Looking to buy a 94 e320 conv.

[ncsurfer]

I know it is not a pagoda, but thought I would ask your opinion. I am looking at a 94 E320 Conv. blk/blk with only 66K miles. It is in great shape, but I had an E320 conv. in the 90s and sold it because I was worried about expensive repairs to the conv. top if it stopped working. These cars were hand built and sold in the $80K range. I think they will be a collectible car, but not sure if I need to go down that path again. The owner is asking $14K. I would probably only put 2K-4K mile a year on it. Thanks for your replies........

[IXLR8]

Hi--

Mid-90's Mercedes used biodegradeable insulation on their wiring harnesses. This has caused, in more than a few cars, a need to completely rewire the car because the insulation degraded. Probably about the same cost as repairing the top.


the other Joe

[ncsurfer]

Hi Joe,
Thanks for your reply. That gives me more to consider.

[B_Steward]

You might want to look into this one before pulling the trigger: I've seen it and would probably buy it if I needed another 320 
http://www.blizzardmotors.com/inventory/1994-mercedes-benz-e-320-cabriolet-2880?page=4&sort=make&per_page=10

Cheers! Bryan.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks Brian. Yes, it looks like you have some great cars. I need this E320 like I need another hole in my head, but I feel this will be a true collectible.
Steve

[jameshoward]

I bought one as I love them. I had it for about 2 days. The loom, as has already been stated, is a key driver of the price. It must have been replaced, or stand by for some considerable outlay. There are quite a lot of advanced electronics in the car to go wrong, not least immobilisers (the problem with the car I 'owned') and other electronic bits and bobs, like seats, etc. I imagine replacing the hood is expensive, but would assume it could be a DIY item depending on how much time you have.

Other than that, I think they're pretty bullet proof. I still love them, but hopefully am over my addiction for now.

JH

[Garry]

If your going for a collectable in future I would think that it would want to be an AMG model as I don't think anything else in the more moderns will stack up as 'classic' in the future

[JamesL]

I think they made about 80 RHD Sportline E320 convertibles - many many fewer were AMG'd

It's the engine-side wiring harness that tends to go - Left side of the engine and they have a habit of frying the (engine) ECU before you can diagnose the problem: thus the expense. In itself, it's not a major job, apparently. Just very costly!

Lovely cars and on my "toy" list - although I have more toys than timne and space already, thus the "list"

[stickandrudderman]

Engine wiring looms are around £500 in the UK and take about an hour to change, allow two for your first one.
Head gaskets are also a relatively common failure on cars that have been abused/worked.
No other wiring on the cars suffer from regular failures save for the loom at the boot (trunk) hinge which is a common fatigue failure but very simple to fix.
The notion that these cars are overly complicated electronically is rather ironic. Sure, the beloved 113 doesn't have any electronics but compared to modern cars neither does the 124! Even what it does have is fairly simple and can usually be repaired by one of several specialist companies or obtained cheaply s/h.
Mechanically, just like the 113 or any other car, there are several things to look out for but none that mark the car out as especially "needy".
124 cabriolets, especially the 320 are amongst the best cars MB ever made and you should have no hesitation in snapping a good one up if you're that way inclined.
I've noticed a rise in demand and consequently price for good 124s here in the UK. This is (IMHO) people are getting fed up with the enormous cost of maintaining a modern car that's more than 4 years old and has started to be unreliable.

[ncsurfer]

Thank you, I appreciate your input on the E320. The biodegradable wiring was turning me against it, but the price to replace it doesn't seem too bad. I would hate to have to replace the ECU as some have warned me. The 320 we owned before drove and handled beautifully and was extremely comfortable. We replaced it with a 2001 CLK conv. with the Designo package. We were going to keep it for a long time, but unfortunately, it was totaled in an accident this year with only 48K miles. The one I am considering is an AMG model with only 66K miles. According to the one owner, it has always been garaged and the third car in the family. I am going to look at it this week.

[Garry]

AMG, yes great stuff, go for it, it will become a collector.

Garry

[thelews]

The E320 Cab is an excellent car, wonderful car to drive.  The wire loom and head gaskets are their weak spots.  My friend has made it his specialty to deal in this model car, has bought and sold many (7) of them.  He thoroughly sorts them out with www.blackforestllc.com doing any and all repairs.  I believe he has two for sale currently, a black one and a stunning moonstone grey one.  www.memory-motors.com  They're more expensive than 14K and with good reason, they could pass for new.

It's amazing how solid and well built these cars are.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks for your reply. I am going to look at the car today. After reading all of the replies, I feel a lot better about pulling the trigger if it is a nice car.

[Jordan]

Steve, so how did you make out with the car when you went to have a look at it?    If you are a member of the MBCA you should have received their latest copy of The Star which contains a buyers guide for the W124, the good the bad and the ugly.  They make mention of the wiring harness and head gasket. 

Not on topic but also interesting is an article on oil; regular, synthetic, additives and older vs newer cars.

[ncsurfer]

I decided not to buy it. The car was nice, but as I looked at all of the other ones out there, I think I have time to buy another one. Since I owned one before, I didn't have a burning desire to buy one just because I think it will go up in value. There are too many other cars out there that I haven't owned... I hope that makes sense......