1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E

The Mercedes-Benz 300E is a mid-size luxury sedan produced from 1984 to 1993. It was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 188 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 300E was praised for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and solid build quality. However, it was also criticized for its lack of performance and relatively high fuel consumption.

Here are the specific issues that people have reported with the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E:

Engine

• 3.0L Inline-Six
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak from the engine, engine overheating
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle or ticking noise, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission Slippage
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, difficulty shifting gears
    • Solution: Replace the transmission or rebuild the existing one
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 5-Speed Manual
  • Synchro Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noise when shifting
    • Solution: Replace the affected synchronizer
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, poor handling
    • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, excessive bouncing
    • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure * Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery not charging, warning light on dashboard * Solution: Replace the alternator * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ * Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure * Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise when trying to start * Solution: Replace the starter * Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ * Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Drain Plugs Clogging * Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the interior, headliner staining * Solution: Clean or replace the sunroof drain plugs * Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ * Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Panel Failure * Description/Symptoms: Climate control buttons not working, inconsistent temperature control * Solution: Replace the climate control panel * Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ * Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure * Description/Symptoms: Pixels on the instrument cluster display are missing or distorted * Solution: Replace the instrument cluster * Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ * Recalls: None Found

Summary: The Mercedes-Benz 300E is generally a reliable car, but it does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most severe and expensive issue is the transmission slippage, which can cost over $4,000 to fix. Other issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure and control arm bushing failure, are also relatively common and can be costly to repair. However, many of the other issues, such as alternator failure and sunroof drain plug clogging, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the 300E is a well-built car, but it is important to be aware of its potential problems before buying one.