Hey everyone, I'm in need of some help.

I currently own a 92 300se, and plan on jumping on the e-class bandwagon. Now I'm in need of a little assistance.

I have found two 1997 e-class vehicles. The first is a beige E320 with about 150km (93,000 miles) which I have worked down to for $10,500Cdn ($9200 US). The following is a link to the vehicle.

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...6&adid=5064609

Now the second vehicle is midnight blue E420 with about 135km (83.5 miles) selling for about 12,900Cdn ($11,300 US), which I know I would be able to a lower price. Let's just say that max I would be willing to pay is 11,500Cdn. The following is a pic




NOW...

I know that this is pretty much like comparing apples and oranges to an extent, but sayin that all things are being equal because both vehicles look extremely clean, either than MINOR cosmetic paint damage with the E420, which vehicle would be a better purchase? Does one of these models have more problems mechanically, eletronically, etc.?? Is the V8 that much reliable, durable, stronger than the V6?

Personally I'm in love with everything about the E420 (black interior, bose system, V8 power, low clicks,etc.) however the way that gas is going the E320 doesn't seem that bad of a choice, but from what I've read, it isn't that much of a difference. In terms of mods, both cars can be worked on, but damn...275 horses to start with on the 420 ain't nothing to take lightly, and don't worry - I already plan on changing the grill. Not a big fan of it as it stands.

Any opinions would be GREATLY appreciated, and I'm looking to pull the trigger by the end of the week. Links to any comparisons of these vehicles, performance reviews etc. would help, but I figured that this would be the best place to start with people who have actually driven the car(s) on a regular basis.

Thanks!!

 

HEY i have owned an E420 from brand new, and i'll tell you one thing, i've never had any mechanical probs with it, and the V8 is amazing, soo much power!! i love it, also, it is ver reliable, u have much better gas on the E420, i get about 25city and 35 highway, which is extremely good for me, love thse cars, i'd say E420 the engine is practically bulletproof, te v6 is kool to, but don't rely on gas milage, and any extra power for overtaking someone, i was surprised when i raced my dad's 2002 S500 with my E420, and i actually won, amazing..but yes i'm an all go for the 420!1


good luck bro!

 

35mpg!!?? wow at best ill get 26-27. Go for the 420, youll love it.

 

If you do your own maintenance, the E320 with its inline 6 engine will be a bit easier to work on. Both are excellent motors. I think it comes down to how much you want the extra power, fuel mileage, and the condition/features of the two cars. Do they both come with records?

 

First off, thanks to all that have responded so far!

- lexrex -

The E320 is owned by a reputable pre-owned mercedes 'private' dealership. What I mean by that, is he knows most of the benz dealerships in the surrounding area and usually purchases vehicles from them. As well, he only deals with high end cars such as MB's, Audi's, BMW...only German. In terms of the car history, I believe he has it, but don't hold me to that.

With the E420, some of the history is intact, but it has only been owned by 1 person according to the dealer, and he was extremely genuine, while talking to me about the vehicle. Now, I currently take my other MB to a mechanic who has been servicing MB vehicles for over 25 years over in England and in Canada, and the sales guy said I could take it over to him for the inspection of the vehicle.

- Hense why I feel it's somewhat of a difficult decision. I don't do my own maintenance, however as aforementioned I have someone reputable to do that for me.

Now in terms of price, what would be the max that I should be looking at for a vehicle in say near mint condition for a 1997 E420? If I pay the sticker of 13K is that too much? I would rather only give up about 11.5K most (about 10K US), but if I have to strech my dollar a bit for the better car being this one, I will.

As well, does anyone have any websites or links on this forum that provide a extensive listing of mods (and tasteful, not 'fast and the furious' type...) that can be done for this body style of vehicle? I've seen the WALD body kits, and they look alright on the darker model W210. As well, I've read about Bilstein springs for better stability and cornering, as well as Brembo breaks...

Once again, thanks!!

 

One thing I didn't mention: check for rust on both cars. Likely spots for rust are under the door seals (peel back the seal on the inside edge), near on the trunk lid near the latch, and where spring perch attaches to the body in the wheel well.

 

I have a 97 e420 with 192,000 on the clicker.
only big thing was i had to put a trans in at 180,000
can't complain about that.
I still has the power to dust an ocasional mustang GT
Good luck

 

That brings up a good point that I failed to ask about as well. Does anyone know of any major repairs (i.e. transmission, engine, drivetrain, etc.) that needs to be repaired at a certain amount of clicks? Thats why I was thinkin that the V8 would be a lot better in the sense that it's a much stronger engine and would last longer and create less headache for repairs. I do understand though if anything were to happen that it would cost a lot more than the V6.

