i'm looking at this model to buy and i was wondering what the words is a far as the engine/trans goes. are theses drivelines as good as the older motors?
thanks,
gregg

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0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

Both have the M104 straight 6 engine, which is one of the best engines ever built by Mercedes in my opinion. They practically never wear out, never have oil consumption problems and don't suffer from valve guide or seal problems. Some have headgaskets that develop exteranl oil leaks, but other than that it is bulletproof.

96 has the 722.4 4 speed tranny with a hydro-mechanical control unit.

The 97 has the brand new (at the time) 722.6 5 speed elecetronically controlled auto with torque converter lockup clutch. Overall, I am going to say that it is an excellent transmission in its current production run, but there were some teething problems in the early builds of the tranny. Most people will tell you that you will be better off with the tranny in the 96, and they may be right. The 722.4 was in its last year of production and they held up pretty well. Also, it will probably be less than half for a rebuilt 722.4 as it would for a rebuilt 722.6.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Ah, the old 96 versus 97 E320 question - great question. The answer is - a nod is as good as wink to a blind horse. It makes no difference - both cars have congenitally defective spring perches and should not be considered for purchase.

Ah yes, the spring perch issue. Be careful about that, it is a pretty common occurance. Once properly fixed, I still think its a decent body.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record