Need advice for a potential purchase...

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Should I reject this E320 Cab due to a couple of paint blisters - see photos?



I've been looking for an E320 cab in grey with beige interior for some time now. Today I went to see a 2 owner 1995 California car with 92k miles. Some other minor faults are apparent e.g., antenna does not retract, front head rests don't move - although the motors run. Otherwise the car looks and drives nice. But those paint blisters are bugging me.....

All/any advice is appreciated

[Pete Geither]

Can't open the pics, but if the blistering is from previous bodywork, there may be big issues.

[Jim B.]

Those cars are very very covetable, beautifully built and much more scarce than the SL. I don't know the production figures on them but they are low.

They have all the virtues of being the last of the unarguably top quality, cost no object E class cars.

You probably already know that, of course, and is why you are shopping them, but before running away, don't forget that this is an ultra rare car in the color combo you want, and you almost certainly won't find another one like it, especially a 92k California car.

The link won't opn so there is no picture to see, but I would say, borrow the car long enough to have it looked at by a good body shop to determine its condition. Perhaps then you'd know hwo to proceed.

It is is repairable, simply use that in bargaining to get the price down to take it into account. All the W124 admonitions apply when looking at these, with the added one that the top should work well, as they are costly if they don't, to set right.

I'd wager that there is a little bit of room for these to become driveable collector cars - they are that rare, and that good.

You could enjoy driving your investment. That would be fun.

I'd love an Almandine red one with a gray or palomino interior, myself.

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Appreciate the input.

Not sure what happened to my pictures - I will have another attempt at loading them this evening - they should help to make things a little clearer

Yes, these are rare cars, especially if like me you a looking for a particular color combination. I have been patiently searching for over two years now and have looked at about 6 cars.

A recent close contender in great condition was rejected because the Carfax stated "vehicle hit a wild animal". Further enquiries with Carfax and the local police failed to determine the type of animal - could have been a small rodent or a bison ... anyway, the drivers door was badly out of alignment, so I walked away. Maybe I'm just being too picky

[deanyel]

Grey with beige interior on a 124 cabriolet isn't rare - it's non-existant.

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Here are the pics. I've never seen this on any of the other Cabs i've looked at.....

Areas of concern are just above the antenna grommet, and top of right hand windscreen pillar. Could be tip of the iceberg corrosion and a problem to deal with? ... or nothing to worry about?

[nissanzx1]

I don't mean to be rude, but what kind of money does the seller want? We might be able to offer more sound advice if we knew that information. Those 2 rust spots are significant and will only get worse much sooner than you think if you drive the car even occassionally...

-GH

[NDP 2.6 190E]

The seller is asking $19,900 - which is a little above the guide price for an outstanding condition vehicle with these miles.
I was considering offering $18,000 ....but only if those spots are not serious.

[nissanzx1]

Here is the deal as I see it: The rust is serious and requires attention. From the pics I would factor $1500 at least at a good shop. After that, you KNOW the car has been painted on--does that bother you? Plus, take into consideration that this is the only rust you can SEE--where might it also lurk beneath?

The antenna and headrests I would figure another $500 or so to be safe.

Then, as I'm sure you are aware--there is the engine wiring harness issue. has it been replaced? Head Gasket replaced? If no, take another $2K off at minimum.

Look, I don't mean to be negative about this car. The big positive is the mileage is VERY nice. Also, the converts are extremely rare, so a premium will be paid no matter which example makes it to your garage.

I just don't want to see you disappointed with the example you end up with. I hate to see anybody pay more than book value for anything. Remember, you are about to shell out nearly $20K of your money for a 12 year old car.

The car hits me at a wholesale auction somewhere near $10K and at retail somewhere near $13K with it's current issues. Another $1-1.5K or more if the head gasket and harness have been done.

Good Luck, and don't rush into anything--YOU are the one with the MONEY...

-GH

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Right on GH.

The wiring harness appears to have been replaced - it is of newer appearance with a black woven cloth cover - although nothing to confirm this.

Headgasket looks OK. No oil leaks from the rear of the block, beneath the motor, tranny or diff.

The first owner had MB dealer servicing. The book is stamped but no receipts. The current owner uses an Indy and has receipts for the past 3 years.

I went over the car pretty carefully. No other rust spots apparent. I will prolly get an independant inspection before moving ahead.

Lastly, I have contact details of the Indy mechanic, and plan to call him on the chance of more info.

[t walgamuth]

the rust is not in areas that I would expect a factory paint job to rust. Are you sure it is factory paint? Also not what I would expect in a california car. Does the history support a california residency all its life?
The condition does not support a full retail value in my mind either.

Tom W

[NDP 2.6 190E]

Yes, this is a California car. Perhaps it was left outside during the past.

The nights can get pretty damp near the CA coast. I've also seen lower mileage cars with corrosion on the interior seat slider rails and other exposed metal parts.

And my gut feel tells me to pass on this particular car. Something else is bound to come up in the next two years....

Cheers!

[Hatterasguy]

Those are pretty minor rust spots, heck you could fix them yourself with a grinder and some touch up paint. A boby shop is going to be super expensive because they will have to blend the paint. Kind of strange for a CA car, is it a repaint?

$19k is a lot, I have seen nice examples sell for $15k.

[Hatterasguy]

Originally Posted by NDP 2.6 190E

And my gut feel tells me to pass on this particular car. Something else is bound to come up in the next two years....

Cheers!

Of course it will have problems its an old car. I'd be more worried about that convertable top. I have no idea how they work on the W124 cab, but on the R129's of this vintage they are pretty complicated. When you hit that button a lot of stuff starts happening at once. I bet on a W124 cab fixing that top will cost a small fortune because they are so rare.

The drive train is the least of you worries, its all standard run of the mill W124 stuff. M104, etc, etc.

[deanyel]

You should never buy a car that has bubbling paint like that - it's just the tip of the iceberg. If that's a CA car it was very close to the coast, outside, for a long period of time.