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  #1  
Old 03-09-2006, 12:29 PM
intelligent
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Exclamation Help with DECISION please

Dear All,
I have finally narrowed my list down to 3 cars:
1995 E320 with 32K miles on it original and pristine owned by a senior citizen or
1996 E320 with 87K miles.
1995 S320 with 25K miles but costs just a "little bit" more but that doesn't matter to me.
I know that both have the same engine and tranny but which one has fewer problems?
I know that the 124 had the wiring harness problem where as the other one didn't and both had the head gasket problem.
I don't mind changing the wiring harness on the 124 so other than the above 2 faults, which car tends to have less problems and holds up better.
I plan on keeping the new car for a few years and plan on making it my daily driver.
Which car is easier on maintenance or requires lesser maintenance?
If you were making the decision, which one would you get?
I would definitely like to hear from our leaders and the knowledgeable members.
I feel it is always better to ask the more knowledgeable ones before making a decision. Can you help your fellow member brother?
Thanks and have a great day!


Last edited by intelligent; 03-09-2006 at 05:51 PM.
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  #2  
Old 03-09-2006, 01:03 PM
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The '96 has spring perch failures.
On the '95 - I would be concerned that it has that few miles. I would rather have a higher mileage vehicle with a full service history. Also, I have had lower mileage, senior owned vehicles that have been problems because they have not seen over 45 mph in several years.
I guess it boils down to several factors -
#1 - you are buying the vehicle and it will be something you will own for a while - choose the one you are most happy with
#2 - which vehicle would be easiest for you to work on?
#3 - which vehicle has the most comprehensive service history available?
#4 - how did the other owner treat the vehicle? One sure fire way to tell is to look at the tires. Do the front and rears match? Are they a brand that would normally be found on a Mercedes or are they no-name brand Maypops?
On cars with headlight wipers I always check to see if the wipers are even - I know that I am meticulous, a friend of mine is just as bad as I am, and we both agree that a well cared for Mercedes will have both headlight wipers even and with decent wiper blades. (but the '96 won't have wiper blades, as you know.)
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  #3  
Old 03-09-2006, 01:26 PM
intelligent
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Thanks for the reply
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  #4  
Old 03-09-2006, 01:50 PM
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Whatever you prefer to drive, the W210/W124 are different animals. They also changed a lot from 1996-98. Since W210's are dirt cheap at the moment I'd look for a later one if you want to go that route.
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  #5  
Old 03-09-2006, 02:29 PM
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What are they asking for the two cars?
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  #6  
Old 03-09-2006, 05:52 PM
intelligent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suginami
What are they asking for the two cars?
Both E classes are the same money BUT the S class is just a "little bit" more I really dont care about the $7K extra for the S-class though.
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  #7  
Old 03-09-2006, 05:58 PM
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I would probably rule out the '96 E320. It was the first year of the W210 chassis, and there were a lot of updates to this chassis. Yes, I know the engine and transmission are the same as 1995, but there were changes that you don't necessarily see, like in the sunroof mechanism, and blower motor regulator. I would also be concerned about the spring perch rusting problem.

I'd say I'd drive the S320 and '95 E320 back-to-back, and see which one you feel most comfortable with.

The '95 S320 will also need a wiring harness, so that's a wash. Either car may or may not need to be updated to the lastest / greatest head gasket design if it leaks oil. The S320 will have a 5 speed transmission, which might be nice. I always thought the 4 speed 722.3 needed another gear. I'm willing to bet that even with the extra weight, the 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile of the two cars might be the same.
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2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
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1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
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  #8  
Old 03-09-2006, 06:36 PM
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The 95 E320 without a doubt in my book. JMHO.
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  #9  
Old 03-09-2006, 07:00 PM
intelligent
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Thumbs up

Thanks guys, I have ruled out the 96 E320 about 90%. I think it will come down to either the 95 E320 or 96 S320. Are there a lot of maintainence issues with the 96 S320?
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  #10  
Old 03-09-2006, 07:42 PM
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As you should be well aware, the w140 had more 'accessories' and will require more maintenance than the w124. I'm not sure if that model was affected, but many w140's have the dreaded evaporator failure that is buried in the dash. I'm not sure how your DIY skills are but that is a big project (like 15+ hours of labor at the shop)

I think the w124 will be easier to work on, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Theres no doubt that the w140 is an awesome machine, and one thats been well cared for is one of the best automobiles that you can drive (certainly one of the safest). As the owner of a 94 E320 (granted with nearly 100k more miles than your example) I really like this car, the only thing I don't like is the wind noise at 80mph on the free way. Its easy to work on, and besides the head gasket and wiring harness it will last a long time. I'm sure the w140 has more sound insulation and rides a bit nicer, but its a bigger car.

If I had the money that you're talking about (~10k i assume) I'd be looking for a nice 94-95 E420 with ~50 - 70k miles on it. If you're talking more like 15+K then i'd opt for a 98+ E430. I would like to have more power and a 5spd.

I would go drive the S320 and the E320 back to back as suggested and decide from there.
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  #11  
Old 03-11-2006, 05:41 PM
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Run the air conditioning on the s-320 and the 95-E-320.

See if you detect anything coming from the dash vents that smells like old bandaids, that is a telltale sign that the evaporator has a leak.

The s-320 is a great car, but the maintenance may be a little more expensive.

Go with the cheap piano shape fresh air filter, the charcoal piano filter is ungodly priced.

Make sure that filter is good first off if you do buy the s-320.
If the filter is very dirty it will put strain on the a/c blower motor and may fry the blower motor regulator which lives atop the blower motor.
very expensive fix at the dealership, most independants may charge $350-$500.00 to fix, dealer about 1-grand.

The maintenance on both cars is realatively easy, if you have any mechanical skills you can do it yourself no problem.


Look for oil leaks, and also ,if they are northern cars, look for rusty undercarriage.

Also look for tampered bolts under the hood on fender rails for tool marks in case it was hit at any point.

Crooked emblems on the trunk panel are telltale body shop repair signs.

You should take a tech with you to look at both cars.

If you were in the Atlanta area, I would look at them for you no charge.

Cudaspaz.
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  #12  
Old 03-11-2006, 06:07 PM
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95 E320 - miles too low, price too high - eliminate
96 E320 - congenital spring perch problem - eliminate
95 S320 - miles too low, price too high - eliminate

Seriously the choice is between one and three, but you should know the answer after driving them both - they are significantly different driving experiences.
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  #13  
Old 03-11-2006, 07:33 PM
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There is no question in my mind now that you have added the S320. Go for it. Make sure the evaporator has been changed. If not, big bucks. When - and if - you have to replace it, go with an all copper evaporator. Costs more but it will last a lot longer (makes you wonder why MB went with the copper/aluminum one in the first place?).
Check trunk and door close assists. Check to see if the wiring harness has been changed. Check for sagging suspension - this car weighs 4,500 lbs. and it eats tires (but, then again, so does my W126).
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  #14  
Old 03-13-2006, 09:10 AM
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If you're looking for sometthing reliable and practical, go for the E320. The S class has it's issues and maintaining it will prove to be more expensive versus the 95 E320.
good luck either way.
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  #15  
Old 03-13-2006, 12:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skiier3_9
[...] the only thing I don't like is the wind noise at 80mph on the free way.
skiier3_9
Replacing the weather strips of the doors might help.
At least it did for my car: I just did the one of the drivers door - and it does wonders to the wind noise.
Bruno

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