Greetings,

I own a fantastic 1981 300SD Turbo Diesel and nowam thinking of purchasing a 1995 E320 4 Dr. sedan withhigh mileage.

The owner states that the "check engine light" comes on and he had it diagnosed asa faultyoxygen sensor. Heis selling it as is, w/o replacing this part. The mechanic who diagnosed the problem said it would beOK to drive as is, but it should be replaced at some point.

I've priced some sensors that encompass awide range...anywhere from $50 to $180. My mechanic charges $60 hourly, so I am looking at possibly $250?
My questions:

1.What exactly does this particular sensor do; could this make the check engine light come on and how long shouldthe carbe run before it is repaired?
2. I've read that the 1994 version of thiscar is well worth the money. Is the 1995 version also highly recommended?

What I'm looking for is a bit of advice so that I will know how much to deduct from my offer and what kind of damage the faulty O2 sensor could have done to the car before/if I buy it.

I am new to the more modern models of Mercedes and wish to hear your professional/practical imput before I make him an offer.
Thanks so much!!!

 

Where are you?
high miles?how high?
the m104 had harness problems inspect it that alone can cost you a grand.
o2 sensor out for a long time will destroy the cat.
being generous that car is worth less then $1800 if you are not going to do all your own work ie the r/r of the o2 sensor it can add up to the cost of the car pretty quickly.
ohlord
a cat for that car is $500 not including labor.
caveat emptor

 

All depends on how good the diagnosis was that it is the O2 sensor that is faulty.

I concur what ohlord says.

Be careful.

Stuart

 

Thanks guys for the heads up. I'm located in Virginia.

The car has 225,000 miles, mostly highway as he was a traveling salesman.
I've book priced it based on the high mileage andthat in itself reduces the value of the car by $1100-$1300. So I was thinking that a private party transaction price of$2100-$2700 tops would be a fair deal.... Thatbefore hearing of the possible consequences of a faulty O2 sensor. Of course hewas askingmid rangeretail - about $4500.

I plan on taking it to my mechanic first. He has his own business working strictly on MB, BMW, etc. He has 26 years experience as a Mercedes mechanic, the first 15in a Mercedes dealership.

As I said, this is uncharted territory for me as I'm not familar with the "newer" Mercedes nor the E series.
Thanks again for the information. It gives me some starting point.
If I should look for anything other than the obvious that may be related to the sensor, I'd appreciate any other input. THANKS!

 

Get down to real world pricing.If you used nada or kbb those are how dealers set prices.
http://www.edmunds.com/used/1995/mer...tion=vdpresult
punch in real world numbers 225k miles ,it needs work, average condition, and that car is not worth 1300 bucks.
make your offer but if you pay to much consider it money thrown away.
I bought a 1999 e320 wagon with less then 90k miles in mint condition last year for $9500 if I were you I would shop around more.
ohlord
the wireing harness on the m104 engine flakes apart like paper,inspect it

 

ohlord,
If you don't mind, could you briefly explain the the m104harness problems? I'm familiar with the other problems mentioned. Thanks.

I did some additional research besides NADA/ Kelley Blue book on values and I found with high miles and in "fair condition" that a median price would be around $1700-$1900.Also did the Edmunds book value researchlast night.

Believe me, I'm not going to jump right in just b/c it is a newer Mercedes. My old '81 300SD with 190K originialis a $450 steal. Put $800 into it and it runs like a gem. Looks darn good too for original paint, no dents and2 smallsurface rust spots. I do look for deals and appreciate the caveat on this E series model. I put my trust in the practical experience of the folks in here.

Thanks again, Jay

 

In depth
http://users.adelphia.net/~infoage1/...1991_1996.html
the material was faulty.If you ever see the pictures of them when they go,it looks like a rat chewed through ever inch of wire.
ohlord

 

Those links are greatly appreciated! Nasty looking photos. I will make sure to inspect the wires for ANY type of cracking/peeling.
Appreciate all the other details on the cat./sensor too.
Jay

 

If you decide to buy, you might consider replacing the O2 sensor yourself. On my 03 E500 there are easy to reach and change. I have changed them on many vehicles. Also Bosch makes most replacement sensors for aftermarket. So in many cases only the plug is different. Pay attention to how many wires are on the the sensor,, 2 or 3, wire length to the plug and the plug. Neversieze is usually on the sensor when you buy it. So if you decide to buy it, I would want to see the print out from the check engine light to confirm the o2 sensor is out or have it repaired before you buy. Good luck..

 

Thanks for the suggestion on getting a computer printout on the diagnosis of a faulty O2 sensor! Did not think of that.
I do some work myself on the cars, so I could probably do the sensor if indeed that is the problem.

I really appreciate all the input. I am verystingy about putting out any kind of $$, so I do want to make sure I'm not going to have to payfor a pain in the butt.
Thanks!