My 1st w124 - 1995 E420
 

Well I did it.

I purchased a 1995 E420 today.

The car has 99,000 miles.

Here is the carfax and the VIN codes.

Not much history, but it was a Starmark pre-owned vehicle which had extended warranty coverage through April 24, 2003!

It drives really nice and tight. I had Enrique at MRMB Motors give it the once over and he said it seems like a good one. Everything works. Enrique said just a couple of minor things to fix. Small oil leak on left side of engine, and something else minor that I should remember, but don't.

I probably paid too much, but that's what it was worth to me. I'll get some pictures up soon, but until then here are a few from the craigslist ad.

I get to sell my 1997 Nissan Maxima now, which has had a TON of work done to it. Just can't continue to maintain a car I don't have a connection with. I hope to get that feeling back that I had with my diesel W123 with this W124. I hope the maintenance doesn't kill me, but I am prepared to spend a few thousand during my first year of ownership. I know to tackle things as they come and not get behind. Wish me luck!






Vehicle Information: 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E420/SPECIAL EDITION WDBEA34E5SC233012 SEDAN 4 DR 4.2L V8 FI REAR WHEEL DRIVE Standard Equipment | Safety Options
Search for other 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS vehicles in Chino Hills, CA
No accident / damage reported to CARFAX
5 Previous owners
Personal vehicle
7 Service records available
24 Detailed records available
94,338 Last reported odometer reading





A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.

The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX Owners 1-3 Owner 4 Owner 5
Year purchased 1995 2003 2009
Type of owner Personal Personal Personal
Estimated length of ownership 7 yrs. 8 mo. 5 yrs. 11 mo. 25 days
Owned in the following states/provinces California California California
Estimated miles driven per year 7,300/yr --- ---
Last reported odometer reading 46,337 94,338

A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 6 billion vehicle history events and found 24 record(s) for this 1995 MERCEDES-BENZ E420/SPECIAL EDITION (WDBEA34E5SC233012).

Owner 1
Purchased: 1995
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. miles/year: 2,920/yr
Est. length owned: 5/4/95 - 3/30/99
(3 yrs. 10 mo.)

Low mileage! This owner drove an estimated 2,920 miles per year, lower than the industry average of 15,000 miles. These vehicles can be a better value.
Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
05/04/1995 104 California
Motor Vehicle Dept. Odometer reading reported

05/15/1995 California
Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated
First owner reported
Registered as
personal vehicle

05/15/1998 9,272 Service Facility Vehicle serviced



Owner 2
Purchased: 1999
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. miles/year: 15,695/yr
Est. length owned: 3/30/99 - 6/18/01
(2 yrs. 2 mo.)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
03/30/1999 11,422 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Los Angeles, CA Odometer reading reported

04/06/1999 11,499 Service Facility Pre-delivery inspection completed
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Emissions inspection completed
Cooling system checked
Brake pads replaced
Door check replaced
Antenna replaced

04/06/1999 11,503 California
Inspection Station
Beverly Hills, CA Passed emissions inspection

05/06/1999 California
Motor Vehicle Dept. Title issued or updated
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported

08/13/1999 15,886 Service Facility Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Transmission checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Emissions inspection completed
Maintenance inspection completed

04/01/2000 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Los Angeles, CA Title issued or updated

04/11/2000 26,502 Service Facility Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Engine cleaned
Power steering pump replaced
Steering damper replaced
Emissions inspection completed

06/28/2000 30,545 Service Facility Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Emissions inspection completed

04/13/2001 Vehicle Repair Center Fuel cap repaired

04/13/2001 43,814 Service Facility Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Emissions inspection completed
Fuel filler cap replaced

04/13/2001 California
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection





Owner 3
Purchased: 2001
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 6/18/01 - 1/31/03
(1 yr. 7 mo.)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
06/18/2001 46,337 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Santa Clarita, CA Odometer reading reported

06/19/2001 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Santa Clarita, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported





Owner 4
Purchased: 2003
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 1/31/03 - 1/5/09
(5 yrs. 11 mo.)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
01/31/2003 68,210 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Los Angeles, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported

05/26/2004 73,699 California
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection

04/26/2006 52,561 California
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection
INCONSISTENT ODOMETER READING

It is hard to tell whether this reading indicates an odometer rollback or a clerical error. Confirm the mileage with the seller or a qualified mechanic.

05/02/2008 90,785 California
Inspection Station
Panorama City, CA Passed emissions inspection

01/05/2009 94,243 Auto Auction Sold at auction
in Pacific Region
Listed as
a dealer vehicle

Dealers routinely buy and sell millions of used vehicles at auction each year.

