I may give up my 1995 E320 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ksing44 · #16 02-25-2006, 06:57 AM

Based on quite a bit of good advice on multiple forums, I am planning to get through this with minimum expense and not fix things that are net actually causing me problems at this time. After all, I can always give up on the car 6 months from now, 1 year from now, or 2 years from now. I really don’t have to give up on it right away. I am going back to the dealer, just to get them to re-fix some things that were never just right after the last service. Then I am going to change my ways and go to a very highly recommended independent mechanic. I am not a DIYer, except for rather simple cosmetic things, so I will just have to accept going to someone else for the repairs. I respect all of you that are so inclined with the DIY, but I just don’t have the time to devote to making all of my own repairs or the desire to have fixing my car become my new hobby. Between my work, exercise, very basic maintenance on my home and car, and spending some time with my wife and son, there just isn’t much time left for intensive car maintenance. I have fiends that love hanging in their garages and working on their cars. With one in particular, it is a family affair with his dad and his sons. That is great for him, but that just isn’t how my own family has evolved.

One way I am going to cut costs is that I think I may just let the front timing cover go for a while. I don’t seem to be losing a significant amount of oil, so perhaps I can let it leak for years. I have heard that all Mercedes cars tend to leak and that it really isn’t a Mercedes if it doesn’t leak a bit. I am definitely not fixing anything as a preventative measure, like replacing the head gasket before it leaks, or the wiring harness before I see a symptom of a problem. As for my interior cosmetic issues, I patched up the steering wheel again and it seems OK. Last time it was very nice for about 6 months, so I guess it will be fine again for another 6-months. I am just conditioning the seats regularly now, so I should be OK as long as the cracking in the leather seats doesn’t turn into actual rips. If not for other maintenance issues, I would have simply reupholstered the seats, replaced the steering wheel with one of those nice burl and leather wheels, and even gotten some nice big swaybars. Instead, I am going to save my money for absolutely essential repairs done at an independent mechanic. I will wait and see how long I can hang in there with this car.

A year from now, I wouldn’t mind dropping a couple of thousand dollars in repairs, but I just paid about that much for the water pump, the transmission stuff, and the 90K check up, so I just don’t want to spend that much money on the car right now. I was starting to feel that that the car was going to be a money pit. Especially since both previous repairs are still slightly off. I was starting to wonder if the mechanics really could keep my car running properly. For that, I will also have to just wait and see if they get right this time.

E300D · #17 02-25-2006, 10:08 AM

So you are telling us that you go to the dealer for repairs?????

NOOOO

Get a good independent MB tech and you will be much more happier!

I think the same about our E300D should we sell her or keep her...I had a small accident with the wiring harness not too long ago. Since the MB batter is not maint. free and i did not connect the hose to the breather some acid leaked out onto the wiring harness and basically ate away the harness...I also replaced the OVP because I though that it was the problem....so I dropped about 650 bucks on that very recently.

Like you said, i dont know how much longer the ac will work and if it fails it means big $$$$ to fix.
So i dont know what to do either sell the W124 or keep her??

400E · #18 02-25-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksing44

...1. Then I am going to change my ways and go to a very highly recommended independent mechanic.

...2. I have heard that all Mercedes cars tend to leak and that it really isn’t a Mercedes if it doesn’t leak a bit.

...3. As for my interior cosmetic issues, I patched up the steering wheel again and it seems OK. Last time it was very nice for about 6 months, so I guess it will be fine again for another 6-months. I am just conditioning the seats regularly now, so I should be OK as long as the cracking in the leather seats doesn’t turn into actual rips.

...4. A year from now, I wouldn’t mind dropping a couple of thousand dollars in repairs, but I just paid about that much for the water pump, the transmission stuff, and the 90K check up, so I just don’t want to spend that much money on the car right now. I was starting to feel that that the car was going to be a money pit.

1. Ah, now you've got the requisite "older MB" attititude!

2. These vehicles do like to "mark their territory."

3. RE: leather care, go to www.colorplus.com and you can get leather dye which perfectly matches your leather -- it's in stock (no custom mixing fees!) I have a worn area on my outboard seat bolster which I re-dye about once a year (takes all of 10 min.) and looks nearly new again. I do the steering wheel every couple years.

4. The way I figure it, I expect to spend $1500-2000/year on maintenance and repairs. Taking $1800 as an average, that equates to $150/month. Where are you going to find another vehicle with the handling, safety, and overall solidity for that price?

One other thing -- while it's good to be discriminating about big repairs, DON'T neglect maintenance (like fluid replacements, inspections, etc.). A good independent tech will do this for you for a reasonable price, and he/she will be able to catch things early and prevent big bills down the road.

