PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Review of my new E430 vs. my W124 124.032

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Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami (Post 2364750)

I enjoyed reading your post.

I also had a problem with my LED temp display, but they can be fixed. There is a guy in the San Fernando Valley (Southern California) who fixes them while you wait.

If you want your 4.2 liter M119 engine with coil packs, you can buy a 1997 E420. That is a one year only offering in the W210 engine.

You could also buy a 1998-2002 E430, which also have a coil on plug ignition

I was researching the problem with the faulty LED (or LCDs not sure) in the newer W210s and there is a way to fix it.
The ribbon cable (like seen in computers from IDE cables to hard drives) over time and variations in temperatures the electrical cable contact points peel away from the display assembly LEDs.

The trick to fixing this is to,
first remove the gauge cluster,
take off the backing to get access to the ribbon cable
then wedging a stiff piece of foam into the gap between the ribbon cable and plastic frame

I notice after driving my sister's E320 for a short while
(when the cabin temps gets warmer)
the outside temperature display works properly
although the clock never does
so some of the clock (minutes) LEDs may be toast
but I know the temp display is fixable

Quote:

Originally Posted by alabbasi (Post 2364755)

I ran a 1997 E420 for about 5 years, it gave me very little trouble and was silky smooth. Of all my cars, that was the car I would be most willing to do a long distance trip in.

It also gave back 25mpg on the highway.

I've done many trips between CA and NV (approx. 450 round) and it's not unusual for me to put over 12k on a car in 6 months
and of all my cars (and my sisters)
I'd say it's pretty close between my sister's 00 E320, 95 BMW 525i, and the 93 400E for comfort on long drives.
Of course, my sis 4Matic for the snow hands down, though I did enjoy having the manual 5 speed in the BMW for the back road curves and short straights. But neither one has the extra HP for "smokin" :D the fast lane blockers on the freeway

Quote:

Originally Posted by EuroRash (Post 2364793)

The guy that fixed my cluster did it by resodering the board. After he fixed the LED, it was incredibly bright.

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami (Post 2364825)

The guy that fixed my cluster did it by resodering the board. After he fixed the LED, it was incredibly bright.

Thanks. I may give that a shot, since I have a soldering gun. ;)

Finally got around to installing the head light doors and also managed to repair one faulty head light wiper motor. Fabricated new headlight wipers by removing the wiper insert from the old one. Now I just need to get around to fixing the plumbing to the washers.

So for those that have the dried out faded covers, this is what they are suppose to look like new.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_LUZgHSkN9t0/Sy...0091326-01.jpg http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LUZgHSkN9t0/Sy...0091326-00.jpg

Really enjoying this 4.2. Added some Lucas transmission additive and it does shift smoother and just changed the fuel filter so it responds better also.

No comparison to my sister W210 3.2 V6, the 4.2 V8 has so much more kick.
I think I almost gave her a heart attack when I put the hammer down to get around a couple cars yesterday.:D

Never had a car before that the air pan was so big that it needed two filters. Well I did have a pretty big one in my old Chevy truck, but it was still only one.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LUZgHSkN9t0/Sz...1091424-01.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LUZgHSkN9t0/Su...LA/headers.JPG
350 V8 in a 77 Chevy C10 Truck

I just had my indy replace the ball joints anbd tie rods both sides for $425, rides like a dream again.