1986 300E - Need advice

[J D]

I was given this car after it had been sitting for awhile. I have had it looked at and almost all the seals are dried out and are causing leaks from various places. Aside from this, I have had a fuel leak, a radiator leak, a transmission leak repaired and the belt replaced. The car still leaks transmission fluid and some other red-colored fluid. The dash indicator lights come on to indicate a short (I think) as well as the ABS brake light. I have been told that to replace all the seals and really fix the car it may exceed the book value of the car. If the car is worth keeping, I may repair it. However, if someone with more experience with this model Mercedes has advice, I would appreciate any information/words of wisdom. Thanks.

[player89]

You can get a quick estimate of the book value at http://www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book). Depending on mileage it is probably going to say somewhere in the neighborhood of $2750-$3500. You could also look at edmunds.com, but I don't think their values go back that far. NADA values would be another resource to compare and get an average.

So, you can take all the repair costs to get the car up and in good enough condition to use and weigh against the value and go from there. I have an 87 300E that leaks minor amounts...I just go ahead and drive it. You probably won't get or keep all the leaks repaired.

If you know the history of the car and all, it may be worth it to spend a little to fix it up. One thing I would recommend against is converting the AC over to the 134A freon. Apparently, those who have done it say the AC doesn't cool as well.

Just a few ideas, not many answers.......