'99 E430 or '99 E320
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Range Rover
'99 E430 or '99 E320
I am planning on buying either an E430 w/ 56k miles on it or an E320 with 22k miles. I would prefer the V8 but am concerned with the mileage. Both appear clean and mechanically sound. any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 0
From: NY/NJ
What is more important to you?
Power or "New-ness" ?
V8 = more power, more standard equipment, however the 320 is still under factory warranty so you might be better off that way. If it were up to me, i would go with the E320 and get some mods on it.
Power or "New-ness" ?
V8 = more power, more standard equipment, however the 320 is still under factory warranty so you might be better off that way. If it were up to me, i would go with the E320 and get some mods on it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Range Rover
Thanks for the reply. Both power and "new-ness" appeal to me. That is what is making the decision so hard. Price is about $1500 higher for the 320 with fewer miles. I do like the 320 with mods idea.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 207
Likes: 1
From: CA
2014 E350, 2008 C300 Sport
After getting my 320, I wondered if I should have gotten a 430. Power is still good on the 320 but I guess I just got used to it and began to want more. You may consider extending the warranty if you can. But if I had to choose, I'd go for the lower mileage 320 and get some custom rims. The power issue isn't that big of a deal with me.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Houston
08 S550, 10 GLK350, 05 Clk500
I would keep on looking and get an E430 with under 50,000 miles so you can still be picky about a few things.
When I got my used E420, I had the dash, door panel and C pillar panel replaced under warranty.
MB initial warranty is unbelievable, as long as you have a few thousand miles left you can get most everything taken care off (and also still buy a full extended warranty from 3rd parties, since your car is still under warranty).
My vote, a late 1998 or 1999 E430 with 40 - 45,000 miles.
When I got my used E420, I had the dash, door panel and C pillar panel replaced under warranty.
MB initial warranty is unbelievable, as long as you have a few thousand miles left you can get most everything taken care off (and also still buy a full extended warranty from 3rd parties, since your car is still under warranty).
My vote, a late 1998 or 1999 E430 with 40 - 45,000 miles.
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: California
2000 E430 Desert Silver
Yep, it's not an easy decision 
I am very impressed with the E320 smooth V6 engine. In acceleration (in city), it's very close to the E430 !!! My opinion, the only difference between the V6 and V8 is when you're cruising above 100 MPH... So, if you're doing 80/85 MPH on the freeway then go for the E320 with 20K miles.
I don't know how much you pay for the 99 E320 but my guess should be at least 30K to 35K ??? If it's 35K, You may get a brand new one for 45K before taxes. Someone in Florida said he can get it 45K out of the door, that means around 41K before taxes!
That's a very good deal but I don't believe him..... Good luck.
I am very impressed with the E320 smooth V6 engine. In acceleration (in city), it's very close to the E430 !!! My opinion, the only difference between the V6 and V8 is when you're cruising above 100 MPH... So, if you're doing 80/85 MPH on the freeway then go for the E320 with 20K miles.
I don't know how much you pay for the 99 E320 but my guess should be at least 30K to 35K ??? If it's 35K, You may get a brand new one for 45K before taxes. Someone in Florida said he can get it 45K out of the door, that means around 41K before taxes!
That's a very good deal but I don't believe him..... Good luck.
Last edited by phungpho; Jun 23, 2002 at 02:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
If possible get a 2000 E320. It may cost the same or close to a 99 E430. That year was the mid-model upgrades and makes the 96-99 models look very dated. 2000+ model bring a long list of upgrades.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: so cal
which car
i have the 320 and think it works very well for what my needs are. not really a pedal pusher allthe time. and agree with phung pho that the power issue is not that much different city wise comparing the v8.. plus being not a super hard driver, the v6 still has plenty of juice .
good luck on your decision. oh yeah last week i took off my front plate for cleaner look. still awating flat emblem though.
good luck on your decision. oh yeah last week i took off my front plate for cleaner look. still awating flat emblem though.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
