RC46

I am looking to buy a 1997 E320 in pristine condition on the exterior and interior. It has not been registered since 2001 due to the owner losing her will to drive it. I do not know the mileage at this point as the battery is dead, but I image at 12k a year 50k approx. The vehicle has not run since somewhere in 2001. The owner is very wealthy (the point.all service would have been done)
It has been garaged the entire time, and I see no leaks. I know her very well as I am her personal chef. She wants 3k for the car. Worth it? And if able what would what I do to get it started for the first time.

• Drain fuel tank
• Lube cylinders?
• etc

Thanks in advance for any replies.

DJ

raymond g-

sounds like it has great potential. still, a pre-purchase inspection from a
mechanic or MB dealer is crucial. perhaps even invest in replenishment of
fluids and tune up. readout for any trouble codes. look for rust. look for
records on maintenance done, including any service campaign work or TSBs,
or recall updates

RC46

Found 3 service records. Seems to me that this car had several problems QUICK. Opinions on these. Big deal? Are these typical issues for this car?

Car sold 4-97

1. 5-98 - Service for Rack and pinion leaking
   Replaced R&P assembly
2. 8-98- Service for Battery and Window noise
   Replaced battery (failed load test)
   Replaced weather strip and sealing rail
3. 4-99- Cylinder front cover leaking
   R&R Cylinder head front cover R&R all necessary gaskets

All recommended service done per service booklet
7500 done
15500 done


Thanks

raymond g-

here is a quick list of service bulletin issues sent to the dealers:

Technical Service Bulletins 1997 E320
1997 Mercedes Benz E 320 (210 Chassis) L6-3199cc 3.2L DOHC (104) SFI

