I'm looking at a '94 E320
 

I'm looking at a 1994 E320. 94,000 miles new Cooper tires, recent tuneup and brakes. Are there any particular problem areas to be concerned about with this car. Purpose for buying an E-Class is to replace my wifes '83 turbodiesel, 550,000 miles with rust where it doesn't show, under the car, wheel wells, & inside trunk. The car would be her daily driver.

Hi Robby:

From reading other posts on the forum, the general consensus is that these are very well-made cars. Paul (suginami on the forum) has one, and he has wonderful things to say about his car.

I think that the two most important things to look at are:

1. Head gasket. The M104 engines (especially earlier models like yours) have a history of leaking headgaskets. Probably about $1,200-$1,500 to repair. You can do a quick visual on the coolant overflow tank to see if there is any oily residue or if it looks like a "chocolate milkshake." That's a DEFINITE sign of a bad head gasket.

2. The wiring harness. Be sure that's in good shape. If not, about $850 to replace.

You also want to be sure that the car has a good service history -- with these cars, that's the key to getting a good one. At 94k, it should have had its big 90k service about 4k ago, but you might want to check to be sure.

I'm sure that many others will have some things to say as well. I hope that this is a good start for you.

Take care-
Michael.

Thanks for your advice. I checked these things out on the car and went ahead and purchased it.

Robby

Hi Robby:

Good for you ... way to go!! I'm sure you will really enjoy the car. Did you get a good price for it?

Congratulations!

Warm Regards-
Michael

The price was fair and more than that I feel I received good value purchasing this car. The seller is putting a fresh inspection sticker on the car for me. Looks Like I need to add E320 to my signature, ha!

Congratulations! Good luck with the new/used 124. Don't lose any sleep worrying about the evaporatar though. The 124's weren't a problem. It's the 140's that leak. Between 92' and 99' I've done dozens of 140's but only two 124's. Seeya

I am as big a supporter of changing the transmission fluid and filter as Larry Bible is about oil changes. A fluid change will keep the transmission happy for a long time. Doubt my word? Run a search about new transmission costs in this forum - it's enough to scare you into a fluid change. I've had my '94 wagon fluid changed 3 times in about 100,000 miles - small cost for big time insurance. You will love the M104 engine and reliability of the car, I love mine.

The required interval on transmission fluid changes is 30,000 miles anyway, so 3 changes in 100,000 miles is just right.

I have a 94 E320 and it is a wonderfull car, you will enjoy it.

Re the oil and transmission change interval. It looks like the previous owner changed the transmission fluid along with each scheduled oil change. The records show both being changed three times in the past 10,000 miles.