E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 10:31 PM
  #1  
marlboromanG's Avatar
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1997 E320 (black) 1996 E320 (white)
Expert opinions?

Alright brothers, long story short (kinda)... I came across a 96 E320 that someone wants to just sell and not deal with the hassles at what seems to be a great steal ($1300 - I'm thinking "whoa... thats just 1 paycheck!") Cosmetically she looks good for a 96, has 144k miles on her, but the engine sounds smoother than my 97 due to the fact the owners recently took it to the stealership for an engine look over and tune up which cost them a pretty penny. With my limited knowledge on our w210's I did check out the spring perches, inspected for oil leaks, as well as the basic fluid checks and so forth and it still looks good to go.

HOWEVER, they said theres a tranny problem which doesnt allow the car to shift gears. Apparently they had the transmission fluid flushed and a few weeks later they were left with a 1st gear only e320 (reverse works ). Added, the power windows seem a bit quirky unless I toggle the shift knob position, leading me to think its an electrical problem. Stealership claims the electrical is fine and its the transmission that needs work ($3,500 repair from them). I plan on running a diagnostic this weekend and seeing if it tells me anything. Anyone have a suggestion on what the problem is? If it isnt too pricey to repair I'd love to have a matching pair on my driveway.
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:24 PM
  #2  
ohlord's Avatar
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Transmission

mechanical linkage,hydraulic operation,nothing to do with the windows.
http://w210.pietrzyk.net/transmission72234.htm
input/output turbine sensor probably got damaged in the flushing.Check proper level at operating temp.
Where are you located?Used trans are at wreckers.probably only worth 5g anyway so no sense to put $4800 into it and then have something else go wrong.
Verdict?Offer them 500 and part it out on craigslist,here and on benzworld.org w210 section.peeps always in need of parts.
ohlord
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Old Nov 30, 2007 | 11:43 PM
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marlboromanG's Avatar
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1997 E320 (black) 1996 E320 (white)
Thanks for the reply ohlord. Well, I can get a new re-built (oxymoron?) transmission for $1500 so with labor I'm thinking total to have another e320 would run me $3800 (not quite a steal anymore but still a bit of a discount from blue book) My hopes were when I had a similar problem (gears not shifting) with my e320 I took it to the shop they said liquid had spilled in the cup holder area which damaged the electrical. Job cost $600-$800 (forgot) and now everything is good. On this 96 the windows work fine in park, but while its driving thats when they sorta give out unless I mess around with the shifter. I was just figuring that the window thing may lead me to believe the entire problem is electrical and $800 would remedy the problems. Well, I hope the diagnostic sheds a little light on pinpointing the problem(s) so I can make a more intelligent decision.
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