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#1
09-30-2006, 08:48 AM
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E320 4matic mechanical issues?
Considering a 4matic wagon (wife) ... 1999 model year is probably about as much as I can afford right now. Most have in the range of 100K miles and are +/- $12K.
What are issues I could expect to deal with (do 99% of my own work on my W126 3.5 diesel)? Any clear reason to buy later or earlier versions? Wife won't "permit" one that is "too old." Thanks!
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George Stephenson 1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet) former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car former 1985 300 CD - great car former 1981 300 TD - good car former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg 
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#2
09-30-2006, 09:39 AM
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Pretty bullet-proof system. The "old" 124 4Matics are the ones to avoid. The new style ones like this are OK. Nothing much to watch for, torn front shaft boots like any other car with front CV joints.
Gilly
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Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)
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#3
09-30-2006, 11:38 AM
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Thanks, Gilly ...
Have one in mind, but a bit concerned in that looks like owner followed the oil change warning system interval and this one preceded the shift to Mobil 1 ... engine compartment had never seen a bit of cleaning, either ... passenger side head had oil all over it, but likely just a cover gasket, I think ... I did see in some of the records there had been some trans work, but the dealership invoice showed very little I could understand - orings, seals, gaskets, and "Under Warranty" or "N/C" under labor so couldn't tell ... owner pretty clueless - wife simply drove in when warning light for maintenance came on ... anything common re trans leaks, etc? Thanks for your continuing support to this community of interest!
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George Stephenson 1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet) former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car former 1985 300 CD - great car former 1981 300 TD - good car former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg
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#4
09-30-2006, 12:15 PM
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Do a thorough PPO on it.
We have a 99 4matic wagon bought with low mileage (36K) two and half years ago. Car has been lightly drive since with 56K on the odometer. We have had approx $10K in Starmark repairs since. Things like the transfer case, steering rack, HVAC stuff, and several trips for transmission leaks. Good luck
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1993 300E 1999 E320 Estate
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#5
09-30-2006, 12:26 PM
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Ouch! $10K!
This could be really scary, then ... is this typical or unusual? I can do the HVAC stuff and deal with trans leaks, probably, but major R&R of components like transfer cases gets a bit expensive for me! Appreciate the info!
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George Stephenson 1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet) former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car former 1985 300 CD - great car former 1981 300 TD - good car former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg
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#6
09-30-2006, 01:35 PM
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I think $10K is more unusual than typical. I have a 98 E320 4matic wagon that currently has 110K with no issues other than a minor trans fluid leak. Easily solved with a new pan gasket and o-rings for some sensor on the side of the case. Total bill was around $160 at my indy including several liters of the expen$ive trans fluid. Great car, solidly built - as long as you don't drive it like a teenager trying to impress his friends, should be reliable transportation for years to come.
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1998 E320 4-Matic Wagon Last edited by aviaator; 09-30-2006 at 01:36 PM. Reason: typo
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