New to me 1996 E320
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
New to me 1996 E320
It's been several years since I owned a Benz. In the past I've owned an SLK32, SL500, ML500, W211 E55 sedan and a W211 E63 wagon.
I recently sold a CTS-V wagon and bought a much less practical car to add to the other two impractical cars in my garage, so I needed something that was inexpensive, nice enough to road trip, but ****ty enough to sit outside year round. I wanted a car that was 1999 or older (historic in MD), less than 100k miles, and modestly priced.
I found several candidates close to home and after lots of checking out and test driving, I ended up with this two owner 1996 E320 w/59k miles. The exterior shows what I think is more wear than the miles, but the engine bay, underside, wheels, and interior look really good. Carfax looks good, everything on the car works, except the door locks. Even the AC works well in these recent 95F+ days.
Some pictures - https://imgur.com/a/rKtmJ8g
Swapping brakes and all the fluids over the next few days. Anything else I should check out on the car?
I recently sold a CTS-V wagon and bought a much less practical car to add to the other two impractical cars in my garage, so I needed something that was inexpensive, nice enough to road trip, but ****ty enough to sit outside year round. I wanted a car that was 1999 or older (historic in MD), less than 100k miles, and modestly priced.
I found several candidates close to home and after lots of checking out and test driving, I ended up with this two owner 1996 E320 w/59k miles. The exterior shows what I think is more wear than the miles, but the engine bay, underside, wheels, and interior look really good. Carfax looks good, everything on the car works, except the door locks. Even the AC works well in these recent 95F+ days.
Some pictures - https://imgur.com/a/rKtmJ8g
Swapping brakes and all the fluids over the next few days. Anything else I should check out on the car?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
I already maintain my 97 e50 amg, no issues, and a related w210 98 e320 belonging to our neighbors just up the street. (her's (158k Km) purrs like a kitten) Only issues has been replacement of DS turn signal bulbs on the front end.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I'm hopeful but good with a wrench.
The car was very complete, much of the original paperwork was still with the car, including the original window sticker.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
The 1996 model has W210 body, but still W124 drivetrain, so you might find more useful info in W124 section.
When most of forum members are taking "preemptive parts replacement" approach, I am one who likes "if it ain't broken - don't fix it".
Inspect the car and when everything looks good - enjoy the drive.
One of the things to check on aged car is ignition tumbler. Those are cheap to replace when you have time to shop around, but suck when fail away from home.
Beware that in 1996 EPA had different programs for testing mpg. New test require mixed driving, so the numbers are much lower.
Also learn to ignore forum clowns.
When most of forum members are taking "preemptive parts replacement" approach, I am one who likes "if it ain't broken - don't fix it".
Inspect the car and when everything looks good - enjoy the drive.
One of the things to check on aged car is ignition tumbler. Those are cheap to replace when you have time to shop around, but suck when fail away from home.
Beware that in 1996 EPA had different programs for testing mpg. New test require mixed driving, so the numbers are much lower.
Also learn to ignore forum clowns.
Last edited by kajtek1; Aug 23, 2019 at 12:49 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
The 1996 model has W210 body, but still W124 drivetrain, so you might find more useful info in W124 section.
When most of forum members are taking "preemptive parts replacement" approach, I am one who likes "if it ain't broken - don't fix it".
Inspect the car and when everything looks good - enjoy the drive.
One of the things to check on aged car is ignition tumbler. Those are cheap to replace when you have time to shop around, but suck when fail away from home.
Beware that in 1996 EPA had different programs for testing mpg. New test require mixed driving, so the numbers are much lower.
Also learn to ignore forum clowns.
When most of forum members are taking "preemptive parts replacement" approach, I am one who likes "if it ain't broken - don't fix it".
Inspect the car and when everything looks good - enjoy the drive.
One of the things to check on aged car is ignition tumbler. Those are cheap to replace when you have time to shop around, but suck when fail away from home.
Beware that in 1996 EPA had different programs for testing mpg. New test require mixed driving, so the numbers are much lower.
Also learn to ignore forum clowns.
Thanks for the heads up on the W124, I'll keep an eye on that forum, too. No worries about the forum clowns, I've been around for a while
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
Not sure this warrants a thread of it's own, so I'll just add it here.
I wanted a bluetooth solution that didn't require tearing into the dash to add a module or replacing the factory head unit. A few minutes on Amazon and I had this cassette adapter.
It requires charging, which might be a pain on a road trip, but should be good enough for everyday short trips. Paired it, slipped it in the cassette player - *voila*, streaming. Sound is good and the little dongle/mic/button isn't in the way when using it.
Less than $25, problem solved.
I wanted a bluetooth solution that didn't require tearing into the dash to add a module or replacing the factory head unit. A few minutes on Amazon and I had this cassette adapter.
It requires charging, which might be a pain on a road trip, but should be good enough for everyday short trips. Paired it, slipped it in the cassette player - *voila*, streaming. Sound is good and the little dongle/mic/button isn't in the way when using it.
Less than $25, problem solved.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
A few more updates on the old E320 for some W210 content:
Got a few minutes to change the oil today. An easy swap, not sure if I was supposed to remove the front tray, but either way it looked like the oil would hit the crossmember. A little Reynolds engineering kept things going in the right direction.
Under the hood of the car is very clean, very little evidence of any fluid leaks. It looks like the valve cover gasket might be leaking. I cleaned the area and will recheck in a few miles. Some new hoses from a previous owner, as well as a fresh serpentine belt.
