Quote:
Originally Posted by jm124
Hi all ,
I'm looking to buy a 94ith /95 w124. I'm stuck between worring about more maintanance on the m119 if i do decide to get it... but the power and the better sound system is tempting me too much.
I'd like to know if there is a big difference between the 92 400e's and the 94 e420's. I've so far seen a 92 400e for $1800 with about 155K miles on it and a 94 e420 with 135K for $6000.
Aprt from the wiring harness issues... do you think its worth looking at the 400e instead of the e420...? is a PPI necessary for either or ?
Thanks...
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Seems to me the sound system ought to be around if not at the bottom of your list of priorities, and I would
run away from an $1,800 400E. That is probably little better than a parts car at that price. Then again, you might get very lucky.
Here are the 400E-specific issues of which I am aware:
- The PS pump will almost certainly leak (more common on 400E than 300E due to under-hood heat) and require replacement w/ a rebuilt or new unit. Part is about $450, but it's a royal PITA to R&R. You can DIY - it's not rocket science, but lots of parts to take off and put back on.
- The fan clutch part for the M119 is very expensive, +/- $500, but this is a one-time replacement item, not that big of a deal.
- The brake calipers are extremely expensive to replace, but they can be rebuilt.
- As with most 124s, the wiring harness will likely go bad if it has not already, good news is that the part is actually cheaper for the 400E than the 300E / E320.
- Caps / rotors (1 for each cylinder bank) are regular maintenance items but really no big deal, should last at LEAST 75K miles unless something else is wrong.
The 400E will not burn much more fuel than a 300E / E320. Mine gets 23 to 24 MPG highway - pretty good for a heavy 4.2L sedan. Very tall final drive helps these cars get pretty good mileage.
A PPI is most definitely necessary!!