Looking at a 1992 400E
 

I've been checking out a 1992 400E.

It has 173K miles on it - asking price is $2700. No maintenance records.

They guy was saying that everything on the car works aside from the climate control. He says that it doesn't even blow, so he thinks it might be something electrical as the other components looks relatively new.

Also mentioned was some clear coat peeling on the hood and paint fade on roof.

My questions are this:

1. How difficult and expensive would it be to diagnose and fix the climate control problems?
2. With this amount of milage, how much more life can I expect out of the car before major repairs?
3. Does the price seem fair considering the problems?
4. Anything else I should look for if/when I go look at the car?

Thanks!

climate control is probably the blower motor, somewhat common problem on these cars, not TOO hard to replace IIRC. On a car with no maintenance records, I would highly recommend a PPI as its tough to comment on that over the internet without even seeing the car

can't go wrong with a 400E... I miss mine dearly. For being a HUGE V8 that is stuffed under the hood.... it's very reliable.

Why not spend a little more and get a nicer car? The real bargains are at the high end of the price range.

Yeah, you are probably right.

Not sure if I want to spend the time and effort on it.

I paid $3500 for mine with 160k 3 years ago, WITH the wiring harness (yours is a 92 so won't need it - good) and with throttle actuator replaced. Does this car have ASR? Very important to know.

AC not working? Could be a cheap switch, could be a $1200 evaporator job.

Figure spending a few thousand bucks to get a "cheap" benz in reliable condition, and even then, it wont be as good as a 1-2 owner, full-records car, one whereby ALL the maintenance and repairs were not only addressed, but addressed promptly.

I would run, not walk, unless you are planning to get a PPI from a reputable shop - their word will be the "decider" - and not the shop where he got his work done, because they're in his pocket, not yours.

Otherwise, hold out for a car with full records. They're out there, just have to be patient

There is a gap between the well maintained, top condition cars and the ones that are edgy. I love my 400e and bought it on ebay although the car was local to me. I knew enough about what to look out for although there were no records. When I did my inspection I found a new rear muffler that had a Mercedes Benz parts tag on it (its still there today). That clue told me alot about the car and it became a matter of finding things to prove the car HADN'T been maintained rather than that it HAD been maintained. You have to evaluate a car without records very carefully and back to my original point, 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. To put the paint right on the car you are considering will cost you at least $1000 to have the clear and the faded panels done right. At this point you're at $3700 before you start fixing the climate control (which could be simple for someone with experience). But what else will it need over the coming year? These cars eat radiators, alternators and power steering pumps regularly so although I stand by my love of these cars you need to have a balanced approach and a great Indy or set of tools to put the car right or to keep it right.

In a nutshell, if you can't do your own work you should buy the best one out there that has records a good price and is in top condition. Good luck.

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.

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....

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

The 92 does have a different part number for the wiring harness, but it's still bad. All LH motors from 92 to 95 are afflicted, and all HFMs from 93 to 95.

:confused::confused::confused: none of those seem to be common problems with any w124

+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 :)

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 :rolleyes:

Thanks for the correction.

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!

Pass, find a better vehicle.

Have a PPI done!
 

I traded my '92 190E which had all service records from when the car was new at a Mercedes dealership. Most of these records were hand written because they were either completed by me or a mechanic friend. A friend bought the car and the dealership destroyed the records that I had kept! So, sometimes there are service records -
A PPI would be worth the money spent.