[mrbdm99]

You guys seem to be much more active over here! Since I am new to MB (or potentially new anyway), I just registered at the first site that popped up on Google. Anyway, I see a lot more activity over here, so please excuse my cross site post (for those that might read in both places):

Hi all. Looks like this is a good source of information! I'll cut to the chase. I'm looking at getting a 2004 E320 Wagon. We currently have a 2007 GMC Yukon and are looking to downsize a bit. I bought it thinking we would be pulling a boat all the time and really using it, but so far, it has just been a family hauler.
I hate to step back 3 years with a 2004 car (where I hear transmissions aren't the best...) so I am wondering what the thoughts are on the 2004. We drive about 22,000 miles per year. This car currently has about 51k miles. I'd like to keep it for about 5 years. So, I'm looking at about 161,000 miles when all is said and done.
This particular car does not have 4matic, which is kinda how I like it. I had AWD in a previous x5 and it just seemed to be something of a maintenance issue lurking out there. Plus, on the 320, the 4matic seems to use about 4mpg more... Hmm... I think this one has the 326 "Premium package" and 422 "Appearance package"

I'd appreciate thoughts and feed back!

 

[Mick D]

Personally I'd prefer an even older higher mileage vehicle taht has been maintained then an newer one with the last thing done to it was a wash and no maintenance records.

Here is a model 2000 local to me, serviced 5 minutes away. I'd take that car over any 2005 without service records. Regardless, a thorough pre purchase inspection is required if you're buyng from a neighbor or across the country.

I can't help you with the 4Matic question, I think at one point all wagons came so equiped? However, owners here on BW really like the feature and I have not read any serious service issues. I have a 91 300TE Leak-O-Matic with 235,000 miles on it, just add fluid and drive it. That is not the case with newer cars.

(I'm just driving the heck out of it, when it dies it will become a FORD, found on road dead.)

Just my opinion anyway, buying a car for 5-7000 more may not always be cheaper after 5 years.

Mercedes-Benz : E-Class | eBay

 

[mrbdm99]

I agree, newer isn't always better, but my wife will be driving this car 95% of the time. It is enough to just suggest a 2004. The only saving grace is that it is a MB.

 

[xrayaz]

04 4Matic

I have an 04 320 4Matic wagon and love it. I have it to haul the dogs and myself around and the car has been great. Nothing to report about the 4Matic, it is kind of invisible except when I need it a few times a year going up North into the ice and snow. I tend to say that I have had no problems with the car what so ever (I have discovered a leak in the seal in one of the fuel sending units and am just doing watchful waiting). I say go for it and if you have any specific questions, just ask.
Michael in Arizona

 

[dave320sw]

2004 E320 Wagon

I have had a E320 wagon as described for three years. Bought it with 32,000 and now have 94,000. No problems except for the massage seats. I have the sport model, and get about 17 in town, and 24 to 27 on the road.

Get yours inspected to know what you have, and don't look back.

Dave

 

[mrbdm99]

Well, I'm going for it. I'm driving 9 hours tonight and picking it up (assuming all things go as planned) in the morning.

What are thoughts on comprehensive, extended warranties?

 

[dave320sw]

Warranties give you peace of mind; in the long run, they are designed to profit the dealer.
However, it will pay for itself with one major event.
If you are buying the vehicle from a MBZ dealer, get the warranty from MBZ, and try to negotiate a discount as a package price for the car.

 

[mrbdm99]

Warranty was about 3500 from the dealer. Had to pass. They weren't super interested in bringing the price down as they seemed to deal in mostly new cars.

Anyway, all that said, I am now the owner of a wagon. Spent about 600 miles with it the other day as I drove back. So far so go.

 

[NGARover]

I like the feel and look of mine. Car is a rocket, disappointed by a few things. (these issues are on my 99 so thing might have changed)

1. The rear fold down latches are plastic... and easily break.
2. The drink holder is fragile and a poor design.
3. Important electronics reside under the shifter plate, so if you spill anything due to the lousy cup holder, your in for a fix...
4. the wiring for the headlights disintegrated.
5. The transmission is crap. A new torque converter is 800 bucks for the part. A new transmission is almost the value of the car itself.
6. Hardest car I've ever seen to change spark plugs in, so buy the expensive 100k ones..
7. spark-plug wires are shockingly expensive. (get the pun)
8. Headliner is crap, if you run with sunroof open, it will pull away from roof.
9. Rear window regulators are total crap. Very expensive to replace.
10 A/C system is crap. Compressor is junk. (there is an update to a better version)

There is a lot about the car that just feels cheap.

On the plus side, good MPG, lots of power, your can haul a lot. Car is comfortable, feels like a sports car on the road. Good factory sound system.

 

[dwa]

Congratulations and all the best. I know someone down the street who has an '04 E350 wagon. No issues reported and the car has around 70k. The owner loves it. As good as these cars are, they do occasionally have issues. Stay in touch and let us know if you have any. There's a good chance we can help.