1997-1999 e430
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
!997
was a 420.What is your budget?99-00 you can find with far less then 90k miles.
Where are you located?Why do you want a 430 v8 versus the 320 v6?
Issues are the same pretty much with both models.Harmonic balancer recall ,make sure it was done if it is a serial number that calls for the recall.Rust issues,inspect everything esp if you live in the rust belt states,doors etc. and most important the spring perches up front.You need to peel off the mastic and inspect for rust on the 98-99.other issues crop up,window regulators,mass air sensors etc.,hard to plan for those sometimes ,they never happen,but a statistical probability they may.
other then those both the E320 and the E430 are joys to own and drive,mod,and just plain admire.
Oh yeah one more caveat,don't buy either unless A. you want to learn to do your own maint. work,which we can help you do...... or B. you have deep pockets and like to get ripped by the dealer every time you need maint. done and or repairs.They are easy to work on,and parts bought at the right places are fair in cost if you are the DIY type,if not the dealers prices are sometimes 3-5 times higher for just the part and labor is over 100bucks an hour and more.i.e. spark plugs that you buy every 100000 miles to change are $2.79 each at the parts house............Dealer $15-$18 bucks each!!!!!!
and you need 12 in the v6 and 16 in the v8,do the math.....
Where are you located?Why do you want a 430 v8 versus the 320 v6?
Issues are the same pretty much with both models.Harmonic balancer recall ,make sure it was done if it is a serial number that calls for the recall.Rust issues,inspect everything esp if you live in the rust belt states,doors etc. and most important the spring perches up front.You need to peel off the mastic and inspect for rust on the 98-99.other issues crop up,window regulators,mass air sensors etc.,hard to plan for those sometimes ,they never happen,but a statistical probability they may.
other then those both the E320 and the E430 are joys to own and drive,mod,and just plain admire.
Oh yeah one more caveat,don't buy either unless A. you want to learn to do your own maint. work,which we can help you do...... or B. you have deep pockets and like to get ripped by the dealer every time you need maint. done and or repairs.They are easy to work on,and parts bought at the right places are fair in cost if you are the DIY type,if not the dealers prices are sometimes 3-5 times higher for just the part and labor is over 100bucks an hour and more.i.e. spark plugs that you buy every 100000 miles to change are $2.79 each at the parts house............Dealer $15-$18 bucks each!!!!!!
and you need 12 in the v6 and 16 in the v8,do the math.....
Last edited by ohlord; Sep 29, 2007 at 05:18 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
1998 E430
everybody on this site that owns a 97E420 is going to tell you to get one and how great it is. everybody on this site that doesn't own a 97E420 is going to tell you to get a 98E430 or a 99E430. They all have minor issues that need to be dealt with and tinkered with. this 210 site is filled with people constantly discussing all the same little issues over and over. once you figure out what they are (sunroof, taillights, maf,cracked dash,defect lamp light, rear window regulators,seats, front brake pads, they aren't a bad car, you just have to give it a lot of attention once in a while. so if you don't Diy I Would suggest another car. if you don't mind giving the car some attention they are great cars.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
1999 E430 Sport
Ditto
What they said. Bought a 99 E430 (100k miles) just over a year ago and quickly learned after much lurking on this site that DIY is way to go. Problems encountered include bulbs out, air intake duct/MAF replacement, and I think one of my cats is going bad . Best advice...buy the ODB code reader and purchase parts via reliable internet source (thanks ohlord).
. Best advice...buy the ODB code reader and purchase parts via reliable internet source (thanks ohlord).
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 33
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From: powell ohio
98 E320 99 E430 w/mods
what to buy
Bought a 99 430 with 60k about a year ago. so far only a window regulator DIY. Car is Fast pleasure to drive avg 22mpg.
Bought a 98 320 71k in dec 07...no problems so far...avg 24-25 mpg....BOTH cars had extensive maintenance records prior to purchase including the 60k service done by a dealer....Good Luck
Bought a 98 320 71k in dec 07...no problems so far...avg 24-25 mpg....BOTH cars had extensive maintenance records prior to purchase including the 60k service done by a dealer....Good Luck
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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1997 E420
E420...1997
I've had a E420 for the last three years. It's been an awesome daily driver, with my DIY maintenane the car has been relatively inexpensive to maintain.
Case in point- Full Brake job at the dealer, around 800 dollars. Full Brake job in your own garage- 250 dollars.
Some like the 4 valve per cylinder E420 engine, others like newer E430 engine with 3 valve's per cylinder. Drive one of each and see what you like. You already know my opinion...
Case in point- Full Brake job at the dealer, around 800 dollars. Full Brake job in your own garage- 250 dollars.
Some like the 4 valve per cylinder E420 engine, others like newer E430 engine with 3 valve's per cylinder. Drive one of each and see what you like. You already know my opinion...
