Apparent Problems with E240

[The Photographer]

Hey guys,

im new to this forum, i currently own a newish magna and the thing just doesnt have class like i want in a car.

So ive narrowed it down to a Merc (obviously) E240 around a 98ish model.
it would be the elegance model not the classic and im looking at the 2.4L V6.

I joined the thread before i buy the car, as i figure you guys should be able to help me make a good desicion.

So please post your experiences with theses cars both goodd and bad, anything i need to know about them, common problems, EVERYTHING. I am totally new to mercedes and have no previous experience what so ever.

Thanks in Advance.

Luke

 

[mjtray]

Just to let you know that I have a 1999 Elegance 240 for sale with just 27,000 miles from new and full service history. Great car in V good condition. If this sounds like the car you would like, just drop me a quick message and I can provide more info and price details etc.

I would like to go on to say how great the 240 engine is, but its only fair to let other non biased individuals have their say.

 

[robbo]

Do a forum search for E class and rust. Otherwise good cars.

 

[The Photographer]

yeah im not quite ready to buy yet but thanks,

any more Helpfull information would be greatly appreciated

 

[cjcor]

Having owned a C240, I was a bit dissappointed.

The E320 is not that much more expensive, 5-10% at most. Petrol consumption is almost similar (could be even more economical if you are a very enthusiastic driver), and it is a far more pleasant drive.

 

[squealinneil]

MERCEDES E240 LEATHER TRIM ON EBAY

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MERCEDES-E240...577812137QQcategoryZ10398QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[The Photographer]

Having owned a C240, I was a bit dissappointed.

The E320 is not that much more expensive, 5-10% at most. Petrol consumption is almost similar (could be even more economical if you are a very enthusiastic driver), and it is a far more pleasant drive.

so the E320 is a 3.2L V6 or straight 6, anything else differeent apart from the badges and engine?

 

[jberks]

I have to say, if you can get a 320 for similar money and the insurance is little different then that may be the better idea. That said, I'm quite happy with my E240. Its not the fastest off the line, but she can hold her own and will happily cruise over 100. She's smooth and silent so everything you're probably looking for.
Economy wise 18-26 round town and up to 36 ish on a run. The 320 will be no different.
The only problems I've had have been plug leads (2 sets at £250 a go) and the usual MAS sensor. Plus the well discussed door/boot corrosion issues. There can be a problem with the clock and outside temp displays on the facelift models that can be expensive to fix as MB want £500 for a new cluster, but I may have a cheap solution to that one - won't know for a week or two though.

Go for an elegance or avantgarde spec and if you can, get a facelift one. The spec is better. They changed around '99.
Run through a specialist you are looking at £150 for an A service and £250 for a B - double for a dealer so its not too bad on maintenance.
Plugs want doing around 60k and are expensive so check its been done before you buy.

 

[damo2000]

E240

I've had a 98 E240 Avantgarde since Jan. Its currently at 113,000. First the bad news... the condensor rad for the aircon went (£400) and then 3 weeks ago the auto gearbox (£1500+) Petrol consumption isnt great, so make sure you take this into account before buying, also consider the costs when things go wrong, they are not like a mondeo that you can take down to your local garage to get repaired cheaply!!! I originally got a merc because of the reliability factor, but I'm now seriously considering going back to ford/vauxhall. Maybe I've just had bad luck, but i cant face another massive bill!! On a good note, the car is a good cruiser, very smooth and a dream to drive. High spec models have all the gadgets. If I was you I would go for a car from a merc dealer or merc direct, you will pay more but at least you will have a decent merc warranty if things do go wrong. Good Luck!!

 

[The Photographer]

thanks for your help guys, but i only realised when you started talking Pounds that i joined a UK Mercedes Club, Im in australia, i did a search for australian mercedes club and this popped up so i joined without checking.

So thanks again but im off to find an Aussie Merc Club, and yes we do have mercs down under.

Cheers,

Luke

 

[paulcallender]

thanks for your help guys, but i only realised when you started talking Pounds that i joined a UK Mercedes Club, Im in australia, i did a search for australian mercedes club and this popped up so i joined without checking.

So thanks again but im off to find an Aussie Merc Club, and yes we do have mercs down under.

Cheers,

Luke

I've noticed this too - there seems to be a higher proportion of new visitors/posters to the forum from non-UK areas. It might be worth hanging around (it costs nothing, after all) and there's a good body of knowledge on Mercs here. Obviously, locale-specific info such as garages, parts suppliers etc would be difficult. But common faults, fixes and opinions are global.

 

[The Photographer]

Hey Guys yeah im still here, havnt found any oz merc clubs with online forums yet, still looking.