96 e320 questions
 

Hello All,

I have been looking for a newr e class (my 88 300e is in need of major suspension work). I have stumbled upon a 96 e320. What should I be looking for when I go look at it. The car has 120,000 miles. the guy says it needs a rear bumper, ignition coil and tires. He's asking $2000. Is this a good price? Does the 96' model have the m104 engine or is it the v6? Can I do repairs to this model. I know my 124 is a great car. Havent heard much on these as far as reliability. Any info is greatly appreciated.

jcdickson1, a 1996 E320 has a 104 engine (inline 6-cylinder) with 3 top-mounted coils ... one atop the spark plug for cylinders 2, 4 & 6. Ask the seller how he determined the engine needs an ignition coil when there are three coils. Asking price sounds reasonable. Best to have a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) performed by a MB-trained tech who knows that vintage MB automobile so you find out about any pending major repairs. Spring perches can be a problem.

V-6 engines started with the 1998 E320.

The drivetrain in that car is virtually identical to the 95 E320.

The pre-facelift, pre-5 speed W210s are pretty rock-solid, assuming proper maintenance. Spring perches would be the largest area for concern. The rear window regulators are pretty junky, too, but they are inexpensive and easy to replace for the DIYer.

And I'd second the PPI. Either it will find nothing significant and you can rest a bit easier, it will find deal-killers -- and you can still rest easy -- or it will find something that supports a basis to negotiate a better deal.

Good luck.

Up here in the rust belt I thought was where the perch problem was mainly found, maybe they get them down south too, or flodd damage vehicles might have this problem as well. We also see just general rust issues up here too.

Myself Id spend more and get a better car.

Gilly