I have always wanted a 400e, but keep turning my back on them because of the potential upkeep.

Plus, how much engine do you really need. I just love my e320 with the 104. 104 is such a smooth engine..and it has plenty of power.

Let's face it , minus the engine options... a 124 is a 124. Just a great car.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

The upkeep isn't bad at all. I've found the m119s seem to be more complex yet more durable than the 6cyl cars. No head gasket issues, no leaks, just an extra coil or distributor cap if they fail. And, they run like bats straight out of fiery hell and sound great....

"with cars that "need" in the $1500 - $2000 range and top cars in the $5000 range, you will spend more on the dud and not end up with a top end car."

This quote should be placed in the stickies.....it's the golden rule for all potential Benz purchases....

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

What upkeep? It's no more than a 104 motor, and maybe less.

+1

And let's not forget the most important point about a 400e - that the fuel mileage is only marginally less than a 6 cyl (from my experience) and possibly the same. I find that I can get 21mpg from my 6 cyl and the same from my 400e if I drive sensibly (thanks to the 2.73 gears in the 400e).

And as others have said, the M119 is much more durable and stout in comparison to the M103 or M104.

It shouldn't be a matter of whether or not to buy a 400e it should be a matter of which one

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88 300e
89 300e
93 400e
93 500e
77 308 GTB

From the factory all 124 400E/E420s were 2.25 rear axle ratio - which I believe is the tallest axle ratio ever installed in a production Mercedes.

Just give a 400E a drive, then report back. M104 lol

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08 R320 CDI current

Past
95 E420
87 300D Turbo 5spd
90 300TE
83 300SD
85 300TD
92 400E
85 190D

Thanks for the correction.

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88 300e
89 300e
93 400e
93 500e
77 308 GTB

Unfortunate but I have to correct myself - they're actually 2.24.

Yeah, and it's amazing what a difference it does for economy (and sluggish 0-30) vs my 500sl rear end (which should be the same as the 500e)

18 hwy vs 22hwy!

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Pass, find a better vehicle.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]