thinking of buying a 95 e320 wagon. Things to look out for?

[diesellac]

diesel guy here, I'm not as familiar with MB gassers. But I like the styling of later s124s.

Can anyone tell me what to look out for when shopping around for s124s?

I'm going to be looking for rust free beaters, so the more info the better.

I'm very familiar with w126s and w123s even w140 diesels, but not much experience with w124s.

typical problem areas?
typical rust areas?
parts that are expensive when broken?

I might swap in a OM606 down the line, but If the M104 is economical and reliable I might just leave it.

I heard M104s are pretty stout, but what kind of fuel economy should I expect? I have a 6speed laying around from a w203, would that help much in the MPG department?

Thanks for any help

[Kestas]

- Check if wiring harness has been replaced. The original one will look 200 years old with flaking insulation. The same goes for the throttle body wiring - has it been replaced?
- Check for the head gasket leaking oil in the back. The head gaskets rarely outlive the car.
- Check for a leaky upper timing cover.
- Check for error codes. It can be easily done without a reader if you know how.
- Check headrest operation. The plastic gears strip easily.
- Check for heated seat function. The relays in the control module take a beating.
- Check the front flex disc.
- Check a/c function. The evaporator can leak.
- Check high beam control, both on and flash.

[Ferdman]

diesellac, when you have found a wagon that you are willing to buy, arrange for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a MB-trained tech who is familiar with that vehicle and knows its problem areas. That way you will have a professional opinion and learn about pending expensive repairs. If there are any, use that information to reduce the purchase price. Remember: There is nothing more expensive than a cheap MB vehicle with many deferred maintenance items. Very few folks are selling well-sorted vehicles for a song. Buy the best one you can find.

Evaporators are known to fail. Replacement will cost thousands of dollars. I just junked a 1995 E320 with 195,000 miles that had no compression in Cylinder No. 1. Have a compression test done as part of the PPI.

[PARSHOOT1]

I've found most of these wagons are either in pretty good shape or in need of a lot of work.....there's not much in between. So I bought a '95 e320...needs a lot of work...wagon from a guy in Indiana for $400 and have started the process. PM with any questions.

BTW have you driven any of the W210 wagons....C320 or E320?

[PARSHOOT1]

Also checkout the post by Otto Huber in this section titled Thinking of Purchasing a W124 with an M104 Engine. A lot of good info.