FOR SALE 1995 E320 Wagon - Ex Gerry/Dave/Ken car - 260K miles, flawless no excuse running (SF Bay Area, CA)

[Dbreid]

Moderator update: This car is for sale by the new owner, see post #39 below.

Hey all! Fair warning, I will have to update this post a LOT, because I am collecting my thoughts and receipts and jogging my memory.

Sadly, the time has come for me to rehome my beloved (and I do mean that) 1995 Wagon. I bought this car in 2017 from Ken Valentine, and before that it was owned by Dave and Gerry. In fact, many of the good Gerry stories involve maintaining this car. I bought it as a cherished daily driver. And it was used as such. It became a real part of the family. My kids call it "The Wags" and it has done it ALL.

I am selling it, because I have officially bought TOO MANY cars. I still have the 500e (forever), but last year I added a manual shift 2001 Audi S8 (which my wife frowned at, but she was gracious when we went to 8 cars)... But I recently bought a 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1. Which was the straw that broke a bunch of camel's backs. So I need to find a good home for my baby.

First, the basics: It is a Salvage Title, but the Salvage was LONG ago, and was done by Robert Fenton. So that title has been with it for I think more than 20 years? There is nothing wrong with the car. But if you want a collector car, this one isn't yours, because of the title.

It has 260K miles. I bought it from Ken with 216K, and I drove 44K joyful miles. EVERY single thing this car has ever needed... it got. Last year, it got a fully rebuilt (by MZ Bayer, the big money Mercedes dudes in the Bay Area) transmission. It has had the entire top end replaced (I'll show pics of the remachined head, all lifters, etc). That turned out to be overkill while chasing what eventually turned out to be a bad/wonky injector. But what can you do? Alternator, radiator, all of it. Entire front suspension bushings and steering was done a year or so ago.

EVERYTHING works, with one exception. It has the lumbar ortho, and despite trying and replacing the stupid 500 dollar air pump under the seat (Brand new OEM), and checking the switches and the bladders, there has to be a leak in a line some place. The switches switch, and the pump cycles. But it doesn't work.

When I say everything, I mean the antenna (these are expensive) goes up and down, the sunroof works and doesn't leak, Cruise Control, ICE COLD (and I mean it) AC, seat heaters, fog lights, locks, windows, everything. Every single dash bulb is working (even the vent ones). The car passes smog easily, has a brand new AGM battery, and I even added a reman- Becker radio, and added Grom Audio, so it charges your phone and synchs with your iPhone (or Android, etc). You can track forward with the deck and everything.

It sits on S600 Segin wheels (polished, not the silly chrome ones), with almost new tires. But I also have a full set of fully machined and rebuilt OEM wheels (just test miles on em). I even refinished the spare in the trunk. . The Segins have H&R spacers so they sit correctly.

It has 2Phast Homelink Mirror with compass and autodimming. And it was converted to Sportline suspension by Dave long ago. Even has the cool sportline Shifter. It has an unripped Cargo cover, and Dog net, and no exhaust leaks, or warning lights, or any of that garbage. There is no deferred maintenance that I am aware of. Every time I took it to the shop, everyon always said.. you know you are pouring money in to an old car, right? But I loved it (still do). Front and rear brakes done recently. As I type, it just keeps coming. Hell, I even had COCO mats made for it (and once you go CoCo, you never go back).

To be clear, there are no dents, but there are a few spots and scratches and scuffs that you would expect from a vehicle that has driven over a quarter million miles. But there is NO rust. No rust underneath, and other than a tiny surface spot by the tail light, not even the little stuff you'd expect. The paint shines (no clearcoat issues) and the car, frankly, drives perfectly.

I live in the Bay Area near SFO, so it would be no problem to fly in and drive this... anywhere. I'd drive this to Maine tomorrow with no tools. Easy.

