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I am looking to purchase a 2004 E320 with 45k miles. It has been well maintained, clear carfax, always garage kept and never seen salt. Are these cars reliable? Is $7000 a fair price for this type of car? It has a couple scratches on the body as shown on the pics below but the underneath of the car and interior looks brand new. Thanks for your feedback!
That car has a lot of life left in it. I would pick it up, perhaps at a lower price. Just check to see if it is a salvage or flood title. Cars at that age with so few miles are always a find, but just check to be sure.
A few things:
- Looks like it does not have Airmatic, which is probably a good thing. Replacing the air springs will probably set you back at least $1000 on parts alone and the Airmatic will leak sooner or later. Looks like standard shocks.
- Engine is most likely M112 v6. Very reliable. I think the rubber gaskets will probably need replacing if you start to see oil leaks up top. Breather hose will probably become petrified rock hard, but these are easy to replace.
- Transmission also very reliable, as long as fluids are replaced on schedule. That car probably has never had it replaced. If I were to buy that car, I would do a drain and fill.
- There was a recall for the radiator leaking, I believe for 2003 or 2004 models. You should look this up as it may affect this car.
- SBC Brakes, since this is now covered under a 25 year warranty, I would not worry about it.
While not Toyota reliable, it is still a very reliable car. The M112/M113 engines along with the 722.6 5-speed transmissions were very reliable. If you are a bit handy, doing a few simple maintenance items can keep this car going for many many years and miles.
That car has a lot of life left in it. I would pick it up, perhaps at a lower price. Just check to see if it is a salvage or flood title. Cars at that age with so few miles are always a find, but just check to be sure.
A few things:
- Looks like it does not have Airmatic, which is probably a good thing. Replacing the air springs will probably set you back at least $1000 on parts alone and the Airmatic will leak sooner or later. Looks like standard shocks.
- Engine is most likely M112 v6. Very reliable. I think the rubber gaskets will probably need replacing if you start to see oil leaks up top. Breather hose will probably become petrified rock hard, but these are easy to replace.
- Transmission also very reliable, as long as fluids are replaced on schedule. That car probably has never had it replaced. If I were to buy that car, I would do a drain and fill.
- There was a recall for the radiator leaking, I believe for 2003 or 2004 models. You should look this up as it may affect this car.
- SBC Brakes, since this is now covered under a 25 year warranty, I would not worry about it.
While not Toyota reliable, it is still a very reliable car. The M112/M113 engines along with the 722.6 5-speed transmissions were very reliable. If you are a bit handy, doing a few simple maintenance items can keep this car going for many many years and miles.
Thank you for such a great response! Much appreciated. No aromatic. What do you think is a good price for this car? I tried to get him down to 6500 after the inspection found those scratches but he won’t budge. Did not know SBC was covered under a 25 year warranty. Is that for the orginal owners only or for anyone whom owns the car?
Thank you for such a great response! Much appreciated. No aromatic. What do you think is a good price for this car? I tried to get him down to 6500 after the inspection found those scratches but he won’t budge. Did not know SBC was covered under a 25 year warranty. Is that for the orginal owners only or for anyone whom owns the car?
If you like the car, than 500 bucks won't make a difference.
I agree with what was already said. I used to own a 2003 E320 and it was very reliable. I thought I had low miles on it with 96K, when I sold it in 2018.
SBC warranty should be for the car, regardless of how many owners.
If you like the car, than 500 bucks won't make a difference.
I agree with what was already said. I used to own a 2003 E320 and it was very reliable. I thought I had low miles on it with 96K, when I sold it in 2018.
SBC warranty should be for the car, regardless of how many owners.
Good luck, keep us posted.
the only thing to worry about is only SBC. If it is under warranty, there is nothing left to worry. Good car and good luck
Buy it as is at $7k if you plan to keep it for a while. SBC is covered by an unlimited mileage 25 year warranty that extends to new owner. Fuel tank is also covered by a 15 year unlimited mileage warranty. It leaks from the top when it's full. No drip on ground only fuel smell. It only happens when completely full.
04-05 gas E320 is by far the most reliable easiest to maintain w211 with the lowest cost of ownership. Mine has 184k miles on a steady diet of 87 octane and it's still good as new.
In the center console see if the dongle is present. Guessing owner is using the miles as weight to get 7K. Those scratches can be buffed out, and a steady hand for touch up paint would be good idea to purchase.
