Hello! It looks like i came to the right place for my questions.

I am looking at a few older E320/E420 (1994-1995) in Seattle WA.
I see a few on craigslist ranging from $3200 - $7000 with various mileages.

1994 E320 W124, 118k miles, looks very clean - for $6690
1995 E420, 60k miles (fake?) for $6995
1995 E320 wagon, 185k miles for $3500

are some of the available choices.

Are there any particular issues with these cars at certain mileage? I want the wagon, but the mileage seems a bit too high. But I also heard that the 3.2l engines are very reliable.

I've never owned a Mercedes before, and I thought I can get some good help from the experts on this forum...

Thank you!

 

I cannot speak to the question on the 6 cylinder cars, but the W124, E420, is a 400E with revised front sheet metal. I posted the following in a threadon this forumthat was inquiring about things to watch out for with the 400E, andthe issuesalso applyto the E420:

1) They are prone to overheating. Watch the brass filler neck on the coolant expansion tank, they rupture along the seam.
(in my case causing a "geyser" while stuck in traffic behind an accident)
2) The same stop light switch issues as with the W210.
3) The neutral safety switch gets worn/corroded contacts and plays havoc with the ASR
4) The trunk mounted control unit for the Becker radio dies.
5) The trunk mounted antenna amplifier dies.
6) The transmissions become "cranky," not wanting to downshift on command (as on freeway on ramps).
7) If equipped with traction control, the throttle actuator goes "south". It is a $1,500 part.

On the positive side, the M119 engine is a jewel. Just remember, it is "shoehorned" into a chassis designed for in-line 4 and 6 cyl. engines, hence the heat issues...

On the E420 in particular, get the service history on the car, and as ohlord says "inspect, inspect, inspect," and did I mention "inspect"?

Good luck,

JR