2001 E320s are sturdy cars, and reaaaally beatyful to own and to drive. If you find a proper cared one, you will have a reliable and entertaining car for many years. All of them will have some paint chip problems, but who cares.

 

After a short negotiation I decided to buy the wagon this weekend for $12K even. I was able to review all receipts for work done, plus the Carfax. I talked to the woman who drove it (mechanic's wife) and a lot of the miles were put on driving back and forth from Mass. to CT. The vehicle itself is A1, and the Midnight Blue color looks great. Interior (tan leather) is also nice. All in all the car is in terrific shape. I drove it about 40 miles today and it's smooth and problem-free. Now if it goes through the spring and summer (or longer) without needing anything major, then I'll know it was a good choice. It will turn 100K miles in a few weeks.

Next up: Thule crossbars and some winter floor mats (it doesn't have any right now). I thought that there'd be OEM mats for sale online but I haven't found any in the MB forum classifieds or on eBay, so I'll just go generic for now. I may alsoupgrade the head unit andget one withbluetooth capability for my phone (and a CD slot up front - the rear changer is not that convenient). Otherwise, it needs very little.

I'll post pictures once I get a chance to take a few.

Gene

2001 E320 4Matic wagon midnight blue, 100% stock
2005 Infiniti G35 coupe 6MT laser red, some mods

 

I bought the car after all, and it's good to be a part of the MB fellowship (again), 30 years after my last one (a '67 250S). It's now at a local MB mechanic's shop getting its 100K transmission service and a full look-over. During the last 2 days I've driven it 100 enjoyable miles. Looking forward to a few years of rewarding ownership, maybe more.

I'll have lots of questions in the coming months, about sound system upgrades and bluetooth phone connections, so you'll see me here. I'll also post pictures as soon as the weather clears and I take a few.

I also was able to sell its predecessor tonight (and I'll bet no one else can claim this sequence of ownership): a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo.

All the best,
Gene

2001 E320 4Matic wagon, midnight blue
2005 Infiniti G35 coupe 6MT, laser red