Got a '97 E420 AMG?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Are you looking to buy one, or already have one? If you are looking to buy, check out ebay, and search aroud more before paying 22k for a 420 with 83k miles....You can find them cheaper with that many miles, and some at the same price with less miles.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Re: No, no pictures
Originally posted by UncAl
Just wanted comments from owners about their experience with the car before I pursue it further.
Just wanted comments from owners about their experience with the car before I pursue it further.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 81
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I have one!
HI, I also got a 97 E420 not too long ago and I paid less than $20,000 with 90000 mi. So far its running great. I replaced the front rotors and added a performance exhaust.
The complaints I have about this car is cheap material used on the sun visors, disappointing Bose sound system, and the rattling of the front seats.
During your test drive, make sure you rock your front seats back and fourth to see if they make a clicking noise. I just kinda ignored it as my car is out of warrenty and I heard the only way to fix it is to replace the railing for the seats, which I assume will be expensive.
I was also considering a 97 BMW 740i at the same time and after test drives of both car I decided on the E420. I felt the E420 accelerated faster and handles better than the 740i. The 740i was kinda slow and just feels too bulky as it cornered like a big ship.
I think $22000 is definitely too high. Check out www.autotrader.com and you should be able to find one for less than $20000 with similar miles.
Best of luck.
Edward
The complaints I have about this car is cheap material used on the sun visors, disappointing Bose sound system, and the rattling of the front seats.
During your test drive, make sure you rock your front seats back and fourth to see if they make a clicking noise. I just kinda ignored it as my car is out of warrenty and I heard the only way to fix it is to replace the railing for the seats, which I assume will be expensive.
I was also considering a 97 BMW 740i at the same time and after test drives of both car I decided on the E420. I felt the E420 accelerated faster and handles better than the 740i. The 740i was kinda slow and just feels too bulky as it cornered like a big ship.
I think $22000 is definitely too high. Check out www.autotrader.com and you should be able to find one for less than $20000 with similar miles.
Best of luck.
Edward
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
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From: California
i535
Price should depend on your region, for example I found only 1997 Mercedes E420 - Silver on Black - $21900 in area where I live.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 154
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From: North Carolina, USA
1998 ML-320
Thank You!
Thanks for the comments, guys!
I am responding to an ad in the paper - still waiting on a response. So, no pictures or anything. Don't even know the color yet. Also, I was confused about the "AMG" thing. For the 420, did they just put the AMG wheels on it and call it an AMG? I figured some engine mods would be in order, a la E55 AMG. Maybe the ad is referring to the Sport model? Does the Sport model carry the AMG logo from the factory?
I may hold out for a 2000 so I can get the multi-function steering wheel. Also, I like the single windsheild wiper (had a 87 e with it, and liked it), but I think they discontinued that in 2001? in favor of two windsheild wipers.
BTW, I had an 87 e300 for six years. I put 250,000 miles on it. The ML is ok, but I don't need anything that big anymore.
Again, thanks for the input!
I am responding to an ad in the paper - still waiting on a response. So, no pictures or anything. Don't even know the color yet. Also, I was confused about the "AMG" thing. For the 420, did they just put the AMG wheels on it and call it an AMG? I figured some engine mods would be in order, a la E55 AMG. Maybe the ad is referring to the Sport model? Does the Sport model carry the AMG logo from the factory?
I may hold out for a 2000 so I can get the multi-function steering wheel. Also, I like the single windsheild wiper (had a 87 e with it, and liked it), but I think they discontinued that in 2001? in favor of two windsheild wipers.
BTW, I had an 87 e300 for six years. I put 250,000 miles on it. The ML is ok, but I don't need anything that big anymore.
Again, thanks for the input!
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 508
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From: Bay Area, CA
'97 MB E420 Sport/'88 MR2
yeah the 97 was just a Sport model that had AMG wheels and a body skirt...then there's the E55.
by the way, I bought mine in mint condition ...$26k with 52,000miles and a full new Heritage 4 year/50,000 mile warranty
by the way, I bought mine in mint condition ...$26k with 52,000miles and a full new Heritage 4 year/50,000 mile warranty
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Ya, there was no AMG model in 97....They maybe just added amg wheels, or its a sport.....A E420 is really a sweet ride, just dont pay that much. I love my E420!!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
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From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Originally posted by E420SportGT
yeah the 97 was just a Sport model that had AMG wheels and a body skirt...then there's the E55.
by the way, I bought mine in mint condition ...$26k with 52,000miles and a full new Heritage 4 year/50,000 mile warranty
yeah the 97 was just a Sport model that had AMG wheels and a body skirt...then there's the E55.
by the way, I bought mine in mint condition ...$26k with 52,000miles and a full new Heritage 4 year/50,000 mile warranty
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina, USA
1998 ML-320
Originally posted by E420SportGT
yeah the 97 was just a Sport model that had AMG wheels and a body skirt...then there's the E55.
yeah the 97 was just a Sport model that had AMG wheels and a body skirt...then there's the E55.
