'98 E-320--Likely problems

[unabrasive20]

I am contemplating the purchase of a 1998 E-320. Does anyone know if the '98 is plagued with the problems of the older E-320's? Ala, wire harness, head gaskets, AC evaporator. Also, if these are not issues for the '98, what unique problems does it have?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Terry

[mbdoc]

The 1998 E-class didn't have those listed problems except possibly a 1% A/C evaporator failure rate.

HAVE the car inspected by a TRUSTED dealer/indenpendent MB technician!

LACK of oil/fluid changes causing premature engine/transmission problems!

[BENZ-LGB]

Originally Posted by unabrasive20

I am contemplating the purchase of a 1998 E-320. Does anyone know if the '98 is plagued with the problems of the older E-320's? Ala, wire harness, head gaskets, AC evaporator. Also, if these are not issues for the '98, what unique problems does it have?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Terry

I own a 1998 E320. Looking at its service history, it had a few bug when new, but since then it has been relatively trouble free. The harmonic balancer was replaced by the dealer gratis pursuant to a recall campaign. Some people have reported problems with the front shock perches (rust causes the perch or attachment point to separate from body).

I recently had one O2 sensor replaced (there are four) but I assume that this is a maintenance item that needs replacement like spark plugs or air filter. I also had the sunroof fixed when it jammed. It was an expensive repair and some W210 owners have reported problems in this area. I think Imade the problem worse when I tried to unjam it after it first got stuck.

Oh yes, the MAF seems to be an item that needs replacement. The part itself is not cheap, but it is an easy DIY job for which the delaer charges way too much money.

Over the years I've owned several Benzes. The 1998 E320 is not as "solid" or tank-like as my previous 420SEL or 300SD, but it is still a sweet ride nonetheless.

Someone once remarked to me that the 1998 E320 was the last of the trouble-free new Benzes. My car's history seems to confirm that.

Good luck.

[unabrasive20]

Thanks for what appears to be good news. I don't know if I can make a buy on this one or not. It has 44,000 miles, black in color, and I've only been able to get the price down to 11,600 bucks. Thanks again. Terry

[BENZ-LGB]

That's extremely low mileage for a 1998 car. Here in So. Cal. we put that much mileage in a couple of years.

If everything checks out OK, the price seems very fair.

What does everyone else think????

[Nabeel]

If the car checks out well, it seems to be a good deal.

W210s are on average fairly inexpensive to maintain. Be sure to check for rust. Other than that, make sure the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer is updated. Other W210 problems are the Mass Air Meter, rear window regulators, weak sunroof motors, and a few other things I'm fogetting. I'm sure others will chime in as well. We have a W210 E320 and an E430, both are fantasic cars.

[aviaator]

...given the low mileage. I paid $12.5 for my '98 E320 Wagon and it had 98K on it.

If you like the car, get it checked out and go for it!

-Mike