E320 4matic mechanical issues? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #1 09-30-2006, 08:48 AM

Considering a 4matic wagon (wife) ... 1999 model year is probably about as much as I can afford right now. Most have in the range of 100K miles and are +/- $12K.

What are issues I could expect to deal with (do 99% of my own work on my W126 3.5 diesel)?

Any clear reason to buy later or earlier versions? Wife won't "permit" one that is "too old."

Thanks!

Gilly · #2 09-30-2006, 09:39 AM

Pretty bullet-proof system. The "old" 124 4Matics are the ones to avoid. The new style ones like this are OK. Nothing much to watch for, torn front shaft boots like any other car with front CV joints.
Gilly

stephenson · #3 09-30-2006, 11:38 AM

Thanks, Gilly ...

Have one in mind, but a bit concerned in that looks like owner followed the oil change warning system interval and this one preceded the shift to Mobil 1 ... engine compartment had never seen a bit of cleaning, either ... passenger side head had oil all over it, but likely just a cover gasket, I think ...

I did see in some of the records there had been some trans work, but the dealership invoice showed very little I could understand - orings, seals, gaskets, and "Under Warranty" or "N/C" under labor so couldn't tell ... owner pretty clueless - wife simply drove in when warning light for maintenance came on ... anything common re trans leaks, etc?

Thanks for your continuing support to this community of interest!

thornton · #4 09-30-2006, 12:15 PM

Do a thorough PPO on it.

We have a 99 4matic wagon bought with low mileage (36K) two and half years ago. Car has been lightly drive since with 56K on the odometer.

We have had approx $10K in Starmark repairs since.

Things like the transfer case, steering rack, HVAC stuff, and several trips for transmission leaks.

Good luck

stephenson · #5 09-30-2006, 12:26 PM

Ouch! $10K!

This could be really scary, then ... is this typical or unusual? I can do the HVAC stuff and deal with trans leaks, probably, but major R&R of components like transfer cases gets a bit expensive for me!

Appreciate the info!

aviaator · #6 09-30-2006, 01:35 PM

I think $10K is more unusual than typical. I have a 98 E320 4matic wagon that currently has 110K with no issues other than a minor trans fluid leak. Easily solved with a new pan gasket and o-rings for some sensor on the side of the case. Total bill was around $160 at my indy including several liters of the expen$ive trans fluid. Great car, solidly built - as long as you don't drive it like a teenager trying to impress his friends, should be reliable transportation for years to come.

thornton · #7 09-30-2006, 02:42 PM

don't get me wrong, we love the car. If it wasn't for the starmark, I probably wouldn't feel that way.

Our warranty runs out in about seven months, and we're hoping we're through all of the major problems as we'd like to keep the car indefinitely.

3star · #8 09-30-2006, 07:48 PM

We've had our '99 4 matic wagon for 3.5 years. Has approx. 120K kilometers
Had a few common W210 repairs during the first year of ownership

ie Window regulator
Oil level sensor
Gas guage sensor
CD Changer repair

For the last 2.5 years have had no repairs. But are absolutely diligent with maintanence. Car has no leaks and no rust. Engine is clean

Mobil 1 Oil and filter every 10k km (6K miles)
Air Filter 20k km (12K miles)
Tranny oil/filter, Spark Plugs, Fuel Filter 50K km (30K miles)
Rust treatment oil spray - Annually
Brake Fluid - Every 2 years
Coolant -Every 3 years
Dust Filter - Annually

Harmonic balancer and spring perch are original

Great family car for hauling things around. Kids love the 2 - third row seats

Also have a roof rack with bike holders

stephenson · #9 10-01-2006, 04:46 PM

Missed the first one - was probably overpriced at $10.5K - 104K miles ... lack of records was what caused me to wait - someone else bought it.