Hi All,

Isa '93 400E with close to 190k prone to any particular problems due to age and mileage? I thought I saw a post before about wiring harnesses being prone to problems on this type of car. Anyone know of any problematic things with this car. So far runs great, other than AC no longer cold. But I know from experience from my '99 E that spotting problemsbefore they ARE a problem beats a towing bill...

 

Yep:

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...

Good luck,

JR