Newbie to W124 E420 - searched archive but...still need FAQ info "problem areas"
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
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From: North Central Florida
BMW 5ers/Porsche 928s4/Considering '94 W124 E420; Help Dad with his W126 420sel & former W116 450sel
Newbie to W124 E420 - searched archive but...still need FAQ info "problem areas"
Hello All,
While, I'm NOT new to M-B sedans, I am new to the W124 chassis. I have come across what appears to be a good deal on a nicely kempt '94 E420 with just over 115k miles.
Questions:
1) What is the current "market value" of the 1994 E420 with these miles and in 9/10 mechanical and cosmetic condition?
2) I am looking for more detailed information on the following but have not had much success searching the archives. Can anyone point me to known links to "FAQ-type" information on the common W124 problem areas, notably:
upper wiring harness
evaporator
head gasket
valvetrain
Thanks so much for your assistance...
Happy Holidays,
Tim / TUK_MBZ
While, I'm NOT new to M-B sedans, I am new to the W124 chassis. I have come across what appears to be a good deal on a nicely kempt '94 E420 with just over 115k miles.
Questions:
1) What is the current "market value" of the 1994 E420 with these miles and in 9/10 mechanical and cosmetic condition?
2) I am looking for more detailed information on the following but have not had much success searching the archives. Can anyone point me to known links to "FAQ-type" information on the common W124 problem areas, notably:
upper wiring harness
evaporator
head gasket
valvetrain
Thanks so much for your assistance...
Happy Holidays,
Tim / TUK_MBZ
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
ex 300E driver
Well, no car is perfect.
The W124 has a few problem areas. With that E420 you are describing, it sounds good. Since you are in Florida like me, the W124 do not really go for much. The absolute most you should pay for it is $8,000. If you plan on paying more, the seller should have plenty of detailed receipts and records on the car. The A/C evaporator, wiring harness, and head gasket are the main trouble areas. Keep in mind, these are the big $$ repairs, so if it was done, and they "can't find the receipt for it", then be wary. Mileage should not be a heavy factor, as long as it feels tight, throttle is responsive, looks clean and does not bounce around, it shoud be a good buy.
The W124 has a few problem areas. With that E420 you are describing, it sounds good. Since you are in Florida like me, the W124 do not really go for much. The absolute most you should pay for it is $8,000. If you plan on paying more, the seller should have plenty of detailed receipts and records on the car. The A/C evaporator, wiring harness, and head gasket are the main trouble areas. Keep in mind, these are the big $$ repairs, so if it was done, and they "can't find the receipt for it", then be wary. Mileage should not be a heavy factor, as long as it feels tight, throttle is responsive, looks clean and does not bounce around, it shoud be a good buy.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: North Central Florida
BMW 5ers/Porsche 928s4/Considering '94 W124 E420; Help Dad with his W126 420sel & former W116 450sel
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your thoughts on my prospective purchase of the E420. I just sent you and email with some more details about the car and my questions. Would appreciate you contacting me backchannel.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
Thanks for your thoughts on my prospective purchase of the E420. I just sent you and email with some more details about the car and my questions. Would appreciate you contacting me backchannel.
Happy Holidays,
Tim
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Mercedes-Benz 400E
I have a '92 400E which is the same car as the one your looking at just without the face-lift. I bought my car just over two years ago with 120k on it, now it has over 170k on it.
The experiences that I've had with my car, maintenance wise, have been good. Besides the usual upkeep the only problems that I've had have been with the belt tensioner, waterpump, and smog pump. I replaced all myself and because of that spent less than $500 on all.
I'm sure you'll find out about the usual things to look for, engine wiring harness, evaporator, etc.; personally I never had any trouble with any of that. These cars are possibly the best built cars ever made and the model your looking at should be as well.
The experiences that I've had with my car, maintenance wise, have been good. Besides the usual upkeep the only problems that I've had have been with the belt tensioner, waterpump, and smog pump. I replaced all myself and because of that spent less than $500 on all.
I'm sure you'll find out about the usual things to look for, engine wiring harness, evaporator, etc.; personally I never had any trouble with any of that. These cars are possibly the best built cars ever made and the model your looking at should be as well.
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
E420
I have a 95 E420 SE with 114k's on the clock and the only problem i've had so far is the ASR issue which was remedied by cleaning the wheel speed sensors. The 420 is a superb machine and mine handles and performs flawlessly.Touch the accelerator and it's off to the races. I am about to order a parts list for it and if you need any info on it i can get it to you. Paid 10 grand for mine at 84k's on it and i don't regret a thing. The 420 is absolutely fun to drive and i can't imagine what a 500e would be like. Autotrader.com or Ebay Motors or Edmunds or Blue Book can give you prices on what one should go for. I'd ask plenty of questions and have it checked out before i'd take the plunge as others have mentioned.
Mr Benz
Mr Benz
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 11
From: Manchester, CT
Great car and motor (if its been maintained !!)...super sleeper..even moreso than a 500E. 
For sure, both wiring harnesses should be looked at VERY closely or just replaced for peace of mind. Getting close to do the timing chain also and its tensioner ...that could run a couple grand but if there is no noises or issues, wait until it needs it... Those are the major major items I'd say. Oh yes, P/S always leak on these models...not a big deal but they do/will leak.
Mr Benz...what did you use to clean your speed sensors? Never thought of cleaning them myself as they are up on the shock towers in the 500E...away from the road and elements. Where are they on the 420S?
For sure, both wiring harnesses should be looked at VERY closely or just replaced for peace of mind. Getting close to do the timing chain also and its tensioner ...that could run a couple grand but if there is no noises or issues, wait until it needs it... Those are the major major items I'd say. Oh yes, P/S always leak on these models...not a big deal but they do/will leak.
Mr Benz...what did you use to clean your speed sensors? Never thought of cleaning them myself as they are up on the shock towers in the 500E...away from the road and elements. Where are they on the 420S?
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 12
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W124 E420
Jim:
The wheel speed sensors are on the backside of the wheel held on by two small screws can't remember what size right off allen head i believe. Metal shavings covered both front ones. Cleaned em with some paper towels though others say they've used different methods.Cured ASR drivability issues right up and no problems since. Hope this helps.
If the E420's up to snuff one can't go wrong making this purchase. I am enamored with mine.
Mr Benz
The wheel speed sensors are on the backside of the wheel held on by two small screws can't remember what size right off allen head i believe. Metal shavings covered both front ones. Cleaned em with some paper towels though others say they've used different methods.Cured ASR drivability issues right up and no problems since. Hope this helps.
If the E420's up to snuff one can't go wrong making this purchase. I am enamored with mine.
Mr Benz
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 68
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From: Iceland
'92 500E
Friend of mine bought á '94 E420 two years ago with 101.k miles on it. He is very happy with his car and only regular maintaining work has been done.
After I testdrove his W124 V8 I was completely SOLD and had to buy one. I chose 500E because the difference in $$$ wasn't that much and also b´cause my wheels+tires didn't fit the normal W124 body.
After I testdrove his W124 V8 I was completely SOLD and had to buy one. I chose 500E because the difference in $$$ wasn't that much and also b´cause my wheels+tires didn't fit the normal W124 body.
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