02/04/2009 94,338 California
Inspection Station
Los Angeles, CA Passed emissions inspection





Owner 5
Purchased: 2009
Type: Personal
Where: California
Est. miles/year: ---
Est. length owned: 3/10/09 - present
(25 days)



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
03/10/2009 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Adelanto, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported

04/04/2009 Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. No recalls open for repair

Print this CARFAX Report and take it to your pre-purchase inspection .



View 1 customer rating on this vehicle

VIN WDBEA34E5SC233012
Model 400 E / E 420
Chassis 1240341C233012
Engine 119975 12 021930
Transmission 722366 04 111518
Order 0 5 705 02055
Approx. year not defined
Lights BOSCH
Cab 00000
Dealer United States (USA) (705)
Interior leather grey / orion gray (268)
Paint
744 brilliant silver metallic (с 1991)
68 Unknown code
Options
240 outside temperature indicator (с 01.03.1982)
second spare wheel (с 01.01.1964 по 28.02.1973)
241 left front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
wood rims (с 01.01.1964 по 31.08.1971)
251 Becker Radio Mexico cassette, full stereo, electronic (с 01.04.1980 по 30.11.1990)
Becker Radio Grand Prix TR with remote control and automatic antenna (с 01.04.1964 по 31.05.1977)
radio MB-Exquisit - USA (с 01.07.1992)
280 trunk set, 3-piece (с 01.09.1964 по 31.08.1972)
steering wheel (400 mm dia.) and gearshift lever in leather trim; on W202 390 mm dia. (с 01.05.1984)
340 additional 3rd stop lamp (с 01.10.1989)
front seat, right, lower (с 01.03.1967 по 28.02.1986)
412 electric sliding roof with tilting device (с 01.07.1983)
hydraulic sliding roof, in the rear (с 01.11.1964 по 30.06.1981)
441 steering column, electrically adjustable, W202 manually adjustable (с 01.07.1984)
bumper, front, with guards (USA version) (с 01.01.1963 по 30.09.1970)
461 instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990)
494 California version
California version (с 01.05.1973 по 31.12.1995)
version for USA/California/Canada (с 01.01.1996)
490 + 492 (с 01.12.1966 по 30.09.1967)
524 Reims adapter IV (с 01.04.1962 по 28.02.1963)
paintcoat preservation (с 01.01.1964)
543 exhaust-pipe cover trim (с 01.01.1963 по 28.02.1963)
seat adapter between the front seats, and halogen lamp unit (с 01.01.1967 по 31.12.1972)
sun visor with vanity mirror, illuminated, left and right (с 01.11.1978)
551 anti-theft warning system (с 01.11.1978 по 31.03.1998)
anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system with anti-towing system (с 01.04.1998)
steering wheel, ivory-colored (с 01.01.1963 по 31.05.1973)
581 Thermoking air conditioner (с 01.04.1970 по 31.12.1972)
automatic climate control (с 01.01.1977)
593 headlamp flasher and turn signal lamps - italy (с 01.01.1963 по 31.07.1965)
headlamp flasher and turn signal lamps, front, crystal clear (с 01.08.1965 по 31.01.1967)
heat-insulating glass, rear window pane (с 01.02.1967 по 31.01.1971)
heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (single-sheet safety glass), band filter
green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, single pane safety glass - tinted strip (с 01.01.1972)
600 headlamp wiper/washer (с 01.08.1971)
trim strips on hardtop (с 01.04.1963 по 31.07.1971)
611 courtesy lamps for front and rear doors, with W124 also for central doors/W202 front doors only (с 01.11.1978)
sealed beam lamp unit, l.h. traffic (с 01.01.1966 по 28.02.1972)
lamp unit, symmetrical (с 01.01.1962 по 28.02.1963)
639 radial-ply tires, elimination of warning triangle (с 01.11.1973 по 31.10.1974)
elimination of first-aid box and warning triangle (с 01.08.1977)
668 662 + 666 (с 01.01.1963 по 28.02.1963)

805 Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year
810 roof-mounted loudspeaker (с 01.11.1962 по 30.11.1972)
loudspeaker, sound package
sound package (bose) (с 01.12.1986)
987 battery cut-off switch for vehicles to be shipped (с 01.02.1993)

It's not a Special Edition, but no matter, it sounds like a very nice car. I can't imagine you overpaid for such a car.

Here's the deal on the special edition (one if mine is a SE).

You already have the burlewood (all V-8s)

You already have the disc-changer (kind of obsolete technology)

You don't want the old analog phone and overhead display/buttons (had to replace the header in mine to get rid of it and get back the center visor).

Your wheels are better.

So, buy the polished sill-plates and call it a special edition if you want, yours is better.

Must have got confused by the Carfax...I remember now that it lists all 1995 e420 as special editions. Thanks. I paid 5 even. It does have the phone and overhead display, though.

