2000 E320
 

i want to purchase a 200 E320 with 50k on her. any issues i should be aware of for the next 25k miles? obviuosly there is no warranty left and don't want to find myself stuck in 5k miles with a major service that i didnt know about.

thanks for any help....

For year 2000 model, some stuff to check for. You can search several of these issues on this forum or at the w210/e320 forum on benzworld.org for more detailed information, recalls, and DIY information:

1. Harmonic Balancer - can develop cracks between 40-50k miles. Not an expensive repair, but can lead to costly damage if let go too long.
2. Motor Mounts - known to wear out on 2000 or earlier models.
3. Rust - very important to look for this. 1997-2000 models have infamous issue with Front Spring Perches rusting out. Big $$ to fix. These are in the wheel wells by the shocks. Also look for rust on top door seals and truck latches.
4. Power Rear Windows - affects all e320s. Bad regulators will go out. Inexpensive fix and several DIY articles to take care of these.
5. Exterior Lights - ride and side light sockets are prone to loose contacts. Drive car with lights on and see if malfunction display lists bad lights. Minor issue.
6. Tranmission Fluid - this is subjective, but conisder getting the tranny fluid and filter changed at 60k, even though Benz says fluid is lifetime. Personally I would do it on a used e320, espeically if previously owned in a large city or if owner was hard on car.
7. Windshield Wiper Gear - pop off wiper cover and make sure mechanism is nicely lubricated.
8. Dashboard - some owners report problems with dashboard cracks. Look it over.
9. Instrument Display - common for pixels to be missing due to bad electrical contacks. Look at clock and shift indicator. Nothing major, but if it bothers you the whole cluster will have to be replaced at @ $1000.
10. A/C - common issue with blower motor. Click on buttons that control fan speed and make sure you can hear the motor increase speed with each level. Also check the rear vents and make sure a decent amount of air is coming out.
11. Battery - Check the Battery area. It's located under the rear seat and can get very cordoded if owners don't use properly vented Battery or neglect to check area.

Holy Cow.
You're a walking Encyclopedia. :D

Ha! Thanks! I spend too much time on these forums I think!

In addtion to the transmission fluid at 60K miles, you should also prepare to replace your fuel filter and plugs. There are 12 plugs, and they're platinum. It would also be a good time to change the gear oil in the rear differential.

I just bought a 2000 E320 last month, with 70K miles on it. I took it to my indy the following weekend to do the differential, plugs, fuel filter, coolant, engine oil and harmonic balancer, just to get it all out of the way. The transmission fluid had been replaced already, so I didn't have to do that.

not trying to hack the post. but would the same issues be applicable to the 2000 e430 4matic ?
if not, around 75K on the e430 what r the things that should be looked for. I'm the second owner and don't have the previous history.
thnx.
and KURTV, best of luck on the purchase. hope it all works out for u ! :)

Yes, I believe that the service intervals for all the items mentioned so far are the same for the V8 as they are for the V6. The only mechanical issue you don't have to worry about is the spring perch failure, which doesn't seem to happen on the 4matic models.

87path provided a rather comprehensive list of items. great info.

Trying to explore on the spring perch issue... was it definitely solved in 2000+ model ? Any difference between 4matic model vs rwd ?

As i understand it, 2000+ model has a facelift involving some front-end redesign work resulting in better crash protection... did it also solve the spring perch ?

thanks.

Here's a couple of llinks that might help out. Looks like they actually did a recall in Canada on spring perch issue. One poster thought it concerns 1997-2000 model years. Lots of posts on this forum and benworld.org on subject:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/406500-recall-notice-w210-front-spring-towers.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1221028-spring-top-mount-failure.html

my 97 E420 has many of the same issues mentioned above by 87path, including the rusted spring perches. MB dealership wont repair it, you're on your own :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Not entirely accurate -- the cluster can be repaired for anywhere from $250 to $400. I know there's a service on Ebay that takes care of this problem. If you're a half way decent DIY'er you can even repair it yourself. Tons of info if/when you need to search for it.

Replace your dust filter (behind glove box) if you don't know how long it's been, if ever, replaced. A clogged filter will restrict the air flow and could overheat your blower regulator (big $$).

Good Luck! :D

The harmonic balancer is a factory recall item. Don't pay for it yourself.

Don't forget to lube the sunroof.

E320
 

2001 E320 47,000
Replace The Air Mass Intake Air Sensor $255.00 5 Min Diy And Change
The Air Filter Same Time, Left Rear Window Regulator And Motor,
A/c Overhead Sensor $73.00 The Inside Temp Goes Cold Or Vacuum Clean The Small Unit Motor, CALL A ASPIRATOR OR SAMPLER