Zytek_Fan

Yes, I'm looking at a local 1994 E420.
It looks to be in good nick, interior looks good, engine bay, bodywork all look good. Some slight cracking on the driver's seat, but that doesn't matter.
185,000 miles. The price for it is $2100. Should I buy?

rivcal4life

I think a better question would be: how much would it cost to freight that baby to california?

Zytek_Fan

There's also a little bit of oil on the engine (just a very thin bit on various spots) :/

190E 16V

Repairs can add up very fast. I would be suspicious of a car this cheap.

With an MB - ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS get a prepurchase inspection done by a good independent MB mechanic!!!!

Good luck. I hope you've found a really good bargain. IF it is in good shape you will really enjoy such a car - E420s are fantastic.

Zytek_Fan

Yeah, I've really wanted a German car, and the Merc looks to fit the bill

rivcal4life

color?

Zytek_Fan

It's a blue-ish green.

190E 16V

Is this a private sale?

Perhaps they don't know what they have, but I would think this car should be at least $8-$10K in the 'States, if it is good.

If I were you, I'd get it looked at by someone qualified. It could be a great opportunity, but very expensive if not. Oil on the engine... ?

ohlord

in the states will get you a low mile 1999.
That condition with those miles and leaking oil offer $1400 and get out the tool box.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"

Zytek_Fan

It wasn't enough oil to be all too concerned, for all I know, could have just been a little spill while doing on oil change
The engine bay looked quite good, despite being dirty. All the hoses looked in good condition.

I was thinking of offering $1800, which is pretty reasonable when they want $2100. It seems like they're trying to get rid of it and the people in the area where I live isn't too keen on German cars (way more Asians for sure), so I'm pretty sure they would take $1800.


My dad and I will be taking it for a test drive tomorrow morning before I have to leave for work, so I'll update you guys on it afterwards (possibly with the car in my possession)

ohlord

cash,private party sale they will take it,why give them an extra 400 you can use.
m119 good engine prone to leaks,wiring problems,and other issues,don't fall in love yet and inspect,inspect,inspect.Per wise member aboveafter all 1400 hundred bucks is still 1400 hundred bucks.

Zytek_Fan

It's a low volume auto dealer.
But still, they probably don't know what they have. I'll try $1500, and see if they take it, if not $1600 to $1800...

I was thinking if I'm able to get it, if I should just go ahead and replace all the gaskets...

RHW

Gas prices have brought these cars value down, even though we know the 8 v 6 gas mileage is not much.

I NEVER trust a good deal from a dealer. It happens, but usually, they get over. I think a current, valid, good deal on a solid, under 100K 420 is between $5500-$6500

If you could borrow the difference, I think you'd be happier with the outcome, for a longer time.

190E 16V

You need someone who knows these cars. Anything beyond valve cover gaskets on an M119 engine could be expensive.

You need to check wiring harness. These cars run very hot under the hood and the harnesses ALL self-destruct (usually NOT visible) around 120-140K miles causing strange running problems intermittently at first - $1,000 - $1,500.

Usually that is the only problem with motor.

Rubber "flex-discs" on the driveline dry out and fall apart; two of them at $300 ea. installed

A/C is expensive to fix.

Not sure if E420 has SLS hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension - that could be source of your "oil on Engine" if the pump leaks. Can be pricey repair if rear shocks are leaking too.

Your transmission is very sophisticated and trouble-prone, esp. since it is designed to restrict shifting to high gear until cats are warmed up and other computer controls.
When shifting into reverse, look for long delay to engage, a typical problem that will get slowly worse.
An MB guy could tell you if it is working properly. Repair usuallly means complete rebuild, $2500 by competent shop specialising in MB.

Not trying to scare you off, but have it checked out. These cars are well-built, but at that mileage, I would check these things.

A 420 is leaps and bounds ahead of the 300E - a unique and enjoyable car if it is in good shape with no issues, but know that you may face a lot of frustration and disappointment if you have these issues and are not prepared to pay for them.

With these cars, you "pay to play". - Zorro AMG

Zytek_Fan

Okay, I'll keep that all in mind

Zytek_Fan

Is there any cold air intakes for these? I'm having a hard time tracking one down. All I've found is the square K&N replacement filter...

edit: Also, what kind of wheels would work best with an E420? I'm definitely getting AMG wheels, but I want to know what I should get...at least read some suggestions!

RHW

I am relatively new to W124s, but monoblocks - as on my white car - are on many of the nicest w124s out there.

They are a baseline...a great starting point. I tried to find a wheel I liked more consistently, and could not.

Maybe leave the cold air intake for last, then decide if you want to add it.

Saijin_Naib

Well, it IS a cold air intake. This has been gone over at great length many times before. You can get a less restrictive filter (K&N), modify the airbox to intake from both left/right sides using parts from a 400e intake, heat wrap all the piping and everything, then modify the headlight wiper panels into extra air intake vents ala 2phast.

shdoug

For that price, I'd buy ten of them.

Zytek_Fan

Upon closer inspection, the car was a steaming pile of sh*t basically.
The interior was obviously not taken care, looking under the mats, it was filthy, a large chunk was missing from the driver's seat.
It was clearly resprayed in the front.

If anyone is interested in it, it's at Discount Auto Sales in Clarkston, Washington on Bridge Street.


But, I did find a 1987 300E with 130,000 miles on it on craigslist, just waiting to see if it's still for sale.

RHW

SHDOUG called dibs, I believe.