Hi all, I was looking for a good sub 90K miles E320 4 matic but sum ****** **** ***** on a cell phonein a Truck just totaled my wife’s car so we now need to buy two cars in 3 months.

I have found a 2000E320 in the spec I was looking for and it is inmy new (much lower) budget. Only snag is that it has127,000 miles on it. Would this be a good idea?

I have not talked to the vendor so I don’t know its history or if it has the records I will be doing that soon. Just wondered if you could tell me what you think? how are the E320 4 matics when they get up to these miles, also what problems should I expect in the next 100K miles?

Thanks guys
James

 

where are you located?from there the rest can be brought into clearer view.
ohlord

 

I am located in lancaster PA, but the car was in DC. However I looked at it yeasterday and the locks were shot the swich to drop the back head rests did not work and the s-wheel was at an angle when the car was going streight. he only wanted 7995 for the car but i am not sure what it would have taken to fix the problems.

 

RUN! AND RUN FAST!

 

Well, it seems that Mercedes-Benz have many issues and its a toss-up as to what you will really get - heard the same story on BMWs too. I picked up a 2003 E320 with 78K miles for $19,000 ... slightly below book value, I think - hoping to have someone else work out the problems already. Mine has no electrical problems yet, paint is good (some nics), new tires, new sruts ... I do have some strut-height issues - they need to be adjusted, and with 78K miles, the cross strut bushings are in new of replacement (about a $350 cost).

So, I guess you might could pay more up front and have theseller have things fixed at MB then they add it to the cost ... or, you could get one at a lower sale price, and hope for the best -- mine came with new tires and new struts. You are sure to have some fixes your will have to do. Here's my breakdown:

Replaced dead back-up battery: $144 + $145 labor = $289
Replaced minor interior cosmetic Burl Walnut console hinge: $100 per set of two
Projected to fix Cross Strut Bushings: $350
Projected to replace Struts and have 4-wheel alignment: $1050

I have spent $19,000 + $389 = $19,390
I will prolly do the Strut Bushings in the spring: $19,390 + $350 = $19,740
I'm at 80K miles now, so at sometime, all vehicles need an alignment ... so I get that done later too.

So, for $19,000 I got 77K miles with new tires, good electrical, good paint, almost perfect interior, smooth ride, and new struts (but need adjusting for some $$$. Speant another $800-$900 in "fixes".

I do not know if there were ever any of the 'known' issues with my E320, but maybe they were already addressed. Overall, I think something between 2003-2005 for <$24,000 list price, you should figure on putting out another $800 over the next 6 months in minor repairs. Hopefully, that is all it will be! Also, none of this was really a "problem" or "obvious", so it may have been elective on my part.

Finally, you might be wise to invest in a warrantee of some sort - they usually offer them, and typically come in three flavors: Sliver, Gold, and Platinum. Get something to cover electrical and suspension ... usually within 15K miles is what they are.

Hope this helps ...