Advice on 2008 C300 with only 11,000 miles
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C300
Advice on 2008 C300 with only 11,000 miles
Very informative forum! Long time lurker, first time poster.
I have an opportunity to buy a 2008 C300 Luxury (RWD only). It has less than 11,000 miles and has been garage kept in Chicago since the day it was bought. I don't think it has ever even been out in the snow here! It belongs to a relative and the condition is immaculate, both inside and out. It also has all maintenance records and It has not been driven more than Ten total miles in the last year. Here is what I am trying to find out:
1. Since the car has the stock ContiProContacts on it, and they are now almost 8 years old (manufactured in 2007), do you think I would need to immediately get a new set? Besides the fact that everyone on this forum hates the Contis, they only have <11K miles on them, but I am concerned that they could be a safety issue as they obviously do not have an infinite shelf life due to their age. No signs of cracking or dry rot yet on the outside. I know snow tires are needed as well with Blizzaks and rims on the radar screen.
2. Do I need to worry about fluids, gaskets, fuel system components, etc. that have been sitting idle without a lot of driving? i.e. should I worry that it has the same tank of fuel in it for the past 12 months? The concern again is that these components are over 7 years old. Obviously this would be the same scenario for any used car, but I am trying to find opinions on how a C300 ages or what I should be looking for as far as red flags for a 7 year old MB.
3. I have seen posts on this forum regarding transmission issues in the C300. From what I can make out, it appears that the issues center around 4Matic models Can anyone confirm that? Also, how can I tell if I have the 722.9 tranny? I know the car I am interested in buying has the 7 speed automatic, but is that how I identify it?
4. Any other opinions on the reliability of the 2008 models? All of the research that I have done shows the car to have VERY solid reliability ratings, although Consumer Reports shows some minor engine and electrical issues. They also rate it as a 'best bet' for used cars between $15 and $20k. Just looking for some general opinions on the car or is it a P.O.S. that I should stay away from?
5. Recalls and warranty - am I still eligible for all recalls even if I am not the original owner? Can I just go to a dealership and get recall items corrected based on the VIN#? Also, would it be worth it to look into an extended warranty at this point and is there a company that the forum recommends?
Thanks in advance for any advice on the purchase or pointing me in the direction of additional information!
I have an opportunity to buy a 2008 C300 Luxury (RWD only). It has less than 11,000 miles and has been garage kept in Chicago since the day it was bought. I don't think it has ever even been out in the snow here! It belongs to a relative and the condition is immaculate, both inside and out. It also has all maintenance records and It has not been driven more than Ten total miles in the last year. Here is what I am trying to find out:
1. Since the car has the stock ContiProContacts on it, and they are now almost 8 years old (manufactured in 2007), do you think I would need to immediately get a new set? Besides the fact that everyone on this forum hates the Contis, they only have <11K miles on them, but I am concerned that they could be a safety issue as they obviously do not have an infinite shelf life due to their age. No signs of cracking or dry rot yet on the outside. I know snow tires are needed as well with Blizzaks and rims on the radar screen.
2. Do I need to worry about fluids, gaskets, fuel system components, etc. that have been sitting idle without a lot of driving? i.e. should I worry that it has the same tank of fuel in it for the past 12 months? The concern again is that these components are over 7 years old. Obviously this would be the same scenario for any used car, but I am trying to find opinions on how a C300 ages or what I should be looking for as far as red flags for a 7 year old MB.
3. I have seen posts on this forum regarding transmission issues in the C300. From what I can make out, it appears that the issues center around 4Matic models Can anyone confirm that? Also, how can I tell if I have the 722.9 tranny? I know the car I am interested in buying has the 7 speed automatic, but is that how I identify it?
4. Any other opinions on the reliability of the 2008 models? All of the research that I have done shows the car to have VERY solid reliability ratings, although Consumer Reports shows some minor engine and electrical issues. They also rate it as a 'best bet' for used cars between $15 and $20k. Just looking for some general opinions on the car or is it a P.O.S. that I should stay away from?
