1995 E320
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1995 E320
Hello all,
I am about to buy a 1995 E320 or E420 (well...searching for one).
Is there anyone out there that wants to talk me out of it?
I have loved this car since it came out 12 years ago.
Any feedback, good or bad would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I am about to buy a 1995 E320 or E420 (well...searching for one).
Is there anyone out there that wants to talk me out of it?
I have loved this car since it came out 12 years ago.
Any feedback, good or bad would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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From: marlboro, nj
Mercedes benz 1991 300ce(RIP), now an 89 300ce
on an mb forum youre not gonna find many people trying to talk you out of it 
a lot of people, including myself would say go with the v8, i always feel like the inline 6 is underpowered 
a lot of people, including myself would say go with the v8, i always feel like the inline 6 is underpowered
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Understood...
However I am really looking for suggestions and feedback from people who own one. i.e. likes and dislikes, things to watch out for...etc. Anything that is specific to the W124, not just generic used car issues.
However I am really looking for suggestions and feedback from people who own one. i.e. likes and dislikes, things to watch out for...etc. Anything that is specific to the W124, not just generic used car issues.
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I, too have loved the W124 since I drove one in 2000. Now I usually wish I had bought something else. It's like a bad girlfriend; you're either in love, or just want out, and your attitude can change 10 times a day.
The car always needs something. It's a love/hate relationship. If you can afford to buy the car and then spend as much as you paid for it to fix everything (you can hardly touch a repair for under $300, even if you buy the part on the internet and DIY) and then spend another $1500/year after that, then it's a great car. I suppose it's my own fault for thinking I could drive it 7,000 miles per year and only put $500 into it each year. It's not a Honda, after all. But it is nice to drive when it's not rattling, surging, cutting out, clunking into 4th gear, or reverse is out, or a hundred of the other issues you read about on this forum.
There's nothing economical about this car, be forwarned. It is an amaxing machine, but it will cost you dearly to keep it that way, either your money, your time and patience, your knuckles, your wife, or all of the above. Honda has found a way to genetically engineer Japanese midget workers to assemble their cars. Mercedes found a way to re-engineer those midgets to 1/3 size to assemble the E320. Unless you have a very talented 2-year-old with arms 2 feet long and the strength of a gorilla, it is very difficult to work on this car. You just can't touch anything but the dipstick without removing half of the engine to expose the part you are trying to reach. I may be exaggerating, but not by much.
I'm sure some will want to argue with me about this, but this is my point of view, and what I have experienced in 6 months of ownership.
The car always needs something. It's a love/hate relationship. If you can afford to buy the car and then spend as much as you paid for it to fix everything (you can hardly touch a repair for under $300, even if you buy the part on the internet and DIY) and then spend another $1500/year after that, then it's a great car. I suppose it's my own fault for thinking I could drive it 7,000 miles per year and only put $500 into it each year. It's not a Honda, after all. But it is nice to drive when it's not rattling, surging, cutting out, clunking into 4th gear, or reverse is out, or a hundred of the other issues you read about on this forum.
There's nothing economical about this car, be forwarned. It is an amaxing machine, but it will cost you dearly to keep it that way, either your money, your time and patience, your knuckles, your wife, or all of the above. Honda has found a way to genetically engineer Japanese midget workers to assemble their cars. Mercedes found a way to re-engineer those midgets to 1/3 size to assemble the E320. Unless you have a very talented 2-year-old with arms 2 feet long and the strength of a gorilla, it is very difficult to work on this car. You just can't touch anything but the dipstick without removing half of the engine to expose the part you are trying to reach. I may be exaggerating, but not by much.
I'm sure some will want to argue with me about this, but this is my point of view, and what I have experienced in 6 months of ownership.
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From: Northern Virginia
Well I for one will definitely not talk you out of it! I love both my 124s. I enjoy the E320 as a daily driver, and I can happily walk right past the GT3 and S550 and get into either 124 with a smile on my face.
