1994 S320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

patkinson · #1 08-12-2002, 06:37 AM

Hi all,
Just purchased a 1994 S320 with 111,000 miles up. A number of problems exist.
1. Blower not operational on a/c. Checked fuses all ok
2. Red battery light on when driving vehicle after five minutes. Goes out comes on intermittently
3. Rear window only defrosting in sections.
4. Oil leak to front of engine

I imagine a number of you may be familiar with S320 problems so if you could let me know I would appreciate it

joe p · #2 08-12-2002, 07:13 AM

<<<1. Blower not operational on a/c. Checked fuses all ok >>>

Blower regulator is a common failure, remove the cowl cever and dust filter, blower is underneath, check for reference voltage in and blower voltage out.

<<<2. Red battery light on when driving vehicle after five minutes. Goes out comes on intermittently >>>

Check the brush pack, you'll probaly find a set of worn out brushes.

<<3. Rear window only defrosting in sections. >>

Sounds like rear glass time, however, not all of the wires are defroster grid lines.

<<4. Oil leak to front of engine >>

Front cover

Joe

patkinson · #3 08-12-2002, 08:15 AM

joe p

I would not be as technically minded as yourself. Just to explain to me:

1. Depending on the voltage coming from this am I looking at an expensive repair.
2. You speak of the brush pack. Are you talking about the regulator.
3. I think I had this problem on previously owned W124 models.

It seems I have purchased a high cost maintenance vehicle. As I have said, if you are familar with any further problems I might encounter please let me know. Thanks for the speedy reply.

joe p · #4 08-12-2002, 08:32 AM

>>>1. Depending on the voltage coming from this am I looking at an expensive repair. >>>

The blower regulator is not cheap but, isn't too bad. Check FastLane for preices. There was a update on these to help them shake heat so dont be suprised if the replacement looks different than the orignal. You can replace this yourself with a #2 phillips and a torx driver set.

<<2. You speak of the brush pack. Are you talking about the regulator. >>

Same part, should be under $100.00 for a Bosch unit. Same deal, #2 phillips, 2 skrews.

<<<3. I think I had this problem on previously owned W124 models. >>>

Not uncommon, same part of all the benz model, different part numbers tho. Some alternator require removal of the big black plastic cover to replace the regulator but, on the 104 powered cars it can be done on the car.

Joe

Arthur Dalton · #5 08-12-2002, 10:50 AM

Adding to Joe's post..
The alt on these 104s w/front lip seal leak are susceptical to oil contamination on the brush unit due to there location.
If the alt. is saturated w/oil from the leak, this may cause your alt problem..

#6 08-12-2002, 07:12 PM

May I ask about the price which you had paid for this vehicle?

patkinson · #7 08-13-2002, 04:15 AM

Dollar equivalent $11,500

suginami · #8 08-13-2002, 01:14 PM

Wow! Very, very, cheap price.

I checked the used car values for a car like yours with similar miles, and in Southern California, depending on overall condition, that car would sell for about $18,000.

-fad · #9 08-13-2002, 01:30 PM

Hi Paul- hope all is well on your side

just struck me that

....perhaps the pricing diferential you've discovered may be due to a less optioned Euro model S320 vs. fully optioned N America S320 version....

food for thought
best regards
-fad

suginami · #10 08-13-2002, 01:33 PM

Yeah, you may be right Fad.

Hey Patkinson, what options did your car come with?

I still find it hard to believe that MB would've sold a "base model" W140, even in the UK.

turnne1 · #11 08-13-2002, 04:28 PM

A few things to mention here

I think the blower is issue is the blower resistor...and that si a very common failure...as for the battery light...have you checked that all the belts are functional/operative...I used to have that problem at cold start all the time...and it was a belt

not sure about the defrost...and the oil leak sounds typical at that mileage
...and btw that was one heck of a price...and you are right the 140 is an expensive car to maintain..but a wonderful one to own and drive daily

Warren
1992 300SD 145K
Columbus Ohio

patkinson · #12 08-14-2002, 05:23 AM

Minus heated seats I think every other extra is on this including all leather interior (very unusual on this side of the Atlantic)