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1995 E320 - things to look for?
A local Toyota dealership has a 1995 E320 on the lot with 57,000 miles for $5600. To me, this price seems real low for those miles. I am probably going to go and take a look at the car this coming weekend, and would like to know some things to look for? I know that the wiring harness can be an issue - is there anyway to get a look at this, or would I be able to tell from driving the car?
Are there any other engine issues to be aware of when inspecting/driving it? The only gas powered Benz I've ever driven was a 98 ML320, so I'm not sure what to expect from the E320. Thanks for any advice in advance. |
#2
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The first thing to check is the maintenance records for this 1995 E320. There should be a Maintenance Booklet inside a black leather pouch that comes with all MB automobiles. See if all the scheduled maintenance items were performed ... if done at a MB dealer they will be stamped. If the car drives fine and you're seriouslyl interested in purchasing it arrange to have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done at a local MB dealer or at a local independent shop that has MB-trained techs who "know" MB automobiles. A PPI may cost you $100, but you'll have a professional evaluation of all systems and know if any major, expensive repairs are needed. As the saying goes "there is nothing more expensive than a cheap MB" ... that is one that sells far below market value and needs thousands of dollars in repairs because it was neglected. The PPI should also reveal if this car has had any paint or body work done as a result of a significant collision.
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Fred Hoelzle |
#3
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Engine wiring harness ($1200 part, $200-$300 labor)
AC evaporator ($2000-$2500 parts and labor) head gasket ($1800 parts and labor) throttle actuaor ($1800 part, $250 labor) $ amounts are approximate |
#4
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Here is another of my contrarian viewpoints.
What's always left out is that you may not have much time. This car at that price will not be unsold for long. I would do a CarFax to verify where the car has lived it life ( as in not in Katrina ). I would also want to verify that the mileage is legit. I would drive it. I would open the expansion tank and see whether the coolant is green. You don't want green, you want the proper MB coolant. I would drive it and see if you like it. Pay attention to any hesitation on acceleration from stop (defective MAF sensor $300+). Does the transmission shift smoothly. These cars are fast and come on strong from about 3,000 rpm up to redline. Do you hear any funny exhaust sounds, as in rusted exhaust parts ( common )? Does the A/C blow cold air? Cold air should not come out of the center vents. Any receipts for Head Gasket or wiring harness replacement? Pre-Purchase Inspection is very wise if practical time wise. In my opinion it all boils down to whether you really love the car. It will cost some maintenance dollars. It will also roll on past 250K miles if properly maintained. My current '92 300E is at 244K and going strong. Steve |
#5
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You mean cold air *should* come out of the center vents! If not, the vacuum element in the blower box is dead, and replacing it requires removing the dashboard. There's also a way to jury-rig the flap in the blower box so you get air out of the center vents at all times.
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#6
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Might want to see what codes are stored in the modules..pin 8 and 14
http://members.aol.com/ajdalton7/ledtool.jpg |
#7
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Quote:
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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite ------------------------------------ Gone but not Forgotten: 2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal 1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey 1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black |
#8
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I wish it were closer.
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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K 07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K 02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K 05 F150 Silver 44K |
#9
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Wow lots of info guys. Thanks a lot. I am going to hopefully be getting home (I'm at school in Orlando right now) this Friday and I'll go check it out at the dealer. Hopefully all goes well. I did get a carfax on the car and it looks good. It was a leased car its whole life, averaging like 4.5K miles a year, and it shows the A/C system and electrical system being serviced twice.
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#10
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Quote:
__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite ------------------------------------ Gone but not Forgotten: 2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal 1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey 1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black |
#11
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I might do that... I've done the "request more information" from their website, so we'll see how that goes. If I don't hear from them by Tuesday I am going to call them and talk to them about the car.
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#12
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Sorry, yes cold air from center vents is correct.
Call and place a refundable deposit. Got my new to me '97S320 by doing that 30 minutes before the next guy, who was ready to buy, arrived. Steve |
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