Number Date Title
2005030005 05/01/2005 Campaign - Door Frame Corrosion
P-32_25-19 12/30/2004 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement Guidelins
P-82_10-419 12/30/2004 Lighting - Condensation in Headlamps
P-30_30-61 12/30/2004 Cruise Control Inoperative
P-00_45-77 02/17/2004 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise Kit
S-49_10-08 02/01/2004 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming Noises
S-01_30-15 02/01/2004 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage Assesment
P-40_10-43 01/16/2004 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not Approved
S-18_00-16A 12/01/2003 Gasoline Engine - Oil Sludging
P-82_70-222 03/21/2003 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle Holder
P-67_00-09 03/07/2003 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam Corrosion
P-80_57-20 02/25/2003 Audio System - RF Interference Explanation
P-82_85-210 11/25/2002 Navigation/GPS System - Various Malfunctions
P-82_85-198 07/25/2002 COMAND(R) System - No Sound/Whistling
P-47_10-23 02/06/2002 Fuel System - MIL ON/DTC P03XX (Misfire)
P-91_60-48 08/09/2001 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor Replacement
P-47_31-12 07/01/2001 Emissions, On Board Refueling Vapor Recovery Valve
S-00_00-072 05/01/2001 Emission/VIN Label - Availability
S-05_010A 05/01/2001 Tools - Universal Valve Spring Tool
S-58_091A 05/01/2001 Special Tool - Universal Valve Spring Tool
S-58_20-93B 04/01/2001 Fender/Interior/Fascia Cover - Availability
S-58_00-118 03/01/2001 Engine Oil - Approved Evacuation Equipment
S-40_10-036 02/01/2001 Tires - Maintenance & Inspection
P-88_50-023 02/01/2001 Emergency Trunk Release - Retrofit
2000110004 01/01/2001 Recall - Side Air Bag
S-40_10-034 12/01/2000 Tires - High Performance Tire Storage
S-58_094A 12/01/2000 Chassis/Frame - Dedicated Frame Straightener
S-58_30-103A 12/01/2000 Special Tool - Resistance Spot Welder
S-58_30-115 12/01/2000 Special Tool - Resistance Welder
S-60_00-008A 12/01/2000 Special Tool - Spot Welder
S-60_00-012 12/01/2000 Special Tool - M20 Resistance Welder
S-60_004A 12/01/2000 Body/Frame - Dedicated Straightening Equipment
00V388000 11/21/2000 Recall 00V388000: Air Bag Module Defect
P-91_60-44 10/01/2000 Rear Door Airbag - Deactivation/Activation
P-40_10-20P 09/01/2000 Tires/Snow Chains - Factory Approved Specifications
DDAF42_10-U-6002A 07/07/2000 Selector Lever Blocks
DDAF82_60-U-6008B 07/07/2000 Radio Inoperative
DDAF32_20-U-1120AG 07/06/2000 Rumbling at Front Axle on Undulations or Poor Roads
DDAF97_10-U-4043FU 07/05/2000 Ingress of Water in Luggage Compartment
DDAF54_65-U-2000A 07/05/2000 PTS MIL ON For No Apparent Reason
DDAF91_00-U-3010Z 06/22/2000 Electrostatic Charge on Seats
DDAF43_10-U-1130AG 06/22/2000 Brakes - Grunting Noise When Brake Pedal is Actuated
DDAF82_10-U-2009B 06/22/2000 Main Beam/Low Beam Not Operating
DDAF07_41-U-6000DA 06/22/2000 Engine Dies When Transmission is Put Into Gear
DDAF54_21-U-6008A 06/22/2000 Operational Problem in Upper Control Panel
S-91_40-31A 06/01/2000 Seat Belt - Extensions
P-91_00-34 05/01/2000 Interior - Installation of Child Restraint Tether Anchor
DDAF82_85-U-1002AG 03/20/2000 Tone Settings in Sound System Not Possible
DDAH54_10-P-0001-01A 03/17/2000 Battery Safety Notes
DDAR54_18-P-0100-02A 03/17/2000 Repairing Wiring Harness Using Soldered Terminal
DDAF82_60-U-6008A 03/17/2000 Radio Cannot Be Operated
DDAF82_60-U-6009B 03/02/2000 Operational Problem Radio/Cassette Player
DDAF82_60-U-6700A 03/02/2000 Volume of ``Hands-Free'' System Too Low
DDAF40_10-U-2001A 12/01/1999 Increased Tire Wear