GL
2MERKS
If you want it, buy it. If it's well maintained as you say, it's a find. Go to the dealer with the VIN and get the service history. They may or may not give it to you. If possible, get a pre-purchase inspection.
I just picked up an '03 E500 with 172K. Lots of records, body and chassis in great shape, runs well. At 45K, to be cautious, change all fluids...engine oil & filter, trans fluid and filter, coolant, brake fluid. Rubber and plastic that old will start to degenerate, so anticipate replacements. Read the plugs, oil, and coolant.
In '05 my first E500 had 30K, cost me $30K. It's a great car.
Thats a crazy low mileage car. I guess that is why he is asking 7000. So let go thru this.
V6 m113 should go 250 to 300k miles
Trans is bullletproof
No Airmatic.
SBC covered for 25years.
I think this would be the most reliable mercedes you can get.
Here is what you want to budget for. since it is an aging car.
Engine Mount. & Trans mount
front suspension ball joint and track arms
Brakes.
Fluid change. Engine, Trans.
Spark plugs and wires.
Crank position sensor.
Thats a crazy low mileage car. I guess that is why he is asking 7000. So let go thru this.
V6 m113 should go 250 to 300k miles
Trans is bullletproof
No Airmatic.
SBC covered for 25years.
I think this would be the most reliable mercedes you can get.
Here is what you want to budget for. since it is an aging car.
Engine Mount. & Trans mount
front suspension ball joint and track arms
Brakes.
Fluid change. Engine, Trans.
Spark plugs and wires.
Crank position sensor.
enjoy.... for next 15 years.
100% agree!
Just for 2MERKS - "^^^ THIS!"
Last edited by S70Houston; 11-05-2020 at 11:48 AM.
fkong777 has good points on what to look out for. I would add that on my E320, the SBC loves rear brake pads. It tends to use up rear brake pads more often than the front. I'm ok with that, just need to be aware of it. But FCPEuro's lifetime warranty takes care of that. As mentioned earlier, engine mounts. Car loves engine mounts. Those fluid fill mounts really make a huge difference.
Because the fuel leak recall window has now passed the 15 year warranty on a 2004 E320, here are the parts that were replaced on my E320. Just for reference in case you smell fuel.
Fuel Pump, part #: 2114704194
Fuel Pump hose bracket, part #: 2114710141
Fuel Sender seal, part #: 2114710579
Thank you for such a great response! Much appreciated. No aromatic. What do you think is a good price for this car? I tried to get him down to 6500 after the inspection found those scratches but he won’t budge. Did not know SBC was covered under a 25 year warranty. Is that for the orginal owners only or for anyone whom owns the car?
Early cars had hydraulic bushing which fail and the radiator which destroyed the trans. If they have been addressed. Sbc is your only big ticket item. W211s are 👍 m112/113s are great.
Early cars had hydraulic bushing which fail and the radiator which destroyed the trans. If they have been addressed. Sbc is your only big ticket item. W211s are 👍 m112/113s are great.
SBC has the 25 year warranty in the US so it's still covered. However there is a 15 year extended warranty on the fuel tank for W211 and would have expired by now.
Gas Tank / I have that problem where I smell gas and seen the top is leaking
am I still covered on my 03 w211. I get gas leaking from the top when I fill the gas. I can see the gas come out. Top where all the hoses meet up.
Originally Posted by tjts1
Buy it as is at $7k if you plan to keep it for a while. SBC is covered by an unlimited mileage 25 year warranty that extends to new owner. Fuel tank is also covered by a 15 year unlimited mileage warranty. It leaks from the top when it's full. No drip on ground only fuel smell. It only happens when completely full.
04-05 gas E320 is by far the most reliable easiest to maintain w211 with the lowest cost of ownership. Mine has 184k miles on a steady diet of 87 octane and it's still good as new.
am I still covered on my 03 w211. I get gas leaking from the top when I fill the gas. I can see the gas come out. Top where all the hoses meet up.
Well 15 years ago would make it January 2006. So unless the car sat on the lot and didn't get registered til that date, your 2003 probably has an expired warranty on the fuel tank. It seems it's the gasket on top of the tank. Some people have just fixed the leak instead of replacing the entire tank like MB does. You'd have to search the old threads for exact details.
11-04-2020, 09:24 PM
