iam_second

hey guys, im new to the world of mercedes and was wondering if you could lend your advice. I stumbled upon a 1998 e320 3.2L V6 while trying to find a new car minus a car payment. It was for sale from a friend of mine who is mechanically inclined and knows a lot about them etc. I test drove it just to humor myself and see what it felt like to be behind the wheel. It had to of been the nicest, smoothest rides i have taken in a car to this day. Solid feel all around, quick reponse from the pedal...i could go on. So now i need help from anyone willing to lend any advice at all. Im going to be paying $3,300 for it, the car has 194,000 miles. the tags are expired this month and it needs to be smogged as well as replace the 02 sensor which we havee worked into the deal and the price so it will be registered and operable on the day of sale. i have really fell in love with the car but have heard some people on the internet tell horror stories about what it was like trying to repair a mercedes if something were to go wrong. Just wanted to ask if you guys out there think it would be a good buy, ill try to post pics of the body, there is almost no damage at all just needs to be washed lol. Clean title no salvage, thanks in advance for the help.

Musikmann

The price is fair but a pre-purchase inpection by a competant MB tech (indy or dealer) is always advisable. With 194,000 on the beast that is well worth the $200-$300 it will cost.

iam_second

the only pic i have for right now

Musikmann

Looking good.

iam_second

thanks for the feedback, i had already planned on taking it down to a dealership or mechanic friend to have them do a full inspection so i dont get any "surprises"

Musikmann

The horror stories you have heard are certainly out there. Parts/labor at dealers are outrageous but with a few tools and the help of this forum, there is quite a bit you can do yourself at a considerably reduced cost. One pretty important thing is: ask the guy if he ever serviced the transmission. If not that would be a deal breaker for me.

You're welcome and good luck.

hyperion667

sounds exciting, but don't be overwhelmed........usually deals that are too good to pass up are too good for some sort of reason, but if you trust your friend, then go for it....
yes parts and labor are expensive....
but there is that feeling of riding around in your own Mercedes Benz...

good luck

ohlord

expensive if you buy them at the right places. Most hard parts are less to buy on the w210 then they are for a honda i.e. brake rotors.
the transmission change the fluid and filter
diy on www.benzworld.org.
Inspect for rust,check spring perches,inspect belt,time to change the plugs.
You know where to find the diy.
learn to diy it is easy and fun.

iam_second

thanks for all the posotive feedback, he had some receipts from very far back regarding maintenance done. i didnt feel anything at all wrong with the car while driving but im no mechanic. still have a good 3 weeks of torture until im going to be able to park it in my driveway. Its currently on Eibach springs...and thats about it as far as "mods" go. Any suggestions on what I should do next besides changing the plugs and putting some new fluids in the tranny and the engine?

Musikmann

Unless the guy was very diligent, I'd replace every fluid (coolant, brake, power steering, differential) in the thing. Regreasing the wheel bearings is not a bad idea either. Oh, and clean/lube the sunroof.

iam_second

A very good point bringing up the sunroof, ive made a new home over at the DIY section. I too have a stuck sunroof (only moves back about 3 inches then stops, but tilts perfectly) and an AC that blows the same, very low, regardless of the speed you are setting. I have changed parts on my explorer by myself, hoping to have the same luck here as well.