Considering a 1995 E320
 

I own several 124's with 103 engine.... but i test drove one with the 104. Much quicker and seems smoother

Anyway it has 119k miles on it and seems to run great. My biggest issue is that the current owner said he had to have the rear gear replaced in the transmission to the tune of 1400 dollars.

Is this something I should be suspicious of... i know rear typically goes first.

Any other issues? He has had the car for three and a half years. Has done ball joints, alternator, and a few other minor things.

I am a bit surprised he had to do ball joints No evidence of wiring harness issues or head gasket failure

I am getting the serial number to do a carfax.

If the previous owner was meticulous about regular maintenance, and fussy about fixing every squeak and rattle (with the records to prove it), it could be a good car.

Critical:

• Wiring Harness
• A/C Evaporator

Less Critical:

• Head Gasket (May or may not leak – but timing cover almost certainly will.)
• Blower Motor
• Water Pump

Not Too Critical (Easy DIY or an inexpensive Shop Repair):

• Air Pump Bearing
• Motor Mounts
• One or both stereo amplifiers

Things to Double Check

• Front Headrests – both should rise up/down.
  
• Paint blisters at center-top of windshield; top-corners of rear window; top-forward area of rear bumper. These are spots were metal clips were used, instead of plastic, and rust will form.
  
• Up-shift delay: 2-3-4 shift should be done by 3500RPM, or perhaps 4000 rpm under hard acceleration. If higher, then you may have an exhaust leak – or something related to that transmission repair you mentioned.
  
• If it’s an ASR car, find a corner or other spot -- preferably on a slightly inclined or wet surface -- where you can make a hard right turn. Speedometer ASR triangle should illuminate while tires spin.
  
• Might be a good idea to bring along a “Dalton 1000” code reader, in addition to checking codes at DM.

Otherwise, if it’s a ASR car prepare to eventually have an issue with that, but that is not a show stopper. Expect the occasional (i.e., once per year) electrical glitch or blown fuse -- especially in hot weather when you start the car with A/C already turned on.

In addition to frequent oil changes, feed it regular doses of Redline/Techron/BG44K and a good solvent (Berryman B12) and you’ll likely have a good, trouble-free experience.

Lee, be sure to get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done by a MB-trained tech so you have a professional, unbiased evaluation of the car and are aware of any pending expensive maintenance work. The PPI is money well spent if the car passes your personal inspection and you're definitely interested in buying it.

This is wise advise that I have heard in the past and I am currently awaiting the PPI on a 95 E320 wagon. Went Saturday to drive it and want it....BUT it's simply too foolish (of me anyway) to take the word of a dealership wanting to sell me a car.

So, I shall wait till I hear 'the word'! I recommend you do the same...Good luck on your search! :D

Smell the AC when it's running; if it smells funny or musty, then you've got an evaporator leak.

got it
 

Bought the car for $3200... has the one blister spot on the top of the roof near the windshield..i will sand that down and get it primed and painted.

needs rear brakes and rotors ...ordered the parts

had head gasket and wiring harness done at 53k miles.... jeez....

other than that good car.... new tires, cold air.

i have changed out some of the fluids.... will do the transmission fluid with mobil 1 sometime this week or next... air filter is ordered...

the 104 engine is much smoother than the 103..but looks like it is a little more difficult to work on... has a newer alternator....but looks like it has the original water pump...no receipt for that...

sold my 1998 ford expedition for 3200 with 188k on ... so i am close to a wash...

If you like the 300E, you'll love the (124) E320. Faster, and better mileage, better ride, ... and all of the newer interior / exterior updates including better seats, better brakes, 1st-gear start, taller gearing, much better headlamps, lots of zebrano wood, leather door and seatback panels, leather shifter and steering-wheel, rear fog, you lose the glovebox though, ... key-operated window/sunroof close & open, and nicest of all, pull the trunk-light switch out a notch to turn off the trunk light.

You'll miss the glovebox, trust me.

Thanks...

the key to purchase was that the head gasket and wiring harness were done

i am putting fresh mobil 1 tranny fluid in as we speak.

A big plus.