PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Need some advise...If not a diesel, then what?

suginami · #12 03-01-2002, 06:15 PM

I've read a few isolated posts about the V8's needing wire harness replacements, but I believe they are very isolated problems, where as the 93-95 M104's are systematic.
I would include in my list the 93-95 W124's with the M119 or M104 engine. The 93 M104 is badged 300E even though it has the 3.2 liter in-line 6 like the 94-95 W124 and the 96-97 W210. The 92-93 M119's are badged 400E, even though the engine is 4.2 liters like the 94-95. You won't be disappointed in the power if you go with the M104. I have driven the 3.0 liter M103's, and the seat of the pants difference in performance seemed enourmous to me. However, if the wire harness hadn't been changed, I'd do it immediately. Just budget around $800 installed.

I would also include the 92-95 400E / E420. I think Benzmac has pretty clearly stated the wire harness problems, and the V8's are not included.

I wouldn't be afraid if you have to change the wiring harness. If you go with the V8, I've read so much advice from owners / techs about 100,000 - 130,000 mile timing chain / guide rail replacements, you're going to spend more money replacing chains guides than changing the wire harness once. The techs are also adamant that the chain on the sixes is so short and because of the tensioner, they routinely go 300,000 miles plus without worry. Guides are also not a problem for some reason with the 6's. (why? I don't know).

Do a search. The wiring harness issue and the timing chain / guide issue seem to get beaten to death about every couple of weeks.

I've also read of the enourmous cost of ownership with the W140's, but it seems the vast majority of the problems were in the early years. I see some of these cars advertised in the low 20's to mid-teens already. I wonder if the bugs have already been worked out by the first owner. You can look at some of the later models which would be a safer bet, but they probably haven't depreciated enough to hit your price range. For that matter, what is your budget? That would help clear things up a bit.

I think the only thing, though, that would scare me away from a W140 is the dreaded evaporator leak. The whole dash of the car needs to be removed to get to it. Seems like a whole days worth of work just to get to it. I've read horror stories of $4,000 to $5,000 repair bills.

Let us know what you think.