justinb7116

Hello guys and gals. I am a lifetime BMW owner. I have had one Mercedes, A 2005 Mercedes C230K 4 Door Sedan. I have been a very active member on Bimmerfest and 5Series.net. I have recently been looking for a daily driver after a recent interaction with a deer. Of course I originally looked for another BMW , but then I ran across this beauty...http://www.vipautoinc.com/detail-200...-15490332.html

I guess my question is, What would I have to look forward to as for maintenance with this car and are there any major issues with this particular model that would scare me away? I have a friend who knows a Mercedes Tech. He says, This car is one of the most reliable Mercedes ever built. I do think 8700 is still pretty high for this car, even with the super low mileage. In short, I guess I am asking what major issues I should look out for and what do you guys think would be a reasonable offer for this particular car? I am very meticulous about preventative maintenance so that is not in question. I would be driving this car 4 days a week, with a 20 mile commute each way. Thanks in advance...Justin

skedaddle

I am also a new owner, just got a 2002 e320 4matic wagon with 65,000 miles at the dealership in Tysons corner. Others with more experience than me will be along shortly, but until then the following link is a good repository of information/issues about the W210 cars. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...cal-order.html

I was told to pay particular attention to the A/C system, the transmission and suspension as the three biggies.
I do not know if you are the DIY type but since you have owned BMW's I am sure you realize that having to go to a dealer for service really adds up fast and with the price that they are asking for that car it could get unreasonable real fast. Run an edmunds on that car and see what the going rate is. I know I paid 1/2 that for mine but it did need some work.

Michael

kajtek1

1. PPI
2. PPI
3. PPI
Some buyers are willing pay high premium for low mileage, but what are their chances they will wear out the car putting another 400,000 miles on it?
Regardless low mileages, 16 year old leather will deteriorate in just months on daily driving. Lot of rubber stuff, like suspension bushings, hoses, belt, vacuum connectors can still hold today, but being crispy with the age, they will not hold for long.
I would rather buy a car with 200,000 miles on it, but with new motor mounts and bushings.
Wait a minute. I just bought SL500 with 198,000 on it, but at $1300 purchase price took me $50 to make it running perfectly. Still cosmetic stuff can cost more.
Good luck with the cars.

fabbrisd1

I would run a edmunds.com 3rd party valuation - which dealer retail will come out $5700-$6K... just as reference..

The "stickies" will contain key info.. from back-to-front short "maintenance" items :

1) 1/2 $9 bottle Stabil Marine Treatment in the tank
2) Fuel filter Bosch or Mann only $36 internet plus 4 clamps
3) replace tranny adapter plug - MB/MOPAR only $14 - check TCM clean if required $9 can MAF cleaner
4) tranny service correct fluid/procedure - if indie service about $300
5) Mann air filter $12 online
7) Mann oil filter $12 online
8) oil change - correct oil - 8.5 qts
9) coolant change - correct MB or G05 coolant - if water mix use distilled only
10) spark plug change - due by time - correct Bosch OE plugs only - $85 parts - $60 for
job aid tools if DIY
11) consider fresh genuine Bosch MAF $145
12) install ContiTech drive belt kit - Litens tensioner - belt - ilder wheel - $135 kit
================================
note: tranny service correctly done is KEY to long term reliability
check: front + rear catalytic converters - front cats low mile W210's a sore spot - rear
cats can be removed/cleaned/reinstalled
check: Climate control for missing LCD segments
check: cluster for burnt out bulbs
================================
Like I say - short list..

justinb7116

Thanks guys. A lot of good information there. I have a lot of reading to do. I think this car could be a winner for me just not at 8700. I am going to check it out Saturday if it is still there. At that price, I imagine it will be. Thanks again guys and my reading thread after thread starts now

justinb7116

Congrats on your new purchase. Seems like you grabbed a pretty good deal. I do some basic repairs myself and I have a longtime Indy who does the major repairs. Great guy and even better Mechanic. Are you much of a beer drinker? Devils Backbone is a very solid Brewery in Lexington. I believe Bold Rock is right close too

skedaddle

Glad you have an Indy local to you. In my case there is no one close, that's ok I do most of my own service anyway.

I do drink the occasional beer I like DB, the other I have not heard of, but that doesn't really mean anything. I will look it up, and see where it is. Devils Backbone is about to almost double their size. How do you know Lexington? I am in Fredericksburg fairly regularly my son is a senior at UMW.

justinb7116

I work for Budweiser in Hagerstown, Maryland. We picked up Devils Backbone a few years ago and I have been down to their Brewery a few times. Quite a hike for us

Beverly Sharp

Try a bottle of Carlsberg Elephant and you'll never look back.
James

justinb7116

I've had that. Its good but I am a HopHead. I need a lot of bitter and citrus. I drink mostly IPA or DIPA. Fall and Winter, I get into Porters and Stouts