Buying E320, anything I need to focus on?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
Buying E320, anything I need to focus on?
I am about to head down to VA to buy a 99 Black/black E320 (91k miles) for the wifey. I am an E-class kinda guy, but have all been w124's, and I am not going to give her my 300ce, so the E320 is a safe bet. We are going for W210 V6 of some capacity, so I am trying to learn more about them.
My question is, are there any typical issues (that are not listed on edmunds or consumerguide) that I should look for or ask about?
Thanks ahead of time, I just want to make the best decision.
My question is, are there any typical issues (that are not listed on edmunds or consumerguide) that I should look for or ask about?
Thanks ahead of time, I just want to make the best decision.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Does the prior owner have his maintenance records? If you can take the vin# and get the service history run at a Mercedes Dealer. The vast majority of repairs seem to be for Maf and 02 sensors, cat conv sensors, window regulators, A/C coolant exp tank ( a very expensive one I might add). Check to see if they replaced the Tranny fluid yet, and if they did not do it immediately.
If the car has had most of these things done already, chances are it will have a relatively trouble free life now. I've never had any problems in the driveline.
If the car has had most of these things done already, chances are it will have a relatively trouble free life now. I've never had any problems in the driveline.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
Does the prior owner have his maintenance records? If you can take the vin# and get the service history run at a Mercedes Dealer. The vast majority of repairs seem to be for Maf and 02 sensors, cat conv sensors, window regulators, A/C coolant exp tank ( a very expensive one I might add). Check to see if they replaced the Tranny fluid yet, and if they did not do it immediately.
If the car has had most of these things done already, chances are it will have a relatively trouble free life now. I've never had any problems in the driveline.
If the car has had most of these things done already, chances are it will have a relatively trouble free life now. I've never had any problems in the driveline.
See that is my consern about this one car, I have never bought a car without service records. This car is at a wholesaler and the auction does not provide service records.
I will check those things too, thanks.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Mercedes-AMG SUVs Arrive With NEW V8 Engine: 12 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 0
From: Naples, FL
BMW X3. R33 skyline
u know u want a V8 .....
check to make sure A/C works....check the oil....check to see if the seats are fully directional, often the headrest fails...check the mirror to see if is still hads the spring attached...
.....check to make sure A/C works....check the oil....check to see if the seats are fully directional, often the headrest fails...check the mirror to see if is still hads the spring attached...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
On sunday we drove 2 hours down there, made arrangements to have our 9 month old son watched, get there and no sales guy. Called multiple times, waited a while, and called again. Walked around car a little, checked everything I could from the exterior. (Cracked driver side fog light lense, leather more worn that I have seen on any 1999 car, buttons missing and damaged on center console, trunk not quite aligned perfectly on drivers side seam, small chips on front of car.)
Wifey got very pissed, left a note and stern VM message. Drive towards home, stop in Potomic Mills, grab some sushi, head home. Spent 1/2 a weekend day away from my son, sister in law was in from out of town, missed bears v. seahawks game.
Get a call first thing this morning from sale guy who was supposed to be there. Says he was in a 'fender bender' that morning and get there shortly after we left. Says he will refund us $100 off the price of the car.
I am not quite sure what I want to do at the moment. Decent car, great price, shady salesman, lost most of a weekend day.
Wifey got very pissed, left a note and stern VM message. Drive towards home, stop in Potomic Mills, grab some sushi, head home. Spent 1/2 a weekend day away from my son, sister in law was in from out of town, missed bears v. seahawks game.
Get a call first thing this morning from sale guy who was supposed to be there. Says he was in a 'fender bender' that morning and get there shortly after we left. Says he will refund us $100 off the price of the car.
I am not quite sure what I want to do at the moment. Decent car, great price, shady salesman, lost most of a weekend day.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
My worry is that we will not find one for the price of this one. If you guys can help a friend out and give me a heads up on a 99 E320 near 21017 ? I dont want to have to look at Camrys again.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Boringville, Ca
2001 E320 (SOLD) / 07 Ducati
To me, impression is everything and your gut has a voice that you can't ignore. Be safe, wise, and move on man. There's more out there...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
I agree, I had to let that one go. I did find a few similar cars...
the wifey loves this E320 4Matic (click here) (but I have my worries about the 4Matics).
Green 528i (click here)
Very attractive A6 wagon (click)
Blue 2002 TL
Silver TL Type S
Tan 528iT but very greasey sales man called..
the wifey loves this E320 4Matic (click here) (but I have my worries about the 4Matics).
Green 528i (click here)
Very attractive A6 wagon (click)
Blue 2002 TL
Silver TL Type S
Tan 528iT but very greasey sales man called..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
In my opinion, the E is nicer than all of the ones shown. However, the Tl is a lot newer, and may have less pricey issues.
From what I hear though, the 4matic is practically bulletproof.
From what I hear though, the 4matic is practically bulletproof.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
What are we talking about in miles per gallon difference? (non 4matic to 4matic) and those are mostly for example, not a thing of having to choose one of them
Last edited by denim; Jan 17, 2007 at 12:34 PM.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Richardson, TX
'04 Cobra & '04 S430
For What It's Worth - I was in your shoes about a year ago. We looked at the Acura's for a while but decided against them. Seems like there is a Transmission problem that requires the transmission to be replaced. Acura, instead of fixing the problem, extended the warranty out to 100K miles on the transmissions. Many Acura owners are aware of this, and sell their cars shy of the 100K mile mark.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: MD
1993 300CE, 1999 528i
For What It's Worth - I was in your shoes about a year ago. We looked at the Acura's for a while but decided against them. Seems like there is a Transmission problem that requires the transmission to be replaced. Acura, instead of fixing the problem, extended the warranty out to 100K miles on the transmissions. Many Acura owners are aware of this, and sell their cars shy of the 100K mile mark.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
E320 MB seems to have 2 major problems (1) Rusty front spring perches (2) Head gasket leaks at around 10-yr old or 80-120K miles. Not sure if the leak is due to its aluminum head and difference in thermal expansion of metal or due to faulty design of its original head gasket
