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  #1  
Old 02-05-2003, 03:30 PM
CJ87911
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E420 questions

I am looking for a 94' or 95' E-class MB and was wondering if the 420's have less problems in regard to wiring harness and head gasket problems compared to 320's. Is the E420 a better more reliable car? Second, I like black cars and have yet to see an all black exterior. Do all of the black MB's of this era have the gray lower half. If so can it be changed?

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  #2  
Old 02-05-2003, 03:38 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Seattle Area
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You won't find headgasket issues with the M119 V8. Wiring Harness is another story - same spotty failures as the E320's unfortunately. I would imagine the increased heat of this engine could actually result in more frequent failures!? Could any of our techs back that up w/experience?

All will have the two-tone paint (grey bottom), and contrarily to your observations, there are many, many Pearl Black and regular Black cars. Probably the most common color from what I've see both around town and on the forums.

I haven't seen an example of a black-painted bottom, but I've seen other colors done with excellent results, I personally prefer the two-tone look both as rock-chips and wear on the lower portion of the car is [i]much{/i] less noticeable than it would be if it was painted black.

Search the archives, there's plenty of good info on the E420 too!

Regards,
- Ryan
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'95 E420 - 'Shadowfax' 138kmi.
'92 Volvo 740Turbo Bard 193kmi
'74 240D - 'Ol' Green' 4spd Manual 104kmi. (sold )
'77 300D - 'Red' 223kmi (sold)
'75 240D - 'Bianca the Blue Bomber' (sold)
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  #3  
Old 02-05-2003, 04:07 PM
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We are currently painting all of the lower trim and grille on my TE. Removal and installation is pretty easy so if you can take it apart it shouldn't cost too much to take it to a body shop to get the color change. Any damage to the components will obviously cost extra to repair. Be glad to give you any info you need to dissassemble.
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  #4  
Old 02-05-2003, 06:24 PM
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There seem to be no head gasket leak problems with the M119 engine.

On this site, there are a few posts about engine wire harness problems, but they are limited to 1992 and maybe 1993 400E's (same engine and displacement, 4.2 liters).

The wire harness problem is nothing like the M104's.

I've never seen a black on black E420, but many Pearl Black with gray leather E420's.

One thing I've noticed though, on these cars is power steering pump leaks. It seems the extra heat from the engine is hard on the hoses and seals in the pump.
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2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
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1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".
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  #5  
Old 02-06-2003, 02:54 AM
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When I was looking for a 94-95 e420 I did find a few all black ones. All were 95's if I remember. I dont know if the previous owners did this or not, but they are hard to find. Maybe check autotrader.com and look at all the pictures thats what I did.
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  #6  
Old 02-06-2003, 12:01 PM
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I own a 1995 E420 and...

I love it!
Although I am a second owner, but I have all history on this car. Yes, it did have some minor wire harness issues and was fixed at the dealer few years back by the original owner (he had warranty and didn’t cost him much to do it luckily for him!). I recently fixed a leaking power steering bump. It just started to leak but didn’t want to wait on it. And yes, the engine seems to run hot mainly due to the fact that it’s a v8 packed in a rather small engine compartment and so you get some heat related issues like wire insulations become brittle etc… The only issue I have with it right now is the oil pressure gauge went bad on me (dropped to 0 no problems with oil pressure itself or the sender unit or wire… it is the gauge) and I am searching for used one to replace it (new cost $475). I don’t have any other problems with this car. I love the way it looks and the way it picks up and go. See picture below. This baby has 275 horse power and very pleasant to drive and I will keep it for as long as it wants to stay with me
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  #7  
Old 02-06-2003, 03:31 PM
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u might want to check out this post

click here

:-)
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  #8  
Old 02-06-2003, 03:55 PM
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check this out...it's your car!

sold on ebay for 10k... looks nice..check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2401480822&category=6335
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  #9  
Old 02-10-2003, 03:34 PM
CJ87911
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Thanks for the replies. The e420 is the car, now I have to find one in black or charcoal for a reasonable price. I missed a charcoal
one 6 miles from my house for $12,500 and 82,000 miles. What color is Joe's car?
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  #10  
Old 02-10-2003, 04:12 PM
94 E320
 
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Location: Fairfax, VA
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what is up with the tacky "sports" stripe on the ebay car?

* along the side
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  #11  
Old 02-10-2003, 06:21 PM
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Mine is charcoal all one color

with black interior.. See picture in my previous reply above. it's 95 with 38,000 miles. bought it from a lillte ole lady who drove the thing <5k a yer. it is almost new.
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  #12  
Old 02-10-2003, 08:34 PM
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My buddy was high bidder on that eBay e420.

The guy has 5 MB's sitting in his drive now. (one is my '83 300D)

I told him he will be known around the neighborhood as "The Mercedes Guy"
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84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
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88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)
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  #13  
Old 02-12-2003, 12:16 PM
CJ87911
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Joe, What might one expect to pay from a little old lady? Anyone out there know of any little old ladies with pristine, low mileage charcoal or black E420's? I love the look of Joe's car.
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  #14  
Old 02-12-2003, 06:02 PM
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I paid $16,800 for it. Bought it last October and now car has 38,400 miles. My buddy has a 1998 E320 bought it new and his now has 97,000.
I call it luck and good timing. I wasn't even looking for a MB when I ran across this one. This is my 1st MB and after driving it for few months, I will always own an MB. I may try BMW oneday! and here is a pic of the engine. I keep it clean the same way I got it. Best of luck for you too!
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  #15  
Old 02-12-2003, 06:46 PM
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keeping engine clean

I've had someone tell me that if I want to pinpoint an oil leak I need to steam clean the engine first. He said that you can just go to those self service car wash places.

If I do spray my engine with one of those hi pressure nozzles, do I have to take some precautions first or is it pretty safe to just spray away?

I had a '84 Buick Regal and when I did it to that car, I had a real hard time getting the thing started after that. I'm afraid to do anything to mess up my Benz.

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84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)
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