The wheels are 18" AMG's. I think they look fantastic, but should I be concerned about any ill-effects (suspension wise) because of the size?

Nice steal. I love that colour.

great car, sharp silver and amgs look slick, enjoy it and keep it forever

Wow, nice car! Not a bad price at all for one that nice!

I agree that the price is fair to good. I certainly don't think you overpaid. The monoblocks look great! I would just go through and do all of the fluids and filters, oil, gas, air, trans, steering and address the oil leak if warranted and just drive and smile.

Thanks for the nice comments. I think it looks really nice, too.

While I will learn how to do all of the basic maintenance myself, all of my tools are in Chicago until the Fall, and I have some time off from work this week, so I decided to let Enrique do everything today.

He replaced a transmission switch, brake light switch, oil pressure sending unit, engine oil, transmission service, brake fluid flush/fill, coolant flush/fill. The car was bogging at exactly 4000 RPM, so that was fixed as well (computer reset combined with the switch(es) replacements???). The bill was a hair over $600, so a swift wake up call to start learning how to do this stuff myself. I became fairly proficient with the W123, so this shouldn't be that much more involved for basic maintenance and wear/tear items.

The car passed smog today and will be registered/insured tomorrow.

What I think must have happened is the PO bought the car....realized it had a problem at 4k RPM....brought it to someone who didn't know what they were doing, and quoted a ridiculous price for repairs...he got scared and decided to sell. I don't know why else you would buy a car and sell 2 months later.

As far as the wheel size. Enrique says it should be fine, and won't cause any undo wear to the suspension.

I'll post some pics later this week. The car is immaculate inside and out. I'm very happy so far.

nice looks like you got a good one...what kind of exhaust is that?

I was looking at the exhaust tips today while it was on the lift, and didn't see any identifying marks. It looks like there was some work done to the lower bumper to allow the tips to fit. They don't allign perfectly. Almost, but not perfect.

<realized it had a problem at 4k RPM>

Be aware that the car has a 4K Rev. limit cut-off for torque converter protection in N or P .....

The 4k rev limiting was happening in drive. Fixed now.

Good..............now make sure you still have Limit in N and P............

For $5K you got a nice deal. Well bought.

My experience is that my 400E is no where near as easy to work on as a W123. It's a far more modern and therefore complicated vehicle, but most issues are due to the very tight quarters under the hood.

That said, nothing beats the kick in the pants from that V8 and it really doesn't burn much more fuel than the 6, so I'm willing to deal with the tight work quarters!

Thanks Arthur...yes limit in P and N is working as designed.

A quick update. Have driven the car to San Diego and back and on a trip to Cabazon and back. Last full tank I got just over 22 mpg. Only problem is a humming/droning sound that comes on at about 2700 rpm's. Sounds like it is driveline related. It isn't bad but it is noticeable. The 18" low profile tires are a little rough for me as well.

I am thinking of switching to some 16" wheels and tires. What do you guys think would be a fair price for the 18" AMG's and low pro tires? I just need to see what I could replace them with.

Other than that I am very pleased with the car. The feeling of solidity and the ease in which the car responds I would say are it's biggest strengths. Sometimes I feel like I just need to think of what I want the car to do and it does it. It's a nice feeling. The seats are plenty comfortable for me to, and I am 6'7" tall. Getting out of the car after a two hour drive felt like I had been driving for 10 minutes. This car eats up the miles. It is a pleasure to drive.

I am going to just keep this thread going to update my progress/maintenance/problems with the car.

I have ordered the W124 owners bible, and some OEM Black rubber mats.

Sounds like something is wrong. I get 28-29 mpg on the highway in a 94. I can get close to 22 in the city. It doesn't seem possible to me that this is not the best car Mercedes ever made, at least in the non-ASR version. Some nice original 15 inch 8 hole wheels would increase the value of the car.

For the '95
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/noframes/11891.shtml

For the '94
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/10935.shtml

I would be overjoyed with 28-29 mpg.

You must remember that this is my first week of ownership, so I don't think I was cruising at 55 mph. More like 85 mph.

I didn't even think to check my odometer for accuracy...maybe the 18" wheels are having an effect??? I'll check the odometer on my trip to school Wednesday.

I think some original 8 hole wheels would be nice as well. I think 15's are too small for the car, though.

I go about 65, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if those tires were hurting you by 2-3 mpg.

22mpg at that speed ain't bad at all. I'm lucky to get that in my w123 diesel on the freeway. I can't drive 55. :o

Another update. The black rubber mats are great! The owners bible is worth the money, but it was not what I was expecting. I thought it would have more detailed repair procedures. For a new W124 owner, I think it's great, so I'm happy with it. No mileage markers on my freeway trip, but odometer seems accurate based on exit ramp calculations. Around town driving delivered just over 17 mpg. My Maxima (sold this past weekend, btw) would deliver between 17-27, so I'm not used to great mileage, and I didn't buy the car for its fuel economy. I love the car, just want to make sure something isn't wrong.

