E320 wagons (old style)

[Grey Ghost]

the price of mid-90s E320 gas-engine wagons has finally come down to realistic levels

I'm considering one for my wife (she's too hesitant a driver for a W123 diesel, even turbocharged).

I once heard that the 4matic systems were problem-prone. Should they be avoided?

What is the most desirable of the years for this body style?

[Robert Goodwin]

You need only do a Google search for 4matic to get a sense of the problems. If you have deep pockets, they won't matter. Since you are looking for used, we can assume that you have shallow to medium pockets or you are an accomplished mechanic. If you are an accomplished mechanic you would know the problems with the 4MATIC already. Great trans but too complicated for poor little me. Same goes for any Benz made after 1996. Here the devil is in the electronics that MB tried too hard and too fast to put into their production cars. If you own one of these, you are a key member of the quality control team. Prefer deisels myself. How about some of you happy $MATIC and wagon owners chiming in here. What do you think?

[owain]

I purchased my 2nd Benz wagon 2 months ago, "my 1st a 300TE 1991. Both cars are great to drive and return about 22mpg, the only major concerns to look for on the 320 wagon are: engine wireing harness rotting "you will be able to see the cracking on the insulation" make sure the self leveling rear suspension is working and there are no leaks. Check the AC works and the air comes out of the correct vents as selected on the climate control unit, if the air flow is poor or split to the floor and windshield or defrost the vacum elements may need replaceing, this is a nasty job even for a long time Benz technician.
I had my 300TE done at the Benz dealer and paid $1450.00 inc parts, $1100.00 was labor.
Most of the electric motors except starter last about 100,000 - 150.000 miles, water pump same, about 100,000 - 150,000 miles.
Water pump replacement = about $900.00 if MB parts are used."I would only use a MB water pump as I would not want to do the job 2nd time in 40,000 - 50,000 miles.
After all said I still think they are the safest longest lasting wagon ever built.

[dan holm]

Since she replaced it last March, I've been putting off selling my wifes car, a 91' 300TE. Since we don't drive it much, it's taking up garage space. I hate to sell it, as I probably won't get what it's worth to me since it has 180K miles, so I'm not making much of an effort.

Maintenance and parts replacement before it breaks has been the rule, as my wife commutes 90 miles a day on country roads. All the stuff people caution about on the 103 motor has been done, such as head gasket, valve seals so on.

This is a solid southern car, no sign of rust anywhere. Records to new. I share in the 4Matic issue, so both my 95' and 91' have ASR, which I would'nt be without. Better reliability, and great traction with the correct tires.

The 91' is Diamond Blue with beige MBTex. Has third seat. No issues, oil consumption, leaks, or anything wierd. Very clean. I can't bring myself to consider a price. If we get an offer we can't turn down it'll go.

Central Virginia area.

Daniel

[Grey Ghost]

Dan - Kelly's Blue Book (kbb.com) lists $4,425 as the "private party" value of your car in Good condition in my ZIP code (car would have much more rust up here). It's a good-looking car...what shade is "diamond" blue?

[dan holm]

Dan - Kelly's Blue Book (kbb.com) lists $4,425 as the "private party" value of your car in Good condition in my ZIP code (car would have much more rust up here). It's a good-looking car...what shade is "diamond" blue?


You mention that a car up there would have much more rust. Our car has zero rust. Diamond Blue is light blue or silver blue metalic. No longer a standard color. I think the new MB's have a light blue $1,000. special order.

I got the kbb suggested retail at $6,245. Did I mention no rust?

Dan

[Grey Ghost]

Dan: your price seems like a more reasonable price for a southern car with full service records

[dan holm]

I'm not saying that's my price. It's the KBB retail value. If someone likes the car and hits me with a price we can agree on, that will be my price.

Dan

[Grey Ghost]

understood...

[PopPop]

i have a 2001 4matic wagon with the v 6 i Just got and it seams to have a tose or wine in the front end. is this a nomral of am i look it a problem

[lkchris]

i have a 2001 4matic wagon with the v 6 i Just got and it seams to have a tose or wine in the front end. is this a nomral of am i look it a problem

This is a W210 forum question.