1992 400E - good price?
 

Greetings, about to add a new car to my stable.

1992 400E. 132K miles, two owners. Current owner bought car in 2001.

Does not have slip control, heated seats, or rear sun shade.

Following has been done in the last 2 years:

Wiring harness
Timing chain
Radiator
Transmission fluid changed
Motor mounts
Brake pads & rotors, not sure about calipers (I do not think they were replaced.)
Tires

Evap and compressor have NOT been replaced. All climate control works properly. Cruise control works. No accidents. All windows and sunroof work properly. No leaks (oil, power steering pump). Indy service records available since 2001. Dealership has pre-2001 service records (original owner.)

Both headlight lenses are cracked from age and stones.
Pass side rear speaker inop.
Air intake foam hoses at the front of the motor are worn/deteriorating and should be replaced.

Agreed on $4,800. Fair price? I believe so.

Thoughts?

Regardless of condition!! spend $150-200 on a good pre-purchase inspection.

$4800 is a good buy if the car checks out.

By all means have a PPI done by a MB-trained tech who will be able to spot any imminent expensive repairs. I suspect you realize that the 8-cylinder engines are more expensive to maintain and fuel than the 6-cylinder ones. If you're a DIY'er the 6-cylinder engines are simpler to work on. Check the Kelley Blue Book value (kbb.com) for a 1992 400E in your area.

I would say $4800 is just a hair bit high. I would shoot for $4000 if everything checks out OK. As said previously, get a PPI for peace of mind.

Hard to say without seeing it. If it's a clean straight car it's a great price. As far as future miles for the money there's probably no better car than a well maintained 400E. Just make sure the timing chain is in good shape.

$4800 is pushing the outer limits of what they're worth... there is one for $3500 here that needs an A/C overhaul.

KBB lists private party at about $4100
 

Depending on condition etc. but if it has a great history it's woth the minor premium.

Personally, though, I think you're buying a hobby with a 15-year-old V8. It will require a steady stream of time and money to maintain, so the question is:

are the results worth all my time and money? If you're a 400E salivator, then probably yes. If you're just looking for a fun MB which won't cost too much and is a reliable ride, has more modern conveniences etc, you might reconsider. I loved my 124, but it couldn't hide the fact that it was a mid-80's design.

ALternatively, if you just want to drive it until it won't go any more, you'll probably get a few years and 50K+ miles out of it, which is pretty good for $4800.

Wouldn't disagree but if you are a DIYer there's really no better car. It may be the best engine MB ever made. No one really knows how far they will go - bottom ends don't fail, top ends don't fail. Keep the timing chain / cooling system working and the engine will have a very long life. No oil tube problem on the early ones. But if you are not a DIYer forget it - could cost more to operate than a new car.

Price sounds right on if maintenance work and updates are accurate. You will get spoiled by the 'quickness' and the heavy front end will require more frequent brake pad changes. I have 154,000 on mine and it runs strong.

The M119s are good for a hell of a lot more than 200K only.

Doesn't Gilly have a customer with 600k and some change on one? I don't think one can kill an M119, well unless you don't change the oil for 50k miles or something like that.

I know one of the cats here that owns a shop as an M116 with 700k or something wild on the bottom end.