DDAF46_10-U-3001AG 12/01/1999 Steering Stiff, Possible Noises
1999080001 12/01/1999 Recall - Infant Restraint/Booster Seat Exchange
DDAF91_60-U-6005A 11/30/1999 Airbag Control Module - DTCs B1310, B1311 Set
S-Si-00-01-70 10/01/1999 Vehicle - Roadside Assistance Program
DDAF82_10-U-2009A 09/23/1999 High/Low Beams Do Not Function
DDAF07_07-U-6700AV 09/21/1999 Engine, Shakes, Misses, and Dies at Idle
DDAF54_30-U-2400A 08/23/1999 Digits in Display Become Darker/Not Legible
DDAF54_21-U-6001A 08/23/1999 Turn Signal Lamp Occasionally Fails to Operate
DDAF82_10-U-6010AU 08/23/1999 Foglamps Not Operating
DDAF77_20-U-1200FG 08/19/1999 Wind Noise at Front of Tilting/Sliding Roof
DDAF72_29-U-6000A 08/18/1999 Failure of Power Window Drive
DDAF88_70-U-6000A 08/18/1999 Operating Problem Exterior mirror
DDAF77_20-U-6002A 08/18/1999 Malfunction of Electric Tilting/Sliding Roof
DDAF83_30-U-6000A 08/18/1999 Occasional Air Conditioner Failure
DDAF83_40-U-2001A 08/18/1999 EC Lamp ON, Cannot Be Shut OFF
DDAF01_40-U-4000AU 08/17/1999 Oil Leak From Drain Hole Opening on Left Side of Engine
DDAF88_50-U-2003A 08/17/1999 Corrosion at Trunk Lid in Area of Lock Cylinder
DDAF98_10-U-2005A 08/17/1999 Paint Damage to Trunk Lid in Area of Grip
DDAF09_20-U-1900AG 08/12/1999 Whirring, Rattling Noise in Resonance Intake Manifold
DDAF42_31-U-6001A 05/27/1999 Engine Does Not Start, Touch Start Inoperative
DDGF42_45-U-1000-07C 05/27/1999 ESP Electrical Components Locations
DDAF15_30-U-6001A 05/19/1999 Starter Defective, Corroded
DDAF54_00-U-6000Z 05/17/1999 Battery Discharged/Electronic Damage - After Jump Start
DDAF82_10-U-4041AU 05/17/1999 Headlamps/Turn Signals Mist Up or Leaking
DDAF82_10-U-2008A 05/17/1999 Color or Brightness Difference of Headlamps
DDAF67_30-U-6001A 05/03/1999 Side Window Opens After Closing
P-91_18-39 04/01/1999 Interior - New Style Seat Covers Introduced
DDAF83_25-U-6000AG 02/26/1999 Heater Blower is Noisy
DDAF27_19-U-8000A 02/09/1999 A/T - Emergency Mode, DTCs 012, 013, 108, 109 Set
DDAF27_10-U-6000A 02/09/1999 A/T - Emergency Mode DTCs 051, 055, 147, 151 Set
DDAF82_10-U-6002A 02/05/1999 Short Bulb Life in Headlamps/Marker Lamps
DDAF82_10-U-6002B 02/05/1999 Bulb Life Short in Headlamps/Marker Lamps
S-58_00-043D 02/01/1999 Special Tools - Inventory List
DDAF05_10-U-1450GG 01/27/1999 Arrythmic Noise at Idle, Coolant Temp. Over 40 Degrees C
DDAF82_60-U-2000BA 01/26/1999 Display Flashes (All Radio Functions in Order)
DDAF91_10-U-9000ZG 01/25/1999 Noises From Front Seats
DDAF72_29-U-6001A 01/25/1999 Malfunction of Rear Power Windows
DDAF72_10-U-1001AG 01/25/1999 Noises When Operating Front Power Windows
DDAF68_20-U-6002A 01/25/1999 Mechanism of Ashtray Housing Damaged/Jamming
DDAF33_15-U-3000A 01/25/1999 Vibration/Torsional Vibration at The Steering Wheel
DDAF98_00-U-2000A 01/25/1999 Deformation of Parts During Repair Paintwork
DDAF07_41-U-2000DA 01/22/1999 Protective Screen on Mass Air Flow Sensor Damaged
P-82_60-88A 01/01/1999 Radio - Alpine Post Warranty Repair Program
S-82_10-115 12/01/1998 Lights - Daytime Running Lamps, Canadian Regulations
P-72_10-018 11/01/1998 Locks - Front Door Lock Trim, Clicking Noise
P-72_29-017 10/01/1998 Windows - Power Window Lifter Assembly Components
S-58_30-106 10/01/1998 Engine - Borescope & Fiberscope Functionality
S-58_40-104 10/01/1998 Computer Control Systems - Diagnostic Analyzers
P-68_20-011 10/01/1998 Interior - Reuse Matching Wood Trim From Ashtray Housing
S-SI-58_30-105 09/01/1998 Tools - Recall Fluke Multimeter
P-62_20-001 09/01/1998 Frame - Longitudinal Member Sectioning Revision
DDAF07_61-U-1300-01A 08/26/1998 Installing Interference Suppression Filters
