Looking at a 1994 E420
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
Looking at a 1994 E420
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?
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?
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
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.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
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.
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.
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
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... ?
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
8-10
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?"
That condition with those miles and leaking oil offer $1400 and get out the tool box.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
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)
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
$1400
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.
m119 good engine prone to leaks,wiring problems,and other issues,don't fall in love yet and inspect,inspect,inspect.Per wise member above
after all 1400 hundred bucks is still 1400 hundred bucks.
Thread Starter
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
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...
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...
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
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.
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.
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
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
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
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!
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!
Last edited by Zytek_Fan; Jun 14, 2008 at 04:23 AM.
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
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.
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.
Last edited by RHW; Jun 14, 2008 at 07:59 AM.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
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.
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From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 78
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From: Idaho
1992 300E
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.
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.
