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  #1  
Old 05-19-2004, 01:55 PM
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Location: boston ,Ma
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89 300e vs 95e420

Hey guys I am looking to buy another car now , I have an 89 300e and I am thinking of buying a 95 e420 according to the guy i am buying the car from the e420 with a v8 engine will burn less gas than my 300e with a straight 6 .Let me know what you guys think.

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  #2  
Old 05-19-2004, 02:25 PM
LarryBible
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I think that the difference in fuel mileage should be at the very bottom of your list of concerns. The V8 car is a different animal, even though they share the same chassis series. I fully expect that they are good cars but there are several things you should consider.

The engine compartment is much more cramped and difficult to work on. Even if you don't do work yourself, you will have to pay more for most all repair operations. The timing chain and components need more attention and you are just dealing with a more complex engine.

It stands to reason that in the long haul this will be a more expensive car to operate regardless of any difference in fuel mileage either way.

All that said, if the added expense is not a problem for you, the V8 car should be a real joy to drive.

Good luck,
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  #3  
Old 05-19-2004, 02:48 PM
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thanks Larrybible for your reply , do u think I should buy a e320 instead of the e420 . wich one has a better engine.As for repairs I cant remember the last time I took my car to a mechanic and i probably never will.So let me know what you think e320 vs e420 compare to my 300e My 300e is a very good car I have done all the possibel repairs myself took good care of the car and now I need a new challenge.
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  #4  
Old 05-19-2004, 03:20 PM
LarryBible
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Since I have never personally wrenched on a V8 124, let's wait for some people with hands on experience to weigh in.

A decision like this has LOTS to do with what YOU are looking for in a car. Other peoples opinions are not all that valid in your decision making. What other peoples EXPERIENCES are, however, can be of great value.

For me personally, if I were stuck with an automatic anyway, I would go with the V8, but that's me. The challenge of the V8 and the added power would definitely sway my decision. I say this though before hearing actual experiences about the repair history of the V8. It could be that it would be more trouble free than the later sixes given the head gasket problems with the M104 engine.

Any experience out there with the 420?

Have a great day,
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  #5  
Old 05-19-2004, 08:07 PM
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I did a major service on my cousin's 92 500E, and I can tell you that the V-8 is pretty much shoehorned into the W124 chassis. I doubt the 420 has more room, as it's still an M119 V-8. I had thought the M103 six was jammed into the W201 chassis, but it's not like the V-8 in the W124.

That said, I was able to complete all major tasks without major drama.

The M119 is one strong engine. The bottom end can withstand 1000hp. There are a few issues, but nothing major. I would rank the 1995 W124 E420 as an excellent buy as they are new enough to find excellent examples, but old enough that prices are pretty low.

The only real thing to worry about on ANY 1995 Mercedes is the durned wiring harness.
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  #6  
Old 05-19-2004, 08:33 PM
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thanks a lot blackmercedes .

Well I got my eyes on a 95 e420 it is green metalic special edition with 103k on it .

So if any of you guys are interested on a 89 300e with 190k let me know .
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  #7  
Old 05-20-2004, 01:13 AM
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I have done all the work on my 400E which has the same engine as the E420 that your looking at. I've had really no trouble working in the space that's given in the engine compartment and have been able to finish every job I've started.

As far as I'm concerned the M119 engine is a more reliable, less costly unit than the M104 based on what I have read on the forums.
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  #8  
Old 05-20-2004, 08:27 AM
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From what I've read..

M119 issues to watch for:

- Timing chain replacement (although most have done it around 100-150k as a preventative measure, I've never read any reports of one breaking) - around $1000-$1500 (I think)

- Cam Oiler tubes. All but the 1992 400E have plastic tubes - the back end of them can blow out causing tapping due to lack of oil. A relatively inexpensive repair, and not a rampant problem (possible, though)

- Wiring Harness

M104 Issues to watch for:

- Head Gasket Leaks - $1000 to $1500 to fix (I think)

- Wiring harness ( From what I've read - wiring harness replacement on E320 is more common than on E420)

Anything that I've missed?

I did a LOT of research on the E320 and E420 before buying the E420. Yes - the engine bay is more cramped on the E420, but the reliability fo the engine is such that it doesn't matter that much.

Now, the evaporator repair kicked me in the ass - to the tune of $2100, but that is a problem common to all W124s.

Good luck.

Troy
1995 E420 81k miles
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  #9  
Old 05-20-2004, 10:06 AM
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yes definitely be on the watch for:

a/c evaporator leaks in '94-'95 W124's
(also appears to affect the R129 & W140 of these years)

hope this helps
-fad
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  #10  
Old 05-20-2004, 10:21 AM
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thanks a lot guys I will be the proud owner of a 95 e420 real soon . I welcome the challenge with open arms.

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