Eliot

I'm looking at a 94 E320 with 86,000 miles and a 95 E420 with 96,000. The 420 is a bit more but I like the interior apointments much better. Its also more the more powerful engine while the fuel effeciency is still quite tolerable. I am concerned that it might cost a fair bit more to replace parts and keep it in good order. Warranted?

NorCal124

I's going to be more or less the same but if you ever have to replace hard parts or major components expect to pay more. There are a lot more E320s vs E420s out there so spare or remanufactured parts will be easier to get if you stick w/ the six cylinder.

Smokiesman

Go for the "GUSTO" pop for the E420 and put a smile on yer face!!!

Smokie

ebennz

the 4.2 definetly puts a smile on your face, but beware they can break your heart when they dent your bank account.

all radiator necks break
both cars have expensive wiring harness', that MUST be changed if original
air cond systems are weak spots

don't get me wrong, these are incredible machines, performanece safety and survivability, but you must feed and care for them.

don't get one unless you can put money into it. these cars are aging and systems need refreshing.

failing to do required MAINT properly will bite you. badly.

research your purchase and w124 trouble spots.

Eliot

Thanks for responding

Given the mileage I assume I would have to do the harness and gaskets? Would a 420 need similiar work? My impression from reading the forums here is that the 320 would require more work upfront.



Noted, again thanks.

Jim's500E

Either car is arguably built on one of the best modern chassis to date... so you could not be wrong in choosing one or the other.

Of course I'm biased but perhaps the V8 might hold some more value in the future (?)....but for sure, maintenance on either car is not bad at all...unless you need a tranny or a major engine rebuild, etc, obviously. And either car is relatively easy for a DIYer for normal maint. and repairs (IMO). There is no shortage of on-line manuals, wholesale part sellers, and tech folks to help with most any issue.

What I was told when I bought both a used 6 and an 8 cylinder 1990's MB back in the day (W201 and W124), with good and regular maint. they easily go 250-300K miles with no major problems. And if all either car needs is a wiring harness and a tune-up then your are golden.

See if you can get an aftermarket warranty since they are under 100K miles...just in case.

Eliot

Your 500 is beautiful saw the photos from your day at the track.

Noted. Thank you.


This is the 420, its more evidient in person but the wheels are mucked up and in need of a paint job. Also the piping that runs the length of the car (just above the door handles) has faded through in spots.



Really poor photo but its the best that the seller put up. I didn't have a digi when I went to look at it. It looks really decent for a eleven year old car, I assume it was garaged kept. Immaculate interior and the paint is in fantastic shape.

I just need my mechanic to call back so I can arrange an inspection.

Smokiesman

Well if it was me makin the choise I would get my butt behind the wheel of both them good lookin machines and let the car do the talkin!

Smokie

zahkunst

I have heard that the v8 versions cost about 30% more in general when repairing.

Holson

The only costly thing that I ever had to do to the E420 was the wiring harness and AC evaporator and I believe the E320 has the same problems too..
The rest were pretty standard...

Smokiesman

Mine to ! a couple of dist caps and rotors some new plugs and a fuse!! But I a stickler for oil changes and filters ! Opps forgot I drained and changed filters in the tranny! So that to me not to expencive yet! But for a 11 year old car I got no complaints!! And Bigblue can still make me smile!!

Smokie

Holson

I forgot that, it has a pair of rotors and caps ($$$) but that should only go at 30k mi.

My car has been maintained religiously since new (have all records), 3k mi/3 mo. oil changes, 30k major service, $400 detail every now and then (i do it myself now.. for $0) and it has not needed anything out of the ordinary... but yes.. it's not as cheap as my Jeep Cherokee to maintain..

it also rides 20x better, looks 20x better, and sounds 20x better... except it sucks 20x more in the snow :-D

Given the choice and the zero price difference between a very good/excellent e320/e420, I'd not hesitate to get a 420 again..

But... I still lust after an E500...

Smokiesman

Oh! thank god for no snow here or at least not to much! Bigblue stays in the garage if there is white stuff on the ground! Holson I said before your car is the cats ***! I took some of my cues from it! But your right if I had to get another car ,heaven forbid it would be another E420! Even if it cost the few bucks more for repair havin that beast under the hood would be worth every dime!!


Smokie

Eliot

That will always be the problem

I think I found a 420 that will work. The Harness (lower and upper) have been replaced and its otherwise in good working order.

Holson

Is it Black/Saddle? Just like my car then

I don't remember when my engine bay looked that spotless.... maybe 3.5 yrs ago when I bought it hehe

*ps: Thanks Smokie, sometimes I wish my car was a different color.. your car's blue is really nice*

Smokiesman

Holson ! That black along with the rims your car is **** man!!

Smokie

Eliot

Yup



And a profile view



Check it out on Saturday, if everything is in order take it to the shop on monday or tuesday for an inspection.