So my grandfather passed, and one of his vehicles is a 1996 E320 sedan

66,000 miles
He was the second owner, uncle was the first owner
Maint. records are good, regular oil changes, no leaks (though I have smelt a little burnt oil after enthusiastic acceleration)
It is the 3.0l v6 IIRC

Wondering if anyone has any experience with these

-Common problems
-Reliability
-Thoughts?


KBB on this thing is only like $2,300-2800 in my area, which is ridiculous....trying to decide if it would be a good purchase for me (probably get a solid deal on it, since I am buying it from the Trust administrated by my uncle and they wouldn't have to spend hundreds doing brakes, oil changes, detailing, etc)


Also worth noting is I can and will do most maint. and minor repairs on my own, already did the thermostat, have the parts to do the brakes, oil change, etc...but I don't have the time or place to do anything major deep in the engine or trans

Insight is appreciated

This post was edited by Ice98 on Jan 27 2017 02:36am

Are you wanting it because of your grandfather? Or because you want/need another car?


If it's because of your grandfather, buy it and deal with the headaches.

If you're just looking for a car, pass.

Anecdotal, but my buddy had 2 e320s and both were just nightmares. Both had severe electrical issues, and were just ridiculously expensive, always throwin parts at it, something always making noise.
Just no fun.

That sounds pretty awesome, tbh. Under 70k miles on a benz? Hows the body? Sounds like a keeper!

Can't remember what model my sister has, but it has the 4matic (AWD) system and she loves it. Does really well, even in Chicago snow. Looks similar to your model.




Curious how long did your buddies own the e320s? How many miles on them? My thinking, the e320s they owned may have been on the market for a while and changed owners multiple times because of the elect gremlins.
I believe a well maintained (one family) two owner car would turn out to be more trust worthy.

This post was edited by said_aouita on Jan 27 2017 04:07pm

Body is just about perfect, some scuffing on the bumpers where my grandparents would pull in too far to the garage and bump the cabinets in there, otherwise 10/10...it spent most of its time in the garage


Sadly, my uncle wants to list it at $5500, which I am sure they are going to pay for a mechanic and detailing and all that crap too, so in the end they will drop $500-600 to get the oil, brakes, inspection, and detailing and then find they cant sell it for more than 3k.....

Let them tune er up and all that jazz and let them try and sell it for that much lol

And when they can't swoop it up for 2k

If it's as clean as it sounds with such low miles, somebody will at least pay 4k for it. Would not be surprised if they can get 5k for it.


KBB is often wrong....

KBB can be off, but I cant see it getting any more than 4k, NADA doesn't even go older than '98 but a '98 e320 is $5000 retail or $3200 private party

I offered them $2700, it may be a good deal on my end, but I also offered that "AS it sits" since I can do oil and brakes and couldn't care less about the antenna or detailing, plus I should get a good deal considering I'm the one taking care of my grandparent's dog now that they have passed, but we will see

That was a great idea. All honesty, how badly does your uncle need the money? Hopefully him not having to deal with a mechanic, detailing, etc will be worth it!

GL. If ya buy it, post pics!

They don't remotely need the money, between the 5 siblings I am (spitball estimating) that they will each get roughly $130,000 to $165,000 in cash....minus inheritance tax

They all currently live quite comfortable lives...

If he doesn't budge on the price, straight up tell your uncle to quit being a tight ass. Who knows, maybe theirs a reason he doesn't like you? (lol.....just messing with ya)