5. Recalls and warranty - am I still eligible for all recalls even if I am not the original owner? Can I just go to a dealership and get recall items corrected based on the VIN#? Also, would it be worth it to look into an extended warranty at this point and is there a company that the forum recommends?
Thanks in advance for any advice on the purchase or pointing me in the direction of additional information!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
It all depends on a few variables
What are u paying for it
What are you willing to invest in it before you think it's a waste of money and time
Benzs are expensive to maintain out of warranty
I would keep filling up every quarter tank used until it's all fresh gas
Recalls will always apply to any owner and should be honored by the dealership
8 year old tires aren't that concerning ... I'm sure they will he fine, just get them inspected along with the rest of the car
Good luck
What are u paying for it
What are you willing to invest in it before you think it's a waste of money and time
Benzs are expensive to maintain out of warranty
I would keep filling up every quarter tank used until it's all fresh gas
Recalls will always apply to any owner and should be honored by the dealership
8 year old tires aren't that concerning ... I'm sure they will he fine, just get them inspected along with the rest of the car
Good luck
Last edited by PeterUbers; Dec 2, 2014 at 01:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C300
It all depends on a few variables
What are u paying for it
What are you willing to invest in it before you think it's a waste of money and time
Benzs are expensive to maintain out of warranty
I would keep filling up every quarter tank used until it's all fresh gas
Recalls will always apply to any owner and should be honored by the dealership
8 year old tires aren't that concerning ... I'm sure they will he fine, just get them inspected along with the rest of the car
Good luck
What are u paying for it
What are you willing to invest in it before you think it's a waste of money and time
Benzs are expensive to maintain out of warranty
I would keep filling up every quarter tank used until it's all fresh gas
Recalls will always apply to any owner and should be honored by the dealership
8 year old tires aren't that concerning ... I'm sure they will he fine, just get them inspected along with the rest of the car
Good luck
Thanks, I can get the car for $17,500. I think it is an excellent price, just trying to get more info due to it's age.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 17
From: Connecticut
C300 4matic
I tend to buy use cars both newer ones and classics so I always plan for putting a couple hundred to a few thousands dollars to make sure each car is road worthy.
The price is right, a little investment you still have a low mileage car for not a lot of money. I would spend some money on new tires, change all the fluids as they have been sitting for awhile and moisture is what kills most fluids, besides themselves breaking down.
When ever I purchase a used car I always plan on replacing all the fluids, this way I know that I won't have an overheating problem, a bad check valve in the oil filter and that the gas is clean. Tires I would rather not have a blow out when the cost is small compared to having an accident.
Go for it you like the car and your ROI well be worth it.
Nelson
The price is right, a little investment you still have a low mileage car for not a lot of money. I would spend some money on new tires, change all the fluids as they have been sitting for awhile and moisture is what kills most fluids, besides themselves breaking down.
When ever I purchase a used car I always plan on replacing all the fluids, this way I know that I won't have an overheating problem, a bad check valve in the oil filter and that the gas is clean. Tires I would rather not have a blow out when the cost is small compared to having an accident.
Go for it you like the car and your ROI well be worth it.
Nelson
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
C350
I'd be a little concerned with all the fluids sitting for so long. Lubricants don't get circulated and seals that normally get a constant bath of oil etc may be dry. moisture that gets driven out with engine heat has time to collect, etc. Tires I'd plan on replacing for peace of mind if nothing else. If you know they regularly drove it, just short trips it would be so bad. 10 miles in a year though....... I'd be more comfortable if the car had 30-40k on it.
Thread Starter
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C300
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
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C300
I'd be a little concerned with all the fluids sitting for so long. Lubricants don't get circulated and seals that normally get a constant bath of oil etc may be dry. moisture that gets driven out with engine heat has time to collect, etc. Tires I'd plan on replacing for peace of mind if nothing else. If you know they regularly drove it, just short trips it would be so bad. 10 miles in a year though....... I'd be more comfortable if the car had 30-40k on it.
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