Tom,
I drive a 97 e320 on a daily basis. Here are the things that have come up on
mine over the past three years:
1. Transmission: The tranny is controlled by a computer and the cable that
connects the two weeps tranny fluid into the controller. You need to replace
the seal and wiring harness, and clean the fluid that will has accumulated
in the control housing. It is located on passenger side of engine
compartment under a black plastic lid. Mine started to not shift out of
first gear when cold, and I could smell something a little funny. Took the
controller apart and it was about half-way dipped in fluid. Cleaned it good
with electronic parts cleaner, replaced the seal and cable, and has been a
lot better. Still likes to stay in first now and then, but going to N and
back to P fixes it.
2. HVAC filters: These need to be replaced as soon as you get the car - they
clog, and then cause the blower motor to overheat and blow the control
module. Expensive to fix, filters are cheap.
3. Rust: My car was from Georgia and only in NY 2 years when I bought it.
Over the past three years, rust has started to form here and there. I fix it
as it starts, but not something that I like.
4. Head gasket leak: These motors are known to weep a little oil from the
head gasket in the front. Mine had traces of doing it when I bought it, but
after I put Mobil 1 in it, it appears to have stopped.
5. Light bulbs: seems I have had to replace quite a few light bulbs.
Other then that, mine has been a good car.
Dave Wakin
My granddaughter is looking at a 1997 E320 with 90k miles on it. Does
anyone have any advice about this model vehicle? The price is $9995.00.
