I've been looking at several '94 E420 cars. Are ASR malfunctions common on these cars?
Should I perhaps try to find a car without ASR or is it a "must have" when you live where the roads are often slippery because of rain and snow?

Thanks of the advice in advance.

I had the light come on intermittantly. Turns out it was a defective brake light switch.

Other than that, I think it comes in handy while being a little too heavy-footed, and driving on surfaces with poor traction.
If the roads are drenched or covered in pea-gravel, you can stomp on the gas, and not slide (much), nor spew forth gravel at others (including yourself).

A disadvantage, is that you can't smoke the tires.


hope this helps...

-Larry

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

..And it does spin out on occasion in only rain. I've only had it for this winter - but it has done surprisingly well in the snow. I give myself a little help by putting 2 50-pound weights in the trunk. It's not like driving a 4-wheel drive, but it does give me more bite on snowy roads.

I would say that ASR isn't necessary, but a "nice-to-have" option on rainy and snowy days. The heated seats on the other hard are "must-haves" in my opinion. This is the first car I've had them in and I'll never buy another car without heated seats.

Troy
1995 E420 75k

Just curious, what makes you think there are ASR problems? That is not something I've heard mentioned very often. Don't forget the ASR light is also doing double duty as a diagnostic warning light for other systems!

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Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

I have not had any problems with the ASR on the '94 E320 I have and I have 211,000 miles on it. I don't know if it is the same transmission as an E420 but the way the ASR reacts is probably the same. Warning: If you live in a snowy region get snow tires because when the ASR detects slip it only gives you about 1500 rpm of engine to the tires and decreases from there almost to the point of idling. The car should have a switch on the dash or somewhere with a picture of snow chains on it and that overrides the ASR for a brief period. It can be a frustrating system performance wise on hills.

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dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

Never had a problem with the ASR system on '95 E420...it does give you a little more confidence on rainy roads, but I would not rely on it for snow...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :