Help with "new" purchase
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: New York State
c 240 (4matic)
Help with "new" purchase
I am about to buy a '95 s320 with about 85K miles. The car is immaculate, but, before I buy what problems should I expect ? Can I realistically expect to take the car to 200K ? I have heard through my local MB dealer that this particular car is EXPENSIVE to maintain. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
You are buying a 10 year old vehicle with a lot of miles on it. It will be expensive to maintain properly. If you are questioning the maint cost, If I were you I would buy a Ford escourt or similar as you are obviosly sensitive to high dollar expense
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
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From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
Welcome to the forum
MBZ cars are known for their build quality, but also they have their problems as does anything laden with technology.
If you peruse the forum for the vehicle you're considering you'll find the common issues. Hit cars.com and use their research tab to find out a little more as well.
No matter what, I'd recommend buying an aftermarket warranty. There are any number of companies who sell them; whoever is financing your purchase should have them available. Pick a high deductible and set aside some cash, and then you're covered for the major things, just like with health insurance.
Ask for and inspect the maintenance records. If they don't have them, that could be a red flag. The owner can go to their local MBZ dealer and ask for them, so they should be willing to do that for you.
Finally, I'd suggest paying a good independent mechanic who is familiar with benzes to go over the car. Might be a couple hundred dollars, but it will be money well spent as you'll either find it's a nightmare or you'll know what you need to take care of and have peace of mind.
Good luck! Hope to see you back with a benzino of some kind soon.
Greg
If you peruse the forum for the vehicle you're considering you'll find the common issues. Hit cars.com and use their research tab to find out a little more as well.
No matter what, I'd recommend buying an aftermarket warranty. There are any number of companies who sell them; whoever is financing your purchase should have them available. Pick a high deductible and set aside some cash, and then you're covered for the major things, just like with health insurance.
Ask for and inspect the maintenance records. If they don't have them, that could be a red flag. The owner can go to their local MBZ dealer and ask for them, so they should be willing to do that for you.
Finally, I'd suggest paying a good independent mechanic who is familiar with benzes to go over the car. Might be a couple hundred dollars, but it will be money well spent as you'll either find it's a nightmare or you'll know what you need to take care of and have peace of mind.
Good luck! Hope to see you back with a benzino of some kind soon.
Greg
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 221
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From: L.A.
SL000
Originally Posted by sosh
You are buying a 10 year old vehicle with a lot of miles on it. It will be expensive to maintain properly. If you are questioning the maint cost, If I were you I would buy a Ford escourt or similar as you are obviosly sensitive to high dollar expense
Why will be expensive to maintain properly
???The guy is asking for advice ...not being Ford...
'escourt' is something you might 'obviosly' want to explain
Why don't help instead of insult...
Last edited by TheV12pwr; Jun 7, 2005 at 02:18 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Originally Posted by TheV12pwr
In fact for the 10 years the car has LOW miles.
Why will be expensive to maintain properly ???
The guy is asking for advice ...not being Ford...
'escourt' is something you might 'obviosly' want to explain
Why don't help instead of insult...
Why will be expensive to maintain properly
???The guy is asking for advice ...not being Ford...
'escourt' is something you might 'obviosly' want to explain
Why don't help instead of insult...
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
2000 BMW M5
An S class of that model design also known as a 140 is defenitly not one of the cheaper models to own. When something breaks it will be a costly repair. The car is fairly reliable with a few known problems. The S320 has a 104 engine. This engine will run for a very long time, however it is notorius for blowing head gaskets and having leaky front covers. This is a very labor intensive repair, otherwise known as very expensive. Door check straps break often, keep an eye on the bolts on the door and make sure they don't loosen up. When they become loose and noisy the mounting ears on the check strap break off quite frequently. There are many other things I could list, however they are not quite as common. Just remember, when a 140 breaks, it's going to break your wallet as well. Have you looked at any E-classes from 1998 and newer? Should be fairly similar for a purchase price, but much cheaper maintainence wise.
