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‘80s and ‘90s cars aren’t just Radwood stars in the making. They’re now bonafide classic cars in their own right, and several have been going up in value as a result. However, you can still find some rad bargains that are still durable and reliable enough to serve as daily drivers. And there’s one available this week on Cars and Bids: a 1995 W124 Mercedes-Benz E320.

A W124 Mercedes-Benz of any kind is a solid classic luxury car

A dark-blue 1988 W124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
1988 W124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon | Mercedes-Benz

If you’re new to the world of classic cars, a W124 Mercedes-Benz makes a great introduction. The successor to the famously long-lasting W123, the W124 is often considered “the last of the supremely overbuilt Mercedes cars,” The Drive reports. And compared to the W123, it’s noticeably more modern and easier to live with, Honest John reports.

Introduced in 1986 and available as a sedan, coupe, wagon, and a convertible, in 1993 Mercedes-Benz updated the W124 lineup. Along with a facelift, the cars got new designations; the 320E became the E320, for example. The new names came as a result of Mercedes-Benz officially dubbing the W124 ‘E-Class.’

W124 production ended at different times depending on the specific body style. 1995 was the last year for the sedan. And by this point, models like the Mercedes-Benz E320 had evolved to their final form.

So, in addition to things like independent rear suspension, O2 engine sensors, and modern-style crumple zones, the final E320s have multiple airbags and standard ABS, Classics World reports. Power-folding mirrors, power locks, and optional heated seats also became available, Curbside Classics reports.

AWD was also available for the first time as an optional extra. The single windshield wiper, though, is standard—and Koenigsegg still uses its design, Autocar reports. And Gear Patrol points out that the W124 was the basis for two iconic Mercedes-Benz sedans: the 500E and the AMG Hammer. A 320 isn’t as sporty or as fast, but as a luxury car, it’s still incredibly serene and comfortable, Gear Patrol reports.

The 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 on Cars and Bids

A black 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 in a sunny street
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 | Cars and Bids

Although the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 isn’t fast, it can still keep up with modern traffic, Autocar reports. That’s thanks to its 3.2-liter inline-six engine, rated at 217 hp and 229 lb-ft and linked to a four-speed automatic. The 1995 E320 currently listed on Cars and Bids is a RWD example, rather than AWD. But while it doesn’t have every W124 feature, it’s still got just enough modern touches to get by.

For example, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 doesn’t have heated seats. But it does have leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, electronically-folding headrests, and a sunroof. It also has power windows, cruise control, an external temperature display, and its original AM/FM/cassette stereo. Plus, despite its age, this E320 has only done 118,311 miles.

The black-leather seats and wood-trimmed center console and dashboard of a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 interior | Cars and Bids

Admittedly, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 isn’t perfect. There’s some wear on the door panels and interior, as well as some faded paint, paint chips, and a cracked rear bumper. And the radio antenna is stuck. Plus, the Carfax report indicates a December 2010 accident, though neither airbag deployed.

However, Cars and Bids notes that the seller performed several key maintenance items recently. They changed the oil and replaced the front brake pads, rotors, and wear sensors. The spark plugs and wires were also replaced, as was one ignition coil. And crucially, the valve cover and head gaskets have also been replaced. The head gasket is a known failure point on six-cylinder W124s, Honest John explains.

It’s a dependable classic car bargain

As of this writing, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 is listed on Cars and Bids at $4050 with three days left in the auction. Considering its condition and mileage, that’s slightly below Hagerty’s average asking price. It’s also below the average asking price on Bring a Trailer, which has edged closer to $10K in recent years.

The rear 3/4 view of a black 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 on a sunny street
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 rear 3/4 | Cars and Bids

Plus, with the head gasket replaced, there’s really only one W124 issue left: the ‘biodegradable’ wiring harness. Late-model W124 wiring harnesses are known to degrade and cause electrical issues and even fires. But this 1995 E320’s harness appears to be intact. Naturally, we recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection before buying any used car. However, if there is an issue with the wiring harness, modern replacement parts are significantly more durable.

In short, if you’re looking for a classic luxury car with staying power at an affordable price, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 might be for you.

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