the 300E and the 300-24V, which is better in many ways. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
I agree with V12, I've read many threads from people in the business recommending to not be tempted by the 4matic. That's not to say they are a bad car but if things go wrong, you're talking mega moulah to put them right, even to the extent of the 4matic system being prohibitively expensive to repair.

S.
 
4-Matic diffs go all the time!!

and sourcing the right one...forget it, we have supplied people with diffs with slightly different speed ratios and have worked almost perfectly, but to get a standard one...'which kidney are you selling first, sir?' <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
Guys, I take it that the 4WD system on the 4-Matic is the potential problem. Is it some kind of complicated, bespoke system that automatically switches into 4WD when required ?

I do not intend taking my new merc up a mountain track so I think I can do without the 4-Matic system ! &nbsp;It certainly sounds like more trouble than it is worth !!!
 
Scott,

I'm not sure of the exact mechanics, i.e. whether it's viscous couplings or some other mechanism, or whether you have to engage it or it's permanently on.

However, it is complicated when compared to a standard MB and is prone to go wrong when advanced in age (like most things in life <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> ).

S.

p.s. If you want another professional opinion (in addition to V12's) you could try PM'ing Andy (Andy Gayle) on the MBOA Forum for his thoughts. Shame Andy hasn't been coaxed to visit here.
 
The problem with the 4-Matic is not the fact that it is unreliable in any way, it is due to the rareity of the model, and the expense of the parts, because of that reason.

The 4-Matic is permanent, meaning fuel economy is affected for the worst while having less power than a 24v, also bear in mind that a 4 matic will feel heavier than any other 300 due to the front wheels being powered permanently (you feel it in the steering)

All in all, not worth the hassle, unless you live in wales or something, and then it is not very good as a 4-wheel drive, you should invest in a G-Wagon!! <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

The 24v, being later is usually better spec'd and has a couple of better looking attributes as well as having an improved interior.

hth
 
V12,

Did they ever do a 300E24V 4-matic ? <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> I'll bet they're even rarer. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

S.
 
Do all 300E-24v's come with the &quot;sportsline&quot; package as standard or was that an option on any W124 model ?

I understand it has uprated suspension, is this a good option ? What else does the package contain ?

I have found a 1990 H 300E-24 which has the sportsline package. It has done 120K and has a FSH but only the first 6 years are main dealer (or should I say main stealer stealer <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> ) After that it has local garage history. Apart from a few bumper scratches the exterior is top notch. Inside is full leather but it is a bit worn out in places. The guy is asking £3500 but that is it bit over in my opinion, I think £3000 is more realistic but he will not budge. I will give him a few days and see if he has sold the car or not.
 
They never made a 300-24v 4-matic.

<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Not all 300-24v come standard with sportline packages, but you will find that out of all the 1214 models the 300-24v tends to have had the most people option for it.

It does consist of a better steering box, uprated suspension and in some cases a 5-speed box instead of a 4 speed box, which was a big money option!

£3,500 dosent sound TOO bad for a car with full soft leather...what other options does it have, apart from the sportline? heated seats? memory seats?

£3,000 will work out to a goodish price... <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
Dear Guys

I am afraid I have been very naughty and got myself an Audi A6 !

A perfect one came up at the right price so I had to jump !

Thanks for all your help and advice. If I get sick of it and still crave for another merc then you may see me again, Scott.
 
Scott, you have fallen to the dark side, there is hope for you yet however, maybe we'll be answering more of your questions on a W210 in the future?... <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
Scott,

I must confess I do like the current A6 and I adore the TT (coupe not convertible).

Hope you make it back to the side of MB <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

S.
 
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (V12 @ Sep. 02 2002,20:46)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Read my guide to 124 revisions, and that will clear up the differences of the 300E and the 300-24V, which is better in many ways. <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Where ? Where ? &nbsp; <img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>
 
124 Revisions

<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Dear Guys

I am afraid I have been very naughty and got myself an Audi A6 !

A perfect one came up at the right price so I had to jump !

Thanks for all your help and advice. If I get sick of it and still crave for another merc then you may see me again, Scott. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Ha hA &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> &nbsp;Well done, I don't think anyone would argue that the Audi A6 was a good choice.

You comments remind me of my parting post on www.bmwE30.net (which has sadly been down for a while now), when I got my C200!
 
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (V12 @ Sep. 07 2002,15:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">124 Revisions</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I run on that post in the meantime. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.mbclub.co.uk/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

THX anyway !
 

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