3star · #19 02-25-2006, 01:36 PM

Keep your 124 maintained and you will enjoy it for many years to come. Find a good Indy even if you have to drive far to get one. Many members on the board have several Indies in different areas, depending on the issue.
A good Indy similar to a financial advisor, coach, mentor, etc. Build a relationship with them and learn a lot about your car. After a car is out of dealer warranty, there is no need to go back.
That cars in great shape.

ksing44 · #20 02-28-2006, 05:59 AM

I took the loaner C230 Sport for a little romp. That thing really moves and it handles very very well. I’m pretty sure it could easily dust my car in slalom and zero to sixty mph. I didn’t try it from 60 to 120 mph, but then that really isn’t all that important. Now I think I may find it to be a little funny when I see little old ladies in their C230s. I wonder if they have any idea what they can do in their little cars.

My friend was telling me that the Acura RSX has the best “slingshot” effect. He said that is the speed from 60 to 90 mph for passing prowess and showing off on the big highways during rush hour. I am not really seriously considering getting an Acura, but it is interesting to start thinking about other cars. I think many of us love our odd W124 cars so much that we don’t really think realistically about how nice some of the new cars really are. Honestly, from what I have seen with my wife’s car and many of my friend’s cars at work, the Japanese cars can go 200K miles without needing head gaskets, wiring harnesses, or expensive transmission repairs. There is something elegant about my car, but maybe much of that is the mystique of owning a car that nobody else thinks they can afford to purchase new or afford to repair when it starts to get some miles. I laughed about it in the past, thinking that they could have purchased an older E-Class, rather than buying a new or newer Japanese car. Now I realize that maybe I should not have been laughing, because they may have been doing the right thing after all.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the AC works very well in all of my friend’s cars and my wife’s car. They said they don’t even have to check it for leaks every year or refill it with coolant stuff. Isn’t that amazing

ksing44 · #21 02-28-2006, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400E

1. Ah, now you've got the requisite "older MB" attititude!

I may be getting to that attitude, but I don’t think I am all the way there yet. I still have a touch of that attitude that makes me feel that I should get rid of my overrated piece of junk that was only nice while it was under warranty. All that nonsense about superior engineering was really a lie. A truly well engineered car would last longer than other vehicles, without needing so many repairs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 400E

4. The way I figure it, I expect to spend $1500-2000/year on maintenance and repairs. Taking $1800 as an average, that equates to $150/month. Where are you going to find another vehicle with the handling, safety, and overall solidity for that price?

It is an elegant vehicle, but many new cars are very fast, handle great, and have airbags and crumple zones all over the place. I am sure that many new cars could easily outperform my W124 in many categories. I know the AC would probably be better in almost any newer vehicle.

I am going to let the timing cover leak go for a while. That way I don’t have to think about maybe doing the head gasket while I am at it and I don’t have to worry about them destroying the wiring harness in the process of removing the head. If I hadn’t just done the water pump and the kickdown actuator on the transmission along with the 90K check-up (already over my $2000.00 limit this year), I suppose I would have gone for the repairs. I also have a rather squeaky squirrel fan that can be annoying, if I am not blasting the stereo. I wonder if my AC will work this summer.

There is something special about my old junker. It sure does look nice and everyone seems to think it is beautiful. If they only knew what an expensive vehicle it can be to own. Actually, I think they do know and that is why they think my car is so cool. They know they could not afford to buy one new or fix an older one like mine.

Instead of writing on these forums, maybe I should get another job to fix my W124 or go to school to learn to be a mechanic.

zafarhayatkhan · #22 02-28-2006, 09:11 AM

ksing44, very well said!

I'm trying to sell mine. With what I know about MB cars today, I would have never bought mine.

I would like to caution you about one thing, you said you can sell it anytime, 6 months or 2 years down the road, keep this in mind, say the AC Evaporator goes bad, you would be looking at $2000 to fix that, or the wiring harness $600 or the Head Gasket $2200, Aux Fans $400. AC push button unit $300, Engine Computer $2100. The vaccum system in that car will start leaks at some point in time.

The E320 has made me spend more time at repair shops, forums & reading repair manuals than anyother vehicle I have owned (and I have owned vehicles older than this). Bought my 1 owner, dealer serviced car from a MB dealership. Interior, engine is in like new condition but I have spent around $10,000 on repair/maint. items since I bought it. Combination of MB Dealer, Indy and DIY.

You maybe able to sell it for a resoanable price while the AC and other stuff still works.

Hirnbeiss · #23 02-28-2006, 09:15 AM

I think there are a lot of people who actually mistake the Stirndeckel (timing cover) leak for a head gasket problem.

I replaced my Stirndeckeldichtung twice and had no head gasket issues in 170000 miles, when I sold it. After the water pump, I only had the mass air flow sensor go out.

#24 02-28-2006, 01:13 PM

With all due respect sir, its not really the job of this board to convince you to keep or sell this car, or watch you have some sort of existential crisis over the level of engineering.

