Hi there!

I would like to hear from any owners of 320CEs. I am looking to buy one and would be interested in hearing some feedback on the car.

How good is the transmission (5 speed auto) and are there any options that is a must-have.

Thanks

I don't have a 320CE, but I have a 1992 300CE. I love the car, it drives great, has plenty of power for me, and looks gorgeous.

I don't think you can go wrong, its one of the mercedes that I have loved since it first came out.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Have a '94 E320 Coupe Starmark at 86,000 miles and have owned it for a little over 2 years.

It's black on grey with chrome 8 hole 15" wheels,w/ factory: heated front seats, hands free phone, traction control, & CD changer along with the standard N America features for 1994 (yellow triangle-ASR, burl walnut,sunroof etc).

I enjoy and appreciate the design,style,engineering, ride, & build quality of this automobile with all the amenities including the filtered air and factory flat face Euro look headlamps.

It is plenty fast enough for me in the city and highway and handles reasonably well as a luxury coupe running 195/65/VR Pirelli P6000 Summer tires. Gas mileage is acceptable at 20-24 mpg combined city and highway.

It is quite comfortable for the driver and 3 adult passengers (although leg room for the back passengers is a few inches truncated vs. the sedan).

It has shared W124/ W104 engine-chassis characteristics and to date all has been satisfactorily corrected under Starmark warranty: replaced 24 valves (2x), lifters (2x), head gasket at 60K, transmission modification, tie rod ends.

I've also spent a few dollars on my own keeping it mint condition replacing misc. parts as needed and meticulously maintaining it.

In response to your transmission question, I believe that the '94-'95 E320's have 4-speed automatic transmissions and I find mine to be entirely competent in terms of responsiveness and useability.

I looked at 10 '94-'95 E320 Starmark Coupes in the Los Angeles, CA area until I chose this one (it felt quicker, handled better, and braked straight on panic stops). As pre-owned autos, some will perform and ride better than others, so I suggest, shopping around, and choosing the one that moves you...

My next time around, I'll probably look to the '94-'95 E320 Starmark Convertible as lots of low mileage examples appear to be available for sale (these aren't cheap though @$45-$60K at dealers).

RE: options
My philosophy is to try and find one with the all/the most options: heated seats, CD, phone, traction control, chrome wheels, rear window sunshade, Sportline (it all contributes to your driving environment). Based upon your preferences the Sportline package may really appeal to you(wider wheels, deeper seat bolstering, closer ratio steering, stiffer springs, Sportline steering wheel & gear shifter) .

I searched for an E320 coupe with the Sportline option myself and had 8 California dealers looking as well over a period of 6 months. I was unsuccessful finding one to puchase and was told that it was like looking for a needle in a haystack (since it was a used car and built already- you have purchase access limited to what is available for sale compounded by the relatively limited production of the last W124 coupes).

I recommend the Starmark Warranty Program and the Extended Starmark Warranty Program. MBZ had upheld its end of the contract relatively haggle free on claims and it reduces the financial perils of major mechanical repairs.

Good luck and hope this helps. Overall mine has been a great vehicle to enjoy.

-fad

[Edited by -fad on 01-05-2001 at 02:43 PM]

fad,

Thanks for your contribution. Can you please advise as to why the valves needed attending to twice and also as to the lifters. Also what modifications were made to the transmission?

Thanks once again.

franj

Happy to help franj-

The transmission mod. was to address a harsh downshift condition from 3rd/2nd to 1st that occurred on low speed spirited acceleration (35mph+). I understand there is some type of bulletin from the factory allowing the transmission mod to be done under warranty. There's detail on this subject within the Shop Forum that may be located using "Search".

The valves and lifters were replaced twice to address a ticking noise/ sticky lifter condition (75K-80K miles). I don't believe that this is a common occurrence in this motor.

Oh, to add to the list of "things to watch for", I recall having the aux. fan sensor replaced about four times over the two summers I've lived with the car and the a/c recharged each summer for max cooling (since the exterior of this car is black it's like an oven in the sun- parked or moving!).

Overall, the common issues with this engine and chassis are well outlined in the Shop Forum, so you can purchase with relative confidence by model and production year. I'm sure you have also read the reviews here and spoken to numerous owners about their experience with the 2 and 4 door models- all the information helps.

My experience with all autos is to maintain it, address wear items and failures right away, and enjoy driving. When it starts to become a money pit...sell it and move on.

Good Luck
-fad

fad,

Thanks for replying. The transmission item was very interesting to me. My previous 190e 2.6 had the same symptoms, ie gear thumps from 2nd to 3rd, and then clunks from 3rd to 2nd. In the end it got too much for me and I sold the damn thing...only had 45000km on it!!! My local MB dealers had no idea and said it was normal for a Benz to do that!!! I now wish I had investigated further or have found this site earlier. Anyway can you point me to where I can possibly locate this Bulletin or previous discussions on this site?

Thanks again!

franj

Hi franj

I tried to quickly search "transmission" for you (using the search icon at the top of the page), but was unsuccessful in surfacing our particular topic.

Maybe you can also search using words: "harsh" or "downshift" (searching through all archives) or alternatively ask specific assistance from our professional techs on the site (most knowledgeable sources) for the bulletin id number/ more info.

Hope this helps.
-fad