It's been a few years since I've been in Columbia. But here are a few thoughts regarding the 94 & 95 w124 Wagon.

Motor:
94 & 95 better fuel injection system than previous years. However, this 124 chassis MB has the notorious BAD head gasket. In addition, the battery and engine wiring harness that also uses same wires in actuator often are the cause of ASR and limp mode problems. The EGR tubing clogs at intake, but it's an easy DIY. Change the oil, coolant, plugs, their connectors and occasionally the 3 coils and you're good to go!

Trans:
Excellent with drain plugs for trans & torque converter for DIY. The bowden cable that controls trans shifting is expensive to R&R and is not an easy DIY. The trans must immediately engage when shifting into reverse. If not, it's going bad.

Chassis:
Climate control vents should work per their settings. If not, it's a bad vacuum feed to the controller [easy DIY], or worst, a bad vacuum pod requiring dash removal. The vac & dash controllers rarely go bad.

A few items unique to the "Wagon" aka "Touring" aka "Estate"
The 94 & 95 e320 are virtually identical and have some differences to the previous years badged as 300TE. Foggy memory says less than 10% of 124's were wagons. Do the math on availability if any body part has to be replaced with a used one.

Suspension:
Front lower control arms on 94 & 95 wagons require replacement. Ball joint & bushings are not replaceable!

Self leveling is only on the rear wheels to help with additional cargo weight. Test self leveling: with engine off, put 2 people in cargo area, when engine is started, rear height should return to unloaded height. It's age and milage will require 2 accumulators if original. Pressure comes from a dual pump for the power steering and self leveling. Hose that feeds the reservoir goes bad with age, but is easy & cheep DIY. The mechanical fluid "controller" [near right axle] rarely goes bad. If inoperative, it's a must fix for adequate road & load handling.

Chassis:
Rear seat operation should be checked. Rotate seat cushion up. Pull red handle up and it should release easily from its pins that should not be broken. Seat back should release easily as well. If rear seat back doesn't release due to broken mechanism in wheel well, I've never read of a way to access it to repair.

Rust at bottom edge of rear windows. Open storage compartments on both sides and peel back rubber moulding to inspect closest to side door.

Tailgate should "stay" in virtually any position. Nightmare to fix supports. It has an auto pull down to latch. Don't slam it closed!

Top rails mounted onto roof good for 200 lbs. I understand, horizontal sliding rails help prevent your stuff from sliding off roof, but I've never needed them.

Rear facing seat good for two small adults. This wagon has more cargo space than any other automobile chassis wagon - BMW, Volvo & previous Sable / Taurus chassis. Although owner's manual doesn't mention trailer hitch, there is info in this forum for capacity & installation.

Audio:
- The rear door "speakers" are an oxymoron and you'll probably break the tiny pins off the speaker covers when you replace the speakers.
- The antenna mount to fender is an oddity. But replacement AM/FM antenna is doable.
- Alpine 6 CD changer [plugs into audio harness in storage compartment] fits inside First Aid kit sleeve. Put First Aid kit in spare tire. Car is prewired to RR fender, but you might need adapter cable.
- Rear compartments could make for big speaker enclosures.
- AMP can be placed under rear seat cushion for mega watt power.

When you need to haul a lot of stuff and/or people this is an ideal vehicle. It handles very well from empty to fully loaded. It will absorb the bumpy city streets, manage the twisty country roads and cruise at 120+ mph on the interstate.

I seriously don't know of another vehicle [at current price] to match its capabilities. I've had my trials & tribulations with mine. Fortunately the forum members have helped me through it all. if you search my name, beware of my many "don't know a socket for a wrench" questions.

Bob
Gamecock Class of 72