Overheating W124?

[fernan_b]

I found a really cheap W124 (88 300E), but according to the current owner: I don't know exactly whats's wrong. It starts buts runs hot. Does anyone think this is worth it? What could be causing this?

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[ps2cho]

Really need more info than runs hot. Runs hot as in 90C? 100C? or redline C?

Fan clutch could be bad, temperature sensor could be bad, thermostat might not be opening, radiator might be shot.

How many miles? If its been running hot for a long time, you may want to stay away from it.....All depends on the price.

There are not too many "cheap W124's". I got very lucky on my 260E...but most cheap w124's end up being more expensive than buying one that costs more, but has been maintained better.

[neanderthal]

Go look at the car.

1st thing you want to do is see if there is sufficient coolant.
Then see if the fans engage
etc etc etc

It could be a simple fix.

[Real1shepherd]

Originally Posted by fernan_b

I found a really cheap W124 (88 300E), but according to the current owner:

I don't know exactly whats's wrong. It starts buts runs hot.

Does anyone think this is worth it? What could be causing this?

The cooling system is not terribly complicated in the Benz. Providing the head gasket is OK, most problem areas are; temp sensor, thermostat, clutch fan, electric fan(s), serpentine belt, water pump, radiator and aux water pump.

In a lot of these cars, some system has failed like the fan, water pump or thermostat and the engine ran hot for however briefly; the head warps, the head gasket fails and you can read about all that in here, for sure. Like ps2cho said, a poorly maintained car (or a car with known problems) is a dark horse going into it. Get it for dirt, pour hoards of $ & time into it, or buy something that someone else has already fixed up.

Kevin