2000 E320 vs. 1997 E320? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lkchris · #16 04-30-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Falvey

The Infinity rides better, handles better, has less road noise and can literally run circles around a Benz in accelleration. Fuel economy is better, there are no squeaks or rattles, the ac blows hard and cold and the AM/FM reception is excellent. Life is good after Mercedes-Benz.

And in 20 yrs the Infinity will be worthless and there will still be a forum for W210s.

Texholdem · #17 04-30-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

And in 20 yrs the Infinity will be worthless and there will still be a forum for W210s.

I did a search on Ebay for Lexus and Infiniti cars. There are none of them older than 1990. Just wonder if they have been exsiting only since 1990 or older ones simply disappeared.
On the other hand 70's, 80's Merc are still amply around.

BENZ-LGB · #18 04-30-2007, 02:45 PM

I think that is about the time they arrived on our shores.

Perhaps a more telling comparison is Benz vs. BMW.

I see lots of old Benzes still running around (I've got a couple of them).

I don't see so many BMWs, however.

softconsult · #19 04-30-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Falvey

This is EXACTLY why I just traded my E320 in on a brand new Infinity G Series. I dumped thousands of dollars into that car just over the past year and I only put about 5,000 miles on the odometer. Finally, when the transmission began to show signs of failure, I decided to dump it. It was probably the best decision that I've made in years.

Chris

My reaction goes something like this. You invest thousands in your E320, but only drive 5,000 miles a year. Then based on the prospect that there is a tranny problem, you sign up to buy a new car, say $34,000. So now , assuming you are still not driving much, you will lose 1/2 of said $34,000 in say 5 years. That's $16,000 down the rathole. In addition, you get to have a high car payment, interest, and higher car insurance. I suspect it might have been cheaper to fix the transmission.

I admit that the comments in this thread about the V-6 engines croaking at 100K miles put a permanent clamp on any ideas of would have about buying one of those. My MB strategy has been buy 300E's at 100K and drive another 100K+. Just did it again with the '97 S320. I would really be an un-happy camper if my MB engine required a major rebuild at 100K.

Steve

Texholdem · #20 04-30-2007, 03:09 PM

Hi Benz,

from your signature
"Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur"

I know only 3 words

Res: thing
non: not
semper: always

is it "Things are not always what they look like" ?

BENZ-LGB · #21 04-30-2007, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texholdem

Hi Benz,

from your signature
"Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur"

I know only 3 words

Res: thing
non: not
semper: always

is it "Things are not always what they look like" ?

Very good!

Texholdem · #22 04-30-2007, 03:56 PM

I found this reference list for Chassis <-> model from MB and thought it is interesting. Be sure to scroll down a little bit since the first part is about pricing for EPC only.

https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/coverage.jsp

manny · #23 04-30-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Falvey

The Infinity rides better, handles better, has less road noise and can literally run circles around a Benz in accelleration. Fuel economy is better, there are no squeaks or rattles, the ac blows hard and cold and the AM/FM reception is excellent. Life is good after Mercedes-Benz.

Chris

So you disposed of your 11 year old M-B and bought a Datsun with a lot of chrome on it ( that will peel off the plastic in short order ).
Good luck.

jcyuhn · #24 05-01-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texholdem

I did a search on Ebay for Lexus and Infiniti cars. There are none of them older than 1990. Just wonder if they have been exsiting only since 1990 or older ones simply disappeared.
On the other hand 70's, 80's Merc are still amply around.

1990 was the first model year for both Lexus and Infiniti. Acura debuted for the 1986 model year.

Lexus debuted with two models. The magnificent LS400 and the completely forgetable ES250.

Infiniti had the Q45 and something else that even I can't recall. (Anyone, anyone?)

Acura debuted with the Legend (gutsy name for a new brand, that!) and the Integra. I almost purchased an Integra in 1987, but went for a Mustang GT instead. No regrets there.

- JimY

deanyel · #25 05-01-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcyuhn

Infiniti had the Q45 and something else that even I can't recall. (Anyone, anyone?)

The M30 - when memory fails, as mine did, check the EPA site, if it was offered for sale after 1985 it got tested and listed here:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

beevly · #26 05-02-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

The cost depends on what we find, once the cylinder heads are removed. In most cases, the piston rings are the only "hard parts" that need replacing. In this case, we do the job without removing the engine. We replace the rod bearings as well, since we've got them out, but they're usually in pretty good shape. Depending on mileage, we may also recommend replacing the valve stem seals as a pre-caution. It only adds a couple hundred dollars to an already large bill, but we leave the final decision up to the owner.

Occasionally, we find severe scoring of the cylinder walls. In this case, we replace the engine block, with pre-fitted pistons. The crankshaft and connecting rods are re-used. The rod, main, and thrust bearings must be replaced as well. Before we tear down any M112/113's though, we listen to it carefully. Sometimes, a slight knocking noise can be heard from the engine. It's not very noticeable, but it has a very distinct sound. Once you hear it, it's easily recognizable. This is the tell-tale sound made when the cylinder walls are scored. When we hear this noise, we inspect the cylinders with an articulated borescope. If we find cylinder wall damage, we can give the owner the bad news, but keep the diagnosis cost down.

This is worrisome news to me, I always thought the M112 to be a solid engine. Are these problems mostly on the early 210's that had the long FSS period with dino oil or is it more widespread than that?