Used E320W4 - good idea?

[beevly]

I fear this might be a tired topic, but being new here I'll just take the chance. I am currently planning on buying a 98 or 99 E320W4 from a m-b dealer. We've always wanted m-b, and now can finally afford one of this type & age.

Questions:
-is this a good idea?
-what should one look for?
-common problems to be aware of?
-strategies for locating a smoke silver 4-matic? Local dealers (within 100 mi) don't list any on the mb website national search.

Any other considerations?

thanks-

I'm new too...
What's a W4?

[renyf1]

probably meant 4Matic

in any case...use the search feature on this site and look up W210 or something comprabale...u will find lots of feedback from other owners

good luck in ur purchase!

-Reny

[420SEL]

If you can get a starmark warranty get it and get the car.

[rmasteller]

Go for the late '00 model. Check the crash test results at:

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00027.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97005.htm

Some big change occurred during the '00 model year and the offset head-on crash test improved a lot.

Well beevly if you take the plundge you will be in the same boat as me. I was looking at RV trailors and saw this 98 E320 4Matic sitting on their lot. While I kept the Salesman busy my wife made off with the service records in the glove box. The test drive didn't reveal any problems and there was no evidence of abuse or damage. No fluid on the ground or anything.

I noted the VIN number and did a Carfax check when I got home. Everything was clean. I took the chance since the price was right.

I must say that so far I couldn't be more happy. I fell like I just got my drivers license all over a again. I jump at any chance to take the car into town.

Good luck in your search.

[loubapache]

Be careful with some of these 98 and 99 cars. These cars have the FSS (Flexible Service System) and thry won't ask for an oil change until about 10 - 15kmi intervals. So if you think 10 - 15 kmi oil change is OK with dino oil (or synthetic, for that matter), then buy these cars. (Now MB recommends only synthetic on these cars.)

If not, check the service records for oil change intervals.

Loubapache, you SO read my mine. I just poped the hood to do a cursory look at engine vitals and noticed that the oil was looking dirty. BTW, I just did a search and looked through the 20 odd pages on oil changes etc.

I like my oil a certain color and smell in all my cars that I intend to keep. This look and smell will override what the odometer and the manual says when it comes time to change oil. My FSS says I have 4700 more miles to go. I think not!

They should rename FSS to just BS!

[loubapache]

A guy on another MB list came up with a nice definition of FSS but I could not remember now.

The system is to fool the public about how little it costs to maintain a Mercedes.

Let's be creative to define FSS.

[beevly]

Thanks all -

These suggestions are helpful. In particular, I wasn't aware of the FSS issue.

Also not sure what to make of the seat problems these have. Is there a year when these problems seemed to stop, or are they ongoing?

Still looking for the right one --- it'll turn up one of these days.

[tryan]

jump on it if the price is right. beware of the 7 quart oil capacity, one quart less than a sedan. you should get 20-30 mpg, excellent foul weather manners, very stable at triple digit speeds and more cargo room than your wallet can stand. put 30k miles on a '99. no problems

Beevly.

Saw this on Ebay. Looked like a nice one. Thought I'd bring it to your attention.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1824468578

[Bob I]

Seriously consider maxing out the Starmark warranty if you buy a car from a MB dealer. At $1,500 for an additonal 3 year warranty up to 100,000 miles over the standard 1 year Starmark warranty, it is a bargain. These engines can have sticking ring problems if the prior owner used dyno oil and followed the extended FSS oil change intervals. That is probably the reason Mercedes now specifies synthetic oil. (I was given this info by a Mercedes technician who has seen the engines on the earlier FSS models needing work at 50,000 miles or less!)

[beevly]

Thanks for everyone's advice -

Never did find an acceptable used one, so just took delivery today on a new 2002 E320 4-Matic, brilliant silver/charcoal, E1/E2 pkgs + CD changer. First benz, and what a gorgeous car.

Congratulations!!

When you are not out driving it take some pictures and post them. When I got mine it was like getting my license for the first time. I would use any excuse to drive to town or where ever.

Enjoy!