The only real "flaws" to speak of are two issues with the front seats. Theres a split in the "butt" of the driver, and a split in the "front pad" of the passenger. I have a perfect condition OEM front seat pad, which has all the fabric matched to replace both of those. So you don't have to source any of that. It was on my list, but it never impeded my enjoyment, so I hadn't done it yet.

On to some pictures. These were all taken yesterday, and there are no filters. Taken with iPhone, so no tricks. (I'll load more in reply and then come back to edit)

I also have a complete rear Sportline set of seats for the car (third row, as well as entire back seat). I don't have the fronts, other than the undamaged front bottom for repair. That all goes with the car. I might (haven't gone through the boxes) have the tailgate trim piece in NOS as well.

I am very much looking for a good home for her. Given all the insane maintenance, and the lack of excuses and deferred maintenance, I'd like 12.5K, including EVERYTHING. The Segins, the whole extra set of OEM wheels, and the boxes of spares I have (which I will get to). For example, I think I have all the OEM bladders for the ortho, and factory ortho lines, etc. I also have a binder or two full of receipts for this stuff. 975.00 to refinish the wheels, 3,357.39 for the transmission (Sept 2022). Shoot, there's like 300 bucks worth of LUG BOLTS on this car (the spacers made me order custom ones). I'll even throw in the blink reader with all the laminated pages for all possible codes, in case you need it.

I think that is a screaming good deal for absolutely spendid transportation. If you are in the Bay Area, come drive her. If you aren't, fly in, and I'll meet you at SFO, walk you through the car and send you on your way with a full tank of gas and a smile.

Please let me know any questions. I have feelers out to lots of my car buddies, and (other than the fact that if I don't sell something soon, my wife will lose her patience) I don't actually have to sell. Obviously this isn't really about the money. This is about W124 love.

-Dan

 

[Dbreid]

More pictures of Interior. Note front seat "bottom" flaws.

 

[Dbreid]

Engine bay pictures (I don't have undercarriage yet, because I haven't jacked it up). I think Gerry painted that red!

 

[Dbreid]

Wheels and various other pics. Closeup of scratch by rear passenger lamp

 

[Dbreid]

Placeholder for me to add more pictures as I get rolling.

 

[gerryvz]

Brings back some good memories. Yep, a fair number of the general HOW-TOs on this forum were done on this car. And yes, I had that valve cover powder-coated red when I lived in Texas and did the M104 Top-End Rebuild. Glad to see that it has been so lovingly maintained. No question the car has another 250K miles in life left.

This car is fairly rare as S124s go, in that it has the "cold weather" package, meaning it has ASR, and things like (as mentioned) the seat heaters and lumbar support.

I believe I bought the car from Robert Fenton around 2002 or 2003? I can't totally remember. It has lived its entire life in non-rust climates -- Bay Area, then Portland, then Texas, then Idaho, and then Portland again, and then going back to the Bay Area. So there won't be any real rust on the undercarriage, at least due to salt and such.

 

[gsxr]

Hey, the Stigwagen is back!

Dan, just curious, what happened with the transmission last year? Gerry installed a Sun Valley rebuilt box prior to my ownership (full saga here). From memory, the Sin Valley unit was shifting well when the car went to Ken.

If 3.6L engines were easier and cheaper to find these days, I'd be sorely tempted to buy it back, lol...

 

[Dbreid]

The transmission was... weird. It just kinda decided one day to not like shifting up... sometimes. It would drive fine, but then sometimes it just wasn't gonna go in to top gear. I could shift it down manually, and there was no smell or anything. In fact, I was almost certain it was something stupid. I took it to Kirberg motors (Brian is amazing) and he put the car on the rack and almost laughed at me when he saw how clean the transmission was. He said "There's no way this tranny it toast". And then we tested and tested... and it was. I wanted it to be perfect, so I took it to MZ Bayer, and they gave it the full workup. It has been perfect (of course) since then. Receipt attached here

 

[gerryvz]

That's weird about the Sun Valley trans rebuild, as it wouldn't have had too many miles on it when it started failing. Well under 50K miles I'd say?

