considering 95 e420
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 162
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German
considering 95 e420
under 100k miles . Would appreciate anyone to chime in on what to look for or expect on these models.
Does this model also have the dreaded wire harness issue?
Have never own a v8 merc either. Are they bulletproof?
How about the transmissions?
TIA!
Does this model also have the dreaded wire harness issue?
Have never own a v8 merc either. Are they bulletproof?
How about the transmissions?
TIA!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
'95 E420 SE
there is another thread similar to this, but to address the basics right now:
The wiring harness replacement issue is very much an issue for this car, although my car has 160K on the odo and I still have the original harness.....and everything works. I know my day is coming however.
Engines are just about bulletproof save for: High operating and underhood temperatures that can be partially helped by removing the belly pan. BTW: this is typically only an issue in warmer climates. In the winter, when the outside temps are 50-70 degrees F, my car runs at 85 degees C. When it gets over 80 degrees F outside, the engine temps creep toward 90 degrees C. In the heat of summer, my car runs at 105 degrees C...which I think is dangerously hot for all the plastic and rubber parts in the engine bay. Mercedes says 105 C is acceptable however.
Transmission doesn't seem to be an issue...neither are head gaskets. Happy hunting!
The wiring harness replacement issue is very much an issue for this car, although my car has 160K on the odo and I still have the original harness.....and everything works. I know my day is coming however.
Engines are just about bulletproof save for: High operating and underhood temperatures that can be partially helped by removing the belly pan. BTW: this is typically only an issue in warmer climates. In the winter, when the outside temps are 50-70 degrees F, my car runs at 85 degees C. When it gets over 80 degrees F outside, the engine temps creep toward 90 degrees C. In the heat of summer, my car runs at 105 degrees C...which I think is dangerously hot for all the plastic and rubber parts in the engine bay. Mercedes says 105 C is acceptable however.
Transmission doesn't seem to be an issue...neither are head gaskets. Happy hunting!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 2
German
From what i've read and gathered wiring harness issues start at the 80k mark. Vehicle I was planning to look at has 87k- hence got cold feet to check it out, fearing that i could be left with a wiring harness issue sooner rather than later.
EDIT: Seller states harness never been replaced. And with rumors of gas price's skyrocketing to $4 a gallon by this summer , I may have to re consider getting into a V8.
EDIT: Seller states harness never been replaced. And with rumors of gas price's skyrocketing to $4 a gallon by this summer , I may have to re consider getting into a V8.
Last edited by martz; Mar 10, 2008 at 01:32 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
If you bail on the sale...
post the details?
Sometimes...members here like to pick up these cars.
I test drove a 400E the other day and LOVED it.
(But chose a 300E Sportline)
post the details?
Sometimes...members here like to pick up these cars.
I test drove a 400E the other day and LOVED it.
(But chose a 300E Sportline)
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29
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From: Niagara Falls, Canada
1991 300CE, 1994 E320, 1994 E420, 1995 E320Cab
I have both a 1994 E420 and 1994 E320. Mileage is basically the same but the performance on the 420 is way better. Both cars have over 200,000 KM (125,000 miles) and have never had any problmes with the wiring harness. The 420 has different gears in the rearend and actually gets better mileage on the highway than the 320. Only thing that ever has gone is a blower motor regulator on the 320 otherwise the cars have been very good to me.
Happy hunting.
Happy hunting.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 75
From: USA
18 G550, 24 EQB3504M
The mileage was never an issue for me - it was decent for a supremely smooth, powerful and sonorous V8 (cant believe it was designed in the 90s). I loved the sound of the small block V8, it had a nice snarl to it compared to my CLK55.
WARNING! Make sure the A/C evaporator is in good shape. I spent close to $5k fixing that up when it went.
WARNING! Make sure the A/C evaporator is in good shape. I spent close to $5k fixing that up when it went.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,968
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Mine is shot as well. I guess I can finally take all that stuff out the car, save some weight, and find an underdrive pulley because there is no way Im spending 5k on air conditioning. My windows still work, just slowly :P
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From: Bryson City NC
93 300SE Rauch "Smoke"
Go for the E420!! great car great motor and you will love that grin on yer face !
I did the repair on my AC last summer! replaced the expansion valve and new drier . I vacuumed the system added the sealer and recharged. Seems to have worked! I have been in FL since DEC and when I get back going to see if system still has pressure! If so gonna be a happy camper!
Smokie
I did the repair on my AC last summer! replaced the expansion valve and new drier . I vacuumed the system added the sealer and recharged. Seems to have worked! I have been in FL since DEC and when I get back going to see if system still has pressure! If so gonna be a happy camper! Smokie
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Glendale, AZ
'95 E420 SE
after having lived there for three years I can attest to the fact that there is no place harder on an evaporator than south Florida! Both my Hondas at the time needed the evaps changed out and they (the cars) were less than four years old each. 
