As a content creator for cardetailinguk.com and a seasoned auto repair professional, I’ve worked on my fair share of vehicles. From restoring a ’68 Firebird to resto-modding a ’68 C10, both powered by modern LSx engines, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for automotive engineering and the joy of tuning. While I love the raw power of these classic American muscle cars, the compromises in build quality and daily usability are undeniable. Newer Mercedes models offer refinement, but their complex electronics can be daunting for the home mechanic. This led me on a quest to find a Mercedes that struck the perfect balance: modern enough to be enjoyable, yet simple enough to work on myself, even down to tuning the PCM. After extensive research, my search concluded with the ideal candidate – a Mercedes 1995 E320.
The appeal of the Mercedes 1995 E320 lies in its blend of robust engineering and manageable technology. It features straightforward fuel injection systems without overly complex security measures that plague later models. While these cars are known for certain build quality quirks, the fundamental structure is solid, and the ride quality is exceptional. My search for the perfect Mercedes 1995 E320 led me to Craigslist, where after months of diligent searching, I found a white example with the quintessential tan interior and 120,000 miles on the clock. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, I decided to have it shipped to Las Vegas, Nevada, preemptively avoiding any potential desert breakdowns on the journey home.
The initial drive of my Mercedes 1995 E320 was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Stories of potentially degrading wiring harnesses in this era of Mercedes lingered in the back of my mind, and I was slightly concerned about overheating in the Las Vegas heat. Thankfully, my worries were unfounded. The car performed flawlessly, and to my relief, it even passed the stringent Nevada smog test without issue!
Confident after the successful first drive and smog test, I began putting the Mercedes 1995 E320 through its paces with more extensive test drives. It was during one of these drives that a noticeable, loud squealing noise emerged from the front of the engine. Upon investigation, the culprit was identified as the air pump. Further inspection revealed the air pump pulley was on the verge of failure, practically falling off. This discovery was fortunate, averting a potential roadside breakdown. Considering the air pump’s limited function, I decided to remove it entirely. To bypass the air pump, I cleverly repurposed the old belt to determine the correct length for a shorter replacement, effectively eliminating a potential future point of failure and simplifying the engine bay of my Mercedes 1995 E320.
To ensure the long-term reliability and maintainability of my Mercedes 1995 E320, I made a strategic trip to a local “pick-a-part” junkyard. Fortuitously, I found three Mercedes vehicles equipped with the same engine as my E320. This junkyard excursion proved to be a treasure trove of valuable spare parts. I acquired two throttle bodies, mass airflow sensors (MAFs), blower fans complete with their specialized resistors, an extra set of four-piston fixed calipers for enhanced braking, a valve from the manifold, and a collection of relays – all for the remarkably low price of $200. Now, I have a comprehensive inventory of spare components, ensuring I’m well-prepared for any future maintenance or repairs on my Mercedes 1995 E320 project car.
