MB Dealer PPI vs Myself inspection

[Nachtsturm]

About to pick up another AMG. I was thinking about having a PPI done just in case. I have read the inspection is around 225. However, I am wondering what do they do that I would not when looking over a car. What does a Mercedes Benz PPI actually consist of? Check compression, etc? I am not a car novice, but I am not a Mercedes Technician either. I use to own a 2001 CLK55, but this one will be a W209. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[tpick23]

I had a PPI done prior to purchasing my car and I feel like after having for a month or two and reading on this forum that they really did not get very deep into the car. The MB dealer had a sort of check list that you might find at a Firestone when you get oil changed and they do a free check of the car systems. Mine recorded the AC temp and the rest was just checks "OK."

As I have owned the car a few months now, I noticed a noise from the front suspension, the fuel sending unit, the AC lows colder on the passenger side, and I have noticed that if the car sits over the weekend, on Monday I can hear the airmatic compressor for about 15 seconds.

All of this adds up to a new upper ball joint and sway bar joints replaced. My cost. The fuel sending unit was done a courtesy (~$1500.) I am not sure what about or when the AC and airmatic will decide to go out.

I accept these things and am ok with the repairs, I know I bought a used car but as the topic of the thread implies, there is a wide definition of pre-purchase inspection.

Use this forum to learn about the car you are looking at and what tends to be costly repair then ask the dealer to inspect these issues specifically.
TP

[MarcusF]

I have a list. It's another one of those "I can make this into a webpage" projects that turned into an endless list in no particular order. That's why there is no link to it from my homepage. Maybe this will inspire me to clean it up. In the mean time. have a look.

[Nachtsturm]

DOn't know why I didn't think of this sooner.

But called a MB dealer and just asked. Had them fax me their checklist.

Only thing that I notice that was worth while, was they pressure check the coolant system. Other than that is nothing that I don't do already.

I really thought it would have been more in depth.

[KENNY94945]

FWIW - There is nothing like getting the car on a rack.

Removing the rims.
Inspect undercarriage.
Test coolant, brake fluid.
Press and check function of every button.
Gather service records, verify all recalls done, run VIN.
Test drive (even at excessive speed).

If the seller will let you do this great for a DIY PPI.

At labor cost per hour times x hours what do you want to be inspected?
Compression and leakdown could be 2 or 3 hours in itself.
Benz dealer labor rate in my area is $175 (yes 175) per hour.

[Ruination Fan]

Depends on which inspection, you could possibly ask for the MBCPO/Starmark inspection which intails a bit more (compression check if over 60K) and some other stuff.