Hi, all.
Subject is 2001 E-320 wagon w/ 4-matic.
I am aware of the 4-Matic problems with the older models. Have these
been addressed in the newer cars?
If so, in which year did the less-troublesome cars appear?
Also....
How greatly will my ownership experience with a Benz
differ from owning my two (84,85) older diesels? Aside from the
basic things I can do myself, do you suppose I'll be driven mad by lots of stuff only the dealers can help me with?
In short, am I getting in over my head with a car I'll no longer be able to handle minor repairs on?

__________________
Mike.

The new V6 appeared in 1998 and is a very good engine (search 'crankshaft balancer' though), the 5 speed transmission was also 'fixed' in 1998 (I think), the second generation 4-Matic is very good with little problems also. How much is the owner or dealer asking for the car and how many miles? Get it checked out by a MB pro.

__________________
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

Considers the 1995 model year to be the "last" of what he
feels are the traditional Benz. That is, way overbuilt and engineered to last a lifetime. He doesn't wish to become involved with any MB newer than that. When I asked about a pre-purchase inspection, he claims he'll "be of no use" to me, as he
doesn't work on the newer models.
This guy is a good friend of mine. I consider him to be somewhat of a staunch traditionalist in many ways. Technology-shy, perhaps. But a good guy nonetheless. I don't mind doing oil and filter, brakes, etc, but if anything exotic(to me) needs addressed, then I'll need to go to a dealer, I suppose. Are the newer MB models using proprietary technology such that one needs software/special hardware to get codes, etc?
This car (I ran a Carfax) is a one-owner, not-a-leasedog, beauty with 79K miles. A local used-car dealer has it for about $27,000
which is considerably below book. No issues I can detect.
I currently have two older MB, a 300SD and a 300TD both with considerably more than 200K miles. I find them easy to diagnose and repair myself. I am by trade a truck mechanic. If I have a question, I have always been able to go to my friend. I buy this car and it looks like I may be on my own. According to what I can glean from Consumer Reports, reliabilty on the '01 E-320 is pretty good, and taken point-by-point is in fact improved over the 94-95
models.
So, what is there to be scared of?

__________________
Mike.