 

[Dbreid]

Well, I put close to 44K on it, and it was done a couple owners before me? Here's a couple of pictures of the cylinder head being refinished and the closeup. Enjoy. These are from May 7th, 2020. Again.. there was nothing actually wrong with it. But it was early Covid, and I couldn't go to the shop, and the guy really thought it was the head. In the end, he didn't charge me for the head work (which was awesome), and only charged me for what was originally wrong. I wound up paying for the parts he put in at cost, and no labor. Which felt pretty fair to me.

 

[Dbreid]

Here's some more from the May 2020 "Top Eng rebuild... and do all the things while in there..." When I said I gave her whatever she wanted... I wasn't kidding.

 

[Dbreid]

Also forgot to mention. Got a new Engine harness at that time also. You know... because why not? May 2020.

 

[jeremynichols]

So did Schmid rebuild the existing transmission or drop in someone else’s transmission that they had on the shelf? Can’t quite tell from the invoice.

 

[Dbreid]

They used the one from the car as far as I know. They said they used to swap them, but these aren't as common, so they did the clutch packs and a full rebuild on mine. Torque converter too, obviously. I suppose it is theoretically possible they had another one on the shelf and I wouldn't have been able to tell, but my understanding is they redid mine. It was funny, my car was parked next to a Mercedes 6.3L Grosser when I picked it up. Schmid doesn't fool around.

 

[sheward]

Awesome wagon! The car that put me over the limit was a 2003 S8. GLWS.

 

[Dbreid]

Dave, You buy it back, and I'll deliver. A road trip to Idaho Montana would be nice. . Find a 3.6 locally, and I'll put it in the back and bring that too. .

 

[dreaming.haze]

Dave, You buy it back, and I'll deliver. A road trip to Idaho would be nice. . Find a 3.6 locally, and I'll put it in the back and bring that too. .

Sounds like a great road trip to me! Such a great wagon here. GLWS.

What kind of price are you looking for? Unless you provided that already and I missed it.

 

[Dbreid]

I wrote it above somewhere in my rambling. But 12.5 with everything (both sets of wheels and tires, all the spares, etc). All of it.

 

[daantjie]

These are the best types of Benzes to buy, enthusiast(s) owned, great maintenance and not a garage queen.

 

[gerryvz]

They used the one from the car as far as I know. They said they used to swap them, but these aren't as common, so they did the clutch packs and a full rebuild on mine. Torque converter too, obviously. I suppose it is theoretically possible they had another one on the shelf and I wouldn't have been able to tell, but my understanding is they redid mine. It was funny, my car was parked next to a Mercedes 6.3L Grosser when I picked it up. Schmid doesn't fool around.

Schmid is a shadow of its former self from 20 or 30 years ago. I don’t consider them any better than Sun Valley in terms of the quality of their rebuilds, YMMV.

 

[Dbreid]

Schmid is a shadow of its former self from 20 or 30 years ago. I don’t consider them any better than Sun Valley in terms of the quality of their rebuilds, YMMV.

Fair enough. But they seemed to do a good job and they certainly weren’t Aamco or some such. All my local guys said their transmission shop is the spot (at least Bay Area) to use. And it has driven perfectly so I have no issues.

 

[gerryvz]

They’re pretty much the only game in town if you want to be local in the Bay Area. I’d probably use them too if I lived there, and wanted a local throat to choke.

 

[Dbreid]

Ok. A few more things I thought of:

1.) I had the front seats rebuilt in 2018 (so they aren’t saggy and squishy). When I did that I had the shop add “pockets” to the fronts so there’s a nice pouch for your phone or wallet. Mercedes should have done this. It is great.
2.) I have a massive binder full of receipts and photos of work done.
3.) I have a whole pile of parts that go with the car. Brakes, rotors, spare NOS neutral safety switch. Tons of stuff. The most rare and expensive likely being the air lines, ortho switch and ortho bladder set. I always planned to make that work.
4.) folding insulated custom fit window shade
5.) pro clip w124 specific phone holder. Can swap out phone part to any phone.