S-SI-40_26A 08/01/1998 Wheel - Balancer Adapters & Flange Plate
S-SI-58_82A 08/01/1998 Wheel - Balancer Adapters and Flange Plate
P-SI-82_109 08/01/1998 Lights - Headlamps/Park Lamps, Short Bulb Life
P-SI-40_30A 08/01/1998 Suspension - New Alignment Tools and Procedures
S-SI-58_97A 08/01/1998 Alignment - New Tools And Procedures
S-SI-58_99 08/01/1998 Fuel - Fuel Drain Hoses & Portable Fuel Tanker
DDAF27_00-P-0000A 07/16/1998 A/T 722.6 - DTC Information
DDAF42_31-U-8000A 07/15/1998 Brake Assist (BAS): Fault Code C1025
DDAF42_45-U-8102A 07/15/1998 ESP Fault Code C1332
DDAF42_45-U-8101A 07/15/1998 ESP Fault Code C1142
DDAF80_57-U-6401A 07/13/1998 Repairs for Faults of Electronic Ignition Switch
DDAF82_60-U-6007-01A 07/13/1998 Test of Electronic Ignition Switch
DDAF46_10-U-1101AG 07/13/1998 Clacking Noises From Impact Absorber in Steering Wheel
DDAF82_60-U-6007-02A 07/13/1998 Making and Installing Auxiliary Wiring Harness
DDAF82_60-U-6007A 07/13/1998 Central Locking System - Inoperative With Remote
P-SI-07_06_02 07/01/1998 Powertrain - Diagnostic Trouble Code P0446
P-58_083B 07/01/1998 Body/Frame - Dedicated Fixture Set
S-SI-27_33 06/01/1998 Policy - Warranty Form for Automatic Transmission
P-SI-54_78 06/01/1998 Parktronic System - (PTS) Function
S-SI-91_31 06/01/1998 Seat Belts - Extended Length Belt Order Request
S-SI-14_12A 05/01/1998 I/M Emission Testing on Dynamometer
S-27_032 05/01/1998 A/T - Repair/Replacement Guidelines
DDAF82_70-U-6007A 04/08/1998 Cellular Phone - Background Noise/Power Down
DDAF80_20-U-6100A 04/07/1998 Central Locking Unlocked When Driving, Dome Lamp ON
DDAF80_20-U-4000A 04/07/1998 PSE System Does Not Function But Pump Runs
S-82_108 04/01/1998 Cellular Phone - Diagnosis & Return Form
S-72_055 04/01/1998 Interior - Door Trim Panel Component Replacement
DDAF27_00-U-3900A 03/20/1998 A/T - Delayed Shifts, Unexpected Shifts
DDAF27_19-U-6700A 03/20/1998 A/T - Valve Body Conductor Plate Improper Installation
DDAF27_35-U-4740A 03/18/1998 A/T - Oil Leak at HCU Harness Connector
DDAF54_18-U-6402A 03/17/1998 MIL ON Briefly When Ignition Turned ON
DDAF82_10-U-6001A 03/17/1998 Stop Lamp Mounting is Melting at Taillamp Assembly
DDAF07_61-U-1300AG 03/10/1998 Radio Interference in AM range
S-82_098 03/01/1998 Cellular - (Motorola) Telephone Direct Repair Program
S-91_048A 03/01/1998 Airbag - Replacement Label
DDAF07_08-U-6000A 02/28/1998 ASR MIL Comes On After Engine Start, Code C1022
DDAF40_20-U-2100A 02/11/1998 Vehicle Veers to Right on Level Road
DDAF42_45-U-8000A 02/11/1998 Steering Angle Sensor, DTCs C1140, C1504, 015, 016, 017
DDAF01_30-U-4043DU 02/10/1998 Engine Oil Leaks at Right, Formation of Droplets
DDAF01_40-U-4041EU 02/10/1998 Oil Exits at Rear End Cap
S-SI-07_6_01 02/01/1998 Computers - Crankshaft Position Sensor Connector Replace
S-SI-98_012B 11/01/1997 Paint - Warranty and Suppliers
S-SI-82-102 09/01/1997 GPS - Navigation System Installation
DDAF07_60-P-6000A 08/19/1997 ASR MIL ON on Starting Engine, DTC C1022 Set
00_65 07/01/1997 Tools - Oil Evacuation Equipment
58_95 07/01/1997 Engine - Oil Evacuation Equipment
S-SI-98_013C 06/01/1997 Paint - Warranty and Updated Supplier Information
58_093A 06/01/1997 Body and Frame - Console/Fender Protective Covers
DDAF80_20-U-4010A 05/14/1997 Central Locking System Inoperative Below Freezing
DDAF80_20-U-6094A 05/05/1997 Drivers Lock Inoperative From Passenger Door/Trunk
DDAF07_32-U-6401A 05/02/1997 Engine - Long Crank Time Before Start/Misfire/Runs Rough
DDAF07_32-U-6000A 05/02/1997 MIL ON ON/OFF Ratio Unadjustable After Repair Work
58_046C 05/01/1997 Policy - Repair Summary
58_46C 05/01/1997 Policy - Special Tools Repairs
