1998 Mercedes E320

MauleM5-235 · 01-06-2012, 10:56 PM

A friend is selling her 1998 Mercedes E320 sedan. It is a 2 owner car in very good condition. Has 165,000 miles. She wants $5,000 for it. I am thinking of buying it for my wife to replace her 1997 Volvo 850 wagon. What do any of you know about the 1998 E320 sedan? Is this from the "Chrysler era" such that I should expect it to be a maintenance nightmare?

Thanks.

slow&rusty · 01-07-2012, 01:36 AM

That is a pre Chrysler merger car. Chassis W210..of all the e-class cars this had the worst rust issues, if you are not located in the rust / snow belt then this is a moot point. The asking price is way too high based on the miles. This is also the first V6 to be used by Mercedes, 220hp and known for their reliability.

The market is literally flooded with these 10+ year older cars that were $50K when new, if you are going to help out your friend she has to reciprocate by cutting you a deal on the price...otherwise pass and keep looking.
Yasin

MauleM5-235 · 01-07-2012, 02:05 AM

Am in the Pacific NW, not in the rust/snow belt.

I thought the price seemed a bit steep. I think it is in excellent condition even w/ the high miles. But even w/ the condition I do not think it is worth $5,000.

ben parrish · 04:43 AM

We have a 98 E320 wagon. GREAT car! The v6 is poweful and reliable. Couldn't be happier with the car for the last six years.

That said, there are some things inheriant to these cars. At that milage, it likely uses oil...ours uses about a qt every 1500 miles..no biggie. Doesn't smoke.

EGR tubes get clogged and will throw a code..easy fix. May require replacement of the valve itself..again no biggie.

Be careful working under the hood...all the plastic pipes and fittings are brittle from age and heat so be ready with replacements before you begin working.

Another thing is the front end rattle..usually drop link bushings..again, no biggie.

If the cats(4) have not been replaced, they will have to be soon...usually at around 130-150k...theay are PRICEY if factory but just order generic replacements and have a local muffler shop weld them in.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer then the repairs are straightforward...if you go to the shop

Pelican has a good selection of replacement parts..I always try here first but if not available..the place in Arizona is a good source.

notfarnow · 01-07-2012, 04:55 AM

I have a 99 e300d, same w210 body. I love that car, have done all my own maintenance and I find it's an absolute joy to work on. Very well made, and the car is designed to be worked on. PeachParts.com is a fantastic community of knowledgeable DIYers

And what a beautiful car to drive. Has a solid, heavy highway feel, but is surprisingly nimble and easy to drive around town.

In my eyes, the w210 was the last of the really DIY friendly Mercedes. I'm getting ready to sell mine, I'll really miss it.

ChemMan · ChemMan's Garage

I have had a couple of mercedes with the same engine. Easy to work on. Figure at some point you will have to replace your mass air flow sensor or at least clean it. Eventually you will have to replace it. As mentioned, the EGR tube can get clogged so you get some time laying on top on your engine. Getting the EGR tube back in can be an exercise in patience sometime. Oil changes, spark plug/wire changes are a breeze. Do not expect a lot of power. CPS went bad on one of mine......had to change both cats on one and one cat on the other. That is about all I can think of in terms of what I had to go with mine. There is a good w210 community on benzworld. Lots of DIY info. Price is too high for me though.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-07-2012, 06:00 AM

What is the cut-off for E320s?

slow&rusty · 01-07-2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

What is the cut-off for E320s?

I am not sure what you are asking?

nota · 01-07-2012, 06:49 AM

I look at a E-320 95 yesterday 200k miles $1495 asking price

PASSED

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-07-2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow&rusty

I am not sure what you are asking?

What's the last production year E320 that is pre-Chrysler merger, "safe"

speeder · speeder's Garage

$5k would not be a high price at all in CA. for that car. Perfectly average price if it's in clean condition. The diesel model that notfarnow has would be exactly double that price on ebay with 165k miles and clean.

In the rust belt, cars of this age are worth a lot less, obviously.