New to me 2002 e320 63k miles

[joegolden]

Well after much investigating and searching I FINALLY spent some money on a NICE e-class. I have been looking pretty hard the past few months and I have seen lots of junk and a few peaches. I saw one with almost the same mileage that was absolutely trashed inside. I swear some people are such slobs and just do not give a dam about the car they drive.

I found one with 156k in Chattanooga that I actually had nailed down a deal on. It was a 2 owner clean carfax riding on new Michelins for 7000 and I actually thought it was to much money so I drug my feet. Glad I did because this one popped up...

Mercedes Benz E320 | Mercedes CLK Brokers

John and his sons are very good at what they do. I literally talked to them on the phone and in person about Mercedes-Benz for hours. I actually spent several hours yesterday at their home pouring over the inventory and talking shop. John at one time specialized only in SL's and his knowledge is amazing for an older guy.

Anyway I paid asking price but I did get them to spring for taxes,tag and title fees. So I handed over $10,000 cash including a $5 tip. I know I paid too much but it was what I wanted and I could only find one even close to it and it was in Chicago.

The car just performs flawlessly and is very close to perfect condition. It has Starmark paperwork in the glovebox and has all books and records. It is a 2 owner car with the second owner having it for over 9 years. No wrecks and astounding paint. Not a single dent or ding. Just amazing.

After getting it home and sniffing it over for hours I did discover a couple of things that I need to do to make it perfect. I noticed in the rear corners of the headliner it is starting to separate slightly from the ceiling. Also the seatbelts are unusually dirty in the back and there is a nasty stain on rear floorboard. Black. I may never ever get it out. I have ordered new COCO mats and I guess I will just cover it up when those come in. I think the car may have hauled some car seats around but the rear seat and doors look amazingly clean.

Anyway check out the link. Look at the photos. I have never owned one of these so let me know any tips, feedback, etc you guys would want to share other than beating me up on how much I paid. Because I really don't care about that. Or go ahead I can handle as punch or 2...

I got a happy mama at home....I didn't get much sleep last night hmmm

[joegolden]

oh and another thing.....Is there a way to get a copy of the window sticker for this car? That's the only thing it did not have. I am curious about any options. because I know the wheels are not your usual e320 variety. thanks

[Ferdman]

Joe, good luck with your 2002 E320. Unless the maintenance records show the transmission fluid/filter have been changed recently I would recommend doing that soon. Be sure to use only the recommended transmission fluid. Although the transmission fluid is supposedly good for life that vintage transmission fares better with routine transmission fluid changes ... say every 50,000 miles, as opposed to every 30,000 miles in the older MB vehicles.

[pawoSD]

wow, now thats a nice E320!!

[Skid Row Joe]

I think you did good! I love a low-mileage great condition used car! The headliner around here would be $450.00 w/moonroof. I got my '99 E300TD's done before turning it over to it's new owner. Sorry to hear about the black grease stain. I'd see about replacement, new matching rear carpeting, if it were me. THX for sharing the pics!!!!

[Hirnbeiss]

The headliners start to come down from using open windows, where the warm, humid air helps deteriorate the glue and foam. At some point you'll need to get it recovered. Shop around in the meantime for a good upholsterer, unless you want to tackle the job yourself.

If you have the owner's manual and warranty book, it shouold have the data card with all the original option codes. Otherwise, subscribe to EPC net, and you can get it (or ask the dealer).

[jcyuhn]

Sounds like a nice car. I don't think you overpaid. That is about as much as a 210 fetches these days, but seems fair enough.

I believe those are factory wheels that MB used for the final year "special edition" model of the 210.

[suginami]

Originally Posted by jcyuhn

I believe those are factory wheels that MB used for the final year "special edition" model of the 210.

I think you're right on this, and they're beautiful wheels, and I believe they were only offered on the E320's, not the E430's.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

The headliners start to come down from using open windows, where the warm, humid air helps deteriorate the glue and foam. At some point you'll need to get it recovered. Shop around in the meantime for a good upholsterer, unless you want to tackle the job yourself.

If you have the owner's manual and warranty book, it shouold have the data card with all the original option codes. Otherwise, subscribe to EPC net, and you can get it (or ask the dealer).

Maybe so, but in my W210's case it was a time-related eventuality that lowered the fabric away from the backing. Since my car was garaged 100% of the time in a temperature controlled environment, and barely driven for 10 years, it was easy to observe happening over time. The glue or bond was destined to fail, given enough time.

[pawoSD]

I too think those are awesome wheels, my bro has them on his (also a special edition) and it looks awesome.

[joegolden]

Thanks for the responses guys. Much appreciated It has been a lovely first week with the car. Seriously it's like a new car. I had the car fully serviced and tranny too. We just love it. It's a freeway dream.

[rickjordan]

Contact MBUSA, they should be able to send you a copy of the original window sticker. I have done this on 3 different cars. My first Benz was 20 years old when I bought it, yet MB still on a copy of the window sticker on file and sent me a photo copy of it, for free.

[Whiskeydan]

Very nice!
I have the same car (black/black) in our fleet with 142K. My kids call it "Smooth". It's a pleasure to drive and returns 27 MPG average city/hwy. I've seen as high as 31 mpg on a long trip which I find amazing.

The headliner sag is common... been there. Make sure who ever you get to redo it is familiar with the W210. The headliner board is tricky and you must use the proper material on the sliding roof. Expect to replace the sliding roof vents as they usually break upon removal.

Go easy on the rear windows as the regulators are prone to fail.