I think is time to sell my W124. Shoul I keep it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

juribe2 · #1 02-26-2007, 06:19 PM

Hi guys,

1995 E320 Sedan but only 46k miles !!

This is my first MB. I got it a year ago. It used to be my mother’s car and before that it belonged to my mother’s boss, so I know the car since new and I know it has received all the required maintenance at the dealer's shop.

I really love this car. It's really a pleasure to drive but I'm starting to think I just can't afford it's maintenance cost. Unbelivable, but this is what I have replaced during this last 12 months:

Engine wire harness.
Motor computer, ECU (because harness failure).
Throtle actuator.
Oil cooler (intercooler?)
Water pump.
Heater hose.
Radiator upper and lower hoses.
Bypass and overflow hoses.
Thermostat.
Expansion tank.
Expansion tank preasure cap.
Motor mounts.
Valve cover gasket.
One ignition coil.
Tires.

Right now, the car needs a new Neutral Safety Switch and maybe an Intake air temperature sensor (code 3, pin8).

I thinks this is really bad for a car with 46k miles!. What can I expect if I keep the car? I have replaced almost all the inyection asociated electronics but the car keeps asking for maintenence. What's next? New transmission? A new radiator or an air flow sensor? The heater core? Maybe the other 2 ignition coils?

Will someone please call the "Overhauling" people at the Discovery Chanel and let them know about my car?

Thanks!

POS · #2 02-26-2007, 07:10 PM

I'll give you $4000 for it - it sounds like you already did everything but the AC. Age can cost more than mileage - low-mileage cars are nice because the engines haven't been used much and the interiors are impeccable, but you'll still spend money on age-related issues.

Look at it this way, if you sell it and buy something else, you'll probably have to do some of those things again to the new car - unless you buy a Toyota or something boring like that. Your options? Keep it and drive it, sell it and get something "newish" and cough up the jack.

2k2s430 · #3 02-26-2007, 08:34 PM

I would probably recommend keeping it now. If you have another vehicle at your disposal, you can always park the benz until the funds are available. You have invested a bit of money only to hand it over to the next owner, in my opinion it wouldn't make sense.

Mbz81 · #4 02-26-2007, 09:55 PM

ill give you $4500 for it if its for sale

deanyel · #5 02-26-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbz81

ill give you $4500 for it if its for sell

Juan is getting lots of offers but I think Juan is really in Columbia, not Missouri or Maryland. Shipping would be a killer to say nothing of federalization. Air intake sensor is nothing - a few bucks and a few minutes. Neutral safety switch doesn't amount too much either. It's getting old - some parts wear with times as much as miles. But it sounds like a good car and you should be over the worst of it.

2k2s430 · #6 02-26-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbz81

ill give you $4500 for it if its for sell

Hej zemljace sta to radis?

juribe2 · #7 02-27-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k2s430

...You have invested a bit of money only to hand it over to the next owner, in my opinion it wouldn't make sense.

Maybe you're right. I have invested a lot of money fixing this car. Maybe if I buy another used benz I'll have to start fixing everything as I did on this one.

POS: you're right. This car has an impecable interior and the engine is in perfect mechanical condition. But what about age? What I'm worried is about other components getting too old.

DEANYEL: you're right. I'm in Colombia, South America. I'm really sad about those $4k offers. Cars are REALLY expensive here. Any used MB like mine, will cost about $30k in my country and the chapest new MB is usually $60k and up.

Options are keeping this MB, start fixing another old MB or get a new Chevy.

Anyway, I think since I invested so much on this car I'll give it a chance and keep it this year to see how it goes. I'll keep posting about it and let you know if the car keeps running fine.

Thanks for your opinions guys.

G-Benz · #8 02-27-2007, 10:09 AM

Note that age does the most damage to rubber parts and seals from lack of use.

That said, consider what components those might be and watch out for those. I would suggest an inspection of suspension bushings and the flex discs.

Also old fluid can be detrimental. Transmission, brake fluid, and a coolant change is important at this point.

Otherwise, like previously noted, aside from the A/C, sounds like you covered most issues.

By the way, can you do any of this work yourself? What prevents most people from keeping old cars are labor costs. The last parts you mentioned needing replacement are relatively inexpensive.

Ferdman · #9 02-27-2007, 11:04 AM

Juan, keep your chin up and keep your 1995 E320. They are wonderful cars ... safe and well-built. You've done routine maintenance items and you know the car's history.

waybomb · #10 03-12-2007, 09:26 PM

[QUOTE=juribe2;1432893]

DEANYEL: you're right. I'm in Colombia, South America. I'm really sad about those $4k offers. Cars are REALLY expensive here. Any used MB like mine, will cost about $30k in my country and the chapest new MB is usually $60k and up.
QUOTE]

Can US cars be sold in Columbia??? Can a US citizen sell cars in Columbia, legally? If so, I'm loading up a car hauler.

POS · #11 02-26-2007, 10:48 PM

Arrrrr - $4501, no $4503.