All of us would love to help you replace the head-gasket, chain-box or wiring harness, but the bellyaching is no fun...take it to the OD, before this turns into a troll-flame-war.

I know this sounds harsh, but I hate sequels....anybody remember lynn?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=78903

cheers,
dan r.

DuckMuck · #25 02-28-2006, 01:57 PM

...these cars are expensive to maintain without a warranty...when things break randomly, especially consecutively without reason, you are shocked by the high price of fixing them...but note that these cars were expensive when new...you may have gotten a good bargain when buying it used, but that is not going to make any difference when all of these cars go into the shop...I had a period of constant problems with my car...and I was quite upset like you...but I bought the car new and the car has relatively low mileage so I just did not want to sell it...the car has relatively settled down now...and I am hoping it will remain this way for a while...

I know a lot of people who buy new cars on leases...drive it for a few years with warranty, and then part with it and drive the next newest craze...it is another way of living...you have to swallow the lease payments though, but you typically don't need to deal with a lot of the headaches and random breakdowns associated with older cars...not saying that new cars don't have problems, but I am guessing they may be less and may be dealt with better by the dealership since it is under warranty...

ksing44 · #26 02-28-2006, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Rotigel

With all due respect sir, its not really the job of this board to convince you to keep or sell this car, or watch you have some sort of existential crisis over the level of engineering.
dan r.

I can't say I really disagree with what you are saying. I just wrote the following on another forum.

"I am sorry. I will stop complaining. I will shut up and get another car or just suck it up and pay to play with you big guys."

I will try to let it go and let you guys love your cars in peace.

Hirnbeiss · #27 02-28-2006, 03:10 PM

...speak for all.

The value of the forum is the exchange of infos about the cars

. Sometimes it's just opinions, but then the reader can judge for himself.

n8nod9it · #28 02-28-2006, 03:28 PM

After renting a few different cars (im in sales) in the price class that i paid for my 94 e320...a few Dodges, a few Japs, and many other higher value cars off the lot...it can't even be compared the driving experience of the w124 to them. These cars are built with so much more quality of material that i can't understand the OP gripes...seriously. I understand the frustration, but when i drive a buzzy, rattling, underpowered, leaky, cookie cutter wanna-be sedan made that just rolled off the assembly line with less than 5k miles, i can't see how they will still be on the road in 10 years time (not the w124). I have this Neon right now...what a horrendously misguided attempt at automotive design. I swear my garbage bin outside has better grade engineering.

Those issues you have with your 95 are really not major deal enders..cmon. You can swap a steering wheel out for cheap on ebay...the leather seats can be sheepskinned for cheap...(sheepskinz.com has a sweet premium one for only 99.00)...and the other things are DIY fixes that a bit of weekend wrenching can solve.

Also, consider the safety of these cars...i've seen accidents in honda's and toyota's as an EMT as a previous profession. While safety is improving across the board...for the money a Toyota prius...or a Ford focus vs a E420 in overall safety cannot be better in real world accidents. These cars are made for autobaun speeds or Paris tunnel's.

Not only that, but just the wow factor i get when i roll out my 12 year old Benz and new designs cannot touch the sophisticated handsomeness of its lines that have been copied without much success.

Get a grip man!! lol

Or just sell it...i don't care

400E · #29 02-28-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksing44

All that nonsense about superior engineering was really a lie. A truly well engineered car would last longer than other vehicles, without needing so many repairs.

It is an elegant vehicle, but many new cars are very fast, handle great, and have airbags and crumple zones all over the place.

A friend of mine, when watching me go through some of these same machinations a few years ago, said something I'll always remember: There is a difference between durability and reliability. MBs are not necessarily the most reliable vehicles on the planet, but they have proven to be among the most durable. Why do you think most taxis in Europe are MBs?

It helps to look at the big picture. You are going through what I call a car's rocky adolescence. Lots of stuff seems to go wrong when you hit 100 k miles. If you keep the car, and you're lucky, you may well have several years of smooth sailing after you get past this point.

By the way, who do you think came up with the concept of crumple zones? Hint: it's the same manufacturer who first put ABS in a passenger car. Another hint: Also the same manufacturer who first put an airbag in a passenger car. One last hint: Also the same manufacturer who did the first crash testing of a passenger car, back in the 1950s.

neanderthal · #30 02-28-2006, 04:58 PM

the cost of maintaining a 124 is far less than the cost of car payments on a honda odyssey.
my theory is always to repair your car as long as repairs (not maintenance, all cars require oil changes and tires and brakes and tuneups and so on. thats par for the course!) dont cost more annually than they would to buy a small car.

you can buy a honda civic with payments at about $200 a month. so i say dont sell your car till repairs are costing you over $2500 annually.

and for fuxxsakes stop taking your car to the dealer. thats the biggest problem right there.