Attached pictures of some of the extras in the trunk.

Zero headliner sag.
Third brake light works (I have a preventative zip tie on it to keep it strong… those have a tendency to pop off when children slam tailgates… so I zip tied the clips to keep it good)
Dave installed super dark tint. I had to remove the front windows because I got an actual ticket in CA for it being too dark. But with the dark interior, it still looks cool. And it really really keeps the interior temps down!

 

[Dbreid]

All, I admit to not having been in a hurry to rush this one out the door. But it is still for sale. Lemme know if you know of a good adoptive home.

 

[Dbreid]

Bump, because I am reminded that I still have this car, despite my promise to sell some cars.

 

[Sebastopol]

I had a 300CE Sportline but went to S124, I like the ride much better. What was added to make this a Sportline wagon, asking as I also have wagon.?

Brian,
Olympia Wa
300TE-24

 

[gsxr]

I had a 300CE Sportline but went to S124, I like the ride much better. What was added to make this a Sportline wagon, asking as I also have wagon.?

This car has the following items installed:

• Sportline springs front & rear (factory MB)
• Sportline steering box (crazy rare)
• Sportline steering wheel & airbag
• Sportline shift knob

The matching front swaybar is still available new and would be a nice upgrade, ditto for the front fender badges.

 

[Dbreid]

I also just had the upholstery on the front seats repaired. Car is all detailed as well, and (sadly) ready for a loving new home.

 

[Dbreid]

The time has come to be serious about rehoming. She's all detailed, in perfect shape, and ready to roll. I'll be listing her in all the annoying places (FB, CL, etc) this week. I'd rather sell here, of course, but too many cars is too many cars.

 

[Jouser]

This car is considered sold, no touchy

 

[Dbreid]

Offically sold! Congratulations to Jeremy as the new custodian of a really great car. I hope you love her as much as my family and I did.

 

[Jouser]

Thank you Dan - I am thrilled!

 

[TerryA]

@JTY "Jouser",
Congrats on the new to you wagon. See you at the MB Classic C&C May.

 

[Jouser]

This car has the following items installed:

• Sportline springs front & rear (factory MB)
• Sportline steering box (crazy rare)
• Sportline steering wheel & airbag
• Sportline shift knob

The matching front swaybar is still available new and would be a nice upgrade, ditto for the front fender badges.

I see the front sport swaybar is NLA but correct me if I’m wrong:

124-323-68-65

Fender badges on order from Latvia…

 

[gsxr]

I see the front sport swaybar is NLA but correct me if I’m wrong:

124-323-68-65

Wagons come with sway bar 124-323-68-65 as standard equipment. The "Sporline" bar for the wagon is p/n 124-323-77-65, aka the "limo" bar as it was used on the LWB V124 chassis. EPC screenshot below.

This is still available new from Mercedes (link), but the price just went to insane in recent weeks. Some MSRP history from the past few years (I check randomly, when I remember):

$352 Dec-2022
$555 Sept-2023
$555 April-2024
$555 Jan-2025 (about $375-$400 from discount dealers)
$920 Feb-2025 (about $600-$650 from discount dealers)

Fender badges on order from Latvia…

Why from Latvia? Was the price better? These badges (201-817-13-20) are available from USA dealers, $55 each MSRP, ~$40 discount.

 

[SVH]

@JTY "Jouser"
Congrats!! Maybe you'll show it at the MB Classic in LB this May? I'll bring my stock 94 S124 White. Looks like Terry is going.
-Steve

 

[Jouser]

Wagons come with sway bar 124-323-68-65 as standard equipment. The "Sporline" bar for the wagon is p/n 124-323-77-65, aka the "limo" bar as it was used on the LWB V124 chassis. EPC screenshot below.

