1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

E320 Sedan

6 Cylinder 3.2 Liter

Automatic

WDBJF55F2TJ021880

Gasoline

Power Windows

Up for auction is a beautiful, very well cared for, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320 with a powerful 3.2L dual overhead cam, 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine. The sedan is black with tan leather interior. I purchased this vehicle back in 2007 in California and drove it back to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where it has lived ever since. I have essentially had the entire upper end rebuilt - with new head gasket, reseated valve train and lifters, new water pump, new radiator, new overflow tank, new belts and spark plugs. I have over $12,000 invested in this car over the last three years, but need to let it go so I have put a low reserve on it. In full disclosure, the rear passenger fender was scraped in a parking lot about a year ago, so I had it refinished by a professional paint shop. I can not tell where it was fixed. Please note, NO used car is perfect inside or out; it has the usual surface scratches in the paint and a few tiny dings, but the car looks really great, as I'm sure you can see from the pictures. Please contact me at 505-310-0253 with any questions. I would be happy to bring this to a local shop for a thorough inspection and report, at the buyer's expense, and only before the close of the auction! There are no warranties expressed or implied and the vehicle is being sold as-is. Also, if you have less than 98% positive feedback rating, or if you have less than five transactions, you MUST contact me before bidding! Seller reserves the right to cancel this auction at any time, as the car is also listed locally. Non-paying bidders will receive negative feedback. A $500 non-refundable deposit will be due within 24 hours of the close of auction by Paypal. The remaining balance must be mailed within 3 days of auction close by certified funds (or any non-certified funds must clear my bank before I will release the vehicle and clear title). Thanks for looking and good luck bidding! From the Auto Channel: The new second-generation E-Class Mercedes-Benz is among the most important automobiles in the company's long history. Its immediate ancestor, introduced in 1985, was the company's worldwide sales leader and the most popular car in its class in the United States. There is nothing wrong with success, but times and conditions change. The past decade has seen serious competition in the heart of the luxury car market from the Japanese, and from other European and American marques as well. Mercedes-Benz has been known as a manufacturer of fine luxury cars since its creation by a merger of the pioneering companies of Daimler and Benz in 1926. Meticulous craftsmanship, precision engineering, and conservative elegance are long-standing Mercedes-Benz characteristics. But the world changes. The characteristic conservative styling of Mercedes automobiles was not as attractive as possible for a new breed of younger luxury car buyer. The traditional, expensive construction techniques used by the company put them at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of the newcomers in the field. Changes in intent, design, and production were needed. Changes were made. The introduction of the new C-class compact cars two years ago pointed to the future of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. A leaner, more efficient manufacturing process allowed the cars to be sold for less than their predecessors. The new E-Class benefits from the leaner production as well, with similar results for pricing. Unlike the evolutionarily-restyled C-Class, the redesign of the new E-Class car is quite revolutionary for Mercedes-Benz. It is indicative of major changes in the company. In many ways, the newest E-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz for the twenty- first century. The gasoline-powered E320 and the E300 Diesel are the first of the new E-Class cars available in America. Time spent driving on scenic highways and back roads and at the Willow Springs racetrack in Southern California showed the Mercedes-Benz E320 to be a wonderful car. APPEARANCE: Nowhere is the revolutionary nature of the E320 more apparent than at the front of the car. Where older Mercedes-Benz models were Teutonically severe, the E320 is more aerodynamic, softer and friendlier. The traditional grille grows ever lower and wider, and is now flanked by four oval headlights. The rest of the car is much more rounded than its predecessor, but undeniably Mercedes-Benz in shape. The new E-Class is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. COMFORT: The increased size of the new E320 is more noticeable inside than outside. There is greater room in both the front and rear seats. As is appropriate for a luxury car, the interior of the E320 is outfitted in leather with walnut trim. The front bucket seats are power-adjustable with 3- position memory. The climate and sound system controls in the central console have been redesigned for easier use. A full complement of convenience features are standard equipment, including power- assisted door locks, mirrors, and windows, keyless remote entry with an anti-theft system, and universal garage door opener. A sunroof and integrated CD changer and cellular phone package are available. A remote trunk release and multiple cupholders show that the 1996 E320 is a German car designed with the American market in mind. SAFETY: Many of the modern safety-related designs and construction methods were developed or first used in automobiles by Mercedes-Benz. Safety-cage construction with deformable crush zones, driver and passenger front air bags, antilock disc brakes, and traction control are on every E320, as are the world's first front door-mounted side airbags. ROADABILITY: A new double-wishbone front suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, a slightly longer wheelbase, and larger wheels and tires give the 1996 E320 excellent ride and handling characteristics. The car feels secure and comfortable on the interstate or a convoluted mountain road. The ride is firm but comfortable, with no trace of harshness. Wind, road, and mechanical noise are nearly nonexistent, making the E320 a great car for touring. PERFORMANCE: The 3.2-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine in the E320 provides the smooth power that complements the car's ride and handling abilities. With 217 horsepower on tap to the rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission, the E320 is quicker than many competitive luxury cars, quite fuel-efficient, and impeccably civilized. CONCLUSIONS: The 1996 Mercedes-Benz heralds new directions and attitudes for one of the world's oldest and most respected automakers. SPECIFICATIONS: 1996 MERCEDES BENZ E320 Base Price $ 43,500 Price As Tested $ 47,230 Engine Type inline 6, dohc, 24 valves Horsepower 217 @ 5500 Torque (lb-ft) 229 @ 3750 Transmission 4-speed automatic Wheelbase / Length 111.5 in. / 189.4 in. Curb Weight 3,605 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 16.6 Fuel Capacity 21.1 gal. Fuel Requirement unleaded premium Tires 215/55 HR16 Michelin MXV4 Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc Drivetrain front engine, rear drive Suspension, front/rear independent with upper and lower control arms and coil springs / independent multilink with coil springs PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 19/26/22 0 to 60 mph 7.1 sec 1/4 mile (E.T.) 15.4 sec Coefficient of Drag (cd) .29