I already have a '79 300Sd so I'm usually over in the diesel discussion but a partner of mine is looking to buy a newer mercedes and he's really interested in the E420s.

The problem is, they seem to only have been made 1997 and earlier (i think in 94,95 and 96 though maybe not even for that long). Why were these cars only made for those years? And what are the differences between it and the E320s that seem to have replaced them?

Were there design issues? mechanical issues? Was it a special limited edition type of deal? any help would be appreciated.

E420 = V8, E320 = V6; I don't think think the E320 replaced the E420. I think after 97 they became E430, then up to E500 (both V8 models). That's my guess.

Mercedes offered the 400e in 1992 and 1993, and the E420 in 1994 and 1995 (same body style car - different name).

When the body style for the E-class was changed starting with the 1996 model year, only the E320 was offered in 1996. The E420 was offered in 1997, for that model year only. 1998 and later got the new 4.3 liter V8 engine, substantially different from the 1997's 4.2L V8.

The only major difference between the 1995 and earlier engine and the 1997 engine is that the 1997 engine has a distributorless ignition. The 1995 and earlier have distributor caps and rotors, which require replacement about every 50k miles.

The 1997 and on e-class also received a 5-speed electronic transmission, with marked performance improvement over the 1995's 4-speed hydraulic tranny. While tranny performance improved, durability, at least from what I've read from posters here at Mercedesshop, decreased.

Hope this helps.

Troy
1995 E420 87k

OK, here's the rundown.

The 400E - E420 was made '92-'95 model year in the 124 chassis. That's the old-old E-class.

The 210 chassis E-class was introduced for the '96 model year. That's the one with the roundy-round headlights. There was no V8 model for '96, only the E320 with its inline six cylinder engine.

The '97 model year saw the advent of the E420 in the 210 chassis. This car had the M119 V8. That's the quad cam, 32 valve, ~275HP engine. Coupled to the new 722.6 five speed automatic transmission it makes for a lively ride, to say the least.

1998 saw the replacement of the E420 with the E430. Same basic car, but the M119 engine was replaced by the new generation M113 V8 engine. It's a bit less flashy - only two camshafts and 24 valves. But power is the same, fuel economy is better, and emissions much, much lower.

Either the E420 or E430 is a good choice. A regular driver couldn't tell the difference between the two. No real problem areas with either engine to recommend one over the other. The M119 may need it's oil tubes replaced, but no real harm comes from this failure. The M113 has the dreaded failing harmonic balancer, but this is a simple and not expensive repair if performed before it completly lets go. Other than that the M113 has longer service intervals, less frequent spark plug changes, etc. I would expect the M113 to be a bit less expensive to maintain over time.

- JimY

I just turned in my '95 E420 for a 99 E430 and I am very impressed. Tell you friend he could do a lot worse than either one of these cars.

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired

I own one of these and am very happy with it. It is a great little car. Scary fast and super smooth. The only problem I have had with it was the catalytic converter that left me short of 1000 dollars.

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With best regards

Al

I have a '95 E420. Originally and for a long time I thought they were only available in '97 , but found they were available in 1994~5 and are a very rare variant of the W124.

Mine is title E420/Special ... What I would like to know is what puts the /Special designation from Mercedes Benz right on the title? Also, how many were made?