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Old 08-17-2008, 02:16 AM
Bob Weir Bob Weir is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 482
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A few items unique to the "Wagon" aka "Touring" as in 300TE. The 94 & 95 e320 are virtually identical and have some differences to the previous years.
"Froggy" memory says less than 10% of 124's were wagons. Do the math on availability if any body part has to be replaced with a used one.

94 & 95 wagons require replacement of lower control arm. Ball joint & bushings are not replaceable!

Self leveling is only on the rear wheels to help with additional cargo weight. Test self leveling: with engine off, put 2 people in cargo area, when engine is started, rear height should return to unloaded height. It's age and milage will require 2 accumulators if original. Pressure comes from a dual pump for the power steering and self leveling. Hose that feeds the reservoir goes bad with age, but is easy & cheep DIY. The mechanical fluid "controller" [near right axle] rarely goes bad.

Rear seat operation should be checked. Rotate seat cushion up. Pull red handle up and it should release easily from its pins that should not be broken. Seat back should release easily as well. If rear seat back doesn't release due to broken mechanism in wheel well, I've never read of a way to access it to repair.

Rust at bottom edge of rear windows. Open storage compartments on both sides and peel back rubber moulding to inspect closest to side door.

Tailgate should "stay" in virtually any position. Nightmare to fix supports. It has an auto pull down to latch. Don't slam it closed!

AUDIO:
- The rear door "speakers" are an oxymoron and you'll probably break the tiny pins off the speaker covers when you replace the speakers.
- The antenna mount to fender is an oddity. But replacement AM/FM antenna is doable.
- Alpine 6 CD changer [plugs into audio harness in storage compartment] fits inside First Aid kit sleeve. Put First Aid kit in spare tire.
- Rear compartments could make for big speaker enclosures. [On my to do list]

Top rails mounted onto roof good for 200 lbs. I understand, horizontal sliding rails help prevent your stuff from sliding off roof, but I've never needed them.

Rear facing seat good for two small adults. This wagon has more cargo space than any other automobile chassis wagon - BMW, Volvo & previous Sable / Taurus chassis. Although owner's manual doesn't mention trailer hitch, there is info in this forum for capacity & installation.

If your son is into sports, as my 2 daughters were, or needs to haul a lot of stuff and/or people this is an ideal vehicle. It handles very well from empty to fully loaded. I seriously don't know of another vehicle to match its capabilities. I've had my trials & tribulations with mine. Fortunately the form members have helped me through it all. if you search my name, beware of my many "don't know a socket for a wrench" questions.
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