My 1991 300sl benz has had to have the engine wiring harness replaced per mb dealer because it's going bad and decomposing causing a potential fire problem. This after a no start problem and a month in the shop. And they not being able to find the cause. Now , after replacing the harness , they are still not able to find the problem. I have been told that the harness is a "green wiring harness" as required be germany to its auto makers in 1991-1996. The decomposing of the wiring causes a fire hazard and should be replaced under warranty.
The worst 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags4
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags4
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Acceleration2
- Brakes2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Body1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Recalls 2
Visibility
- What is wrong
- If one of the headlamp wiper arms becomes misaligned, the wiper balde can lodge in the groove under the headlamp. If the washers are activated with the wiper blade in the misaligned and lodged position, the washer pump will run continuously expelling all available fluid.
- Risk
- Pump operation in the absence of fluid can cause the pump to overheat and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the headlamp washer pump on these vehicles.
Recall number 96V175000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Due to heat effects, the throttle bushing located on the accelerator control cable, can fatigue and break, causing the throttle linkage to separate.
- Risk
- If the throttle linkage separates, the engine will returnto idle speed, and remain at idle, with no acceleration ability. Loss of enginespeed without prior warning could lead to loss of vehicle control and anaccident.
- Remedy
- Replace the throttle bushing with a new bushing made from more heat-resistant materials.
Recall number 93V095000 · Recall details
1991 Mercedes Benz 300 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5‑cyl Diesel | RWD | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| 2.6L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-16 | 16-22 | 15-18 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 18-20 | 16-17 |
What 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The drive train on the consumers 1991 mercedes benz 300 locked up. *jb the problem had been totally isolated to the control unit. The total lock up occurred intermittently or the problem may be elsewhere caused by a certain set of conditions.
While traveling at approximately 65 MPH in 1991, mercedes benz, 300d 2.5 turbo, right rear goodyear road handler voyager lx tire size p195/60r15, dot pjunyblr319 experienced a blowout in sidewall of tire. There was approximately 10,000 miles on the tires, and they were not original equipment on vehicle. *ak
Replaced right tie rod assembly.
Engine dies while driving after about the first 5 minutes when the engine dies it cannot be restarted without turning the key off which locks the steering while your still moving. The car is unsafe to drive because you can be hit from behind by another car. The repair shop has found the problem to be in the computer for the fuel injection system.
While driving about 65-70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The thermostat housing erroded through, causing coolant to leak, resulting in loss of power. The dealer has inspected vehicle.
While driving about 50 MPH accelerator got stuck, causing vehicle to go up to 80 to 100 MPH. Consumer had to put vehicle into another gear to get vehicle to stop also, brake system caught on fire.
When starting the vehicle the passenger's airbag deployed unexpectedly without a frontal impact, causing injuries to the occupant. No prior problems with airbags.
Front driver's side power seats adjusts itself without operator input or control. Replaced microprocessor.
During a frontal impact accident at 35 MPH. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. Passenger's side shoulder belt did not retract, resulting in an injury.
Compare the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300
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Questions about the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300
Is the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300, 6.3 times a typical 300 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300?
Airbags, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (4).
How many recalls does the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 have?
2 recalls, covering visibility and vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 get?
Official estimates for the 1991 Mercedes Benz 300 range from 15 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 5-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 23 city and 30 highway.
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