Looking at a 400E
 

I've found a clean 1992 400E for sale. Mileage is 135k and the price is $4000 (Cdn). Wiring harnesses updated including throttle actuator. Anything else to consider when looking? Do the M119s need attention to the timing chain? What is the expected fuel economy?

I don't own one myself, but based upon my readings here and elsewhere, you can expect really good highway gas mileage, like 25+ mpg. There's a small article in a recent copy of The Star magazine where a guy says he gets 29 mpg on the highway! I wish my m103 could do that...and it's got 100hp less. Still great motor though.

I think I've read the timing chain does need attention at some point... If the cars in good shape $4k seems reasonable for a V8 car, especially since that wirings been replaced. Everything works on it?

You won't get anywhere near 30mpg, but you can expect high 10's low 20's depending on your foot. 29mpg from the 400E on the freeway....was it going downhill all the way? After 7 years reading w124 boards consistently I have never heard anybody getting that type of mileage.

That isn't actually too bad and is about what I get with my M103. I've heard about oil tubes cracking. Are those only on M119s with the plastic tubes? Are the timing guides suspect as well?

Obviously the right conditions had to be in place for that to happen for a V8 car. The owner stated he averaged 60mph while the engine was turning up about 1700 rpm, so the car was having a pretty easy time of it. Most likely the owner got that from a long highway trip, not regular driving with a little city mixed in. I certainly wouldn't expect it on a regular basis.

That isn't actually too bad and is about what I get with my M103. I've heard about oil tubes cracking. Are those only on M119s with the plastic tubes? Are the timing guides suspect as well?[/QUOTE]

Did a little checking and found out the m119 doesn't really have a problem with the chain since it's a double row, at least not as much as the m117 did, but it still should be checked for stretch as a precaution.

What should be replaced are the guides which are apparently very cheap and easy to replace. And yes, those oil feeder tubes should be replaced if they are original. Apparently they can clog and block oil flow or something like that.

* yes, on M119's with the plastic tubes.

I've owned a '95 E420 for 7 years. Next to my '97 CL500, it is my dream car. Have had no problems. Changed the wiring harness but still has the original oil tubes and chain adjusters at 130K. You will get about 22MPG and around 15 in city driving. Oil tubes don't plug, they UNPLUG when the end cap comes off. This causes a "ticking" sound because oil is now deprived from a lifter. Simple thing to fix. On my Cl my choice was aluminum tubes at $27 or Benz original plastic ones a lot less. I opted for the plastic ones as the originals had lasted 16 years!
The Mercedes V-8 engines are absolutely magnificent! You will NOT be disappointed.
Anziani
'95 E420 129K
'97 CL500 135K

CIS-E fuel injection on the M103 is robust but not too good on gas. I think the V8 gets better mileage due the newer FI system.