Nasty Nate

I'm still continuing my search for a nice E class, and my finances dictate that I'll be purchasing something in the $10-15k range. I am fairly sure that I'll be buying a V8 E class, unless a white on tan 320 pops up at the right price.

I keep seeing nice '97 E 420's at much lower prices than the 430s. I am leery about purchasing an E420 since it was a one year run, but they are so much cheaper in price! I've seen a couple of nice ones advertised for $8900 with very reasonable mileage (130k km and 170k km), so the price is really making me take a second look.

Is there any real reason to stay away from these? Any E420 specific problems that the E430 might not have? Is it worth it to spend the extra $3-6k for an E430? Any info would be greatly appreciated, and people with first hand experience I would really really like to hear from you

ohlord

Really if you found a very nice one it would still be the old hand me down technology,the 420 was the last of the old guard engines.Same with the transmission,potential problems.Don't know why you are leaning towards the v8,the 3.2 holds it's own and easier to maintain and operate.10-15k is a wide price range to shop in and should allow you to find a very nice 99-00 or early 01 after that the build quality dropped like a stone.........
ohlord
"LET THE FLAMES BEGIN"

Britrover

I own a 99 E320 4 Matic and 01 E 430. I would recommend if at all possible going for the post facelift Model in the E class. Like OhLord mentioned the E320 is not slow by any means but I really wanted the 8 cylinder so got the E430 as the second car.

I had also looked into the E420 and they are reliable but many folks mentioned about some transmission bugs.

Just have the car checked in detail and you'll be fine.

Nasty Nate

Well, I'm just not too sure on the differences which is why I was curious. I guess I'll just keep looking at the 320s and 430s. I havent test driven any 320s yet, but I have taken a 430 for a ride and I really enjoyed the power and pick up. I've heard the 320 is not a slouch but I'm an aggressive driver, so I thought the 430 might suit my driving needs better. I wont rule out either, but I better go out and test an E320 to see if I'd like it enough. THanks again.

Tommy_s4

personaly if you can find it get a 1997 E320. It has an I6 motor that is more powerful then the V6, plus it can be made faster then any 430 or SLK350.

ohlord

TG the v6 not only has more torque,and h.p. it also averages slightly higher mpg.As to the faster then the 430 or slk 350,sure anything can be made faster,some people in reality and others,in their dreams,Btw video posted yet?
ohlord
"GOT PROOF?"

Bossman123

This is true. I love the power band that kicks in around 3000rpm on my v6! It is plenty of power for my needs. In other words, the v6 pulls like a ****. I wish they would have distributed the power curve a little wider. When the torque hits, the rear end can get a little loose. I've seen the yellow triangle light up at 35 mph more times than I like.

Quadcammer

what do you run, bicycle tires?

a 220bhp automatic car that weighs 3600lbs is not lighting up the tires from a 35mph roll.

not a chance.

I swear to god, I have never seen a more delusional group of car owners than on here.

"the v6 pulls like a ****". Yeah, if you consider mid 15s in the 1/4 pulling like a ****, i guess you're right. Fyi, modern accords run it in low 14s.

ohlord

honda 2007 v6
1/4 Mile ET: 15.130
1/4 Mile MPH: 94.220
1/8 Mile ET: 9.860
1/8 Mile MPH: 75.570
0-60 Foot ET: 2.550
Temperature F: 40.0
So while delusion may be a small part of the fringe group,the facts always speak for themselves,unless the honda you tested had a boost of gas,a 8 year old 320 will walk it,every time.......Never mind what your fine v8 would do.
ohlord

gqmagic

To answer the original question, no there aren't any negatives, good gas mileage, good power when needed, well built, and on and on. Its actually a lot of car and for the prices now, one of the best buys out. Find the lowest mileage example you can. or a 430. I'm biased to v8's.

Quadcammer

Im sorry, but I do not consider one source of information, facts. What is your source, further, a 60ft time of 2.55 seconds is the most pathetic thing i've ever seen indicating a pretty poor driver.

Here is another source

2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 Coupe 6.2 14.5 (0-60, 1/4)
1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 7.1 15.4
1998 Mercedes-Benz E430 Sport 6.1 14.5
http://www.albeedigital.com/supercou...0-60times.html

Id wager that you would still get slapped around by a new accord.

