arrrgh350

Hello!


First post, but have been lurking for a while. GREAT site.


I am interested in a 2 owner r350 with 127K miles. Almost full service history available. mostly from the (stealer)dealership. Car does NOT have airride, but has had both rear air springs replaced.

Any long term use problems with this many miles? I worry about big ticket items like trans, engine, etc.


Currently has a check engine light on, but the owner said his mechanics will service it before purchase and that it needs an air filter (cost $250). I don't know about that one!


I plan on keeping it more years with about 12k miles added per year.


Needs 4 tire and brakes by the fall. (Maybe some nice new 20 inchers!) $10k negotiated price. seems good.


Please advise.


Thanks in advance

starbound01

What year?


With 2 owners and it being an R350 I would be suspect, especially if the 2nd owner was a short term ownership. Plus you have a check engine light. You also need to read the forum on R350 issues and look at the repair history to see if those issues are corrected and when. It's not uncommon to see $10-15K in repair bills for the R.

arrrgh350

It is a 2007.

AsianR350

Do not buy 2006 & 2007
These cars have shaft balance (defect from MB supplier for not heat treated properly) issue. It will cost you over $5000 to fix it.

vwfreak

$22 For two Bosch air filters at Rock Auto.com. Easy to diy

AsianR350

Agree. For the same price, you can get Manning filters who makes the same part as OEM filter.

arrrgh350

OK, have car fax and DLR service records showing:
various unspecified maintenance inspections, services, and
oil changes every 10K miles,
2 rear air shocks replaced,
tailgate lift device replaced,
camshaft position sensors replaced,
drive belt pulley tensioner replaced
new battery 2xs,
new brakes and rotors x 4 and 4 wheel align at 70K.
DLR service mostly until 103k


I also spoke with the indy shop owner who currently services the truck from 103k to 127k. The check engine light was caused by an intake manifold flapper type valvevalve?? Currently ordered and will be installed by Fri.
He also said the car has been brought in regularly for various services and the owner keeps on top of it and his other mbs.

The indy mechanic didn't think the balance shafts were a problem.
I asked him about the transmission (read the info on here) Silky smooth upshifts, but I can feels the downshifts from 3-2-1. Not bad at all, but noticeable. He said they all act like that and there would be nothing to worry about. He also has performed a trans flush/ filter/ fill with appropriate fluids.


I like the truck, and I can tell it has been maintained but am worried about expensive repairs in the future. Do you think enough maint. has been performed? What would I be missing?
Thanks so much!

ghenry

Run the engine serial number and see if it falls in the " balance shaft era"....... It would be worth investigating. There is a post somewhere on this forum that has the serial number range for suspect engines.

arrrgh350

shweeet. the engine does not fall in the balance shaft problem list.
Thanks!

starbound01

run the vin though MB and get the repair history. You should check for:
- transmission service for the collector plate or control valve body
- power steering leak
- rear latch latch replacement


Listen for the differential noise that seems to be the new *failure point* popping up in the threads.


Also, If I were in your shoes (sounds like you really want this vehicle), I would go see it unexpectedly and ask to take it for a drive. Make sure the engine is completely cold when you do. And if you can, find a way to put a heavy load in the back to force the compressor to run to re-level the rear. If you can really hear the compressor run, its on its way out.

vwfreak

If you like it then go for it. It sounds like its been well taken care of too!