99 E320 4Matic

[rtb]

Considering the purchase of used 99 E320 4matic with approx 40K miles. Are there any porblem areas I should be aware of? Thanks.

[blackmercedes]

Not many. The M112 V-6 is proving to be bulletproof, and so is the 98- version of the 4-matic system. The 722.6 tranny was sorted out early on, and is proving to be a tough tranny.

There are a few things that many modern cars seem to be struggling with, including the OBDII diagnostic system and the Mas Airflow Sensor. That said, the E320 overall is a pretty reliable car.

Recently Road and Track did a used car article on it, and they said the W210 E-Class was one of the most reliable cars they have EVER examined. Most owners were E320 that participated.

Dealers scored poorly, as us long standing MB nuts now well...

[JT]

I have a 2000 E320 4matic with 50,000 km.. I bought it used after trading in my '98 E320. with 75,000 km. My experience has been that the V6 and transmission have been very good. As for the 4matic, I had the transfer case in mine replaced at 35,000 km. I'm quite sure it never ever would have broken down but there was too much play it that felt like driveline slop especially on downshift or going from reverse into drive. It was only noticable after the trannie was well warmed up so I didn't notice it until a week or so after I purchased the car. I was on a long distance trip when it started to annoy me and three diferent dealers said it was normal. Eventually I took it too my selling dealer and the general manager agreed with no hesitation that it was at the far end of acceptability and replaced it. Now it drives like a rear wheel drive model and it's great. I think the car is terrific but check for driveline clunk from reverse to drive when trannie is hot, if it's excessive it will drive you nuts when downshifting from 2 to 1 at every stop. Hope this helps. JT.

[tryan]

i had a 99 210 4matic wagon. no ets. not one problem in 35k miles.

absolute blast to drive.

rock steady in the rain and snow.

note : the 4matic system is bypassed when you touch the brakes. drive accordingly.

[rtb]

Bought the E320 4Matic I was looking at and am very satisfied. Thanks for all of the information in your replies.

Get the transmission fluid changed. I don't care if MB says it is sealed for life. Run a search on this transmission and the cost of a new one will scare you into a fluid change. The cost is cheap, the peace of mind is worth it.