Need help for recently bought car
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
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2001 C240
Need help for recently bought car
Hi all,
I bought a 2001 C240 recently (108k miles) (on 19th Jan.) from a local car dealer for $6000. I took it to the local Mercedes dealer for inspection and they told me there're plenty of things wrong with this car. The main problem they listed are:
Rear Main Leaking
Valve Covers Leaking
Motor Mounts and Trans
Idler Beltand Tension
Miss fire in two cylinders (3 & 6).
They told me that it would take about $4200 to fix all of these problems except miss fire in cylinders ( they need to do more diagnose in order to find out the real cause of miss fire in cylinders).
The primary reason I bought this car was to drive from home to school and for daily chores. I am not sure how serious are these problems and what should I fix first or should I keep running the car because I just need to drive 15-20 miles a day. Also, do you guys think is it worth spending $4200 on this car or not?
I bought a 2001 C240 recently (108k miles) (on 19th Jan.) from a local car dealer for $6000. I took it to the local Mercedes dealer for inspection and they told me there're plenty of things wrong with this car. The main problem they listed are:
Rear Main Leaking
Valve Covers Leaking
Motor Mounts and Trans
Idler Beltand Tension
Miss fire in two cylinders (3 & 6).
They told me that it would take about $4200 to fix all of these problems except miss fire in cylinders ( they need to do more diagnose in order to find out the real cause of miss fire in cylinders).
The primary reason I bought this car was to drive from home to school and for daily chores. I am not sure how serious are these problems and what should I fix first or should I keep running the car because I just need to drive 15-20 miles a day. Also, do you guys think is it worth spending $4200 on this car or not?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
If your young and what not a Benz may not be for you, do I think you should spend that money ...nope...its almost the price you paired for the car...you add that to the total and you could have gotten a 05 230 with less issues...dump it and buy a Honda civic or something reliable if money's tight for you..just my thought...
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
How bad is the rear main crankseal leak? I would replace plugs & plug leads on 3 & 6 & hope you don't have a bad coilpack. You can always DIY the valve covers or get a cheap indy to replace them when necessary. I would just drive the thing & only do the necessary on an as & when basis.
Did you get no sort of warranty when buying this car? Is the dealer you bought it from not prepared to do anything?
The biggest job is that rear crank seal. If it's bad get a quote from an Indy. There are some complications on replacing that seal on the M112 motor. Method is in the W203 Wiki.
Did you get no sort of warranty when buying this car? Is the dealer you bought it from not prepared to do anything?
The biggest job is that rear crank seal. If it's bad get a quote from an Indy. There are some complications on replacing that seal on the M112 motor. Method is in the W203 Wiki.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
He already has; Edmunds appraises it with 108k and significant repairs required at $3600 (dealer retail). 
I don't really want to pile on here, but given that you bought the absolutely worst W203 year/engine combination, I would try to either dump it as is, trade it in on a reasonable car, or possibly try to return it if possible.
I don't see that it's worth it to add more money to the black hole that this car will become.
I don't really want to pile on here, but given that you bought the absolutely worst W203 year/engine combination, I would try to either dump it as is, trade it in on a reasonable car, or possibly try to return it if possible.
I don't see that it's worth it to add more money to the black hole that this car will become.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,580
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From: San Francisco Bay area
C63 AMG
I agree with everyone else, there will likely be many more repairs and little things they will find as they go along and the repair bill will just keep getting bigger. These cars can be a pain when they start having major issues like the ones your having
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
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From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Yet another reason to spend a few bucks on a PPI BEFORE making the purchasing decision. Especially if you are not very knowledgeable with cars.
Also, keep in mind that you are talking about dealer prices. Many of the items on your list are DIYable. However, if you are not of the DIY type, find a reputable indy shop in your area and you should be able to cut down that bill by at least 30%. Most likely even more.
Also, keep in mind that you are talking about dealer prices. Many of the items on your list are DIYable. However, if you are not of the DIY type, find a reputable indy shop in your area and you should be able to cut down that bill by at least 30%. Most likely even more.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2013 UFO
A greater percentage of the population isn't knowledgeable with cars. How do you think the dealership makes their money?
I was one of those customers until I bought my car (not that bad actually), worked at a dealership for several months, and found this place.
If you are willing to invest some more time and money into this car, you have a community to learn with. If you need something reliable that will just drive, then like the post above recommends, better you look into a Honda Civic.
I was one of those customers until I bought my car (not that bad actually), worked at a dealership for several months, and found this place.
If you are willing to invest some more time and money into this car, you have a community to learn with. If you need something reliable that will just drive, then like the post above recommends, better you look into a Honda Civic.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
DH,
A great opportunity for a young fella to learn how to repair & maintain a motor vehicle.
In the very near future you will be a far more mechanically knowledgeable than the young people who buy a new car.
It will hold you in good stead for the rest of your motoring life.
Go for it & good luck.
Last edited by Carsy; Jan 24, 2013 at 02:32 PM. Reason: Fat thumb
