Welcome Greg! I have put in excessive of 400K miles on a number of EClass cars we've owned. Even with some fairly expensive fixes they have proven to be quite a bargain as well as a safe, enjoyable cars.
A/C R134 question is debated a lot here. These cars often get a leaking hose at the point it connects to the compressor, oil oozes out, then compressor goes out. I've had a few W124s and replaced all sorts of A/C parts. The one I have had the least problem with is the one that I had professionally converted to R134 with all appropriate parts replaced along with a new combo-hose. Zero problems with it after over 100K miles on the conversion, it is ice cold even in hot-humid weather. Could be expensive but if you plan to keep the car, it is worth considering.
Scott D
Hi, everyone, I have been watching this group for a couple of months now and
> it has been very informative. I just bought my first Benz, an 88 300E. It
> drives nice and handles well, but comes with hopefully only a few problems.
> So, I need you alls help. How can I determine if my rear brakes are
> squeaking or it is something else. I hear a squeaking noise at any speed
> while moving, but not while I am accelerating. Once my foot is off the gas,
> I hear the squeak, squeak, squeak.. sounds like metal rubbing. Second, is it
> cheaper to convert to R134, or keep the R-12, the car needs freon. Third and
> lastly, when I turn my wheel hard to the left I hear a metal grindy, clunky,
> kinda noise, any ideas? Sorry for the long letter, but excited and I really
> want to get rolling.
>
> Greg
>
>