Potentially going to view a 94 E320 RWD wagon tomorrow - gasser with 180k on the clock. Questions I’ve asked are spring perches, rust, biodegradable writing harness, any flares or lack of reverse in trans - no responses yet.

I’ll get the VIN and report back with any answers, but what are you folks’ more enlightened opinions? They want $3K for it, but I wouldn’t consider that unless the bill of health really came back perfect.




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First thing I notice is the front end is slammed on the tire. Don't these cars have SLS? That could be expensive.

Your best bet is to go look at everything in person and answer your own questions. A lot of times things are not described accurately on email or because they really want you to come look at the car.

The way the market is, if that car is in 7/10 mechanical condition, it's worth no more than $2k.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

Price, $3K would be tops in excellent condition. More important is the history, like you’ve asked about.

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Prost!

White is a nice colour as any rust will be obvious if it is original paint. Is it original paint?

Look for rust on the doors at the upper edge of the clading. Also along the bottom of the doors where the weatherstrip fits.

You will need to run premium fuel in the M104 however some will disagree.

Not original wheels. Not sure why one would change from originals as they looked nice and where easy to clean on the '94 unless they went to 16".

Great tips, many thanks for the advice!!


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240Dee, if it passes your personal inspection have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB vehicle. Money well spent so you learn what major repairs may be lurking after purchase. Neglected routine maintenance can be very expensive to correct. That engine may need new timing chain guides and valve stem seals, for starters ... and cost thousands of dollars unless you are a competent DIY'er. As mentioned, the SLS can be a money pit if it has been neglected and needs replacement parts. Proceed with caution. Very few folks are selling pristine vehicles, and every vehicle has a history and a sometimes hidden reason for being sold.

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Fred Hoelzle

That’s a pre-facelift front bumper or the original bumper was repainted to look like a pre-facelift bumper.

These wagons have rear SLS, conventional suspension in front.

Those are 16” wheels from an early ‘00s CLK or SLK.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

My main concerns would be rust, depending on where it's from and the wiring harness and head gasket. The head gasket is pretty much maintenance on the 104. Not a deal breaker. I wouldn't worry about the the chain or any of the valve work mentioned above. I've seen plenty of these with high mileage where the valve terrain looks perfect. Besides, it wouldn't be too cost effective to spend that kind of money on the engine when a used 104 motor is almost free.

Many thanks to you folks again - never ceases to amaze me how helpful this group is - have a great Sunday!!


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HVAC stuff, check it thoroughly, those cars had evap issues though many have been replaced. That system in general is sort of a pita.

I have a 94 sedan and I suspect the rest of the car will fall apart around the motor. I'd be mighty concerned why that front bumper was replaced(with the wrong one).

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One more Radar Lover gone...
1982 VW Caddy diesel 406K 1.9L AAZ
1994 E320 195K

The bumper looks to have the stainless trim pieces on the top of the bumper like the facelift ones so maybe just the insert was changed.

The original inserts for '94 and '95 were quite brittle so it didn't take much of a tap to crack them. Earlier ones were much more flexible.

240Dee, I second the caution about the evaporator. Our 1995 E320 needed an evaporator replacement which cost $4,000 at our local MB dealer. The car seems to be built around the evaporator which requires removal of the dash and front console. Have a dye check done of the A/C system during the PPI. As the saying goes ... "There is nothing more expensive than an inexpensive MB vehicle purchase".

As mentioned, the front bumper impact strip should be the same color as the rest of the bumper. That is an indication of some front end damage, even if only cosmetic. Again, a thorough PPI should reveal the extent of any body damage and paint work done to this 1994 E320 wagon.

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Fred Hoelzle

Armed with your collective knowledge, it became apparent pretty quickly this was a bad deal, and then went straight to “well, it’s not mine exactly, selling for a friend...” - thanks again all, and I can commiserate on the AC front as my W123 is only cold on the inside when it’s cold on the outside!


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I have a 94 E320 and my son has a 95 E320. Both needed the head gasket replaced around the 180K to 190K mile range. If you pay a mechanic to do this it would probably cost more than the car is worth