It even had the original underhood fuse panel label/descriptions.
Everything on the car is functional now (I also sorted the headlight washers), except the central locking/trunk. The button on the dash lights up when the alarm is armed, the trunk button lights when the trunk is open. Nothing on the locks from remote, dash button, or using the key in the door. I'm making my way through the old threads now. My gut tells me to check the pump first.
Anyway, enjoying making my way through the car. I'm hoping to get the trans fluid swapped when I'm back in town this weekend.
Got a few minutes to change the oil today. An easy swap, not sure if I was supposed to remove the front tray, but either way it looked like the oil would hit the crossmember. A little Reynolds engineering kept things going in the right direction.
Under the hood of the car is very clean, very little evidence of any fluid leaks. It looks like the valve cover gasket might be leaking. I cleaned the area and will recheck in a few miles. Some new hoses from a previous owner, as well as a fresh serpentine belt.
It even had the original underhood fuse panel label/descriptions.
Everything on the car is functional now (I also sorted the headlight washers), except the central locking/trunk. The button on the dash lights up when the alarm is armed, the trunk button lights when the trunk is open. Nothing on the locks from remote, dash button, or using the key in the door. I'm making my way through the old threads now. My gut tells me to check the pump first.
Anyway, enjoying making my way through the car. I'm hoping to get the trans fluid swapped when I'm back in town this weekend.
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From: Hawaii
1996 E320, 2018 Ducati Panigale V4S, 2012 1199 Panigale
Nice engine bay...dang i remember when my 96 was that clean. My bushings are starting to go...might want to check on those if you haven't already. I'm not sure if its mileage issue or rubber breakdown over time.
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
WayneE,
Nice work. Super clean engine bay.
I personally like to do my oil changes from the top with a pump. Getting to old to work under the car.
But hey, whatever floats your boat.
I see you use a cassette adapter for BT. Im not sure if you know, but certain oem stereos can be tapped on the circuit board (quite easy to do) with an extension - 3.5mm headphone jack. zOnce that is done it's a straight plug-in into your mobile device or BT adapter to play for favorite tunes. A search on the forums will lead you to the posts on this simple how-to.
Nice work. Super clean engine bay.
I personally like to do my oil changes from the top with a pump. Getting to old to work under the car.
But hey, whatever floats your boat.
I see you use a cassette adapter for BT. Im not sure if you know, but certain oem stereos can be tapped on the circuit board (quite easy to do) with an extension - 3.5mm headphone jack. zOnce that is done it's a straight plug-in into your mobile device or BT adapter to play for favorite tunes. A search on the forums will lead you to the posts on this simple how-to.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
Thanks. I'll check them out.
It was not really my doing, but thanks
The car was really clean when I bought it. I have never warmed to the idea of top side oil changes, I don't mind crawling around under the car. Gives me a chance to check stuff out, daydream, nap, whatever.I see you use a cassette adapter for BT. Im not sure if you know, but certain oem stereos can be tapped on the circuit board (quite easy to do) with an extension - 3.5mm headphone jack. zOnce that is done it's a straight plug-in into your mobile device or BT adapter to play for favorite tunes. A search on the forums will lead you to the posts on this simple how-to.
That's a good idea and much more convenient than using the BT cassette adapter. Does it tap into the CD changer controls?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I see you use a cassette adapter for BT. Im not sure if you know, but certain oem stereos can be tapped on the circuit board (quite easy to do) with an extension - 3.5mm headphone jack. zOnce that is done it's a straight plug-in into your mobile device or BT adapter to play for favorite tunes. A search on the forums will lead you to the posts on this simple how-to.
What about a bluetooth adapter that replaces the CD changer?
https://tinyurl.com/yy86nnlj
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
There is a old thread on the forum that points to tapping (very simple procedure) onto the circuit board with the + & - ve ends of the 3.5mm headphone jack to get this present-date option of using one's mobile device for tunes.
Ive done this on our w210 becker 1692. Originally plugged into the iphone. Now updated with a BT device (plug n play) and it automatically connects to BT on the mobile.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I cant really comment on the BT for a CD changer - you have a 96 w210 - did they even come with a CD option? Most Beckers in that era were all cassette (correct me if I'm wrong).
There is a old thread on the forum that points to tapping (very simple procedure) onto the circuit board with the + & - ve ends of the 3.5mm headphone jack to get this present-date option of using one's mobile device for tunes.
Ive done this on our w210 becker 1692. Originally plugged into the iphone. Now updated with a BT device (plug n play) and it automatically connects to BT on the mobile.
There is a old thread on the forum that points to tapping (very simple procedure) onto the circuit board with the + & - ve ends of the 3.5mm headphone jack to get this present-date option of using one's mobile device for tunes.
Ive done this on our w210 becker 1692. Originally plugged into the iphone. Now updated with a BT device (plug n play) and it automatically connects to BT on the mobile.
I don't know the radio models, but my '96 has a CD button on the head unit.
Attachment 440183
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
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From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
more info on the hack
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,288
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
I attacked the interior of my E320 today with a friend's steam cleaner. I was careful not to get close to any buttons, seat perforations, or electronics in general. The car came out nicely, the interior feels much cleaner now, too.
https://imgur.com/a/y5vxIr2
https://imgur.com/a/y5vxIr2
