1996 E320
 

Friend of mine is looking at one with 130k miles for 3k. He knows I drive MB diesels so asked my opinion of it. I'm ignorant of non-diesel MB's. Can anyone offer up an opinion on this year/model/price? Also, any typical problems he should look for? Car was owned by an older woman who died and left it to a son or grandson in the will. He's selling it.

Seems a bit on the cheap side. Its got an M104 under the hood, which is a pretty solid engine. Like the M103 check for a the head gasket having been replaced if possible (and check to see if its blown with oil/antifreeze mix, smoke, etc). I believe 96 was also the last year of the wiring harness issues, so that would be a good thing to check for as well. The w210 has common spring perch failure so check for rust under the hood.

96 is has an M104 inline 6. W210 is prone to rust if they salt the roads.

Any chance of a PPI?

Sixto
87 300D

the words "harmonic balancer" come to mind, as well as "factory recall", so it's probably been fixed. but maybe i am confused? (it happens. lately, more frequently.) but, that's a good price. if i had 3K, i'd definitely look at it.

Not fond of the 722.5 trans... get a 97 or newer with the 722.6....

M104 is going to start leaking from the head gasket if it hasn't been done already.

No wiring harness issues by this year, if I recall correctly.

More rust prone chassis than the W124, but only if it was subjected to the elements alot and not garaged or kept clean.

Listen up: "old school" is now in session.
 

In July of this year I just picked up a last model year (a 1995) E 420 with 131k for $2995 and I absolutely love it.

Simple classic lines, absolute last of the cost no object build quality E class cars.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...0/photo2-1.jpg

The dohc V8 is said by some to be the best of the Mercedes Benz V8s. 275 hp too!!!

I could have gotten a W210 class for the money but no way!

Drivetrain is the same as the 124 E320 - M104 engine and 722.4 transmission. A bit long in the tooth these days, but definately bulletproof. No wiring harness issues, but head gasket remains as a possibility. No harmonic balancer issues, that was the early M112 V6 engines.

Definately have a PPI done. The 210 does not seem to be as rustproof as the 124. Otherwise, it is a nice driving and very comfortable car.

If I could find a 124 like JimB's for $3K, I'd buy it too. But most 124s are beaters now. At $3K, buy whatever is in decent shape and was halfway taken care of by the owner.

Good cars, I find the W210's more DIY friendly than some of the older models.

I thought that all US bound W210s had a 722.6....

Not the first year.

You don't get much for $3000US these days. If it is a well kept car, what the hell?

I bought my E-320 with similar miles on it for around $10,000. This is steal!