S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

Possible '97 S320 Purchase...Need Advice

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Old Jul 29, 2007 | 07:11 PM
  #1  
Britrover's Avatar
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From: The Sunshine State
01 W210 E Klasse | 02 W 463 G-Wagen | 06 Land Rover LR3 HSE
Possible '97 S320 Purchase...Need Advice

I am looking at two 1997 S320 one is a silver SMB with 127k miles and drives perfect, the other is a black with tan interior 99K miles LWB but didn’t drive as good as the SWB. I drove the 528 i at the same delaership but it was not even close to the S320.

I currently own a 99 E320 and wanted to find out if the S320 will be a lot more to maintain vs. the E320. I love the big body style of the older S class and the heavy yet very smooth ride.

Are the S320’s overall a reliable car? Or is this model going to be like some of the newer MB’s with tons of issues. What are some of the common problems I should have checked by the mechanic?

Appreciate the feedback and suggestions.
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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 05:38 AM
  #2  
Vasir's Avatar
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From: NorCal
99' SL500, 16' i3, 14' Passat TDI SEL
S320's are very reliable cars. id take a w140 body style mb over any BMW between 1996-1999.
im selling my S320 if you are in the Socal area.
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Old Jul 30, 2007 | 02:00 PM
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From: Mesa, AZ
2011 E350 Bluetec, 1996 S320 & 2006 E320 CDI Sold to my son & 2017 GMC 2500 Diesel Pick up
Reliable

You will get a lot of differant opinions in here. Mine is that you will love the S320. As far as what to have looked at, if its running as good as you say just a general look see. I have only had minor problems with mine. I got it with 98k and now 150+ . I would say the things I have had to repair are all normal wear & tear items. Last if your a DIY kind of guy I would say they are not hard to work on. The high cost of repairs are most due to high labor charges.
Good luck
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