Wagon Question

[Martin Joseph]

Hi,

I am still driving my 1986 190e (about 165K miles now).

The car has been super reliable and I have enjoyed it a bunch. I
bought the car when my wife got pregnant with our first child, as she
didn't want me driving her around in my 1968 Buick. Anyhow my daughter
is almost 7 now...

I am now looking at station wagons, hopefully one that can seat 6 or people.

I see there are a bunch of e320 Estates from various years and I wonder
if you guys have any opinions (heh)?

Are there any year/models to avoid? Are there any that are better?

Thanks in advance for any info, and I am basically looking at 1998-2001
for a rough time frame, but would consider other years if they are
recommended.

Thanks again,
Marty

[Tiger]

We have 2001 E320 sedan and it has been super reliable. You have to watch
out for the cat converters... they seems to go bad at around 75000 miles or
so. You hear popping noises.

Cats are around $400 or so per side for aftermarket... and there are two. so
you need to consider the cost of cat replacement.

I would want to buy the latest model rather than earlier model unless you
want the turbo diesel wagon... then the cat should not be an issue at all.

I am noticing that teh upper control arm ball joint is also has alot of play
at this point... however, this car has been through more than normal amount
of speed bumps.

Also there is an issue with the acrylic headlight lens... they tend to
opaque out... but a headlight polishing kit will bring it back to crystal
clear. Highly recommends cars with HID... it is really worth it.

[Martin Joseph]

Thanks for the feedback Tiger! I do wonder, about how many miles do
you personally think is doable on a used e320? I know my 190e had
100K+ when I bought it and that has been bulletproof with regards to
the mechanicals (yes at 165K I am still running the original Tranny and
it's fine).

Is it crazy to buy an e320 with 100K miles on it?

Thanks again,
marty

Post by Tiger
We have 2001 E320 sedan and it has been super reliable. You have to watch
out for the cat converters... they seems to go bad at around 75000 miles or
so. You hear popping noises.
Cats are around $400 or so per side for aftermarket... and there are two. so
you need to consider the cost of cat replacement.
I would want to buy the latest model rather than earlier model unless you
want the turbo diesel wagon... then the cat should not be an issue at all.
I am noticing that teh upper control arm ball joint is also has alot of play
at this point... however, this car has been through more than normal amount
of speed bumps.
Also there is an issue with the acrylic headlight lens... they tend to
opaque out... but a headlight polishing kit will bring it back to crystal
clear. Highly recommends cars with HID... it is really worth it.

[Tiger]

I have no doubt about the engine reliability... they will go as long you
maintain it.

Transmission fluid does need to be changed often enough... like every 40000
miles... do not wait until 100K miles or lifetime. That is surefire way to
have another hefty expense. However, they are super reliable when
maintained.

Don't buy a car that has been hit from rear end... surely you will have
transmission issue later in its life. My friend had a massive rear end
accident... I warned him, his body shop said no problem and he listened to
them... soon after he got the car back.... transmission was leaking like
crazy and odd tranny failures.... not covered under insurance as it was
several months after repair.