Buying a W210

Jul 7, 2011 | 02:46 PM

mojosc

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: So Cal

GLK

Buying a W210

I need a new daily driver, I'm looking at a 97 E420, I believe it's a sport, has AMG rims on it. It's only got 34k miles on it. Seems too good to be true but it's the original owner. My question is, are the miles too low for the year and what kind of problems can I expect with the miles being so low on a 14 year old Mercedes? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
I currently own a 2001 convertible CLK so I’m familiar with the little things like relays going out but, I haven’t had any major problems with my vert at 85k miles. I only drive the convertible on weekends so it sees minimal miles going to the beach and back. <o:p></o:p>
Any and all comments are welcomed, thanks! <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Jul 7, 2011 | 03:04 PM

saintz

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From: Charleston, SC

GL450

You'll want to make sure it was serviced, as this was probably a weekend car and might have been neglected. All the fluids are probably bad (unless recently serviced) and anything rubber is going to be suspect. Assuming it was stored well, it shouldn't have rust issues.

Jul 7, 2011 | 04:39 PM

mojosc

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From: So Cal

GLK

Excellent suggestions. It’s a So Cal car that has always been garaged, according to the owner and the belts seem like a no brainer but, does that mean the seals in the tranny and braking system could be bad, if not serviced? Making the 8 grand price he wants not such a good deal after all? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Jul 10, 2011 | 01:13 AM

RichardM98

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From: SoCal

98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon

Since these cars are just well broken in at 100K I'm not sure how much premium I'd be willing to pay for a MY1997. Also, the 420 engine had issues that were fixed with the 430. For $8K in SoCal you might find a 2002-2003 with 80K and have a little money left over.

Even a garaged car is subject to ozone which attacks the rubber and plastic based on time not mileage.

Jul 10, 2011 | 02:48 PM

saintz

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From: Charleston, SC

GL450

I wouldn't worry too much about tranny seals, but as Richard said, it's not worth paying much more for lower mileage at that age.

Jul 10, 2011 | 07:09 PM

bad hare

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audi/porsche

Quote:

Originally Posted by saintz

I wouldn't worry too much about tranny seals, but as Richard said, it's not worth paying much more for lower mileage at that age.

Worry a lot about the tranny seals.

My 99 around 44k miles (I got it in 2010 w/ 35k miles), seals dried and broke. Transmission fluid went into the control modules via the wires like a straw. Modules were soaked. Car would prolong shifts. Would go into limp mode multiple times. Eventually wouldn't shift at all.

So yes, worry about the tranny seals.

Last edited by bad hare; Jul 10, 2011 at 07:14 PM.

Jul 10, 2011 | 07:19 PM

ohlord

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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.

He's

not talking about that seal.
The o ring on the electrical connector was your problem and that was a failure of design not age.

OP 8k for an orphan is way over priced
look for newer look at a320
you would love the power of the m119 but you won't like the mpg of the old iron engine.