1998 E320
 

Hi all....Hope everyone is well.

I have the opportunity to purchase what seems to be a very well cared for 1998 E320 - Black / Grey. The car has 57K and is being sold to me for $8,700 (not a typo). Owner relocated to CA had to leave the car on the east coast. She is willing to fly back for the sale. It has all books and records, all service preformed at the local MB dealer. I plan on having this car PPI'd. This is a one owner car. Now that you have a brief overview, on to my questions. I really know nothing about the V6 engine, am I going to be able to work on this like my 300E? The troublesome areas I've heard of is the harmonic balancer and possibly the transmission. Is this a model I should pursue or should I go for a 96 Model? Your imput is requested.

Thank you!

My 97 E320 has 109,000 on it and it's just getting broken in. Regular maintenance, an MAF, and brakes is all I've spent on it. The car's easy to work on but I've never needed to...

Does your car have the V6 or the inline 6?

Thanks for the reply

inline 6. the most I've done with the engine is change the plugs and connectors. 1/2 hour job. Mileage went up to 28 mpg highway...

great car, but like all MBs you must have deep pockets
 

If it's a 98, it's a V6. Inline 6 ended after 97 MY. My grandmother had a 98, was a nice car, however hers did have the early 722.6 trans which went south and was replaced at 30k. Might want to check into trans records. Does it shift hard when warm, 2-3? Slip any in 1st? If it looks ok, at least be ready to change trans fluid and filter at 60k - lifetime fluid is not lifetime fluid. Also, the 60k service is about due, which could be north of $500. At that mileage, you may also be looking at new pads AND rotors (city driving?) My '97 C230 was the cream of the Starmark crop when I bought it, 60k service, new rotors and pads, and since March I've still managed to rack up around $3000 in warranty items.

Beware.

she tells me she hasn't had any problems with the car. She says all she has done is keep up with maintenance and has changed the pads twice. I'll check into the trans, thanks for the tip.

I would go for the 98 especially for the price.

Other than a harmonic balancer, mass air sensor, battery, front brakes, and a few light bulbs my 98 has been very reliable and relatively cheap to own.

I would check the maintenance records for when (or if) the oil was changed over to synthetic. Also check if the spark plugs have been changed, the recommend interval is 4 years or 100K miles whichever comes first.

I use Mobil 1 0W40 and change it every 5K miles. I changed my trans fluid and filter at 80K. My 98 now has 100K miles and drives like new.

I think it is impossible to go wrong with this car at that price, even if the transmission is original.

Just don't forget to use synthetic in that car.

You could always buy it and double your money.

Ronnie,

Are you running synthetic in your engine and trans?

Paul,

Do you suggest using synthetic over dyno? I know there are various schools of thought on this but I value your opinion.

Thanks guys,

In this situation, that might be a great idea. You could probably re-sell it to the MB dealer for $15k.

Agreed that at that price, if you keep it, you would have a good cushion for repairs.

Heck for you could probably get $16k for that thing if you cleaned it up and put a good add together.

In the trans you have to run MB fluid, expensive but you don't have to change it often. The MB techs on this site seem to be split on whether it is filled for life or not. Personaly I would change it between 80k-100k. Now as far as oil MB recomends Mobil 1 on the newer cars, 0w-40 is popular.

:bulb: I've actually been thinking about that too! I could always turn it over and make a few grand. Probably enought to buy an older benz if I play my cards right.

Here's a couple of photos

wow thats clean! jump on it

Nice I want one of those so bad, so clean, so new, so reliable. I like the color combo throw on some tints and a tastfull set of wheels (18's look good on them btw) and your all set.

Not that the V6 isn't a good motor but I when I get mine I want the V8, if you chip the 8 you will have over 300hp. :cool: :D Not to mention excessive rear tire wear. :eek:

Brandon,
If you want to make a clean $2000 - cash, I am willing to pay $10,800. I need a car to stop the mileage on my S600.
Dont even bother to clean it up. I can do it myself. Let me know if you are interested.
ken_christman@ml.com
Ken

We are on the exact same page. Tint and some nice, not too crazy 18's.....I'm hoping everything works out well. I'm having tough time getting in touch with her since she's moved.


Ken,

Thanks for the offer however I'm going to have to fly to pick the car up and drive it back about 8 hours.

B-

Flying there or not.... its a great deal for you. If you decide to back out of it please let me know. Otherwise, put on some 17" wheels and you have a very nice car. FYI ...the ride quality on 18" wheels will suck wind. the wheel wells require you to go to an-ultra low profile tire, to allow clearance, and it will drive like a truck.

It's going to cost me roughly $800 for air fare and to pay the taxes on the vehicle so that it may be transfered.....I'll have to clear about $3000 in my pocket before I start talking resale. I don't want to start counting my chickens before they hatch though....the sale hasn't occured as of yet. I'll keep you posted.

Buy and drive the car, you could drive it for 5 years and sell it for pretty much what you paid for it.

Btw 18in Brabus style wheels look real nice. The style with the 5 twin spokes, simple clean non pimped look. Chrome not so hot but painted silver are pretty sweet. :cool:

It's a beautiful car and the correct color too. Enjoy!

Those styles of wheel are exactly what I was thinking of too. And even though everyone has them I still like the AMG monoblocks on this body style.


Thanks itb76 .... I sure hope it works out. I should be hearing from her just after Christmas.

While being redundant...

Good deal, regardless of potential problems

Change ALL your fluids (good habit when buying a vehicle anyway -- Mobil1 0w40 will work out the sludge buildup these engines are well-known for, just change it regularly, as the lighter oils degrade faster). We use Rotella exclusively in our shop, and the synthetic 5w40 is ideal for this car (try Wal-Mart at $12.84/gallon -- blue container)

While I disagree with MB servicing schedule, I very strongly believe in their proprietary fluids over aftermarket brands. There is a reason they use the anti-corrosion coolant (or Zerex G05) instead of Prestone or Dexcool, and their synthetic power steering fluid (or Febi synthetic power steering fluid) is a must to prevent premature PS pump failure.