Mercedes E320
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2
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From: Florida
Lexus E300
Mercedes E320
Hello-I'm assisting a friend who is considering the purchase of a '97 E320. The vehicle has 37,000 miles and appears to be in good shape.
Can anyone comment/advise as to any areas to be on guard for and any suggestions one should be aware of in considering this model?
Thanks, hw
Can anyone comment/advise as to any areas to be on guard for and any suggestions one should be aware of in considering this model?
Thanks, hw
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Don't know exactly how the 97 relates to my 01 E320 4M but if its at all close you have an excellent chance of being very satisfied. Mine has been excellent with only a few glitches along the way. with 20000 miles now having owned it since Oct 01 I have had to replace both Cats, fuel sender and the pass side visor light switch. The Cats were a known problem as was the sender.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Yes, the catalytic convertors. Replaced due to internal rattles from bad weld job on the baffles. Do not know what big service jobs are required between 40 and 50K as I have not gotten there and most likely will not ever get there while I own it. But, Check the maint booklet and it will give you a good idea. I do not believe there is anything earthshattering and it should be pretty much the same as any Benz. Remember that cost of maint will increase as the car gets older and there is a ratio of maint cost to the new cost of the vehicle. If you are on a tight budget and do not wish for a higher maint cost buy a car that was inexpensive new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,298
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From: Nashville
E63
in my 97, the dealership had to change out my transmission after 30k miles and i was told that those are a known problem because that was the first year those transmissions where used. The catalytic converter, mine is doing its ratteling now and i was quoted $1515. but i have a hundred thousand more miles than that one does also. They are great cars when they are not having to be repaired.
