Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
1992 Mercedes-Benz 300TE 4MATIC Problems
Noise and/or Smoke From Drive Belt Area
The emissions air injection pump can seize, causing a loud squealing noise followed by smoke from the drive belt. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will break, turning on the alternator/battery warning light.
Engine Oil and Coolant Leaks Resulting in Fulid Intermix
Internal and External engine oil & coolant leaks can develop from the head gasket and/or timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix which can result in severe engine damage.
Transmission Oil Seals May Leak on High Mileage Vehicles
High mileage vehicles may develop a leak from one or more of the transmission oil seals.
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
Due to the size and material used on the brakes of these vehicles, the brakes may start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Shifter Lever Bushings May Break Causing Loose Feel/Noise
The bushings for the shifter lever wear out to the point where they break and fall out. This causes excessive movement (loose feel) in the shifter lever and a clanging-type noise when changing gears.
Excess Free Play in Steering and/or Alignment Issue
One or more of the following steering linkage components may wear prematurely; tie rod ends, drag link, or idler arm. Our technicians remind us the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted if any of these items are replaced.
Throttle Valves May Experience Electrical Failure
The electronic throttle assembly may suffer an electrical failure. It is often cheaper to send the valve to a service center for repair that to purchase a new part.
ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid
It is not uncommon to encounter premature failure of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly due to dirty brake fluid. Our technicians recommend flushing the brake fluid every two years in order to help prevent this problem.
Electrical Issues Due to Degraded Engine Wiring Harness
The engine wiring can degrade because the insulating material falls off leaving the bare wire exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch.
Part that attaches distributor rotor to camshaft may break
Buttons on temperature control assemblies work erratically due to wear of parts in control head
Coolant Hoses May Fail Unexpectedly
The cooling system hoses may fail unexpectedly. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time.
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
Worn seat springs/padding may cause lean or sag
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
High mileage or older vehicles commonly develop leaks from the differential seals and/or cover. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit whenever these leaks are repaired.