Looking at purchasing 1995 E420
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1999 MBZ E55
Looking at purchasing 1995 E420
I am new to this site and have joined to hear experiences from its members. I am currently looking at getting a 1994 or 1995 e420 and need some info. It seems like every e420 I look at, the seats are much more cracked and broken down compared to the 400e from 1992 to 1993 model years. Did MB change the leather quality/type? Also, what options were available on a 1995 e420? Id like to get one with ASR. What type of things should I watch out for with these cars? Do you believe that the 1994-1995 E420 is less problematic and a better car than the 1992-1993 400e? Any thoughts or info is appreciated. Thanks 
Last edited by w124-benz; Dec 4, 2005 at 02:49 AM.
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Mercedes-Benz w124
well all the 400e's and e420's have a bad wiring harness so make sure that is taken care of. They usually go out around 80k miles i think... also make sure the rest has been taken care of. If the car has been treated well, then its good for.
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From: Bryson City NC
93 300SE Rauch "Smoke"
W124! If its a nice clean well maintained car , jump on it baby !! 
You will love it!! I still can't get the grin off my face when i'm drivin BigBlue!! She's a winner! 
Smokie
You will love it!! I still can't get the grin off my face when i'm drivin BigBlue!! She's a winner! Smokie
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From: Manchester, CT
ASR sucks...find one that doesn't have it....or has a defeat switch installed.
I don't think leather was changed...rather some owners took better care of their leather than others.
Between 100-150K the car will need a ton of work, most of it is DIY and parts aren't too bad but it adds up fast; just caps, rotors, plugs and wires will run you close to $500 .... read up on them thru these forums and become as educated as possible from others experiences. I learn alot from forums like this and would probably be much more clueless without them with regard to my 500E.
Taken care of..they easily last 250-300K with regular maint. Solid stuff, they don't make cars like this anymore.
I don't think leather was changed...rather some owners took better care of their leather than others.
Between 100-150K the car will need a ton of work, most of it is DIY and parts aren't too bad but it adds up fast; just caps, rotors, plugs and wires will run you close to $500 .... read up on them thru these forums and become as educated as possible from others experiences. I learn alot from forums like this and would probably be much more clueless without them with regard to my 500E.
Taken care of..they easily last 250-300K with regular maint. Solid stuff, they don't make cars like this anymore.
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From: Bryson City NC
93 300SE Rauch "Smoke"
$500 buks You must be havin the dealer put on the gold plated ones. I did the same job minus the wires and had less than $200 in the whole job! You will love the E420 ! Great car!
Smokie
Smokie
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From: Jersey Shore
" Do you believe that the 1994-1995 E420 is less problematic and a better car than the 1992-1993 400e? Any thoughts or info is appreciated. Thanks "
I believe, these two cars are the same mechaniclly. They both have the same, 4.2L engine. Don't let the badge fool ya.
I believe, these two cars are the same mechaniclly. They both have the same, 4.2L engine. Don't let the badge fool ya.
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From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
I might be tempted to get a W210
Originally Posted by w124-benz
It seems like every e420 I look at, the seats are much more cracked and broken down compared to the 400e from 1992 to 1993 model years. Did MB change the leather quality/type?
In general, after seeing how well his 1996 W210 has held up, I would be tempted to recommend the W210 over the W124. It seems a bit more modern, even though I still love my old-school W124. There is only 1-year difference in our cars and we have the same mileage, but his car seems like new. It is very hard to believe that anyone could have babied a car more than I have, so I think it must be the W210 that is just well made. He does have a couple of door dings, but other than that it looks brand new. My car is almost perfect, except for those increasingly cracked leather seats and deteriorating steering wheel. My car is dealer maintained and waxed constantly, but that W210 still looks to be in better shape than my pristine babied W124.
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18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
My 95 124's seats are fine actually. In fact, I think they're still in really good shape. I'm still amazed.
http://users.rcn.com/holsonyap/FallW124/Fall05b_0.jpg
The only annoying thing I had to fix on my E420 was the Evaporator. (very expensive).
Honestly though, if I didn't love the 124's shape so much, I'd rather have a W210 or a Subaru Legacy GT or something.
The best bit of the E420 has to be the M119 motor though. it is so smooth, sounds really good, quiet, and has that pleasant old school multi-valve powerband.
http://users.rcn.com/holsonyap/FallW124/Fall05b_0.jpg
The only annoying thing I had to fix on my E420 was the Evaporator. (very expensive).
Honestly though, if I didn't love the 124's shape so much, I'd rather have a W210 or a Subaru Legacy GT or something.
The best bit of the E420 has to be the M119 motor though. it is so smooth, sounds really good, quiet, and has that pleasant old school multi-valve powerband.
Last edited by Holson; Dec 17, 2005 at 09:32 PM.
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From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
Your seats look perfect
Originally Posted by Holson
My 95 124's seats are fine actually. In fact, I think they're still in really good shape. I'm still amazed.
Not bad, but not brand new or as nice as Holson's
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From: Manchester, CT
Originally Posted by Smokiesman
$500 buks You must be havin the dealer put on the gold plated ones. I did the same job minus the wires and had less than $200 in the whole job!
Smokie
Smokie
Yes, buying the W124 E420 would be a smart move as its arguable that the chassis was one of the best built of any modern car. The M119, while troublesome when neglected, is a super motor to have in there.
