Hi all,
I am thinking to buy a 1996 E320, but i dont know what to look at when i am buying it, i dont want to buy a lemon. I heard that the 96 models have some electric problems. please help me to take the right decision.
Thanks in advance.

 

I haven't had any electrical problem with my car (knock on wood) Great automobile, make sure previous owner was religious with oil change(mobile 1 on time) because neglecting oil change could result in expensive valve repair. Check drain holes under the doors which may cause rust later, Also try to get 4matic if you live in snow area.

Good Luck.


Q.

 

I get to rewrite it again...i do not know what happened .After writing you a long piece odf advice I was booted off.Anyway ,here am

My simple advice..is the following..If you never had a MB before,sure you are going to enjoy the ride..it is quite comfortable until you star to hit the problems Mercedes has.

First if you are thinking to buy a MB or any car in general,sta away from the version when the model changes.Class E had been changed at 1996 and lately in 2003..so Plz buy the models after..in your case I would suggest 1998 and up even if it costs couple thousands more.

Here what do you have to look at when buying you next MB

Tires..they cost almost 1000 dollars if you have to change them.
Breaks...1000 dollars..include labor

Any noise comes from the wheels or anywhere from underneath the car is a sign of a major pb a least with MB.having said that..check the wheels..any loose wheels ..means bearings..again at MB you dont change only the bearing..you have to change the whole wheel hub...it cost 200 dollars each..labor at least 100 each..this 1200 dollars worth.

Hold on we did not finish yet
Any MB has over or near 100.ooo miles..has to change the radiator because with MB you just cant flush them out because are alumunium..new radiator is 300 dollars with labor is going to be 400---50.

Water pump
ABS has to be with no mistake
Transmission has to move smooth with no jumping or any noise

MAS..called the air mass flow..is amajor pb with mercedes
Computer pb on the dash board.very very common...ABS..ASR..light switch..50 dollars..never take it to a dealer in this case ..because they just will reap you off and tells you stories and changing parts.

Suspension is another major thing at used car of tha age before 2002: you need to change the following
Struts 4 pieces at 100 each
ball joints...4 pieces at 50 dollars each
Tie rods at 90 dollars each...two of them
sway bars..20 dollars each two of them

suspension care at a dealer cost 2500 dolars..at a mechanic is around 1500

Buy a new car ..check the history and what has been changed and what does need to be changed..consult that with someone you know n u TRUST..mechanic or sombody who understands mechanic or have a MB.

If you are in a snow area thing about 4 matic
1996 can surpass 7 thousand dollars max

If the car has over 100 thou miles timing belt air filtewr and spark blugs has to be changed if not already.
Read this and post me what do need more.
I wish you the best of luck