Sludge in Engine, '09 C350 22K Miles
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
C350
Sludge in Engine, '09 C350 22K Miles
Hello all,
I have a 2009 C350 with 22K miles that from day one never had an oil change - it was a lease vehicle and the first owner neglected any service. There is some sludge in the engine, not a lot from what I can see but it's there all the same as I could see it on the oil cap. The dealership that sold me this nightmare is flushing the engine, adding new oil, flushing again, then new oil and new filter. I watched the initial flush and some of the sludge came out, along with the old oil that was still liquid but only to a degree.
My question is ultimately am I looking at a continual nightmare, or did I manage to possibly save the engine before it's too late? I am stuck with the car so any experiences or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
I have a 2009 C350 with 22K miles that from day one never had an oil change - it was a lease vehicle and the first owner neglected any service. There is some sludge in the engine, not a lot from what I can see but it's there all the same as I could see it on the oil cap. The dealership that sold me this nightmare is flushing the engine, adding new oil, flushing again, then new oil and new filter. I watched the initial flush and some of the sludge came out, along with the old oil that was still liquid but only to a degree.
My question is ultimately am I looking at a continual nightmare, or did I manage to possibly save the engine before it's too late? I am stuck with the car so any experiences or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,878
Likes: 8
From: five oh two
2008 W204 Sport
Take that damn thing back to the dealer and get your money back. I would never purchase a vehicle like that that has been neglected, used, and abused. The engine's life has significantly been compromised since it was allowed to go for so long without proper "preventative maintenance". It's just a matter of how "short" it will last now, not how long.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
1) Did you purchase it from a MB dealer? You mentioned "dealer" but not what brand.
2) When did you purchase it?
3) Was there a used car warranty and has it expired?
2) When did you purchase it?
3) Was there a used car warranty and has it expired?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
A mechanic had a customer with a major sludge problem. They posted some concerns they had with the sludge, so maybe it could be some help, although your situation is not as dire.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...d-47700-a.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...d-47700-a.html
Last edited by Domm; Aug 18, 2012 at 01:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
C350
Bought it on Wednesday, it's being "repaired" now.
No used car warranty, just what's left of the factory warranty which, as far as the engine is concerned, is null and void.
Again, I have no choice but to take it - tried with attorney's but this is a case of "buyer beware" and even in small claims court I'd probably lose. I tried to get my money back but the dealer won't budge. So, I'm looking at whatever I can do to extend the life of this engine that of course will eventually have to be either rebuilt or replaced. I will try frequent oil changes with BG products and try to extend it until the inevitable puff of blue smoke, then the engine goes dead. Nightmare...
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 296
Likes: 1
From: Shanghai, China
2012 C200 CGI
man, buying neglected german cars to save a few bucks initially is digging yourself into a hole... you're going to be blowing a ton of cash in repairs in the future. My advice is to take the loss now and sell it before it begins to empty your bank account
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
1) have them pull the oil pan and clean it at a shop that has a bath for cleaning aluminum parts.
2) install new oil suction screen.
3) install new oil pump, or check for wear.
4) have a compression test or leak down test or both. [Tests the health of the rings, valves, pistons, and bores.]
I can think of a few more. Dealer should pay for 1, 2, & 4, unless you went low ball and bought it as-is.....
.
