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1996 E320- good cars?
I think this is the first year for this body style, so I am wondering about the 1st year problems. What trouble spots do these cars have? I have located one of these at a local car lot. Actually- it is the same carlot I bought my Lexus at. It is a light gold color and it is in like new conditions. They are asking $12,995 for it. One of my main concerns is that according to the IIHS crash tests- this car did not fair as good a most Mercedes- which is disappointing. The safety cage is still reported as good, but there is more roof buckling than I would like to see. The later E-Class was greatly improved.
Here is the IIHS test on this car. Compare it with the new 01-04 C-Class and 03 Lexus LS430. Note how much better others car. The C-Class was very impressive. Hardly ANY damage. 96-00 E-Class: http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/97005.htm#4 03 E-Class: http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0308.htm 01-04 C-Class: (EXCELLENT) http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/00033.htm 01-04 LS430 (Lexus) http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0101.htm 03 ES300 (Lexus) http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0207.htm Any info appreciated.
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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd 1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive 1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1988 Mercedes 300SEL 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville (Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL) |
#2
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I don't know to much about these cars but they seem to be mostly problem free. Look at the top of this page for the crankshaft balancer sticky. Other than that the battery is under the back seat and in could cause the floor to rust. I know of one MS member who had this problem. This car had the M104 I6 I think that was also used in the 1994 and 95 E320. Like any MB good service records are important. I wonder if this car has the FSS system? Looking for something newer 86560SEL? You know 12k will get you a really sweet 560SEL!
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#3
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The '96 E320 has the inline 6 M104 and the 4 speed transmission from the 94' and '95 cars (probably the same lousy traction control system too). I love my engine and tranny in the '94 wagon. They are known to have (HFM) wiring harness break down, head gasket issues (the '96 might have been corrected by then), OVP relay problem, and throttle actuator problems. You don't say how many miles on the car but I have 210,000 miles on the wagon and have had all these things fixed and it runs so quiet I can't hear it at idle. The '96 has rack and pinion steering where the '94 and '95 have recirculating ball - much different feel on the road. The '96 has bigger tires too and a much better climate control system. Sounds like a good price. I suggest you get an inspection done and check all those issues to start if you are serious about the car.
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dtf 1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles) 1995 E300 Diesel (228,000) 1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000) 2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop 2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles) 2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles 2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles |
#4
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Quote:
The transmission also was used first in 1993.
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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". |
#5
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Quote:
This engine was used up until 1999 in the S320, and I think it is a fabulous engine, even better than the current M113 V6.
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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". |
#6
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Thanks for the replies. Good information. I think I will pass on this car, as I really prefer a S-Class. Thanks again.
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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd 1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive 1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1988 Mercedes 300SEL 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville (Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL) |
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