hi all , thinking about getting 2001 E320 MB 4matic wagon with just a bit under 101K miles. well, I can't come up with some reasonable answer to myself; on one hand the car is well maintained and only one owner (according to the dealer) , looks great inside out . On the other hand with over 100K and with no warranty and all this multitude of electronics... so I still hesitate . seeking for the advice on this forum.
I used to have several MBs (diesels and gas ) over the time so emotionally I am inclined to buy this MB but all this modern technology advances make me a bit nervous in terms of cost of parts/repair (even that I am mechanically inclined person ) ... I got into an accident recently so I really need a "new" vehicle , my wife just refuses to drive our old substitute truck with 137K and recently fixed blown head gasket ...
I appreciate any input on this subject.

"According to dealer" -- is the one part that I don't like.

What price?

preliminary negotiating is range 10300- 11K range. I do not want to waste anyone's time before I will make up my mind on this first. Current used car market situation tells me that it doesn't matter what car you want to buy , ford or mbz for that matter it is gonna be in 10K-15K price range for more or less decent vehicle. in my particular case it would be vw, audi , mbz , subaru , maybe volvo awd models. I live in north NJ , hilly place so awd is a really nessesary for us. I do not want to lease a car , I wanna stuck with it for at least 4-5 years.

I share your doubts about this model. It's really a roll of the dice, depends on the individual one you get. They could be a really nice and safe car, but a bad one could eat you alive. With the electronics and spring perch problem, I would be really careful.

I'd insist on a PPI for it, and FULL books and records. A good one would be roomy safe and comfortable. To me, they are like a spaceship compared to the W124. And the W124 4matic is to be avoided at ALL costs, anyhow, just don't get one, they have an awful reputation.

Perhaps you could look further and wider, for a good example of one?

Not as safe as a Mercedes (and safety is such a compelling reason to get one) but what about one of those AWD Subaru Outbacks, a few years old? They seem to be anvil reliable and economical. I have one for the snow (and it's old - '95) and it gets the job done.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

For $11k thats cheap! I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I like the W210, they are easy to fix and work on to.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

ok , lets say I want to come over and have a close look at this MB.
what do I look for ? apart from obvious things like interior/ exterior cosmetic condition , checking various knobs , controls , lights , e.t.c. This thing is so complicated ... for instance is any way to check the proper functioning of 4matic awd ? ... any weak spots on this model I need to pay specific attention ? any records I should look for , like fixed recalls e.t.c.
Thanks for the replies

I second this wholeheartedly. I am a huge wagon fan, but my wife is too vain to drive one (which trust me, I am ok with her vanity). But I shopped these things for a while and have ended up knowing three people with this ride. Two of the three are constantly in the shop and the other one seems to be a supercar. I have now got the attitude now that you buy a Mercedes, accepting the maintenance and quirks for romantic reasons. If I was on a budget and was looking for reliable transportation in a Northern clime, I would do what Jim B says and get a subaru.

PS: The wagon I wanted then was the Audi 4x4 model, and after owning an A8 for a few weeks, if they come out with a new model, I may just get one

The only recall that I know if is the harmonic balancer, you want to make sure it was done. Have the dealer run the vin if any recalls need to be done that were not they should come up.

Other then that just the usual car stuff, make their their are no pops in the front end, you are getting to the point where some of the ball joints may be starting to need replacement.


The car has maintaince records? Make sure it was taken care of.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200