96 S 320 Information needed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 31
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From: Montreal
VW GTI
96 S 320 Information needed
Hi, I'm wondering if any of you folks can help me out here. I've actually been trying to find a white on tan 96-00 E class but that's proving difficult. During my search, I found a '97 S320 with about 230k KM (160k Miles) at a ridiculously low price. They are asking about $4k for it, plus taxes and registration fees. I'm going to inspect the car, I am a mechanic myself but am wondering what I should look out for. I know the usual suspects, I will inspect the suspension, drivetrain and frame for repairs/butchery/disrepair and anything else. But I'm not sure what the typical problems are associated with these vehicles.
Is there anything I should look out for? I know the engines and transmissions in the E320 are pretty solid, is this the same engine/trans combo in the S class? I've been warned about trans leaks and window regulators, I assume this should also apply to the S class? What about scheduled maintenance and requirements? If the previous owner missed a checkout or two, what can I expect and what should I do upon purchase (if I buy it)????
Thanks very much for your help, I do appreciate any input on this matter.
Is there anything I should look out for? I know the engines and transmissions in the E320 are pretty solid, is this the same engine/trans combo in the S class? I've been warned about trans leaks and window regulators, I assume this should also apply to the S class? What about scheduled maintenance and requirements? If the previous owner missed a checkout or two, what can I expect and what should I do upon purchase (if I buy it)????
Thanks very much for your help, I do appreciate any input on this matter.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 924
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From: Socal
1991 300sl 5 speed manual
If you can afford it.. its always best to buy a low mileage well kept one owner if you can find one for more money... I have this saying I cant get out of my head...
IF you cant afford a good one then you certainly cant afford a cheap one...
IF you cant afford a good one then you certainly cant afford a cheap one...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
VW GTI
The fact that I'm a mechanic also plays into this, my repair costs are almost certainly cheaper than most anyone out there because I do my own repairs and maintenance. What I'm wondering is if anyone can help me with common problems and things to look out for when inspecting this vehicle.......
Maybe I should try posting this over on benzworld to see if I can get a few more nibbles. The W140 forum seems to be a bit busier there.......
Thanks anyhow.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,290
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From: New Zealand
1993 300SEL/S320
The one point that I would have to counter that with the W140 is that if you can grab one at higher milage that has been well looked after it's almost a better deal. The 320 suffers from a badly designed headgasket which on pretty much every higher milage S320 has had done because they go at or around 70-80k miles. Also the AC core is another thing that can be done too. A good example is my W140 which has had the AC core, wiring harness (not a problem on 1996+ cars) and head gasket done, the leather has been well looked after and looks better than alot of cars with half the km's on it.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 393
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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
I agree with NZ Benz
Nate I have to side with NZ. I have had my '96 S320 for 5 years and it now has almost 160k. I like to think I take good care of it and fix anything that has gone bad. I have spent less than maybe $1000 in that time doing 90% of the labor myself. I would rank the S as the best automobile I've ever owned. I resently considered traiding it in and just couldn't do it.
Good luck in whatever you decide
Good luck in whatever you decide
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 31
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From: Montreal
VW GTI
Thanks for the help and wise words guys. I'm very glad I'm going to purchase a used Mercedes and have folks like you to help guide me. I've also recently joined benzworld.org and those folks seem to be a class act as well.
I think I might have to pass on this car, only because I'm now working 7 days a week for at least the next month so it will be impossible to view the car because it's nearly 2 hours away. I appreciate the help, looks like I'm back to looking for a local White on Tan E430!!
I think I might have to pass on this car, only because I'm now working 7 days a week for at least the next month so it will be impossible to view the car because it's nearly 2 hours away. I appreciate the help, looks like I'm back to looking for a local White on Tan E430!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: New Zealand
1993 300SEL/S320
Thanks for the help and wise words guys. I'm very glad I'm going to purchase a used Mercedes and have folks like you to help guide me. I've also recently joined benzworld.org and those folks seem to be a class act as well.
I think I might have to pass on this car, only because I'm now working 7 days a week for at least the next month so it will be impossible to view the car because it's nearly 2 hours away. I appreciate the help, looks like I'm back to looking for a local White on Tan E430!!
I think I might have to pass on this car, only because I'm now working 7 days a week for at least the next month so it will be impossible to view the car because it's nearly 2 hours away. I appreciate the help, looks like I'm back to looking for a local White on Tan E430!!
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
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1999 S320
The AC evaporator is a very common and expensive problem (~5K to fix). If the AC doesn't blow cold, then pass on it. Anyone selling a car who says it just needs a recharge is probably full of it. However, with that many miles, it may have already had that issue fixed.
That year I believe the E320 and S320 shared the same inline six, but the E320 went to a V6 in 1998. That V6 had issues early on. The inline six is a very good engine, and I think my 1999 S320 was the last year to carry that engine. The last S320, and the best (98 is pretty much the same, just not the last).
That year I believe the E320 and S320 shared the same inline six, but the E320 went to a V6 in 1998. That V6 had issues early on. The inline six is a very good engine, and I think my 1999 S320 was the last year to carry that engine. The last S320, and the best (98 is pretty much the same, just not the last).
