Mercedes-Benz E320

[NutmegCT]

Someone please kick some sense into me.

After driving econo-boxes since college in 1966 (Opel Kadett, Pinto, Chevette, Duster, Datsun, Mazda, etc.), now in my dotage I'm very close to choosing ...

A beautiful, comfortable, 2000 Mercedes-Benz 4-matic E320.

A friend of mine (retired AA pilot) is selling his wife's car this summer for $6500. One owner, regular maintenance and recall work by his local M-B dealer. Only problem: the outside temp indicator on the dash no longer works. As if I care ....

If I'm successful dealing with some health problems, I want to do some TRAVELING next year. I'll keep my Mazda Protege (38mpg) for grocery shopping, and use the 320 for the long-haul stuff. The 320 isn't exactly economical: premium gas, 17/24mpg, but I ain't gonna live for ever.

If anyone wants to talk me out of it - please do! (or at least, please try ...)

Tom

 

[JPSmit]

you could send it to me. seriously, it's pretty, it's in great shape, it will get OK mileage if you drive it carefully and, worst case scenario, people think you're s high class idiot rather than a trailer trash moron.

 

[Banjo]

As long as you can afford to keep it maintained, that would be a wonderful highway cruiser. Sounds like a fair price for that vintage, well maintained.
just remember the European tax on parts and repairs. $100 repair on a Chevy is likely to be $250 (or more) on a Mercedes, BMW or VW.

 

[NutmegCT]

Ben - take a look at this:

https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e50-amg-e55-amg/1346622-diy-procedures-updated-01-09-08-a.html

A *lot* of DIY pages on the E320 (W210).

Thanks.
Tom

 

[Banjo]

Score points in your favor if you can/want to do the repairs yourself. Parts are still more costly. My BMW parts are always a good twice what equivalent big 3 parts are. But.....I like the car far more than what would be the equivalent from the big 3 and therefore put up with the extra cost. My vote is to get the Mercedes. I was just being a small voice of reason before the decision.

 

[DrEntropy]

I'm with Ben. Doing the work yourself can make it 'affordable'.

 

[Steve]

I say "go for it". Nice car..... Life's too short!

 

[Scott_Hower]

Temp gauge indicator is normally a smushed sensor located behind the front license plate mount. A new replacement is about $80, but they're always on eBay for about 15 bucks. Just cut the old one off and solder/splice the new one on. Fixed.

I'm a member over at Benzworld (for a W201). It's a good forum. The M104 engine is wonderful; although the 4matic drivetrain bits can be fussy.

www.autohausaz.com is your friend.

Also, sign up for the "EPC" through MB USA. It requires a credit card, but you are not charged, it's free. It's the on-line parts database that dealers use. Key in your VIN and it will tell you every option you have. Also shows parts for every MB model.