ssafran

I have a 97 E320 with just over 105K and I'm debating whether to trade it in or put a little money into it (new shocks, sway bar links). I'm leaning towards shooting for the big numbers milage wise as I've drive the new one and like mine better. If I can rely on this car for 200 or 300K with out breaking the bank fixing it I'll go that route rather than trading it in.

MB Fanatic

get it fixed up. I have a neighbor of mine who has a 98' E320 with just about 200K miles on it and it still runs like the day he bought it.

mbtech208

Those cars are good for 300K easy, I'd keep it.

jimmydagreek

Just sold '97 E420 with 145k miles on it and it runs like brand new, no joke. I only sold it because I needed to for investment reasons but I would've never sold it because of the miles. Stay on top of the maintenance, run synthetic oil in it and it will last you over 300k miles easy!

Whitey

i.e. it will out run your budget if you're not careful

jimmydagreek

zam2000

Congratulation, you just finish the break-in period of your car

I would do the following:

* Transmission Service, make sure they check the TCU seal (W210 is known to have oil sucked into the TCU and may ruin the transmission). Ignore the so called "life time" transmission oil, there's no such thing. You must use synthetic oil for the transmission.
* Service B performed: fuel filter, fuel injection cleaning, PVC (??) valve, check spark plug & wire (replace if neccessary), air filter, AC air filter, differential fluid, all other fluild.
* Check the harmonic balancer & belt.
* Check rear window regulator (if you haven't rolled rear windows up/down for a while)
* Always use synthetic oil for your car.

Shouldn't cost that much to do, provided that you got a good independent mechanic and stay clear of stealer.

I've seen several W124 with high 200K and 300K mile (at the shop I have my car service, MBZ Best in Manhatan Beach), and they all still run tight.

My 98 W210 has 92K mile, it runs as tight (even better, w/ upgraded Bilstein HD shock) as my 04 W211 with 800 miles. And the W211 is an excellent car !!!.

mbtech208

A '97 E320 still requires the services at 7500, 15K, 22.5K, 30K and so on. A and B services didn't start until the '98 model year. The '97 also has the inline six, which didn't have the harmonic balancer problems as the early V6 models did. The belt, belt tensioner, and tensioner shock should be checked though, those tend to wear out on the inline six motor.

zam2000

Oh, I forgot it was an I6.

If that's the case, check for the head gasket. It's a known problem w/ the I6. Lot of people have to redo the head, I think around $2K.

I think the wiring harness is also a significant problem for the Benz I6 too. Checking the wiring harness and head gasket early can save you lot of money later on.

mbtech208

I agree, the head gasket and ignition wire harness are probably the two weakest spots of that engine, otherwise you can't beat it.

ed-E300TD

You guys are a wealth of great info.

Got any similar advice for the turbodiesel owner?

Cheers,
Ed

mbtech208

Keep an eye out for fuel leaks and change the fuel filters regularly. I can't think of too many issues the 606 diesel engine has had, mainly because I simply haven't seen too many of them.

MoonDoggy

Love my diesel. I am paying 1.81 a gallon right now. Does your diesel experience turbo lag when you press the gas from a stop?

SLCPUNK

I know it's not the same car, but I saw a c280 (1994) with 404k miles on it!!! On ebay. Car looked great.

In the long run you'd spend less money than buying new or used again.

pokerFACE

indeed.

my dad's 97 E320 still runs like new
















(it's got 17,000kms )