1991 300e Vs. 1994 E320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Evan · #1 03-08-2004, 12:38 PM

Recently i was offered the chance at buying a 1994 Mercedes E320 wholesale for $4800. It has 96k miles, and from what i hear is in great condition.

I currently own a 1991 300E 3.0 with 180k. Everything on my car is working properly and my car is also in great condition.

What should i expect from the 1994 E320 that i wouldnt with the 1991 300E...

Whats the differences that stand out the most?

Should i go through with this swap?

Kestas · #2 03-08-2004, 02:33 PM

That's a pretty low price. It should be more near $7000. The E320 has a great engine, 24v, more torque, power, and maybe more efficient.

The 94s have the dreaded wiring harness problem and head gasket problem. If these haven't been done, then you'll have to consider budgeting for it in the very near future.

Also look at whether either car has any niggling problems. They can add up in repair costs or with owner satisfaction. Beyond that, it's a personal decision. In my opinion you have a very attractive opportunity to upgrade.

Evan · #3 03-08-2004, 02:41 PM

I know, its a great oppurtunity and price,,, its coming in trade at my mothers car dealership for a 2001 Chrysler 300M (puke),,,,, how much does a wiring harness go for? i can do the head gasket myself..

Glen · #4 03-08-2004, 02:52 PM

If you can do the headgasket yourself, the wiring harness is a piece of cake...the part should cost about $500 or so.

The '94 has many upgrades that make it a nicer car overall but nothing you couldn't live without.

Here's a partial list:
Updated styling, hood/grill, lights, painted impact strips, revised rear impact strip. If you've updated to Euro headlights on your '91, then I'd call it a wash unless you really favor the late hood/grill.

Interior: way better sound system, center armrest/console, auto-down window controls, power driver side mirror.

Engine: 217 vs. 177 horsepower.

Brakes: larger 4-piston front brakes.

Evan · #5 03-08-2004, 02:59 PM

im pretty much sold ont he E320,, except the color,, its that color green that i hate.. but if im going to get a smoother more powerful newer car,, i guess i can live with it..

Kestas · #6 03-08-2004, 03:38 PM

No wonder the low price. Those green ones are hard to sell.

Evan · #7 03-08-2004, 03:40 PM

Really?? the green color is really harder to sell? HMM i may be happy with my cabernet red mercedes..

chazola · #8 03-08-2004, 04:14 PM

have both I say

Evan · #9 03-08-2004, 04:23 PM

If the mortgage business picked up slightly and i didnt spend so stupidly the last couple years, i would be driving a 1995 S500 LOL..

chazola · #10 03-08-2004, 04:36 PM

I also would be driving something newer if I hadn't peed-away my money stupidly in the last few years. Still, people think my '91 300E is a couple of years old rather than 13, and it's built like no other car I know. I like the old Benz for it's style and heritage, but it's not as reliable as my old Peugeot, which had the same amount of miles and cost half as much.

I think if I had a load of cash now I wouldn't buy a new or recent benz though. Probably a new Beemer or Range Rover instead

I did see a '95 E320 wagon recently though, and it looked like a really nice car. with the mileage your car has compared to the E320 I think it would be a good deal in the long-run if you can get a decent amount for your 300E. Maybe you can get it even cheaper if you tell them about the wiring harness/head gasket issues

Ferdman · #11 03-08-2004, 04:56 PM

Evan, check if the 1994 E320 has heated seats and the 2-position seat memory. Those are nice features to have. The E320 engine should be lower revving and have more torque than your 300E, also more fuel efficient. For instance, at 60mph your 300E engine is running around 2800rpm whereas the E320 engine is running around 2200 rpm ... making for a quieter ride and less engine wear. The E320's 8-hole wheels are much easier to clean than your 15-hole wheels. It's likely that the E320 has a passenger side airbag in place of the glove compartment ... the center armrest/console replaces the glove compartment and is less comfortable than the leather center armrest in your 300E IMO. If you're like me color is very important ... if the green didn't appeal to you at first glance it may never. Personally I prefer the contrasting lower body panel color and the impact strips on the 1991, 1992 and 1992 E-Class cars rather than the monotone color scheme of the 1994 and 1994 E-Class cars, but everyone has their own taste.