82_90A 05/01/1997 Cellular Phone - Installation
82_97 05/01/1997 CD Changers - Parts Listing and Compatibility
82367 05/01/1997 Cellular Telephone (CTEL) - Installation
DDAF07_30-U-1000A 04/30/1997 Noisy Fuel Pump
DDAF15_40-U-1000AG 04/30/1997 Whining Noise From Alternator
DDAF07_30-U-6402A 04/30/1997 Engine is Difficult to Start When Warm
DDAF83_30-U-1600AG 04/29/1997 Knocking/Humming Noise at Idle With A/C On
DDAF83_30-U-4041A 04/29/1997 No A/C Cooling or Insufficient A/C Performance
DDAF82_64-U-6006A 04/29/1997 Battery Discharge in CD Changer Equipped Vehicles
DDAF91_40-U-2004A 04/29/1997 Seat Belt Curls Up in Upper Seat Belt Guide
DDAF82_50-U-6001A 04/29/1997 Antitheft System Cannot be Armed From Trunk/Tailgate
DDAF72_00-U-1002AG 04/29/1997 Wind Noise at Doors
DDAF91_18-U-2002A 04/29/1997 Dye transfer From Seat Leather to Clothing
DDAF42_30-U-2101A 04/28/1997 ABS Control Lamp Comes ON Intermittently
DDAF54_10-U-2700A 04/28/1997 ABS MIL ON & OFF Intermittently
DDAF54_30-U-2107A 04/28/1997 ABS, MIL ON No ABS System Malfunctions
DDAF54_00-U-6002A 04/28/1997 Battery Discharges After Extended Inoperation
DDAF54_21-U-6000A 04/28/1997 Ext. Lamp - MIL ON When Turn Signals are Used
DDAF54_30-U-2090A 04/28/1997 Lamp Failure - MIL ON, NO Lamps Defective
DDAF80_20-U-6090A 04/28/1997 Central Locking System Engages Without Actuation
DDAF80_20-U-6093A 04/28/1997 After Repairs Central Locking System is Inoperative
DDAF80_20-U-6091A 04/28/1997 Central Locking System Operates Without Actuation
DDAF07_32-U-6701A 04/25/1997 Engine - Cuts Out When Stopping/Intermittent Idle Surge
DDAF27_55-U-2440A 04/24/1997 Automatic Transmission Fluid in Cooling System
DDAF07_32-U-6700A 04/24/1997 Engine - Poor Power Output at Operating Temperature
DDAF27_00-U-3700A 04/24/1997 Delayed 2-3 Upshift After Cold Start
DDAF18_40-U-2400A 04/24/1997 Low Oil Level Lamp Comes ON, Oil Level OK
DDAF27_19-U-2000A 04/24/1997 Illumination of Shift Gate Is Too Dim
DDAF83_20-U-4040AU 2147483649/2147483648/2147485548 Odors From ACC System in Heating Mode
20_008d 02/01/1997 Engine Block Heater - Installation/Cable Installation
05_010 01/01/1997 Valve Springs - Tool Kit for Removing/Installing
58_091 01/01/1997 Engine - Universal Valve Spring Remover/Installer
DDAF68_10-U-2001B 01/01/1997 Ashtray Wood Trim Color Mismatch
67_004 12/01/1996 Glass - Warnings/Replacement Considerations
82_092 12/01/1996 Audio Systems - Diagnosis & Return Form
94_002 12/01/1996 Cowl Panel - Air Inlet Vibration/Noise
DDAF27_00-U-1193AG 11/01/1996 Knocking Noise that Changes with Engine Load
58_092 11/01/1996 Engine - Timing Chain Tools
80_007 11/01/1996 Alarm - Drive Authorization System (DAS) Changes
33_033 09/01/1996 Front Axle Carrier - Mounting
NHTSA99E024000 08/02/1996 Recall 99E024000: Child Restraint & Booster Seat Defect
82_037C 08/01/1996 Radio - Post Warranty Repair Procedure
83_085 06/01/1996 A/C - Capacities and Procedures
00_139 06/01/1996 Hood Latches & Hinges - Lubrication
42_017 06/01/1996 Brakes - New Front Caliper Carrier Resolves Squeal
54_076 05/01/1996 ECT/VAF Sensor - Harness Repair
58_087A 04/01/1996 Policy - Fluke Meter Approved
58_100 04/01/1996 Body and Frame - Lateral Portal Frame Kit
91_028 04/01/1996 SRS System - Child Safety Labels
58_088 04/01/1996 Windows - Tool to Preheat Window Bonding Adhesive
46_079 03/01/1996 Steering - Inspection & Torque Specifications
82_089 03/01/1996 Accessories - Garage Door Opener Operation
00_064 02/01/1996 Mercedes Care Maintenance Plan - Introduction
00_053 10/01/1993 Maintenance - Factory Approved Service Products
DD01-82042 04/01/1982 External Oil Leaks

