Greetings, I'm new to the forum. I'm considering buying a '98 E 320 touring (wagon), 4 matic with 158 K miles, and I'd like to use it as a daily driver. The car is currently owned by friends who I've told for many years "don't sell the car without asking me first". I'm pretty sure the car has been maintained well, always garaged. My friends spend the summer in Minnesota so I will have access for as long as i need when they return.



I found an older post regarding using a high mile car daily which was very helpful. I'm not unfamiliar with German cars, I own a '04 BMW M3 which I routinely maintain. I know the A/C on the car is not working, seems a common problem for this car.


Please let me know what I should look for when inspecting the car and also how difficult is it to change out the A/C compressor if needed.


I noted that diagnostic software is not as readily available as with BMW. The INPA software is routinely available at no cost and standard OBD II scanners will work in many cases.


Lastly, if I'm correct the model is W210 and the engine is a M104?


Thanks in advance,



G.H.

Look for rust and especially look at the front spring perch on both side to make sure it is not coming apart.

__________________
Jim

210 wagon. Worst Mercedes I've ever owned. Rust? This was the first generation that used water borne paints, so expect problems. Spring perches, sure. Watch for rust in the rear gate, front fenders, dog legs. Electronics, window lifters, seemingly simple things can be expensive. The early 210's had a problem with the crank balancer disintegrating. A/C system has a half life of five years, difficult to diagnose, costly to fix. If you have a stalling problem, replace the crank position sensor, they can fail without throwing codes. One stupid simple thing: make sure you can undo and retighten the wheel lugs. Shops tend to overtighten, and they're prone to snapping.

That said, at this remove in time and with this many miles, every example is going to be its own story. It may be a thin veneer over a heart of rust. Maybe it spent it's live commuting in the salty wet northeast, or maybe it's been basking in the California sun. Previous owners may have slogged through the problems and cleaned things up, or you may have to undo countless hacked repairs. Don't pay much, don't expect much, don't be disappointed.

Many thanks. This was was to be donated if I didn't buy it. I'll look it over and maybe it will show up in my garage or maybe in the local thrift shop parking lot.

My hands are full trying to keep my M3 rolling.

G.H.