bini900

Hi! I am considering a '94 E320 convertible as a summer cruiser (I'd probably put about 1.5K miles yearly on the car).

The car is originally a LA car, now used as a summer driver, always garaged. It has 125K miles, for sale for $5K. Unfortunately, the owner hasn't kept the records. I've done some research, and know to ask about the wiring harness and the top hydraulics, but am wondering if there are any other things I should look for.

Additionally, without the records, I feel like I'm gambling a bit with the car. I'm no stranger to vintage cars (have a vintage Alfa Romeo and have put lots of money into my 2006 C350, but given my technical capabilities, will have to rely on a mechanic. So, I'd like to avoid financial hemorrhaging in general :-0

Any advice?

TIA,

rustybear3

Yeah....you're buying a 25 year car. Just about anything is liable to go wrong with it. Since you not mechanically inclined, it indeed could cost you a small fortune. It's up to you whether you want to roll the dice. Do you feel lucky?

ds190

Also, the wiring issue affects the ETA (Electronic Throttle Actuator) and will need to be rebuilt at some point. The evaporator will likely leak at some point (galvanic corrosion between copper and aluminum). The top hydraulic cylinders will need to be rebuilt.

Critical to inspect are the ball joints, the flex discs, and the top mechanism and hydraulic pump. The rest are issues with a 25 year old car, and the 124 has a lot of rubber bushings, rubber in suspension pieces, and even vacuum hose that crack.

You need to be prepared to fix or have fixed a lot of little items.

Jack McCarty

I had an 94 E320 Cab from 98-2001 bought
from Fletcher Jones / Newport. It was a great car with no problems in those 3 years.

i now have a 91 300CE bought in 2002.
What I have learned in restoring the 91 is that
the earlier motor is actually more reliable & less problematic than the engines of the 93CE & Cab & the 94/95 E320 models.

In a misguided attempt to “Go Green,” MB
installed biodegradable wiring in ALL 93-96
vehicles. As the wiring breaks down, all sorts of electrical shorts can happen, sporadically.

So, by mistake (never a recall or TSB), your
M104 engine can short circuit just like THAT!
Each M104 engine has 2 wiring harnesses which must be replaced at a cost of $750 & ip
PLUS several hours of installation by a MB
Mechanic.
So, in your search for a Cab, have the engine inspected by a MB Mechanic, ask present owner for all mechanical repair records and
be very sure the 2 harnesses have been replaced.
also, be aware that the compromised wiring runs THROUGHOUT the car, so long range,
additional electrical issues may erupt.
But, the engine wiring is failing now because of the combo of engine compartment heat &
faulty wiring. Good luck in your more educated search!

Celicasaur

WOW only $5k!? that's a bargain and a half! However...proceed with caution...

I remember when I bought my cabrio for close to the same amount....it seemed like a bargain....but I'm £10k deep right now and still have a little bit to do. Moral of the story - take somebody who really knows the cabrio to give the car a thorough twice over, particularly paying attention to the condition of the roof. If you have any desire to actually enjoy the car also, the suspension will very likely need a full restoration from top to bottom. Mine has has everything...full underbody restoration, brand new engine loom, rebuilt roof top rams, new hood, headliner etc etc....but...like i said...it's not been the bargain that I thought it would be. It's amazing now. But...not a bargain.

ohollenbeck

The OP has not answered back at all, not uncommon for a new member. I was going to add a few thoughts, but the audience that would benefit is no longer present. We all know the drill.