Regardless, to insinuate things like spinning the tires from a 35mph roll, and "pulling like a ****", im 1000% skeptical.

ohlord

Pro driver..A properly maintained E,even my wagon will walk the honda,that's asian import horse power and the mercedes is running torque.Never the less,you are so correct about the claims made by some here,unless pulling like a **** is in comparison to a 66 bone stock 1600 cc V.W.!!!!!
My wagon is quick,agile,fun to drive,and by no means a slug,but I'd be pushing it to say some of the claims made round here are even in the realm of reality.
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"

bzliteyear

the E320 has plenty of power - even in the wagon, unless it's got 5 big passengers...then you can feel the weight.

if you're after power and can go up to $15k...why not consider a higher mileage E55? i got a 2001 in the hi teens w/ 82k miles. if you look for 1999 or 2000, it might be close/within your range.

good luck...properly maintained, these are very nice cars.

eXpLiCitW210

Your negative comments are not really welcome in this forum. People here are to give advice and opinions about W210 issues or questions. Take you and your useless comments out of here and go talk $h!t somewhere else.

ZedStyle

speaking of delusional, weren't you the guy who thought ford mustang rims would bolt right up to your benz, even after half the forum told you they wouldn't because of bolt pattern and hub diameter?

Quadcammer

thank you oh wise master of the forum. I forgot that people like to live in a dream world where their stock 320 lights the tires up at 100mph, runs up to 185mph, and slaps around corvettes. Nothing but completely mindless MB *** kissing will do. Silly me

Unfortunately, reality is a strong force with me, so I generally don't put up with outright lies.

Btw, you've been here for 2 months. Maybe you'll see that when people don't post nonsense, Im quite helpful.

Quadcammer

yup. With some custom modifications, the wheels would have worked fine. But it wasn't worth it, so I didn't persue it.

Let me guess, you think your 124 runs with brand new 911 turbos right?

give me a break.

amgqmp1

I've been here for less than two months, and, the type of inflammatory posts you've carpet bombed this thread with aren't welcome to me either.

I was just looking to gain some knowledge on what an E420 was when I poked my eyes into this thread...not read this childish banter.

Take the pissing match somewhere else...please.

Bossman123

Where did I say my 320 lights up it's tires at 35 mph? You know Oliver, your an *** over on LS2 and your an *** here as well. I guess your just an *** all around.

ZedStyle

only when i bolt on the lambo rims

ohlord

Lots of helpful info,and everyone is allowed to think about wheel options and ask about the possibilities of this or that wheel,and everyone is allowed to be cut slack,for a got out of bed on the wrong side thread,and when the newbie has been around awhile and explored the posts of 135mph on this hway or that, and 2ft rear spoilers on perfectly exquisite cars,maybe then and not even then can he tell someone to take a hike.
After all, any time he can point out my transposition of the pcv and egr valves,and offer other valuable advice to members,you and others need to extend the same courtesy you would like given to yourself,when you take someone to task.
ohlord
"GOT PEACE?"

ZedStyle

i hope that's directed at him; his first post in the thread was not exactly helpful to anyone, and was just annoying.
anyway, i'm off to w124 land, where we have someone building a car that WILL run with 911's...

ReZzZ320

actually I6 engines have a better power curve than their V6 brethren and are much easier to modify for more power than V6s. Besides there are many popular sports cars that use I6 engines such as the E46 M# and the TVR Tuscan Speed Six (ever seen the movie "Swordfish"??)

ReZzZ320

i'm surprised you guys are bothering urslf over a member whose beating himself up coz he bought a lemon of a benz and wants to announce it over here as well and to add insult to injury he drives a MUSTANG.

if any of you guys have children you will realize that it's best if you ignore then once they decide to throw their melodic tantrum and the concept applies here

anyways ZedStyle just noticed that member ur talking about really deserves respect for putting so much effort into a M103-powered Benz. I guess if I won the lottery i'd build a benz that would alse RUN with 911s as well

Quadcammer

Part of the ESP is the following, from wikipedia: ESC also integrates all-speed traction control, which senses drive-wheel slip under acceleration and individually brakes the slipping wheel or wheels, and/or reduces excess engine power, until control is regained.

So, you say the rear end gets "loose". Unless you have some broken suspension pieces, your car is not getting loose unless the tires are loosing traction. Im assuming you don't go slapping the pedal around turns, so to me your post indicates that your traction control is activated at 35mph, which indicates that wheel spin is occurring.

A car that develops at best 180rwhp is not going to spin a tire from a 35mph roll. Its just the physics of the situation.