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1988 Mercedes-Benz 300TE Wagon

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Condition: Used
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 300-Series
SubModel: wagon
Type: Wagon
Trim: 300TE
Year: 1988
Mileage: 208,340
VIN: WDBEA90D5JF073890
Color: Brown
Engine size: 3.0L I6
Number of cylinders: 6
Power options: Power Windows, Power Seats
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Brown
Drive side: Left-hand drive
Safety options: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag
Options: Cassette Player, Leather Seats, Sunroof
Vehicle Title: Clear

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series 300TE Description

The W124 chassis Mercedes Benz might be one of the most well loved vehicles and was a worthy replacement for the legendary W123. Made from 1985 till 1995, nearly 2.6 million of these durable vehicles were produced and many are still working hard around the globe. With advanced safety features like crumple zones, ABS, airbags, and high strength steel meant that this cars were tough and safe. Despite the boxy look, they had a coefficient of drag as little as 0.28cd which rivals modern cars. (the goofy looking Prius pulls a 0.25 and a Ford F-150 barely breaks 0.40) Available as a sedan, coupe, convertible, limo, and wagon, the W124 was endlessly adaptable and they make a great entry into classic car ownership with their timeless looks and every day usability. Just 41k 300TE wagons were made, making them quite the rare beast!
I am selling this lovely 1988 300TE you see before your eyes. Finished in a relatively rare color of Desert Taupe, this wagon is in great shape overall! According to the clean Carfax, and the previous owner, this car spent until 2013 in Southern California and then on to its second owner in Michigan whom I bought it from. Michigan owner claims it was garaged through his ownership, and I'd be inclined to believe him.
This model features the dependable M103 3.0L gasoline inline 6 engine mated to the usual 722 4-speed automatic transmission. Producing 177 hp and 188 ft-lb of torque, the engine is not a powerhouse, but with a 0-60 time in the 8 second range and a top speed nearing 140mph, this wagon can put the hurt on comparable 80s sports cars if asked. Otherwise it is more than happy to cruise comfortably at 70 mph, getting around 26 mpg on the freeway and 18 in the city. When its been sitting cold for a bit it idles a little rough but once its warm, its super smooth.
The exterior features overall nice paint and a straight body. I'd like to claim its entirely rust free, but in the interest of full disclosure, I'm going to claim 99% rust free. There is a tiny bit of surface rust on the front fender scrape, around the jacking points, and on the muffler but otherwise everything else is super clean. Floors, rockers, drain holes, all of it is beautifully rust clean. There are a few other exterior demerits including a few small dents, a tiny missing rub strip piece, cracked tail lights, and a crack in the tailgate trim. The factory 15in "gullideckel" wheels are nice and straight (well round, but not bent) and have very nice and new tires with great tread The headlights are good and have new fog light covers. Glass is all crack free, and door handles all work. Has a roof rack and is rated to tow 4,600 lbs as well has handle a 1,300 lbs payload.
The interior is featured in a very rare Brazil Brown which was not officially on the US market catalogues so it must have been a special order. Overall, the interior is very nice. It features durable MBtex vinyl, although there is a fist sized chunk missing in the driver's seat. Otherwise, all the other seats are nice and the front two have power controls which both work. The second row has three seats and folds completely flat. Also has the cool pop up rear facing seats! The interior features fully working instrumentation, a good heater, working power sunroof, working power windows, working power mirror, and glove box. The stereo is not wired up, but I did source a factory spec Becker radio which cost about $250 alone. The air conditioning compressor appears to kick in, but it blows warm and I haven't bothered to mess with it. Power locks are not working either. Otherwise the only other things to note are a flimsy rear passenger grab handle, cracked dashboard top, and a loose pillar trim.
On a mechanical aspect, this car drives very well. Its gone on a few longer trips recently and done well. According to the previous owner, the front suspension was rebuilt and the car tracks well with no slop in the rack. Brakes are very good with no fading. Brand new spark plugs and wires and a recent transmission flush as well. The rear suspension has a unique self leveling rear system that can adapt to different load requirements and appears to be working just as it should. The car starts up right away and the transmission works as it should. The car does not leak or drip fluid that I have noticed. The front and rear wipers work, as does the horn, and exterior lighting. The 208k mileage seems high, but these cars are very tough and that works out to just 7k miles over the last 30 years.
Feel free to give me a call/text/email and ask about anything. Cars is located in Grand Rapids Michigan and I am happy to show and answer any questions. I am attempting to be as transparent as possible to make this an easy sale and find a new home. I have three other classic Mercedes, and don't need four haha. Clean title, clean carfax, and two keys. I am looking to get $2,700 or best offer!
Please Text or Call 616-450-8422
Basically TL:DR
Exterior 8/10
Interior 7/10
Mechanical 8/10
GOOD.
Excellent 300TE wagon,
Nice, rust free, two owner Cali car,
Working windows/sunroof,
Power seats,
Airbag, Abs,
Third row seats,
Clean title/carfax,
Good mechanical shape,
New tires, front suspension, tune up,
BAD.
Few bumps, bruises, and scrapes,
Non-op power locks,
Warm A/C,
Worn drivers seat,
Some loose/cracked trim
CALL or TEXT 616-450-8422
I'd be more than happy to send more photos and videos if you would like!

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