I bought both of them this year, actually, so I can tell you what I was looking for. You want to be aware of the wiring harness, oil leaks (front timing chain cover and also the head gasket), and the throttle actuator. I'm not sure if these all apply to a 95, though. In my case, I was looking for a 95 but the two I found that ended being my choices were a 92 and 94. That was because of the condition and mileage of these particular examples.
So I would suggest that you might want to include more years in your search. You may find a particular nice 93 or 94 that you like better.
And a good, honest, reasonably priced independent shop who know older Mercedes is an absolute requirement. If you don't have that, I wouldn't get this car.
But in 6 months of owning the 300E (and 9 years of owning a 190E 2.6 with a very similar engine), I can tell you the car is very reliable. A bit expensive to maintain, yes, but the driving experience is completely worth it. As my wife put it, most other cars would be much more expensive when you consider they would sit out in the driveway unused while I drove the 221 and GT3 every day. The 124s are good enough that I actually use them, as opposed to just being a novelty.
And of course a general rule of used cars apply, the lower the mileage the better, all else being equal. My 300E had about 70k miles on it when I bought it. The E320 about 30k miles. There are quite a few out there with 70-80k or less.
Good luck with the search!
I bought both of them this year, actually, so I can tell you what I was looking for. You want to be aware of the wiring harness, oil leaks (front timing chain cover and also the head gasket), and the throttle actuator. I'm not sure if these all apply to a 95, though. In my case, I was looking for a 95 but the two I found that ended being my choices were a 92 and 94. That was because of the condition and mileage of these particular examples.
So I would suggest that you might want to include more years in your search. You may find a particular nice 93 or 94 that you like better.
And a good, honest, reasonably priced independent shop who know older Mercedes is an absolute requirement. If you don't have that, I wouldn't get this car.
But in 6 months of owning the 300E (and 9 years of owning a 190E 2.6 with a very similar engine), I can tell you the car is very reliable. A bit expensive to maintain, yes, but the driving experience is completely worth it. As my wife put it, most other cars would be much more expensive when you consider they would sit out in the driveway unused while I drove the 221 and GT3 every day. The 124s are good enough that I actually use them, as opposed to just being a novelty.
And of course a general rule of used cars apply, the lower the mileage the better, all else being equal. My 300E had about 70k miles on it when I bought it. The E320 about 30k miles. There are quite a few out there with 70-80k or less.
Good luck with the search!
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Youngtimer
i have a 95 e320, and the only problem with it is that it didn't enter my posession sooner.
parts are not as cheap as a honda civic, but they're not overpriced either, for what they are. this was a very expensive car when new, and not like the benzes today where you're just buying the name and not the solid engineering. buy one that has been well maintained, keep up the maintenance, and you'll have it for the rest of your life.
parts are not as cheap as a honda civic, but they're not overpriced either, for what they are. this was a very expensive car when new, and not like the benzes today where you're just buying the name and not the solid engineering. buy one that has been well maintained, keep up the maintenance, and you'll have it for the rest of your life.
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From: Northern Virginia
i have a 95 e320, and the only problem with it is that it didn't enter my posession sooner.
parts are not as cheap as a honda civic, but they're not overpriced either, for what they are. this was a very expensive car when new, and not like the benzes today where you're just buying the name and not the solid engineering. buy one that has been well maintained, keep up the maintenance, and you'll have it for the rest of your life.
parts are not as cheap as a honda civic, but they're not overpriced either, for what they are. this was a very expensive car when new, and not like the benzes today where you're just buying the name and not the solid engineering. buy one that has been well maintained, keep up the maintenance, and you'll have it for the rest of your life.
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Thank you for the great feedback and opinions.
I am well aware that MB is not the cheapest brand to maintain...but greatness is not always cheap ;-)
Regarding looking at other years, I will definetly keep my eyes open, and will not be too closed minded. The main reason for the 1995 desire, is that I have experience driving one, and I have heard from many that the '95 specifically was the last well engineered model from MB. After this car, MB went downhill.
