Considering an E320 wagon
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
N/A
Considering an E320 wagon
Hi Folks,
I am looking at a 1999 E320 4Matic wagon with 71,000 mi. The asking price is $8,500. I spoke with the seller on the phone, but have not yet taken the vehicle for a test drive. I have all kinds of questions, but I'll try to start with these:
1) What sort of repairs would I be making in the near future on an MB of this age and mileage (e.g., water pump, timing chain, etc.)? That is, what kind of problems do these cars start to have in older age?
2) I would like to keep the car for at least 5 years and get about 50K to 75K mi out of it. Does that seem like a reasonable goal?
3) How is the reliability of the 4Matic system?
3) I recently owned a 2002 Jetta TDI. I didn't do a thorough enough search on the maintenance history of that car. Needless to say, it cost me a lot of money. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. I'm inclined not to buy the E320 without paying an MB mechanic to do a thorough inspection. General recommendations/advice?
I am looking at a 1999 E320 4Matic wagon with 71,000 mi. The asking price is $8,500. I spoke with the seller on the phone, but have not yet taken the vehicle for a test drive. I have all kinds of questions, but I'll try to start with these:
1) What sort of repairs would I be making in the near future on an MB of this age and mileage (e.g., water pump, timing chain, etc.)? That is, what kind of problems do these cars start to have in older age?
2) I would like to keep the car for at least 5 years and get about 50K to 75K mi out of it. Does that seem like a reasonable goal?
3) How is the reliability of the 4Matic system?
3) I recently owned a 2002 Jetta TDI. I didn't do a thorough enough search on the maintenance history of that car. Needless to say, it cost me a lot of money. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. I'm inclined not to buy the E320 without paying an MB mechanic to do a thorough inspection. General recommendations/advice?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
W203-4M W163
Hi Folks,
I am looking at a 1999 E320 4Matic wagon with 71,000 mi. The asking price is $8,500. I spoke with the seller on the phone, but have not yet taken the vehicle for a test drive. I have all kinds of questions, but I'll try to start with these:
The price seems reasonable (I haven't checked it thought--look on Edmunds and Bluebook). Take it for a test drive. Even if you don't buy it, you'll learn a lot by driving it and seeing its condition.
1) What sort of repairs would I be making in the near future on an MB of this age and mileage (e.g., water pump, timing chain, etc.)? That is, what kind of problems do these cars start to have in older age?
Not sure if there are specific issues with this year/model, but you should expect some repairs after 100K, just like any car.
2) I would like to keep the car for at least 5 years and get about 50K to 75K mi out of it. Does that seem like a reasonable goal?
Yes. It's a Benz.
3) How is the reliability of the 4Matic system?
From what I know, the 4Matic system is very reliable. Remember that 4Matic means 4 wheel drive--therefore, the cv boots (for example) are apt to go sometime after 100K, and there are 4 of them in a 4 wheel drive vehicle of any type. It will cost you a bit, but it's a Benz, so it won't be falling apart like other cars of this age. So, you ask yourself "hmmmm...a new catalytic converter will cost me $700, that's pricy, maybe I should trade it in on a new KIA." Sure, you can do that. But the new Kia won't drive as well as the older Benz, and you'll need to shell out $12K to get it. Look, cars, like all other things, are about VALUE, not price.
3) I recently owned a 2002 Jetta TDI. I didn't do a thorough enough search on the maintenance history of that car. Needless to say, it cost me a lot of money. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. I'm inclined not to buy the E320 without paying an MB mechanic to do a thorough inspection. General recommendations/advice?
I am looking at a 1999 E320 4Matic wagon with 71,000 mi. The asking price is $8,500. I spoke with the seller on the phone, but have not yet taken the vehicle for a test drive. I have all kinds of questions, but I'll try to start with these:
The price seems reasonable (I haven't checked it thought--look on Edmunds and Bluebook). Take it for a test drive. Even if you don't buy it, you'll learn a lot by driving it and seeing its condition.
1) What sort of repairs would I be making in the near future on an MB of this age and mileage (e.g., water pump, timing chain, etc.)? That is, what kind of problems do these cars start to have in older age?
Not sure if there are specific issues with this year/model, but you should expect some repairs after 100K, just like any car.
2) I would like to keep the car for at least 5 years and get about 50K to 75K mi out of it. Does that seem like a reasonable goal?
Yes. It's a Benz.
3) How is the reliability of the 4Matic system?
From what I know, the 4Matic system is very reliable. Remember that 4Matic means 4 wheel drive--therefore, the cv boots (for example) are apt to go sometime after 100K, and there are 4 of them in a 4 wheel drive vehicle of any type. It will cost you a bit, but it's a Benz, so it won't be falling apart like other cars of this age. So, you ask yourself "hmmmm...a new catalytic converter will cost me $700, that's pricy, maybe I should trade it in on a new KIA." Sure, you can do that. But the new Kia won't drive as well as the older Benz, and you'll need to shell out $12K to get it. Look, cars, like all other things, are about VALUE, not price.