This is still available new from Mercedes (link), but the price just went to insane in recent weeks. Some MSRP history from the past few years (I check randomly, when I remember):

$352 Dec-2022
$555 Sept-2023
$555 April-2024
$555 Jan-2025 (about $375-$400 from discount dealers)
$920 Feb-2025 (about $600-$650 from discount dealers)



Why from Latvia? Was the price better? These badges (201-817-13-20) are available from USA dealers, $55 each MSRP, ~$40 discount.



View attachment 208555

Thanks for the proper part number. Looks to be too expensive for my liking now.

 

[Jouser]

@JTY "Jouser"
Congrats!! Maybe you'll show it at the MB Classic in LB this May? I'll bring my stock 94 S124 White. Looks like Terry is going.
-Steve

I live in Fremont, CA - but if I am in OC during this time I will try to bring the '94 red cabrio again.
@socal210 @TerryA

 

[Jouser]

Good day all,

This (really fantastic gem of a car) 1995 E320 Wagon is now for sale again. Sad my ownership will be so short-lived, it's not what I planned.
New opportunities and a lack of space are forcing me to make some changes, and wanted to put it up here first before it goes on Facebook, etc.
Catch it at the Mercedes of Pleasanton CA Cars & Coffee on Sunday morning.

Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton Cars and Coffee - NorCal Car Culture

The Mercedes Benz of Pleasanton Cars and Coffee is Sunday from 8am to 12pm at 5885 Owens Drive. in Pleasanton.

norcalcarculture.com

Improvements during my 2 month and 2k mile ownership:
Car passed smog, received an oil & filter change, air filter change, cabin air filter change, and I fixed some broken switches / buttons on the console.

Jeremy

 

[Jouser]

I took Dave's advice on the fender badges, they look great!

Additional action items done to the car:

• Power Steering Fluid and Filter Change.
• Adjusted all of the washer wiper nozzles as well as cleaned the windshield rubber seal to better seal out the elements.
• Used contact cleaner on the Potentiometer and replaced volume knob with aftermarket.

 

[Jouser]

Bump... $12k for 500Eboard members.

 

[Jouser]

This car is still for sale - selling because I purchased TimL's 500E.
Car is listed on eBay and Marketplace.

 

[Jouser]

Bump... $11,500 - I am still driving (and loving) it.

 

[TML89]

Hello @Jouser , I was trying to buy a E420 for the last couple of weeks but didn't get it over the line unfortunately. That turned my attention to wagons and I've stumbled across this peach, can't believe I didn't see this earlier!

Looks like it's been owned by all of the forums big dogs, it's intimidating even writing a message on this thread! Incredibly kept and price seems fair for the blood sweat and swearing put into the maintenance. I'd be very interested . Based in CT though and new to car buying in the US (Irish). How simple is transporting a car across the country?

 

[Jouser]

Personally I would want to drive it across the country because it drives so well.
If this was not an option I would look into transport companies. (easy and straightforward, but expensive.)

 

[northNH]

If this does not work out for you’all and it’s not inappropriate to mention here, I have a very nice ‘94 TE for sale in New Hampshire…

 

[TML89]

Personally I would want to drive it across the country because it drives so well.
If this was not an option I would look into transport companies. (easy and straightforward, but expensive.)

View attachment 214283

Copy that, thanks. It would make for a heck of a trip... A good one to record the adventure of as well. I'll ask my boss (Wife) and revert back .

 

[TML89]

If this does not work out for you’all and it’s not inappropriate to mention here, I have a very nice ‘94 TE for sale in New Hampshire…

Obviously I'd love to hear more - who wouldn't. Especially for the ease of location but I think there's a conflict of interest discussing it on this thread!

 

[northNH]

Agreed, I’m trying to tread as lightly as possible,
The ball is entirely in your court.

 

[TML89]

Agreed, I’m trying to tread as lightly as possible,
The ball is entirely in your court.

@northNH I'm a newb so don't have ability to direct message yet so the ball might be in my court but I don't have a racquet!