Thanks, guys! I knew ya'll had all the answers!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Re: 420?
Originally posted by UncAl
BTW, the 420 was only available (for the E) for one year, right? Didn't they go with a 430 for '98? Was there a problem with the 420?
Just curious ...
BTW, the 420 was only available (for the E) for one year, right? Didn't they go with a 430 for '98? Was there a problem with the 420?
Just curious ...
If i had to pick from a 97 E420 or a 98-99 E430, i would pick the E420 all over again cause of the money i will save. They have the same body style. Also remember...Mercedes engines are built to last. No matter if you buy a E420 with 100k miles, it still has 200k miles to go. They are build VERY strong...To give you a idea on how stong the engine is.....I can put a 200 shot of nos on my car STOCK, and it will work perfect. Most cars cant shoot over 75 without doing mods to the internal engine.
Just think hard before making up your mind....read about all the details. I have gave you some, just do you wanna pay the extra money for a E430? I wouldent.
I would pay extra for a 2000 model hehe...the new ground effects they have are alot nicer i think....But i figure i would just save buying a E420 and just buy ground effects for the car....save me 1000's....
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 154
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From: North Carolina, USA
1998 ML-320
Re: Re: 420?
Originally posted by Benz
If you read about both engines, there is not much of a diff...Same horsepower, same torque, same 1/4 mile times, same 0-60 times....The only diff is the 1mpg better fuel.
If you read about both engines, there is not much of a diff...Same horsepower, same torque, same 1/4 mile times, same 0-60 times....The only diff is the 1mpg better fuel.
I would pay extra for a 2000 model hehe...the new ground effects they have are alot nicer i think....But i figure i would just save buying a E420 and just buy ground effects for the car....save me 1000's....Good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
2000 F-150 XLT Sport Crew Cab
Originally posted by 6.3
Hey Benz,
I konw nothing about adding NOS to the set up of e420 but what is the poerformance difference on that V8 after you add it?
Hey Benz,
I konw nothing about adding NOS to the set up of e420 but what is the poerformance difference on that V8 after you add it?
The reason the E420/E430 are so freaking slow compared to the E55, is not just cause of the engine, but of the gears....If you notice, it takes awhile for a E420/E430 to get out of the whole, while the E55 can launch. Im trying to find gears for my car right now, but seems everyone wants like 2k for them, when the last car i had i only paid 200$ for. Pretty crazy how they think all mercedes owners are rich or something.....Thats why most of the stuff getting done to my car is all custom made.
But ya..NOS will give it the get go if thats what you are looking for...And the mercedes engine is built like a rock!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: 90210
2001 E55
I have a 1997 E 420 Sport. Dark Purple with AMG Monoblock wheels, front & rear spoilers from the factory. Bought it new in 90210.
There are many things to watch for:
Transmission leaks
Front spoiler cracks
Bulbs burn out, a lot
Dash cracks
Radio poor- on 3rd one and still no AM
Eats brakes
Elec. window motor shatters glass(twice)
A/C eats coolant
Remote entry so so
02 sensor, twice
Alignments, a lot
Headlamp covers are plastic, get(very) yellow and need replacing
I have put on a Remus Exhaust, 18in monoblocks, K&N air filter and had the chip reprogramed. I can't feel a difference in performance from an E 55 that I drove for a couple of days last year. I flat out love the car but I am surprised by the amount of problems it has had. It is an early car so perhaps you may be luckier, the dealer has been terrific about warranty and even after has fixed many small ***** list items for free. Get good tires and keep them aligned, ebay is a good source of aftermarket items. You will not find a more nimble, good looking car that has character for less than $25,000-plus you get a star on the front, 4 big people inside and withstand a collision from almost anything on the road. I call it a bargain.