3) I recently owned a 2002 Jetta TDI. I didn't do a thorough enough search on the maintenance history of that car. Needless to say, it cost me a lot of money. I don't want to repeat the same mistake. I'm inclined not to buy the E320 without paying an MB mechanic to do a thorough inspection. General recommendations/advice?
Good luck, and keep us posted!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Cats are about 70 bucks.
Inspect,inspect,inspect.
Expect changing trans fluid and filter.
The plugs are past due to be changed
Inspect,or did I say that already.
Private party sale?
Not an ebay car is it?
See W210 wiki and
www.benzworld.org w210 diy section for common issues and what to look out for.
Inspect
Expect changing trans fluid and filter.
The plugs are past due to be changed
Inspect,or did I say that already.
Private party sale?
Not an ebay car is it?
See W210 wiki and
www.benzworld.org w210 diy section for common issues and what to look out for.
Inspect
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Here's a link to a benzworld W210 thread called Common Issues. Remember that most owners' don't experience these issues. But it's a great overview of things to look for when considering one of these cars.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...sues-w210.html
I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a 4WD if that's what you want/need. You will however pay a premium both at purchase and with operating costs. My experience is that 4Matics sell for about $800-$1000 more than a comparable 2WD. There are maintenance and potential repair costs associated with the 'front half' of the drivetrain which you would obviously not have with 2WD. Also, the 4Matic has a lower final drive ratio (3.2? vs 3.07). That plus the added weight results in a 2-3mpg difference on the highway. These cars do get great highway mpg so we're talking maybe 26mpg vs 29mpg.
Finally, look for a car with a fairly complete service record and as has been said "Inspect, inspect, inspect".
Good luck.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...sues-w210.html
I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a 4WD if that's what you want/need. You will however pay a premium both at purchase and with operating costs. My experience is that 4Matics sell for about $800-$1000 more than a comparable 2WD. There are maintenance and potential repair costs associated with the 'front half' of the drivetrain which you would obviously not have with 2WD. Also, the 4Matic has a lower final drive ratio (3.2? vs 3.07). That plus the added weight results in a 2-3mpg difference on the highway. These cars do get great highway mpg so we're talking maybe 26mpg vs 29mpg.
Finally, look for a car with a fairly complete service record and as has been said "Inspect, inspect, inspect".
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
N/A
Thanks for the advice and links. I am trying to digest all of the info. I've been doing some other homework, too. The car actually has 82K mi. The first 75K were one owner. The CARFAX report provided a pretty detailed service history at the dealership: I noticed that over the course of those 75K mi "body electircal wiring" was repaired twice (~45K and ~55K), fuel pump replaced once (~65K), steering gear replaced once (~70K), A/C compressor replaced once (~70K), and the oil pan replaced once (~70K). Other than inspection and titling, there wasn't much info on the last 7K mi. The car did pass inspection at the local MB dealership three months ago, though. I plan to contact the three garages where the car has been seen to try to verify regular fluid changes. Let me know if any of those repairs (above) seem out of the ordinary.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
N/A
I appreciate your point about the 4Matic. It's not a necessity. But I'm not too obsessed about fuel economy. (Although, I do miss the 48 mpg that I got with my TDI.)
Do you know of any drive train failures that are common with the 4Matic that I should be aware of? I can live with replacing universals, boots, fluids, etc., but not the $5K-for-a-transfer-case here and $5K-for-a-tranmission there kind of stuff.
Do you know of any drive train failures that are common with the 4Matic that I should be aware of? I can live with replacing universals, boots, fluids, etc., but not the $5K-for-a-transfer-case here and $5K-for-a-tranmission there kind of stuff.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: New England
2000 E 320S4 210.282 4Matic Estate
CV JOINTS
Discount is about $750.00 ea. Just keep your attention on the outer boots. Other than that the 4Matic is a solid well engineered system. 
Cheers
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
I appreciate your point about the 4Matic. It's not a necessity. But I'm not too obsessed about fuel economy. (Although, I do miss the 48 mpg that I got with my TDI.)
Do you know of any drive train failures that are common with the 4Matic that I should be aware of? I can live with replacing universals, boots, fluids, etc., but not the $5K-for-a-transfer-case here and $5K-for-a-tranmission there kind of stuff.
Do you know of any drive train failures that are common with the 4Matic that I should be aware of? I can live with replacing universals, boots, fluids, etc., but not the $5K-for-a-transfer-case here and $5K-for-a-tranmission there kind of stuff.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
N/A
Update
I drove the wagon today with a consultant/mechanic. The impression was that the car was solid--no obvious drive train problems. However, there were some details that were concerning such as the replaced oil pan and some hoses that had been replaced with improper fittings--small details, but things that could be indicative of, at the very least, a general lack of care for the maintenance of this vehicle over the last few thousand miles. Furthermore, we figured out that the car had passed through a local "dealer" that has a very shady reputation. So, I'm going to pass on this one. The search continues. I'll continue my education here at the forum. Thanks again for your comments and assistance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
if you can, I'd go for Year 2000+(nicer dash, matching door handle, looks). I've had 2 of them and still think they're awesome cars. i agree w/ the others on 4-matic. nice to have, but more expensive to maintain, esp if you don't need it.
PL
PL
