Sell, Part, Burn our 124?
 

We have '94 e420. It likely needs a throttle actuator (not 100% certain). We've had about $700 of work done, looked at by three of the better independents in town, but nothing 100% conclusive.

We want to get rid of the car. If we sell it as is, we'll get little. Runs great one day, not well the next. And, don't want to try and pull on over on someone, just not who I am.

So, what do I do?

Dump anothr $700-$1500 into it and sell it for $2000 (guessing, it's in good shape otherwise, with 135k on it). Can I get a cheap used ETA for this anywhere?

Sell it to a parts yard?

Part it myself (not so inclined to hassle).

Othwerwise - tranny, engine, body and interior are all quite straight.

Any advice or thoughts would be most appreciated.

Sounds like a common wiring harness or throttle actuator issue to me.

How many miles and what's the overall condition? How much were you thinking to sell the car for?

Junk yard would pay $100-200 at most. If you have the place in garage and infinite patience, part out; else maybe you can sell it for under $1K

Tyler,

Yes, they think it's the TA. I replaced that with a rebuilt about two years ago. Harness was done (by me) on that car. They've checked about everything.

So, assuming it's the TA (ETA), know where to get one cheap? even a good used one?

I'm thinking $2200 fixed, $1500 not.

The car is sound otherwise, no dents, paint good, interior quite good. The rear bumper cover has a hole in it, but I have the replacement. Can put that on, no big deal.

Like I said, engine and tranny otherwise strong. Not a sqeak or rattle in the car. Everything works.

How many miles? Service history?

Realistically the price would be more like $500-1000 as is.

Here are some options:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Throttle-housing-actuator-000-141-93-25-E420_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45eea4fe1dQQitemZ300356533789QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcc essories

or cheapo

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-THROTTLE-BODY-E-CLASS-124-BODY-400E-AND-E420_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem20ad8bb4a6QQitemZ140350567590QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAcc essories

You'll need to know whether its an ASR one or not.

First, thanks for the input and advice. So, it's about the math for me. What do you think it is worth fixed? Let's just say it's an 8/10 (condition-wise) so you can ballpark it. 135K miles, we've serviced it alot (meaning maint and repair...). Good tires, brakes, plugs/wires etc less than 10k ago, wiring harness, new a/c compressor, had cats checked out as part of this diagnostic and they are fine, regular oil changes, etc, etc.

It's really about Math for me. To take your middle figure, if I can get $750 now, but $2000 fixed, than I buy a used unit for $300 and sell it.

Joe......I can sell you the ETA = throttle actuator (guaranteed to be proper functioning) for $300. I have that same car and do hope you end up keeping it. I LOVE my e420. Please send me your VIN and i can check and verify that this unit is proper for your car as well. It is for a NON ASR vehicle. Let me know if interested and send me the VIN and we go from there..THANKS.....Kevin

I have ASR. I'll send you the vin anyway...

Yes, I love the car. That's why we still have it. But, we bought a 530xiT last night. Not bad, but still love the e420. One of my all time favorite cars. Still rattle free, solid, fast, quiet, comfortable, etc.

May be I fix it and keep it? Don't let me get that thought in my head!

Oh, one more thing. We'll be selling our 560SL too, 1988, 150k. I'll post it in the proper place. No engine issues on that. Timing belt and thousands in receipts over the last 10k...

four cars, I work at home, my wife doesn't (work) and we live downtown.

BMW 530Xit (as of last night)
E420
560SL
1985 Toyota LandCruiser FJ60 (my favorite in so many ways)

If this car is drivable before the ETA repair from Austin, TX to Dallas, TX and you are still going to sell it, depending on your price, I am very interested.

I'm close... could even meet you in Austin ...


If you decide to part and the interior is VERY nice- I'm game. We'd do a swap with a near-mint 86' interior.
The V8's take a bit to keep them($$) running but they are VERY nice.

Shoot me an email if you decide to do something...

Michael

rah/sam -

I'll PM you with my number. Not 100% sure what i want to do, but more than likely want to sell it. Just like you both said, it depends on the price.

rah - interior is not perfect, but very nice. Leather is very, very nice with the exception of some rear headrest fade, rest is good with the exception of a tear in the front of the rear left door right where it meets body.

Wood is all good, int lights all work, etc. Headliner good. Let's talk, I can send you pictures.

Pretty sure I want to sell, there is just a little part that says, "Well, if I can get a used ETA in it, maybe it sticks around for a back-up car..."

Post some pictures man, we want to see this car!!

I'll try and get some on Saturday. I really didn't mean this to be a sales thread. Just looking for some advice...

Buying a car that is not running (or sporadicly in this case) scares most people off. You say its something minor, and I'm sure you're telling the truth, but its enough to scare off everyone but deal hunters.

I'd be very interested in the car fixed. Photos would help a ton with an offer. Don't part out a perfectly good car.