What to look for on an E280 1994

[jontyash]

Hi Guys,

I'm going to look at an 1994 E280 tomorrow and I wondered what I need to look out for? Any recurring probs or anything like that?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as ever!

Thanks guys!

J

 

[BlackC55]

Engine wiring loom and head gasket oil leaks are is the biggies

 

[bennesspipers]

As above + make sure its got 2 WORKING keys, they are about £200 each.

 

[jontyash]

Thanks mate, appreciated I'll keep an eye out.

Don't suppose you've got anything for sale in my price range near you that you know of have you? Ta

 

[jontyash]

Thanks, it has got two keys apparently, I'll check them both!

 

[Roger Jones]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that generation of key (infra-red?) -- you have to point them at the targets -- is around £70+VAT. I am sure that the next generation (radio frequency) -- you don't have to point them -- is about £161+VAT. Timpsons can do IR keys.

 

[bennesspipers]

Iv checked with MB recently, £170-ish +vat, want 1 for my C220,but dont want it that badly.

 

[BlackC55]

I may have a nice cosworth kitted 190E for sale soon. 80k miles with FULL history.

 

[SilverSaloon]

i have a scorpion alarm fitted to my 124 estate. however i decided to not use that remote (which does work) and opted to install a new system to remotely lock and unlock the car.

it was only £30 from ebay and is great - easy installation too.

 

[jontyash]

Sounds great Olly - How soon though? I have no car now you see so I'm pretty desperate. and how much - ish will it be?

 

[JumboBeef]

I have to actually put the key in the door of my W124 1994. Imagine that!

 

[grober]

Other thing to look for is RUST. Front wing corrosion is very common especially round the wheel arch. Easily replaced but quite expensive once you factor in a decent metallic paint job. Severe rear arch corrosion is a different matter since extensive metal replacement/welding is required for a decent lasting repair. Check the rear sills and jacking points for potential MOT failure. If there is lots of rust present there take a hard look at the rear subframe front mounts-- they can fail where they attach to the main chassis members-- repairable again but the whole rear subframe needs dropped to do them. If this is a cheap and cheerful runabout then you can live with any cosmetic rust but if the car has a short MOT look for potential MOT chassis structural failure mentioned above. Oh and check for broken coil springs- often break where they sit on the wishbone arm.

 

[jontyash]

Thanks Grober that's great. Really good advice thanks.

 

[BlackC55]

Sounds great Olly - How soon though? I have no car now you see so I'm pretty desperate. and how much - ish will it be?

Soon. Its Jacks car. (used to be mine)

I will have a chat with him tomorrow see what he wants for it.

 

[Jerrytommygal1]

How about this one in the classifieds?

 

[BlackC55]

Have you considered my 210?

 

[jontyash]

I've considered both cars yeah but I just don't have the money. I was hoping to get a car for £695ish - I could possibly push it to £1000 but that really is my limit and I'd be screwed for Christmas - lol.

Thanks tho guys.

 

[Roger Jones]

"Iv checked with MB recently, £170-ish +vat, want 1 for my C220,but dont want it that badly."

bennesspipers

You're quite right: £160.87 + VAT for the infra-red flip-out key. Thanks for the correction.