Reliability on '96 E320?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 50
From: SoCal. Desert
'16 E350, gone: '03 c230k
Reliability on '96 E320?
The eldest daughter is a few months away from getting her license. I was thinking along the lines of a Neon or something like that (1st car, high school parking lot, ...), but now a co-worker is selling her '96 E320. Looks very clean, 135K miles a few minor new things (windshiled, rear tail lamp) but also has a few small dents/dings and the chrome steel wheels are pretty beat )+ needs new tires). I'd feel better about her driving a more solid car than the Neon, plus this is nice/big enough I think the wife might drive it too.
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Südflorida
'99 E430, '05 ML500, '15 GLK350
1. KBB is only between $3800 (fair) and $4800 (excellent) for private party sales. Personally I wouldn't go over $3500 given the items you mentioned already - I think you can find newer ones at similar prices.
2. Yes, this car has plenty of little things that will need attention. Especially the '96, since it was the 1st year of the W210. It does have the tried and true M104 engine, however. You will be able to DIY most of it, especially with these forums, but that's only helpful if daughter stays at home.
I would stay away from a Neon in any case - maybe a Jetta/Golf: they're safer (iihs.org) and more fun to work on.
2. Yes, this car has plenty of little things that will need attention. Especially the '96, since it was the 1st year of the W210. It does have the tried and true M104 engine, however. You will be able to DIY most of it, especially with these forums, but that's only helpful if daughter stays at home.
I would stay away from a Neon in any case - maybe a Jetta/Golf: they're safer (iihs.org) and more fun to work on.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Unfortunately I think your coworker is delusional, which is the case with many people selling their cars these days: they can't believe how low the values are. The reason she saw 1996 Mercedes E class listed for $12k is because they are priced way too high and will never sell. That car has probably been on the market over a year.
Edmunds (probably the most accurate these days) says under $3k for that car. Especially with dings. The transmission probably needs to be flushed if it's shifting rough. Any bounce in the car during acceleration is probably bad engine mounts. New tires are probably going to be a minimum of $400, which lowers the value further.
I would recommend writing down the problems, showing her Edmunds, and asking her to come down drastically on the price. If she won't, walk away and find someone who isn't a coworker that you can haggle with until they see reality.
The drivetrains are generally reliable, but little annoyances like window motors and engine mounts do go bad on a car of that age.
Edmunds (probably the most accurate these days) says under $3k for that car. Especially with dings. The transmission probably needs to be flushed if it's shifting rough. Any bounce in the car during acceleration is probably bad engine mounts. New tires are probably going to be a minimum of $400, which lowers the value further.
I would recommend writing down the problems, showing her Edmunds, and asking her to come down drastically on the price. If she won't, walk away and find someone who isn't a coworker that you can haggle with until they see reality.
The drivetrains are generally reliable, but little annoyances like window motors and engine mounts do go bad on a car of that age.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 591
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
The eldest daughter is a few months away from getting her license. I was thinking along the lines of a Neon or something like that (1st car, high school parking lot, ...), but now a co-worker is selling her '96 E320. Looks very clean, 135K miles a few minor new things (windshiled, rear tail lamp) but also has a few small dents/dings and the chrome steel wheels are pretty beat )+ needs new tires). I'd feel better about her driving a more solid car than the Neon, plus this is nice/big enough I think the wife might drive it too.
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
Get yourself a PPI(Pre Purchase Inspection at a dealer or inde shop). They run like $60.00 if that. Worth every penny.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
2002 E430 4MATIC
The eldest daughter is a few months away from getting her license. I was thinking along the lines of a Neon or something like that (1st car, high school parking lot, ...), but now a co-worker is selling her '96 E320. Looks very clean, 135K miles a few minor new things (windshiled, rear tail lamp) but also has a few small dents/dings and the chrome steel wheels are pretty beat )+ needs new tires). I'd feel better about her driving a more solid car than the Neon, plus this is nice/big enough I think the wife might drive it too.
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
I'm wondering how realiable these models are? Should I be sticking with something 'simpler', or are these things generally reliable?
What are the particular problems on this model?
When I test drove it, 2 things kind of bugged me: 1) I had to press the gas pedal down a ways befre there was any engine response - she said it's been like that since she owned it; and 2) the tranny didn't seem as smooth when it shifted at times, like a little bounce or roughness in there or something - didn't get a chance to bring that up with her. Are these major (or minor) concerns?
Interior is immaculate.
KBB is ~$5800 and she wants $6500 (says she's researched over the weekend and saw beaters for ~$1200 up to pristine/low miles for $12000). Is this a reasonable price?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've also posted on the c class forum about a 96 c280 that's popped up locally for $4500 w/145K miles. Going to test drive that one right now...
Dings, dents, road rash wheels, cracked glass all point to not best of care. How many potholes has this car crashed through or curb hopped??
New tires..... count on at least $500 for an decent set with the right profile and speed rating. $600 if you want a truely good A/S.
Having to press the accelerator down more then you're used to might be normal...Mercedes in general don't have a responsive throttle tip in...even our old E420 seemed a bit slugish under light throttle especially once it got into 3rd gear....Also slow to downshift...newer transmisions are much more responsive and adaptive to driving style.
Transmission problems can range from a simple drain and flush fixes it...to complete rebuild. Only a THOUROUGH inspection by a qualified mechanic can give you a reasonable estimate of the cost to repair. I would budget at least $500 for shifting problems knowing in advance that it can climb to major money if something big is wrong.
Finally, as you might have gleaned from this forum the W210 generates a lot of drama and owners are very passionate about them. Will you and your daughter share that passion and enjoy the drama? If not....the W210..especially one with a questionable history...can quickly become a white elephant for a 16 year old gir.
Why not look at something with an exceptional repair history, known reliability, less drama, maybe no passion but greater value. I'm going to duck when I say this........perhaps something like a low mileage / clean 2004 Ford Taurus.