There are many things to watch for:
Transmission leaks
Front spoiler cracks
Bulbs burn out, a lot
Dash cracks
Radio poor- on 3rd one and still no AM
Eats brakes
Elec. window motor shatters glass(twice)
A/C eats coolant
Remote entry so so
02 sensor, twice
Alignments, a lot
Headlamp covers are plastic, get(very) yellow and need replacing
I have put on a Remus Exhaust, 18in monoblocks, K&N air filter and had the chip reprogramed. I can't feel a difference in performance from an E 55 that I drove for a couple of days last year. I flat out love the car but I am surprised by the amount of problems it has had. It is an early car so perhaps you may be luckier, the dealer has been terrific about warranty and even after has fixed many small ***** list items for free. Get good tires and keep them aligned, ebay is a good source of aftermarket items. You will not find a more nimble, good looking car that has character for less than $25,000-plus you get a star on the front, 4 big people inside and withstand a collision from almost anything on the road. I call it a bargain.
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 82
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From: 90210
2001 E55
I had the car reprogrammed, the chip was customized in the car, the shift rates for the tranny were increased by 300 RPM. It was done with the car running by a gentleman with a laptop who works here in 90210 on some very serious cars.
Throttle response , torque and peak HP are very noticeably improved but by how much I don't know. I have a good friend with a 2000E 55, we have driven on an open road for about 50 miles like ducks in a row. There was no difference at all under full acceleration between the 2 cars and he tells me he was flat out when traffic opened up. On Mulholland drive here in own I can very very slightly pull away during very twisty bits but I think I have better tires and know the road better.
The Laptop man "guesstimates" with the exhaust, K & N, and reprogramming the car has about 340 HP.
ps. From a dead stop start the 55 is quicker off the line and stays that way to about 80mph where the difference is a full car length.
Throttle response , torque and peak HP are very noticeably improved but by how much I don't know. I have a good friend with a 2000E 55, we have driven on an open road for about 50 miles like ducks in a row. There was no difference at all under full acceleration between the 2 cars and he tells me he was flat out when traffic opened up. On Mulholland drive here in own I can very very slightly pull away during very twisty bits but I think I have better tires and know the road better.
The Laptop man "guesstimates" with the exhaust, K & N, and reprogramming the car has about 340 HP.
ps. From a dead stop start the 55 is quicker off the line and stays that way to about 80mph where the difference is a full car length.
Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: FL
W124 E36T AMG; W124 500E
I believe the early W210 E420's used the M119 V8 from the W124 400E/E420. As such, it is a bullet-proof engine, however, very little forced-induction mods.
The later W210 E430's used the modular M113 V8. These have lot's of forced-induction options, with Kleemann, IMHO, being the best.
A M113 V8 E430 supercharged by Kleemann would rival the output of a W210 E55 AMG.
Summary results:
HP @ Rear wheels BEFORE = 223 HP @ Crankshaft BEFORE = 279
HP @ Rear wheels AFTER = 341 HP @ Crankshaft AFTER = 426
Something to think about...
An E55 AMG is rated at 349 HP at the crankshaft. The E430K produces 22% MORE POWER (77HP) than the E55.
An E430 with a KLEEMANN Kompressor costs LESS than an E55 and you also pay LOWER insurance rates.
With all of the nice used E430's on the market it is very tempting to snap one up and transform it with KLEEMANN performance. Hmmm
Check it out here:
http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00003/00003.html
The later W210 E430's used the modular M113 V8. These have lot's of forced-induction options, with Kleemann, IMHO, being the best.
A M113 V8 E430 supercharged by Kleemann would rival the output of a W210 E55 AMG.
Summary results:
HP @ Rear wheels BEFORE = 223 HP @ Crankshaft BEFORE = 279
HP @ Rear wheels AFTER = 341 HP @ Crankshaft AFTER = 426
Something to think about...
An E55 AMG is rated at 349 HP at the crankshaft. The E430K produces 22% MORE POWER (77HP) than the E55.
An E430 with a KLEEMANN Kompressor costs LESS than an E55 and you also pay LOWER insurance rates.
With all of the nice used E430's on the market it is very tempting to snap one up and transform it with KLEEMANN performance. Hmmm
Check it out here:
http://www.mbautowerks.com/performance/00003/00003.html
Last edited by M104-AMG; Feb 6, 2003 at 12:33 PM.
