Delamoya

I'm about to buy an s420 95 but I haven't seen it yet. But I'm being told it has a hard start after a long rest mainly in the mornings and apparently that particular 420 never came with an A/C which is strange.. Also the sunroof is faulty. Everything else in great shape. Asking price $7000.. Should I make the deal and if so how much can it be on the repairs?

Thanks

Dela.

KNBS550

I'm going to assume that you are in the US...if so, RUN. RUN FAST AND FAR. No 1995 S420 no matter how good of a shape is worth $7000 right now. Repairs will eat that purchase price whole. Never came with A/C? Bunch of crap. The A/C evaporator probably needs replacing. That job alone might cost you $5K. I don't trust the seller. RUN. Save your $7K and find another one.

Delamoya

Oh my!! I looked at it even closer and realised the rpm gauge isn't working. But once the engine was warmed up it sounded absolutely nice. Still giving it a hard thought. Maybe all it needs is a new FPR.. Thanks for your advice though. I really appreciate.
How much would you have bargained for?

KNBS550

You never said how many miles the car had, but if it's a 1995 expect about 150K at least. Even with 100K miles, I would pay no more than $2K-$3K for it considering you need a new A/C evaporator and now a new tachometer. I don't think they are sold separately so you may need to buy the entire gauge cluster. For $7K, the tach better be working. RUN FAST!!!

GEE DUB

I have a 95 S420 for sale. asking $3900. 101K miles excellent condition, no dents or dings.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=412697099

mercedesbenzs55

lmfao

stephenmay

I think buy it because you want it - it will have what I call a personality no matter what S Class you buy - one thing is for sure is that most of the time it is the best caron the planet and no one can deny that - it is so comfortable I get sick of hearing it from my passengers - a youngish women walks past the car as I was getting out and says "that is the coolest ride I have ever seen - so that's what its all about - budget $1500 a year and you won't spend that up front -be smart - the forum! right?

stephenmay

Don't worry about what you pay initially I'll bet it looks a million bucks?
My S280 I've had for three years has no way cost me the $1500 I suggest is fair to say. So therefore as it does need the auto done I could go ahead now because as i said i ahven't spent that amount. OIl changes, fluids and cheap maintenance up front usually gives you breathing space to deal with the car's "personality" and get clever about repairs by having a little look at Utube how to do it videos - there's heaps that women could do if they were shown or had a go using the videos to assist you under the bonnett. Coils are so simple I can't believe workshops can charge so much - at least for the 6 cylinder S class sedans anyway etc.

stephenmay

I had air-con probs and thought "Oh well I'll have to get a new whatever...." I utubed the problem and it usually is the fan/cabin filter trouble. A cheap $20 item that needs changing every year gets clogged then admits fine grit into the fan workings and all over the whole unit until it can't run anymore because air can't get in and the bearings shot in the fan shaft. It would have squealed at all fan levels before it went I'll bet - my S280 has the prob but a little air gets in but fan is so slow and has terrible bearing noise that I have only been able to ignore it by adjusting the stereo volume up. I have a $20NZD replacement just arrived from EBay last week to New Zealand from Russia. You must fit it yourself and then maybe blow out the fan area underneath the filter - you might get away with the bearing in the fan may loosen and turn and you away - but prob new fan $200 needed then service that yearly right?

stephenmay

Even if my post is late could yu post up a photo/link of the car you were interested in?

KNBS550

It's your money, buy it if you want, but not for $7K. If you want personality, give me $7K and I will give you personality. Hell, I'll give you personality for a discounted $2K. For a pre-facelift, 1995 S420 with potential wiring harness insulation issues, failed A/C evaporator, and broken tachometer??? Seriously not for $7K??? Flush the F#ckin money down the toilet after you wipe your A$$ will give you more benefit from the $7K. The $1500 a year won't begin to cover what you'll need to do with the car.

Delamoya

I went ahead and bought the car. Absolutely amazing. She runs like a beauty. Just a few fixes here and there, like the co-driver seat adjustment switch, sunroof, and she tends to overheat just a little bit much if I squeeze the throttle too much. The temp gauge does climb to almost critical. But other than she's the ultimate beast on the highway. No one dares to question her existence. I'm glad I bought the car.

stephenmay

post a photo - would love to see it - I ordered a mass airflow sensor (MAS) for my S280 only $100 NZD and it should sort out my increase in temperature that I'm experiencing like you - i have a V12 that runs a little hot also and I believe this is what is doing that also - but in this case the V12 sensor is between the heads so its more hassle for me than you.

Did u read the post from MR Spolier about buying it? Money isn't everything and if you spend a bit more because its an emotional decision then you end up with something wonderful and not something that;s average and boring.

I'm up for Cells on my S280 these control the adjustable height of the auto leveling rear suspension - not expensive even if a merc specialist fits them and is do-able yourself with a little assistance from a friend and U-tube.

There's a few aftermarket parts to dress it up like the grille and replacing the gunsite with a flat emblem - I posted about it recently and will post up some photos - i fitted the later model grille (aftermarket parts) to both cars and already I get more stares than ever.

Lets talk further - kind regards Steve

PS make sure your radiator is full of antifreeze and change the oil, filter, and air filter and it may sort out the overheating straight away.

PPS Transmission fluid change is good idea too - pan gasket and filter is so cheap and any garage can do it but make sure the replace the copper washer as its designed fr one use only and must not be overtightened (torqued) or will crack the copper washer - a workshop did the work for a $100NZD but cracked the washer ( I told them but they assumed I was a lay-person) even though I told them. Note -,then ask a mercedes dealer to check your transmission level as they have this massive dip-stick that is needed and not many workshops will have it or know what your talking about - they didn't even charge me to ctop it up and replace the washer - great eh?

Steve

stephenmay

and wiring issues are on pre 1995 - my 1992 has it and my 1996 doesn't.

Delamoya

Was thinking the overheating had to do with the MAF sensor. I also thought removing and cleaning the radiator might help. Oh it also needs a new seal for the steering pump. Noticed a slight leak. The car runs like it's brand new tho. They built these cars with absolute enginuity. Let me post a pic

Delamoya

stephenmay

spectacular photo and car
congrats again Steve

KNBS550

Congratulations! You didn't tell me that was 7000 Kenyan Shillings and NOT 7000 US Dollars. I'd say yeah, go for it! Car looks great by the way. They don't make them like they used to. Enjoy.

Delamoya

Kshs7000!! Really.. Lol. Thanks anyways.