[yumling]

My former 01 wagon has been totalled. Thinking of picking up a 01/02 E320 4matic. My budget is about $7500 and that can get me one with bet 120K to 140K miles. Is that is good price indication? I have had good experiences with my wagon and I feel that with maintenance these cars (at least those without 4matic) can easily do 200 to 250K.

How reliable is the 4matic. I know the W123 4matic system was hopeless. But what about this 4matic. Is it something that will work fine to 200K miles.

Anything I should look out for in the 4matic?

Lets see - turn front wheels both sides and check for broken CV boots?

Anyway to check the transfer case. Do they leak? Do they make noise? Does the 4matic drive any difference from the regular wagon?

 

[alexnatt]

4matic is unrelated to the w124 version. Did they have it in w123? I don't believe so. The w210 version is very sound. i bought my 2000 with 120k miles on it and its been trouble free for the next 20k. regarding driving differently, it is definitely heavier.

 

[yumling]

Sorry I meant the W124.

Are you aware of any issues particular to the 4matic version that I should look out for. I understand that changing those front CV joints can be expensive.

4matic is unrelated to the w124 version. Did they have it in w123? I don't believe so. The w210 version is very sound. i bought my 2000 with 120k miles on it and its been trouble free for the next 20k. regarding driving differently, it is definitely heavier.

 

[Kajtek1]

I was hit with front CV joint failure when dealer was the only source for replacement and the retail was $1200. Now they are aftermarket joints so it can be fixed cheaper.
You want more complicated car -you have to deal with more parts that might need replacement.
4-Matic is great for snow and bad conditions, but comes with the price.

 

[MAVA]

Post 3 & 4 are true, but still with that. I have no complaints.

Now, both of my Benz's get exclusively highway miles(95% or better), so they are not exposed to "start n stop","turn left-turn right" My CV joints may fair better than the average city driver. For now my 4matic has done well. No complaints-no leaks & etc.. Zippy little car. Fuel-um-up kind of car. It's solid.

I'll cross that bridge with the CV joint problem when it comes, but then I will be replacing them my self. I do all the maintenance of my vehicles.

Since you are in the SF Bay Area, I bought mine for $6500 with 100k miles. Mine has the navigation package(double-din radio). I bought it from the Alameda County Auction.

Car Auctions, auto auctions, auto auction, automobile auction, auction automobile by Alameda County Auction

My car came from Smythe European in San Jose used lot(the ones they cannot sell). I've put 30k miles on it since I acquired it last year in March. All I've done to the car is: three-oil changes, one-tranny oil/filter change, re finished the leather seats, replaced about six light bulbs, and cleaned the seat belts.

Solid little car...

Martin