400E - What are the common faults?
 

I'm looking at purchasing a 93 400E, and am trying do some research on the common faults with this model.

I am going to look at one tommorrow, and would appreciate some suggestions for things to look for.

I've read about oil leaks coming from the front cam cover, as well as the wiring harness deteriorating. Any other common faults with this one?

It supposedly has ac & runs great, white paint looks nice and clean from photo. KBB is 2800-3800 private party, they are asking 2400 obo. I would love to pic it up for around 1500-2000 if possible.

Owned mercedes before, known this model pretty well, currently own a 94 e320, and know most of the common faults, just wondering if there are others.

Thanks

Steele

GSXR's Pre Purchase Inspection Tips
 

Check to see if it has the ASR (anti-slip) option. Luckily, my old 93 400E did not have the option and I had no problems with it; but others have reported that the electronic throttle actuator (ETA) seems to go bad sooner on the cars with ASR. A new ETA is about $1,200 from the dealer.

I think one of the funniest posts I've read on this forum was when someone once asked what it meant when the ASR light was on. Deanyel replied something to the effect that it means the car has ASR and you should sell it immediately.

If you turn the key on and you see the ASR light illuminate on startup, you will know if it has this option.

Also, as the 119 engine ages, there is a code 19 that you may get on the diagnostic module and it means you have reached the limit of electronic adaptation correction. This is an emission issue and causes the check engine light to illuminate without your being able to reset it. It can be corrected with a chip that is discussed about 1/4 of the way down this page. http://www.k6jrf.com/MB_S500.html

Good luck.

Wire harness $500-800 power steering leak [no big deal] Parts are $$$ two caps two rotors cost at the shop I work at 206 bucs, but worth it for a great car for short money!!!

Steele, if you're satisfied with the car after a once-over and a test drive have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done by MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile so you have a professional opinion of the car's condition and any pending major maintenance work. As you know a neglected MB automobile can become a money pit.

wiring harness, power steering leak (this is a chronic issue that requires attention and maintenance constantly. Just manage it and keep an eye on it. pleanty of threads about this issue). keep your coolant fresh and flushed. These cars do not like poor coolant mntc especially in hot climates. They will run very warm otherwise. the '93 may have the retrofit belt tensioner..That's good. the older design is a mntc issue every 60 to 80K. dist caps and rotors every 60 to 80k is good practice. The M119 is rough on those parts. Watch for slow tranny shifts into reverse. Common issue....just watch an plan on correcting it when/if you have the tranny rebuilt at some point (I waited until I had a forward gear shift slip before I put the $$ down for a tranny work over.) at 200K, do a timing chain, guide and rail replacement. (assuming it was not done earlier)
Very few electrical gremlins. a switch here or there...chocked it up to age and mileage.
Very Very solid machine. Tank of a drive train. With regular care and mntc, it will last you a long time. I am in excess of 230K with no signs of stopping

If trans doesnt grind in reverse, and it doesn't jar you too badly on any of the kickdowns, that's a bonus. I got a good 20k out of reverse after it started grinding. 25k with an atrocious 3-2 kickdown issue, still going forward at 180k

As for ASR, at this point in life, if the ETA hasn't been changed, I'd be amazed. Everybody maligns ASR on these cars, but if you've felt it kick in at part-throttle when pulling out in traffic, you know it just saved your ass from ending up in the woods, especially when it's wet outside. ASR is a great feature, and most of them have it

Same as any Benz; get a PPI. The issues mentioned in the other posts are correct. My car probably needs $6k in work (new trans, shocks, bushings, ball joints. motor and trans mounts) to feel like a prime example. Even in moderately-average condition, these cars are still a joy to drive

This is the great fraud of ASR, that the non-ASR cars all destined to end up in the woods. If you're going to drive aggressively on wet, ice or snow by all means get ASR, or better yet don't drive on the public roads at all.

Thanks! I'm a pretty good driver (no accidents in 18 years of driving), and plenty of 150mph+ escapades in Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguars, BMW M3s.

sigh, I guess I'm retarded :D. I've been schooled on this one

For those of us who are human, and prone to goosing it a little too hard when we don't mean to, ASR is a nice help. I suppose I didn't grow up on a track, nor did I grow up in the 50s, then again that is probably most of us - so ASR is fine

your maint is going to be much higher thats all. Gas may not be as bad as a bigger engine it may rev lesser than a small engine.
I noticed my 420 sel w126 body revs lesser than the old 300se I had. The RPM is much lower