anabase

I am looking for a Mercedes E320 4Matic station wagon. Does it matter which year I buy? My budget at the moment is about $12K, and I am being steered toward '01 and '02 models. Should I consider an earlier model, if the mileage isn't too high? I am new to Mercedes and would appreciate some guidance. Having driven Volvos for 20 years, I thought I would go for an XC70, but one drive in an E320 changed my mind!

ohlord

if you want a low mile 01.
Depending on where you are located I have a very nice completely inspected all services new tires new brakes new trans fluid new plugs perfect body one on the way.
Post 2000 facelift models ahve more bells and whistles but also have more electronic glitches.Inspect that everything works, all pixels, all windows,no worries about harmonic balancer on later models.
Run climate control diagnostics. 12k you can get a well sorted model with way under 80,000 miles. Which in Mercedes years is 8 oil changes
What color is your preference?


P.S. an xc70 just backed over the front of one of my track/street MGB's so they must have very poor rear vision or the driver did

ejsheltra

In S210s estates the last year is 2003. The change for sedans being in 03 and 04 for the wagons. Go for the newest you can get and obviously the best maintained. The mileage factor should come in after the maintenance has been reviewed. Look at the little things to gauge how it was taken care of. Is it really clean, is every thing working, cracks in the wood, pop the center wood console and look underneath it for dirt and spills to gauge how the car spent its life, with a considerate/ or otherwise owner. Check tire wear for evenness. Look at all the little areas and spend an hour or two privately with the car and go over it. If you are not mechanically inclined then bring a trusted friend who is and they will also be impartial. Open your search to a broad geographic area to find just the right one for you. And most of all enjoy the search. It is fun and rewarding and a learning process. Then come here and ask tons of questions. We are all ready to help a new friend. Good luck.

CTYANKEE

Members, friends, and other E320 wagon seekers,

I, too am looking for a used E320 4Matic. While my wife wants an ML, I think the wagon is a btter choice (while it also restricts the amount of stuff she can put it from the Christmas tree shoppe:-)). I have a 1996 E300 Diesel which I love and understand the expenses with an older MB. Is 120K miles a lot on a 2002 or earlier? What kind of mileage can I expect?

What to look for in the E320? How long is the engine good for (assuming propoer maintenace)? What goes - water pump, fuel system, electronics, etc? I have found good deals and some really good deals here in Connecticut - where everything is more expensive.

I understand the electronics comments and even the thought of a key bob (not kebab!) scares me.

Any thoughts? Finally, when is MB going to get smart and start building diesel wagons again!

Franasia

Overall, it's very reliable - engine in particular appears to be bullet proof and it's also nice and smooth. Electronics are also very reliable. There are some problem areas - that have been addressed many times. I recommend you use the forum search tool for that.

As far as Diesel wagons go there's never been any shortage of them - unfortunately Mercedes-Benz of N. America chooses to ignore them. You can drool a little bit at the attached image, ha, ha.

SLOPESTAR

ml has less room than the wagon!

Figuero

I would shoot for the newest low mileage car with good service records. With your budget you should be able to cherry pick.

ejsheltra

Franasia, where in new England? As you have said take care of them and they return it in kind. Don't put off maintenance and don't cut corners with the cheap stuff on important components like filters and fluids. Buy the newest wagon you can afford and I would buy from the states where the climate is good and not from in New England where salt has taken these babies to task. Open the search to a nationwide one and enlist members in your target areas to help you scrutinize a find. I am from New England way up thata way and no you cant get there from here... Maine is home plate. My wagon came from a warm and dry place. I am going to Maine and New humpsha third week in July with my little 7 yr old daughter. We are psyched... Gonna be takin the big white ghost.

anabase

I'm thinking of looking at a couple of cars in New Rochelle, NY. Does anyone know of an independent MB mechanic nearby? I'm in Connecticut, and so are the mechanics I know.

CTYANKEE

Contact me at tedcart@sbcglobal.net for a great mechanic in our area - Westport.

anabase

2000 E320 4matic wagon, 86k miles, $10.5k, private party, service records--Am taking this one to the mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.

ohlord

beat them down in price.10.5 is to high unless it has had everything done.Plugs to trans fluid change,new everything from rotors to o2 sensors and tires
In 10k miles or so you will be coming up on a big service.Learn how to diy or get them down to low 9k range to lessen the hit if you are not going to be doing your own periodic maintenance.
They are asking at least a grand and a half too much.Knock it down now or kick yourself later
Check out how much the o2 sensors you will need 4 of at 100k miles(about $100 ea. before labor if you are not going to be doing them yourself.)
Spark plugs 5-8hundred bucks at 100k miles
once again if you are not going to be doing them yourself
(in which case I can teach you how to do them for under $100.)
and keep that in mind when setting how much you will pay. Not what they want you to pay
tranny fluid and filter
rear diff fluid change
Negotiate

anabase

Am having ohlord help me find a car.

Mytoogals

I am shopping for a 2004 E320 4matic wagon. How much should I expect to pay for one in great condition? I hope to find one with about 70,000 miles or less.
Thanks!

Kieran28

I was told in another thread that post face-lift models have a more reliable transmission... so that's what we're shoping for (2000-2003 w210 4matic wagon).

In California, it seems like ~$12,000 is the target asking price for this vehicle @ around 60k - 80k miles. I'm thinking ~$10,000 or less is an acceptable *real* value. We'll see.

anabase

That's a W211. The folks on this forum may try to steer you to a W210, which ran from 1999 to 2002 (in wagon form the W210 supposedly ran through 2003, though I haven't seen one).

Resident expert ohlord called the first year W211 "the most recalled car in Mercedes history."

So, you might consider looking for an '02 (or an '03, if you can find one).

Kieran28

I saw a 2003 wagon for sale, but it wasn't 4motion, & had a crapload of miles on it. So they do exist.

I also saw a 2004 wagon for sale that was branded a "lemon law" vehicle on it's title... anecdotal evidence in support of ohlord's claim.