just bought my first MB,
01-27-2010, 04:35 PM
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1998 e320
just bought my first MB,
new to the forum so hello everyone. im tickled & cant wait for my car to arrive. tell me what you think: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
01-27-2010, 05:54 PM
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
You bought this with no PPI? I am always suspicious of what isn't mentioned. Engine runs fine, transmission shifts as it should could be used to describe a pretty wide range of conditions. What about service history records?
What is a special use report? Was it a taxi?
BTW, cloudy headlights can be polished to look almost new for just a few dollars and some elbow grease. Sunroof problem is probably just 'lost sync' but you would expect most owners to know how to correct that (it's in the manual).
Overall, even if you have to put 1-2K into it to bring service current, it might still a pretty good deal. Good luck.
What is a special use report? Was it a taxi?
BTW, cloudy headlights can be polished to look almost new for just a few dollars and some elbow grease. Sunroof problem is probably just 'lost sync' but you would expect most owners to know how to correct that (it's in the manual).
Overall, even if you have to put 1-2K into it to bring service current, it might still a pretty good deal. Good luck.
01-27-2010, 09:48 PM
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Pre-Purchase Inspection. Generally, someone like a experienced MB mechanic does a bumper to bumper inspection and prepares a report showing possible problems or issues. These cars are fairly complicated and have a fair amount of electronics. It takes awhile to become familiar with all the systems and any issues which are common.
If the previous owners took as good care of the mechanical side as they have cosmetically then you should be okay.
The good news is that these cars are very well built. Some would say 'overbuilt'. In any event, they can be made to last as long as you want provided you do scheduled maintenance and make necessary repairs. Good luck.
If the previous owners took as good care of the mechanical side as they have cosmetically then you should be okay.
The good news is that these cars are very well built. Some would say 'overbuilt'. In any event, they can be made to last as long as you want provided you do scheduled maintenance and make necessary repairs. Good luck.
01-28-2010, 07:53 AM
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'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Terrific! Welcome, and enjoy your Benz. Fill out your User CP please, so we can know where you are.
One thing you will most definitely need is a reliable, reasonably-priced indy mechanic (i.e. not the stealership). Do you know of one in your area?
One thing you will most definitely need is a reliable, reasonably-priced indy mechanic (i.e. not the stealership). Do you know of one in your area?
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01-28-2010, 08:02 AM
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1998 e320
NO, unfortunately i dont know of one. This is the first European car ive owned. I know the miles are a risk, but the seller has all service records. Also, its pretty cheap, so if it were to turn out to be a dud, i wouldnt have lost that much.
Ill fill out CP in a few mins, thanks for the response.
Doug
Ill fill out CP in a few mins, thanks for the response.
Doug
01-28-2010, 08:29 AM
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'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Maybe someone here will be able to recommend a shop. Also, take a look at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/reco...-repair-shops/ (and at the W210 forum there as well).
Good luck!
Good luck!
01-28-2010, 04:45 PM
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Just for next time get a PPI. It can safe you lots in the long run. Funny I was on EBAY one time and I looked at that same exact car but got scared by the miles.
01-29-2010, 11:08 PM
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2003 E320
congrats on your new purchase. I've owned a W210 (2001 e320 4matic wagon) and now own a W211 sedan. The model you have is just a wonderful car. Solid as a rock. you'll end up replacing a lot of light bulbs but when you get on the highway, you'll be smiling the entire way. A very nice car.
01-30-2010, 08:39 AM
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'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Rolltide -- has your car arrived? Look as good as you'd hoped?
Before getting into rims and tires, I would have a *post* purchase inspection done! Find out what needs attention mechanically. I hope you got an extensive set of maintenance receipts as well. Otherwise, it might be worth the $30 to do a Carfax check -- which *may* show you some relevant history.
Good luck w/ your new car!
Before getting into rims and tires, I would have a *post* purchase inspection done! Find out what needs attention mechanically. I hope you got an extensive set of maintenance receipts as well. Otherwise, it might be worth the $30 to do a Carfax check -- which *may* show you some relevant history.
Good luck w/ your new car!
01-30-2010, 12:35 PM
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1998 e320
No, & im about to go crazy, lol. auto transport co. said 3 to 5 days for my car to be assigned to a carrier, then 1 day at most.
Ive been thinking about the whole rims/tires/lowering deal, I definitely want updated rims & tires to make it look more current. But im really torn on whether or not i want to alter the ride height. i love the looks of some of the lowered ones, but i dont want the accompanied headaches.Your thoughts?
BTW, I got the carfax, its clean.
Ive been thinking about the whole rims/tires/lowering deal, I definitely want updated rims & tires to make it look more current. But im really torn on whether or not i want to alter the ride height. i love the looks of some of the lowered ones, but i dont want the accompanied headaches.Your thoughts?
BTW, I got the carfax, its clean.
01-30-2010, 02:45 PM
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2001 E430, Obsidian Black w. Ash/Orion Grey, 195,000 mi.
No, & im about to go crazy, lol. auto transport co. said 3 to 5 days for my car to be assigned to a carrier, then 1 day at most.
Ive been thinking about the whole rims/tires/lowering deal, I definitely want updated rims & tires to make it look more current. But im really torn on whether or not i want to alter the ride height. i love the looks of some of the lowered ones, but i dont want the accompanied headaches.Your thoughts?
BTW, I got the carfax, its clean.
Ive been thinking about the whole rims/tires/lowering deal, I definitely want updated rims & tires to make it look more current. But im really torn on whether or not i want to alter the ride height. i love the looks of some of the lowered ones, but i dont want the accompanied headaches.Your thoughts?
BTW, I got the carfax, its clean.
As for tires, the easiest would be a set of 17" wheels from an '00-'02 E430. There are three variants, standard, sport and special edition. Or, you can use W211 wheels but you'll have to get new lug nuts - search ebay or Craigslist for E350, E500 or E550 wheels. I've seen 'em for under $200 for a set. There's been many threads on the forum about W211 wheels on a W210.
Fred
01-30-2010, 04:46 PM
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'99 E320 4matic Wagon
But before you change out rims and tires (and before you get into a new head unit), the most important thing you can do is get a *very thorough* inspection (not by a dealer, by a recommended Indy in your area) and look at the maintenance issues you may have.
You have *a lot* of miles on this car, rolltide; doesn't mean it'll be flaky, but it would be a surprise if there wasn't a healthy list of catch-up maintenance stuff.
Once you get that done and you know where you stand w/ the car, turn to the other stuff. Personally, I'd be more interested in updating the head unit than changing rims and tires (esp. if the tires on it are good). Can't see the wheels from behind the wheel!!
You have *a lot* of miles on this car, rolltide; doesn't mean it'll be flaky, but it would be a surprise if there wasn't a healthy list of catch-up maintenance stuff.
Once you get that done and you know where you stand w/ the car, turn to the other stuff. Personally, I'd be more interested in updating the head unit than changing rims and tires (esp. if the tires on it are good). Can't see the wheels from behind the wheel!!
