1994 E320 with 130K miles, nice condition but not perfect. It needs tires, fluids, filters, etc, as well as a new engine wiring harness. Everything works fine. What do you guys think would be a fair price? Thanks

What is the condition of the exterior and interior of the car?

Most used cars will need fluid and filters changed. These are regular maintenance items and wouldn't really affect the value, IMO.

Tires might fall into this category, too.

Is the wiring harness so bad that the car is having drivability problems, or does it need to be changed because you know that all M104 engines from 93-95 have defective harnesses?

Kelley Blue Book gives a private party value for this car in "good" condition as $8525.00

Dealer trade in value is $6350.00

Just a guide....

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

The harness is BAD!!! Severe running problems. Overall the car is in good shape. A few minor dings/scratches here and there. Thanks for your reply.

I think you'd do well to fix the problems. The marginal increase in value will exceed the cost of repairs. You may be able to get dealer to help you with the cost of the harness if you talk sweet to them.

I certainly plan on fixing the problems, after I buy the car! I apologize for not stating my intentions earlier. I didn't think it mattered. Someone I know is thinking about buying a new W211. They don't want to spend any more money on the 124. I'd like to make a fair offer. I've been a dealer tech for fifteen years so I'm not too worried about fix-up costs. I'm told it's worth $4,000-5,000 on a trade-in, but I wanted to poll the members of this Forum to see if I can come to some general consensus. Thanks

Here in the N.E. , I see them needing work, but still in decent shape going at the Auction in the 6K range..
They have been holding there own in the retail market BC of the facelift and 104 engine over the earlier 124s.... which I see cheap now,,[ actually some good deals out there on 124s]...

At the dealer auctions in your area it would sell for $5000 if no one knew about the wiring.

Well, did you buy the car?

You've been a dealer tech for 15 years? Is your current car a Mercedes?

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Hi Paul, no I haven't bought the car yet, but I'm optimistic! The current owner is having second thoughts about selling it. He loves the car, but also likes the new E-class. Since I've serviced this car for several years, there may be a conflict of interest. I can't give an estimate for repairs and then offer to buy the car without raising a few eyebrows. That's the reason for this post. I want to be fair. Even though I've spent fifteen years with MB, I honestly don't have a clue as to the value of used MB's. I've fixed thousands of MB's, but I've never bought or sold one! I've checked several used car sites, but the prices vary. I thought this Forum would be a good way to get some "real world" opinions.

UPDATE. No deal!!! The owner has decided to keep the car for a few more months. I'll be replacing the engine harness as well as a few other items this week. He told me he'll probably buy a 2004 S430 this fall. I've been assured that I'll be the first to know when the time comes. I'm a bit disappointed, but that's how it goes! In the meantime, I'm still keeping my eyes open in search of my first MB. Thanks for the replies!