2000 E320 4matic
 

Hi everyone, I'm looking at a 2000 E320 4matic. I'm just wondering what anyone might know about these cars as far as trouble spots? The car is originally from virginia now it's at the jersey shore. I checked it out on car fax and he had it serviced everytime it was supposed to be. It's also a one owner car with 117K miles on it and very clean. Is that too much for a 4matic? Do the transmissions or transfer cases tend to have problems? Also how's the motor in that car? Book value on it is some where around $13K what should i pay for it? Thanks

Check here:
http://www.mercedesforum.com/m_95189/tm.htm

As for mileage that is a little high but if it's a one owner you can talk to them about the kind of miles.
Short trip, stop/go = keep looking Highway miles = maybe OK.
Based on what I've seen $10-11K sounds about right if the interior and paint are
nearly perfect and every feature works as it should. 4MATIC is reliable but I would buy 4MATIC only if I needed it because you'll pay a premium (up to $1K over RWD). If you don't you're just dragging around 100# of steel and paying $3.50/gal for the priviledge.

If the motor has been well serviced with Mobil 1 Syn and fleece filters per MB, it'll last a long time.

Take your time and shop around. The E320 was a popular car and there are many good ones to choose from. You can get lots of tips on what to look for from these forums. For the 2000 you want the W210 subforums which is the chassis model for your car.

When you find one you think is a good deal have it inspected by a competent MB mechanic. It may cost a few dollars but major repairs done by the dealer are VERY expensive.

Good luck.

Unless you really really really need the 4matic, I'd suggest you stay away from it.
It is not particularly troublesome, but if and when it breaks down, your wallet will be very sorry.
For an occasional bit of snow, a first class pair of snow tires will be much cheaper.

Jackd

Amen to that.
I have NO idea why people think they need 4 wheel drive. :confused:

Hey wait a minute. I have both the 4Matic and 2WD versions of the E320 and the 4Matic is AWESOME in the snow. In the dry I hardly notice the 4Matic system.

If you live where it snows the 4Matic system is well worth it IMHO.

take it to a mechanic
 

no way you can do a thorough examination - unless you know what to look for and have a lift.

I just looked at a 2000 e320 wagaon. only 35K - little old lady drove it and the son in law was selling it.

My mechanic said the cats were bad - you'll hear a rattling in the rear area near the muffler.

Body work was bad - couldn't tell with the naked eye - would need to be re-done in a few years. A number of other things as well.

Bottom line is a mechanic can tell you the problems - also gives you a bargaining chip to reduce the price.

The cats are covered by warranty but the guy was such a jerk about it when i told him the problems i didn't bother letting him know that.

We get lots of snow where I live. :D
If I can't get where I wanna go with 4 good snowtires, traction control, etc., I should not be on the road. ;)

I know what you mean::P