In terms of the rust spots, I plan on checking up on that this week Thurs/Friday when I go to see the cars again and make my decision. From what I could see there was none, but then again, I plan on checking where you reccomended.

Once again, any websites for performance parts, dyno upgrades, etc. that can be suggested for this vehicle? I would like to get some work done to it, regardless of V6 or V8 to give it a little extra push, plus luxury feel.

Thanks!!

 

i have an e420, and the V-8 is a beast. You should get the e420.

 

Get the 420. Power to price is a no-brainer here, given the comparison. Fuel mileage difference is not a factor.

 

you'll be good, yesu will have trouble with mechanics, most likely, this car has been good to me, if i were to buy another benz it would around this year, as mine (97) but i want an E55 with a year under 2000, Hand made Benzs!

 

Make sure you get at least $500 discount to return the grill to original condition, it looks odd with the star in the center

 

I also think that grille looks horrible on an E IMO. Both engines are great, both durable and reliable. You can search up some issues on the V6 but i don't think the harmonic balancer affects Canadian cars (because mine in Vancouver is unaffected). The V6 should obviously get better gas mileage than the old V8. Have a look at this great site on the V6 engine! http://www.whnet.com/4x4/new_V6.html

 

Believe it or not some people actually like the "star" grille from the coupes. If you do buy the car with the grille, you could probably exchange it for a stock one with a forum member who wants it.

MB AMG, you're right, that is an excellent site about the V6. The original poster is looking at two 1997 vehicles, one with the 4.2L M119 V8 and the other with the M104 inline-6. So the info about the M112 V-6 does not apply.

Although the I-6 does not have the V-6's harmonic balancer issues, some of the inline mills have trouble with leaking head gaskets. It's not terribly expensive to repair, but worth keeping an eye on.

 

You will smile in that V8 every time you hit the highway on ramp, its that good. The gas mileage difference is not worth noting unless you rabbit all the time.

 

I have 174,xxx miles on mine and I believe the most expensive thing Ive ever had to do to my car is change the spark plugs. Cost $200. I had 1 ignition coil go out, 1 oxygen sensor go out, seal on the power steering pump ($15), and a wire on one of my foglights went bad due to me submerging them in some high water. Thats all I can think of, pretty good for almost 5 years of ownership.

 

I have to agree that the 420 engine has to be one of the most reliable engines built by Mercedes. Mine has 120K and has been great. On either car make sure that there isn't a leak at the steering rack or the power steering pump. These tend to fail on the 210 and can be expensive to replace.

 

-MB AMG-

Thanks for the website on the engines. Gonna take a look at it tonite! Going with your namesake for a second, I was also researching and found a few
E420 AMG Sports. Now I must ask what is the difference between the standard model and this? I can see the obvious being the wheels, but it also looks as though it has a skirt package as well? Anything done to the engine, suspension, etc.? Or is it only these cosmetics? Hense the pic below.



As well, Still asking for any websites that people can reccomend to look at aftermarket parts that would improve the look, performance of the vehicle.

 

[QUOTE=Mr. Benzito]-MB AMG-

Thanks for the website on the engines. Gonna take a look at it tonite! Going with your namesake for a second, I was also researching and found a few
E420 AMG Sports. Now I must ask what is the difference between the standard model and this? I can see the obvious being the wheels, but it also looks as though it has a skirt package as well? Anything done to the engine, suspension, etc.? Or is it only these cosmetics? Hense the pic below.

QUOTE]

The Sport pack is 17" wheels, front, side, and rear skirts designed by AMG, and round fog lights instead of the normal shape that I can't describe. There are no mechanical or suspension differences from the non-sport.
You can add those later.

 

You can see what I did at:

http://www.mysubprofile.com/mbworld/...ures%20034.jpg

 

Indeed I said....

Quite nice! I like! I understand what you mean about the fog lights, because they are slightly different on the base model. In terms of the skirt package I was looking at a few from Wald, Lorinser or maybe even Carlson or Kleemann if I can find some old pics of the body style.

As well I would like to upgrade the headlights to the new 2K6 style with some projectors and retrofit them as some have done on this forum. That sh*t looks sexy as hell if done right, with the proper HID's, and I don't mean some 9000K ebay bulbs either...

Also thinking of some interior changes, but I suppose I would need to purchase the car first, huh?!?

Well this weekend coming up is the test drive weekend, but from all of your opinions so far, I'm leaning more and more towards the e420. Hopefully it drives crisp and I can bargin a little for the price!