Now...the hunt begins. I am inthe PNW (Seattle area) if anybody knows any leads...
I am well aware that MB is not the cheapest brand to maintain...but greatness is not always cheap ;-)
Regarding looking at other years, I will definetly keep my eyes open, and will not be too closed minded. The main reason for the 1995 desire, is that I have experience driving one, and I have heard from many that the '95 specifically was the last well engineered model from MB. After this car, MB went downhill.
Now...the hunt begins. I am inthe PNW (Seattle area) if anybody knows any leads...
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From: Northern Virginia
Regarding looking at other years, I will definetly keep my eyes open, and will not be too closed minded. The main reason for the 1995 desire, is that I have experience driving one, and I have heard from many that the '95 specifically was the last well engineered model from MB. After this car, MB went downhill.
My 92 has the older engine, my 94 has the newer one. Both engines are in excellent condition and you can still feel a big difference, especially in the low end. But one thing I have noticed is that the front end of the 92 feels lighter, which makes the car more tossable. I don't know if the older engine was actually lighter than the new one or if that difference is just in my two cars (perhaps alignment/setup differences?). I'd be curious to see what others think about that.
And I wouldn't say that the 1996+ E-classes are not well engineered. It's just that they were engineered to a lower cost point than the 124s. Mercedes really didn't have a choice there with the competition doing what they were doing. If Mercedes hadn't lowered their prices over time (in real terms), they might not even be around now or at least not as an independent company.
But anyway, best of luck with your search.
There was a gorgeous 124 in Seattle on this board in the classifieds a few months ago.
Last edited by eddietr; Jun 19, 2007 at 03:17 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Las Vegas
W203 C230k '05
my dad owned his 300E year i dont even know when but he had used it a lot we bought an 05 c230k and for a fact the handling and the ride of the car is unbelievable for a fact if i had said before if the car is the same power to weight ratio as a c230k i believe it would be faster than my c230k but thats what i felt no fact behind it. to tell you the truth they look so dang pretty for me but if you drop it down you really see the shape of the car but i would leave mine alone because ride hight is good enough for handling and top notch for comfort. not to bragg but i felt so much understeer in my w203 than my w124
get the E420 or the 400E. although if you have dough to modify it ill get that old 300E SOHC and turbo it they are crazy when they are FI i promise ive seen one
get the E420 or the 400E. although if you have dough to modify it ill get that old 300E SOHC and turbo it they are crazy when they are FI i promise ive seen one
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From: Virginia
Range Rover Classic
The fuel efficiency is about the same as the 400 has a very low geared differential. With inline six you need to replace headgaskets with the V8 you (may) need to replace the timing chain. Both engines will last forever plus or minus a few years. I find that 400 has some hesitation off the line, almost like turbo lag, due to the differential. Both are high compression engines and will require premium. The 400 will have ASR (skid control) which is another layer of electronic complexity (a Drive By Wire throttle) but is of great help in bad weather.
The 400 will have Walnut instead of Zebrano for its wood trim. Its has some pretty puny stock wheels though, an inch smaller than the European version. You really need more traction that what they provide.
The 400 will have Walnut instead of Zebrano for its wood trim. Its has some pretty puny stock wheels though, an inch smaller than the European version. You really need more traction that what they provide.
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From: Northern Virginia
Primary difference is that the E320 has the M104 24-valve engine. The 300E was the previous M103 8-valve engine.
My 92 is a 300E, so all the comments I made about that car are about a 300E. And my 94 is an E320, so what I said about noticeable increase in power would apply to any E320 in similar condition.
Visually, also, the 300E evolved over time from 1986 (in the US) through 93. Lower side panels were added. Trunk design was changed. That sort of thing.
The E320 in 94 and 95 had the final "fully evolved" look for the 124 class. That latest headlights (more effective, btw, than the 300E) The final trunk design. And a revised hood/grill.