Vander

Any pictures? It is a really good thing that it was garaged while sitting.

RC46

RC46

Raymond,

Can you fill me in on these bulletins. Do these mean that these are all known to be issues, as in several reports have been made and verified by manufacturer? Should I be concerned due to the vast amount? IS this a excessive amount of issues, seems to me to be? Lastly I was thinking that I would put a new battery in, check to see what the actual mileage is and then check fuel level. If it is less than a 1/4 tank I would add about 5 gallons of fresh fuel and try to fire it up.. Drive it a bit and see what happens.. Bad idea?

Thanks
DJ

raymond g-

that list is average. note that there were very few recall items, though I won't
tell you this is a definitive list. NTSB would have that. i pulled the index off the
All-Data database.

every...EVERY manuf'ed car has host of ailments which the manuf will aler the
dealers to. most are well below recall status (or severety) though one can argue
they're no less annoying, e.g. squeeking steering wheel, leak in rear window,
failing gasket in door, etc.

through such notifications the dealers are prepared to deal with them and may
have a simple fix at hand, stock a special type of grease, or a remanufactured
and improved part may be in inventory in case a customer complains about
premature fraying of a serpantine belt, etc.

some of these ailments can be (dealer option) done free of charge, courtesy,
good-will action.

so you won't know until you bring the car into a dealer and they check your VIN.
but there is danger in bringing to dealer as they're not known to be charitable
or Abe Lincoln like in their response. they may "discover" a host of other things
which rack up the repair bill.

so it's tricky. still, a pre-purchase type inspection (say, limited to $200 or so)
may be a good investment whereby they can list their 'recommended' fixes and
you pick and choose, investigate further, or come back to the MB forums and
pick up DIY skills and tips.

yes, fresh fuel, and probably even stuff like injector cleaner or Seafoam or some
such to hock them luggies out of its lungs. sitting that long, i'd just play it safe
and change oil, arguably tranny oil, etc

it'll be a carefull progression of monitoring and inspection

RC46

Thanks Raymond for your responses. I am able to do most of my own maintenance and repair work. However I have never researched or bought a non running newer vehicle with such bulletins and recalls etc. I need to get it fired up and see what happens. I need an Advil!

raymond g-

unless you are a very good backyard mechanic, you also need a small escrow
fund for MB repairs. i'm not that good but i do obsessed somewhat in my
maintenance of my 99 E320. i've not taken my car to the dealer since 2004.

PM me your email and I'll send you more details, knowing now that you are
comfortable with more technical info when it comes to cars.

FlatlineEF9

YES buy that bad boy. its pristine. Same color combo as me too it looks like

RC46

Got a battery in it today and to my surprise under 30k miles. I hope things keep going in this direction.

armanchosbenz

I would buy that car in a heart beat....looks like you found youself a real gem.
The problems you described seem minor.The real gem is under the bonnet...youl'e be getting the legendary m104.It's got all the goodies,dohc,4 valves per cylinder,variable valve timing...it's the last of the great motors mb produced, it' a beast, at full throttle when you hit 4000 rpm the cam advances and the motor feels like it,s getting a spray of nitrous.It's a very exciting motor to drive.

I totaled my 97 six months ago...i still miss the 104,but i don't miss the car itself.I'm currently driving a 2000 e320...i'm not too fond of the m112,it's somewhat of a lazy motor,but it keeps me out of trouble.

Oh, they all leak oil in the front of the engine on the passener side,it,s the timing chain cover gasket...nothing major, i drove mine for eight years with that leak.So all in all i think you got yourself a good one.

Here i'll show you a pic of my 97 (gone but not forgotten)

RC46

Hey thanks for the reply! I have done quite a bit of maintenance on it and car is solid so far. Check out my other post.
Garaged for 11 years and you can see pictures of it cleaned up. Its a cream puff. I have a Vette so this will just be for cruisin. I do like the Inline 6 tho. .