PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - 1995 E320

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1995 E320 - things to look for?

A local Toyota dealership has a 1995 E320 on the lot with 57,000 miles for $5600. To me, this price seems real low for those miles. I am probably going to go and take a look at the car this coming weekend, and would like to know some things to look for? I know that the wiring harness can be an issue - is there anyway to get a look at this, or would I be able to tell from driving the car?

Are there any other engine issues to be aware of when inspecting/driving it? The only gas powered Benz I've ever driven was a 98 ML320, so I'm not sure what to expect from the E320.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

The first thing to check is the maintenance records for this 1995 E320. There should be a Maintenance Booklet inside a black leather pouch that comes with all MB automobiles. See if all the scheduled maintenance items were performed ... if done at a MB dealer they will be stamped. If the car drives fine and you're seriouslyl interested in purchasing it arrange to have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) done at a local MB dealer or at a local independent shop that has MB-trained techs who "know" MB automobiles. A PPI may cost you $100, but you'll have a professional evaluation of all systems and know if any major, expensive repairs are needed. As the saying goes "there is nothing more expensive than a cheap MB" ... that is one that sells far below market value and needs thousands of dollars in repairs because it was neglected. The PPI should also reveal if this car has had any paint or body work done as a result of a significant collision.

Engine wiring harness ($1200 part, $200-$300 labor)
AC evaporator ($2000-$2500 parts and labor)
head gasket ($1800 parts and labor)
throttle actuaor ($1800 part, $250 labor)

$ amounts are approximate

Here is another of my contrarian viewpoints.

What's always left out is that you may not have much time.
This car at that price will not be unsold for long.

I would do a CarFax to verify where the car has lived it life ( as in not in Katrina ). I would also want to verify that the mileage is legit. I would drive it. I would open the expansion tank and see whether the coolant is green.
You don't want green, you want the proper MB coolant.

I would drive it and see if you like it. Pay attention to any hesitation on acceleration from stop (defective MAF sensor $300+). Does the transmission shift smoothly. These cars are fast and come on strong from about 3,000 rpm up to redline.

Do you hear any funny exhaust sounds, as in rusted exhaust parts ( common )?

Does the A/C blow cold air? Cold air should not come out of the center vents.

Any receipts for Head Gasket or wiring harness replacement?

Pre-Purchase Inspection is very wise if practical time wise.

In my opinion it all boils down to whether you really love the car. It will cost some maintenance dollars. It will also roll on past 250K miles if properly maintained. My current '92 300E is at 244K and going strong.

Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by softconsult (Post 1271409)

Does the A/C blow cold air? Cold air should not come out of the center vents.

You mean cold air *should* come out of the center vents! If not, the vacuum element in the blower box is dead, and replacing it requires removing the dashboard. There's also a way to jury-rig the flap in the blower box so you get air out of the center vents at all times.

Might want to see what codes are stored in the modules..pin 8 and 14

http://members.aol.com/ajdalton7/ledtool.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltrain300D (Post 1270944)

I know that the wiring harness can be an issue - is there anyway to get a look at this...

Are there any other engine issues to be aware of when inspecting/driving it? The only gas powered Benz I've ever driven was a 98 ML320, so I'm not sure what to expect from the E320.
Thanks for any advice in advance.

Look at the domed thermostat cover on the water pump. There are wires from the harness that connect to it. If the wires are exposed at the connectors, where they attach at the thermostat cover, and insulation is receding behind them, the harness is shot. If insulation completely covers the wires, all the way to the connector, the harness is probably OK -- or new.

Watch the coolant temperature level. It should not go above about 90C or so. If it does, it should abruptly, and rapidly, drop as the aux fans kick in. (If it does not drop then the fans are not working, or the antifreeze to water ratio is too high.) You may also notice the fuel gauge abruptly jerk from one level to another then back. This occured on every E320 I have driven, except one, and mine has done that at least twice before. Seems to be a 95E320 thing.

A/C should be uncomfortably cold at full blast.

My car shifts strongly and quickly -- at least 2 upshifts before 20mph. (I do not know if that is normal or not.) Bring a napkin to theck the trans fluid color -- should be bright red.

Open the oil filler cap. You should see shiny silver metal. Use napkin to check color of oil on dipstick, which should be golden brown.

Make sure the radio works and the amps are not blown. Make sure all the windows roll up and down silently and smoothly, as well as the sunroof. Try to restart about 10 times or so during your test drive, to flush out any recently-cleared "Check Engine" codes. Make sure seats operate, including headrests and heaters.

Make sure headlight wiper hoses are intact, otherwise, when you hit the windshield washer when the lights are on, your car will become a rolling Super Soaker, drenching anything, or anyone, within about 6 feet in front of you. (Don't ask me how I know this. :o )

I wish it were closer.:D

Wow lots of info guys. Thanks a lot. I am going to hopefully be getting home (I'm at school in Orlando right now) this Friday and I'll go check it out at the dealer. Hopefully all goes well. I did get a carfax on the car and it looks good. It was a leased car its whole life, averaging like 4.5K miles a year, and it shows the A/C system and electrical system being serviced twice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltrain300D (Post 1271577)

I'll be absolutely shocked if it is still there on Friday. Perhaps call the dealer and put down a deposit?

I might do that... I've done the "request more information" from their website, so we'll see how that goes. If I don't hear from them by Tuesday I am going to call them and talk to them about the car.

Sorry, yes cold air from center vents is correct.

Call and place a refundable deposit. Got my new to me '97S320 by doing that 30 minutes before the next guy, who was ready to buy, arrived.

Steve