To tell you the truth, I prefer the hood/grill on the 300E. But I like all the other improvements in the E320.
My 92 is a 300E, so all the comments I made about that car are about a 300E. And my 94 is an E320, so what I said about noticeable increase in power would apply to any E320 in similar condition.
Visually, also, the 300E evolved over time from 1986 (in the US) through 93. Lower side panels were added. Trunk design was changed. That sort of thing.
The E320 in 94 and 95 had the final "fully evolved" look for the 124 class. That latest headlights (more effective, btw, than the 300E) The final trunk design. And a revised hood/grill.
To tell you the truth, I prefer the hood/grill on the 300E. But I like all the other improvements in the E320.
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Youngtimer
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
i looked at many E320 and E420 as i think they're really great cars and well made. i ended up buying a 1995 E320 cabriolet w/ 76k miles on it. besides falling in love with the car in 1994 when they first became generally available, i thought it was well made and i could consider keeping it for 20 yrs...if i'm lucky.
my general rule of thumb on buying used cars is to buy from private parties, preferably original owner. i think seeing their house/garage tells you a bit about how they they care of cars. plus, often they have all the service records vs. used car lots. i also like cars that are dealer serviced by MB - i know the service advisers are well compensated for how many things need to be done, even if it's for preventive maintenance. in my case, my cabriolet was a 2-owner car and both serviced at MB dealers. they spent big bucks over the years doing everything from oil change and tune-ups to changing shocks and brakes/tires. when i saw the previous owner had spent $5k at the local MB dealer for 4k miles of driving on preventive maintenance, i felt very comfortable that i might be ok for a while. it's been about 7 months so far...and i've only added gasoline.
so keep looking. there are some pretty good ones in the SF craigslist. try to do as much due diligence as you can via email/phone. usually you can tell the enthusiast who take care of their cars. if they have no idea on basic questions, you still might be okay if the car's always serviced at MB dealer. also, if the seller's ok with taking car to MB mechanic, that's also a very good sign. just keep in mind, if you find a good one, sometimes it goes pretty quick to local buyers.
best of luck.
my general rule of thumb on buying used cars is to buy from private parties, preferably original owner. i think seeing their house/garage tells you a bit about how they they care of cars. plus, often they have all the service records vs. used car lots. i also like cars that are dealer serviced by MB - i know the service advisers are well compensated for how many things need to be done, even if it's for preventive maintenance. in my case, my cabriolet was a 2-owner car and both serviced at MB dealers. they spent big bucks over the years doing everything from oil change and tune-ups to changing shocks and brakes/tires. when i saw the previous owner had spent $5k at the local MB dealer for 4k miles of driving on preventive maintenance, i felt very comfortable that i might be ok for a while. it's been about 7 months so far...and i've only added gasoline.
so keep looking. there are some pretty good ones in the SF craigslist. try to do as much due diligence as you can via email/phone. usually you can tell the enthusiast who take care of their cars. if they have no idea on basic questions, you still might be okay if the car's always serviced at MB dealer. also, if the seller's ok with taking car to MB mechanic, that's also a very good sign. just keep in mind, if you find a good one, sometimes it goes pretty quick to local buyers.
best of luck.
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A cousin of mine has a 'friend' who is an auto broker.
anyone out ther ever use an auto broker to find used cars before?? My cousin is very wealthy compared to I, and he buys classics through this guy.
I will get an inspection regardless of how I find my W124, but just wanted to know about any experiences with brokers...I guess that really should be a different thread?!?!
anyone out ther ever use an auto broker to find used cars before?? My cousin is very wealthy compared to I, and he buys classics through this guy.
I will get an inspection regardless of how I find my W124, but just wanted to know about any experiences with brokers...I guess that really should be a different thread?!?!
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I've never done it, but I would just ask the owner a lot of questions to weed out the losers, then take a plane out and look it over. These cars seem to go for about half price on E-Bay so you could do this a few times and still be money ahead of buying it locally. But I live in an area where these cars are very rare in good condition.
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