The car has some problems that I didn't notice right away.

1) Electronic headrests not functioning.

2) Grinding on front wheels when wheel cranked in reverse. (Rims are too big, I guess) I ought to be able to get into some 16" 8 hole rims with tires....anyone want some 18" AMG's?

3) Sound system not too good, and speakers are cutting out intermittently. (Will replace with a Blaupunkt Hamburg and some decent speakers...will scour the car audio section...got used to the built in bluetooth in this unit in my maxima.

4) Brakes seem a little soft. The maxima would stop on a dime. I also have an intermittent brake pedal groan. (Booster?)

5) Takes a little bit longer than seems normal to start. Not longer than a full second, but it's not instantaneous.

5) Brights will flash, but when I attempt to put them on full time I get NO headlights. (need to search....fuses say 8a or 16a depending on wheteher or not I have aux high beams or not...16A is what is present now.

QUESTIONS

Does anyone know how much it would cost to refinish (4) 8 hole wheels? Would be nice to pick up a beat up set and have them refinished rather than search for a perfect set or pay for new.

Anyone have some 16" 8 hole alloy wheels for sale?

I had 1995 polished 8 hole wheels refinished about six years ago.

You can read about it here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-wheels-tires/31914-refinishing-8-hole-rims.html?highlight=refinish+wheels

Thanks Paul. Is the place still in business? Could you PM or list their contact info? Did you get 15" or 16" wheels refinished?

The wheels were stock 15" wheels from a 1995 E420.

The place is off of the Kramer Blvd exit and the 91 freeway in Anaheim. It's in the industrial park that faces the 91 freeway (on the north side of the freeway). I can't remember the name of the place, and I gave the receipt to the fellow who bought my old 1993 300E (3.2) "E320".

I'll try a google search and see if I can find it.

I'm having trouble finding the place on Google.

If I were to do it today, I'd go to:

The Wheel Supply
975 Fairway Drive
Walnut, CA 91789
(909) 468-1311

I referred a guy there recently, and he was pleased with the results and got great pricing.

Try the search function in the forum for The Wheel Supply. Shouldn't be hard to find the post.

Well.....These 16" 8-hole wheels for the 1995 E420 are practically impossible to find. I have had no luck through craigslist, ebay, or any online source. Anyone have some for sale or trade? Maybe I should just stick with the stock 15" or some c-class wheels???? Any input guys???

I contacted the local dealer here and asked them if they would print a VMI for me so I could tell what has been replaced on my vehicle. The service lady told me they won't do that. I asked to talk to the service manager...he ran it, and went through some of the things with me.

I do have a copy of a VMI done in 2002, but the car was under warranty until April of 2003. Sure enough, the service manager at Rusnack in Arcadia told me that it had a lot of stuff done right before the warranty ran out in 2003 with ~68k miles....compressor, valve cover gasket, etc. He read a note that the transmission fluid was burnt, and that perhaps it had the transmission replaced. He was going to talk with one of the warranty people to see if he could get some more information. He said there was no mention of the evaporator or wiring harness. I mentioned that I would like to bring the car in and let them look it over with the hopes of getting a copy of the VMI. He said they would look at the car free of charge, so I am thinking of bringing it in tomorrow. He had a '94 E420, and said it was the best car he ever owned, so maybe he has a soft spot for these W124 and will hook me up.

A free evaluation couldn't hurt, could it? And maybe I can get my hands on the VMI.

Try another dealer, most will give out a VMI without any strings attached. There is nothing on it that is confidential.

Got some 15" polished original wheels down in San Diego this weekend. Gave it a nice detail. Put on some new Michelin Primacy MXV4's. We'll see if the mpg's creep up a bit with the swap. Loving the car so far.

Looks so much better. Does it track better on the highway also?

Tracking was worse, actually, but I have an alignment scheduled for Friday....I'll let you know after the alignment. The biggest change besides aesthetics is a much smoother and softer ride...plus now I can actually turn the steering wheel in reverse and not hear the horrendous grinding sound from the improper sized wheels.

The michellin tires or the wheel swap seems to have cured the droning sound...or maybe just masked it?? Mileage is the pretty much the same, but on par with EPA estimates....didn't get the car for it's mileage.

Alignment cured tracking issue.

AC/Blower issues right now. Ordered a dust filter from Phil....unfortunately I needed to order (2). Replaced one and what a nightmare! I broke a clip, and still cannot the cover to seat properly. Will take another look when the second filter arrives.

Have been searching similar problems in the archives and need to get something going as it has been HOT here.