W124 Advice! E320 vs 400E
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 35
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From: Norfolk, VA
1995 W124 E320
W124 Advice! E320 vs 400E
I have a 1995 E320 with 164K on it and I love this car. I got it from my Dad for $1000 and put maybe $500-$700 on top of that to make it run in great shape. It has been a dream to drive and easy to work on thanks to all the forums and videos from you all. I have a couple of dents and really needs a paint job. I really want more power and a 400E might just be thing to give me the fix I need. There is a 1993 400E for sale $3990 the body looks to be in great condition and it has 150lK on it. SO WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO? I am worried I get this car and its not as affordable as my 2 years newer E320 that I have invest time in.
Last edited by Standamac; Jun 1, 2012 at 10:14 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Manassas, VA, USA
2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
I would say that at that price, there's little to lose. My '93 400E had 180k on it when it got hit and totaled, and the guy's insurance company gave me $3300 for it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
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From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
I'd be highly cautious, have a trustworthy independent pre purchase inspection.
I've seen many w lower miles at better prices,
but purchase price is only one factor and often not the main factor...
I've seen many w lower miles at better prices,
but purchase price is only one factor and often not the main factor...
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Joined: May 2007
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From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
You won't have the head gasket issues that the E320 has, but reliability will depend on how well maintained the car has been.
Things like radiator, tranny, and motor, depend entirely on servicing.
M119 motor is basically bulletproof, but check to see if the timing chain and guides have been done. Also, the engine wiring harnesses - it is crucial thT they have been replaced. They break down and cause all sorts of intermittent electrical grief - $1,000
I would think that a 19 yr old 400E would likely have had this done by now.
If the car has not been maintained, and it doesn't break down, it may still be no fun to own if the 20 year old rubber suspension components are shot, or the flex discs or the engine mounts... etc.
I would say that they are just as reliable, but engine parts used, may be harder to find.
It all depends on the condition of the individual car.
You KNOW exactly, the history and condition of your E320, but u could be buying somebody else's problem if you do not have a full service history and pre-purchase inspection.
Even then, there are no guarantees..
Bear in mind that the best 400E/E420 on the planet is for sale in Idaho for $4,900
(check with AMGdave on this 124 forum).
Things like radiator, tranny, and motor, depend entirely on servicing.
M119 motor is basically bulletproof, but check to see if the timing chain and guides have been done. Also, the engine wiring harnesses - it is crucial thT they have been replaced. They break down and cause all sorts of intermittent electrical grief - $1,000
I would think that a 19 yr old 400E would likely have had this done by now.
If the car has not been maintained, and it doesn't break down, it may still be no fun to own if the 20 year old rubber suspension components are shot, or the flex discs or the engine mounts... etc.
I would say that they are just as reliable, but engine parts used, may be harder to find.
It all depends on the condition of the individual car.
You KNOW exactly, the history and condition of your E320, but u could be buying somebody else's problem if you do not have a full service history and pre-purchase inspection.
Even then, there are no guarantees..
Bear in mind that the best 400E/E420 on the planet is for sale in Idaho for $4,900
(check with AMGdave on this 124 forum).
Last edited by 190E 16V; Jun 3, 2012 at 01:47 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Manchester, CT
V8 parts are easy to get...no worries there....but when you need to get something; it will most likely be more expensive than the 6.
You might want to flip a coin, both cars are pretty good choices to get/keep.
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All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
if someone on the forum has the numbers, I would like to see them posted.
What are the 0-60, 1/4mile times for the E320, E420, and E500 (W124's) of similar years?
each one seems just a small step upwards to the next.... I dont feel that mY 300E is appreciably slower than my E420. The E420 does have more power at the top end - in that it seems that throttle response and accelaratrion are better if you are already in the 90+mph range....... but who ever drives that fast.....
What are the 0-60, 1/4mile times for the E320, E420, and E500 (W124's) of similar years?
each one seems just a small step upwards to the next.... I dont feel that mY 300E is appreciably slower than my E420. The E420 does have more power at the top end - in that it seems that throttle response and accelaratrion are better if you are already in the 90+mph range....... but who ever drives that fast.....
I have a 1995 E320 with 164K on it and I love this car. I got it from my Dad for $1000 and put maybe $500-$700 on top of that to make it run in great shape. It has been a dream to drive and easy to work on thanks to all the forums and videos from you all. I have a couple of dents and really needs a paint job. I really want more power and a 400E might just be thing to give me the fix I need. There is a 1993 400E for sale $3990 the body looks to be in great condition and it has 150lK on it. SO WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO? I am worried I get this car and its not as affordable as my 2 years newer E320 that I have invest time in.
Senior Member
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All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
as far as my verbiage, I simply meant that the response from the engine is more noticeable in the V8 (as it should be). The 6's, however are very responsive engines and the differences are very slight in the 40 - 80 mph range..
how do you increase throttle response......... there are books written about this....
how do you increase throttle response......... there are books written about this....
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Manchester, CT
I can only comment on my real world tests with my 500E....0-60 mph is about 5.5 seconds, 1/4 mile is consistently 14.1 secs; sometimes 14.0 secs (14.5-6 secs with the cooling fans on). Some guys can get into the high 13s with removing seats, spare tire, not much fuel in the tank, etc.
I think 400E/E420s are high 14s, a 6 cylinder prolly 15 or 16 secs.
I do drive my 500E at 90+ mph ALL THE TIME too....on the highways of course.
The car seems to run its best when the speedo needle is pointing straight up....and schit, why not? I didn't buy the car to tool around town at 30 mph.
I think 400E/E420s are high 14s, a 6 cylinder prolly 15 or 16 secs.
I do drive my 500E at 90+ mph ALL THE TIME too....on the highways of course.
The car seems to run its best when the speedo needle is pointing straight up....and schit, why not? I didn't buy the car to tool around town at 30 mph.
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1990 300ce 24v I6
http://www.dragtimes.com/Mercedes-Be...slip-9340.html
That'll show you m104 300ce times, about right for what the manufacturer spec'd.
That'll show you m104 300ce times, about right for what the manufacturer spec'd.
