Newbie looking at a 95 E320
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
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VW MKV GTI
Newbie looking at a 95 E320
Hi guys, I am currently looking at a 95 E320(TE?). I am planning to use it as a winter car (i know rwd and snow don't go well together, but at my current price point I don't have much choice for a safe and hopefully reliable car). So I am wondering what should I look for when purchasing one? should I just bring it to a local MB mechanic and let them look over it? Also how "reliable" are these old W124, I know they are well built but at 180,000 mile i am not too sure.
How does these rwd traction controlled w124 do in snow?
thanks!
(car in question http://bloomington.craigslist.org/cto/918334866.html)
How does these rwd traction controlled w124 do in snow?
thanks!
(car in question http://bloomington.craigslist.org/cto/918334866.html)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
You can get the 4Matic version of the wagon, which is all wheel drive.
Here's what I'll tell you about reliability... Even though these cars are old and much simpler than a new mercedes is, the parts and labor are very expensive. At least twice as expensive as an American or Japanese car.
At this age, any car will have components that begin to fail. These cars are reliable if they are maintained, but they are not bullet proof. Plan to spend $1-2k per year MINIMUM to keep it running properly. That of course assumes that you have bought a car with a rebuilt tranny, a head gasket replacement, a wiring harness replacement (for 124's 1993 through 1995), and other necessary repairs. If not, you're in for a good amount more than that.
IMO, if you want a reliable, low maintenance AWD wagon, get a used Subaru. If you want a car that makes you feel good when you drive it despite a high cost of ownership, and just happens to be able to drive in the snow alright, get the W124 4Matic wagon.
Here's what I'll tell you about reliability... Even though these cars are old and much simpler than a new mercedes is, the parts and labor are very expensive. At least twice as expensive as an American or Japanese car.
At this age, any car will have components that begin to fail. These cars are reliable if they are maintained, but they are not bullet proof. Plan to spend $1-2k per year MINIMUM to keep it running properly. That of course assumes that you have bought a car with a rebuilt tranny, a head gasket replacement, a wiring harness replacement (for 124's 1993 through 1995), and other necessary repairs. If not, you're in for a good amount more than that.
IMO, if you want a reliable, low maintenance AWD wagon, get a used Subaru. If you want a car that makes you feel good when you drive it despite a high cost of ownership, and just happens to be able to drive in the snow alright, get the W124 4Matic wagon.
Last edited by Bigpete123; Nov 14, 2008 at 08:27 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
If you absolutely have to have that Benz, check to make sure that the engine wiring harness ($1200+) and the head gasket ($1000+) had been replaced. Both items have 100% failure rate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
And
it is over priced by about $1500. You can find lower miles,better shape,way less money,keep shopping.You could pick up a 98 V6 4matic with 60k fewer miles,for 3grand more.Avoid all the problems of the early 4matic,none of the head gasket/timing cover oil leak failures,no worries of wire harness falling apart in your hands.Just my 2cents,but if you really need to budget 1-2 grand a year for routine maint and repairs on a W124 wagon,you either bought the wrong car or you never lift a wrench,or you are getting your parts from the wrong place.Or you are having the dealer service it
2G a year to maintain a $1500 car?
And as always.Inspect,inspect,inspect.
Your area. Rust,HG and harness as posted above on the M104 engine.
Winter car,You will need dedicated real winter tires,budget 500 bucks or more for them,otherwise a W124 wagon with rwd is a bear to handle in the snow .
happy shopping
inspect have a pro do it
2G a year to maintain a $1500 car?
And as always.Inspect,inspect,inspect.
Your area. Rust,HG and harness as posted above on the M104 engine.
Winter car,You will need dedicated real winter tires,budget 500 bucks or more for them,otherwise a W124 wagon with rwd is a bear to handle in the snow .
happy shopping
inspect have a pro do it
Last edited by ohlord; Nov 15, 2008 at 02:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
it is over priced by about $1500. You can find lower miles,better shape,way less money,keep shopping.You could pick up a 98 V6 4matic with 60k fewer miles,for 3grand more.Avoid all the problems of the early 4matic,none of the head gasket/timing cover oil leak failures,no worries of wire harness falling apart in your hands.Just my 2cents,but if you really need to budget 1-2 grand a year for routine maint and repairs on a W124 wagon,you either bought the wrong car or you never lift a wrench,or you are getting your parts from the wrong place.Or you are having the dealer service it
2G a year to maintain a $1500 car?
And as always.Inspect,inspect,inspect.
Your area. Rust,HG and harness as posted above on the M104 engine.
Winter car,You will need dedicated real winter tires,budget 500 bucks or more for them,otherwise a W124 wagon with rwd is a bear to handle in the snow .
happy shopping
inspect have a pro do it
2G a year to maintain a $1500 car?
And as always.Inspect,inspect,inspect.
Your area. Rust,HG and harness as posted above on the M104 engine.
Winter car,You will need dedicated real winter tires,budget 500 bucks or more for them,otherwise a W124 wagon with rwd is a bear to handle in the snow .
happy shopping
inspect have a pro do it
That is a nice looking example!
A RWD car with VERY GOOD snow tires on the back and very good all-seasons on the front, should handle well in the snow. Almost all my cars have been RWD, in some really dirty climate parts of the country. Apart from those with very light rear ends - my Mustang, my TR7, they are fine, but they do handle differently than a front drive. Is that what you're used to?
Yes, a 4matic would certainly be preferable.
The MB has style and build quality, BUT...
If money, maintenance, AWD, wagon-configuration, are your main criteria - sounds like you are really looking for a Subaru.
Good luck in your hunt.
Read this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...into-w124.html
Last edited by 190E 16V; Nov 15, 2008 at 10:21 AM.
