Considering Upgrade- Advice on Models - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

csnow · #1 11-23-2005, 12:56 PM

This cheating heart...

The beloved 300E is getting a bit long in the tooth. Rust is coming on, and I have no interest in taking on a body restoration ever again. The cost/benefit ratio is just no good at this age.

I'm thinking about a newer Benz. My sense is that MB R&D really started to unravel after 1995. Seems like someone flipped a switch, and reliability went out the window. I'd appreciate any opinions on this matter.

So I have in mind either an E class or an S class, probably 93-95.

A few questions:

How are the S class sedans from this vintage?

Are the E class "4Matic" components reliable?

Should I consider a 400E/E420 (zoom)?

Any specific recommendations or warnings to help me out?

pbrennan10 · #2 11-23-2005, 01:34 PM

On the w140 body style it seems that the post 95 models are just as well.

I dont know if they ever fixed the evaporator problem though i would investigate to see if a 98 or 99 model have any problems because that's one problem i would do anything to avoid. I have a 1997 S320 and besides the evaporator core it's been problem free. I think the S classes had a wiring harness problem up to 94.

Anyway i love my S320, i dont feel it a bit underpowered. It's not fast that's for sure, but it'll get you there. It's a fine style and a joy to drive and ride.

iwrock · #3 11-23-2005, 01:51 PM

If you want some nice zoom, and dont want to pay the premium price for a 500E, I would suggest that you start shopping around for a nice 400E. They are fairly quick, and they are fairly reliable. I bought my 400E just about 3 years ago, and the most serious problem I have had was a bad thermostat. Other than that, it is just normal wear and tear items you would find in your 300e.

suginami · #4 11-23-2005, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csnow

This cheating heart...

The beloved 300E is getting a bit long in the tooth. Rust is coming on, and I have no interest in taking on a body restoration ever again. The cost/benefit ratio is just no good at this age.

I'm thinking about a newer Benz. My sense is that MB R&D really started to unravel after 1995. Seems like someone flipped a switch, and reliability went out the window. I'd appreciate any opinions on this matter.

So I have in mind either an E class or an S class, probably 93-95.

A few questions:

How are the S class sedans from this vintage?

1993-1995 6 cylinder models are all M104 engines. 1993 300E's have the 3.2 liter M104 engine, and 1994-1995 models are properly badged as E320. There was a value model in 1993, the 300E 2.8, which is the same engine as the C280.

1992-1993 400E's have the same 4.2 liter M119 engine as 1994-1995 E420's.

All of the above models have the new r134a a/c refrigerant from the factory, as well as having dual airbags.

All of the above models will have the infamous engine wiring harness deteriorating. A new harness is around $500-ish.

If it were my money, I'd be a '92-'93 400E / '94-'95 E420. Used car prices are very depressed for both E320's and 400E's / E420's, and there is virtually no price difference between the six cylinder models and V8's. What's more, you get all that horsepower (275 hp), and almost no penalty in fuel economy. The V8's only get 1 - 2 mpg less than the six's.

All W124 4-matics are extremely problematic and should be avoided.

Paul Barnhart · #5 11-23-2005, 04:13 PM

Hi CSNOW,
From my years of experience, the 210 body E-class ( 1996 - 2002) was the best car that Benz built in recent years. Either the 6cyl or the V8. Yes, 96 and 97 model 6's did have engine wire harness issues, and the 96 did have ign
switch issues. But if you come across one of these where these pieces have already been replaced, you're safe. Even if you do have to replace a harness,
the harness itself is not hard to replace, just a little on the expensive side.
(About $500.00 list. )
A close second is the 202 body C class ( 1994-2000) after 1997. The 1998 - 2000 with the v6 is a good car. Very few probs. Just keep an eye on the front crank pulley.

Now of course being a humble tech, I drive a Very clean '92 190E 2.6 with only 76k miles on it. I still have a soft spot for the old beaters !
Hope this helps.

Two560Two · #6 11-23-2005, 05:08 PM

I would suggest you to look for a nice, clean low mileage 420SEL or 560SEL with service history. These are really great cars as I have 3! 2 560SEL and 1 420SEL. My 560SEL has 29k miles and 150k miles respectively. My 420SEL that I just got has on 55k miles. You wont go wrong with the W126. Sure they have their own quirks but if you find one really nice with low mileage and service history, I say go for it! Btw- these cars are easier to work on then the much newer ones. I think that after 1991 Mercedes has went down with reliability and I know alot of people with TONS of problems with their Benzes after 1992.