DoubleDD27

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2008 c350 with only 38,300 miles for $12,900. The car is flawless inside/outside. Looks like it came out of the showroom.

Thoughts? Any major issues I should be aware of regarding the age vs. miles?

Additional Info:
The ESI issue was fixed prior to the previous owner turning it into the dealership.
Clean Carfax.

Thank you for your help in advance!!

dchar

Definitely go for it! The biggest issue was already addressed.

w204_racing

Try bargaining but that sounds so good D: I wish I had a c350

S70Houston

Pictures?????

Richard2011

Do it!!! My 2009 is at 78K miles, and the only issues I've had were EIS/ELS and the right tail light ground wire melting the connector and socket. ESI fixed by dealer (pricy!), and I replaced the tail light parts and added an additional ground myself. Other than that, I've only had to do tires, filter changes, and oil changes. Also, W204's look so good. I like the pre-facelift more than the facelift, too.

Shadow5501

Do you mean EIS rather than ESI?

Check whether the engine number falls within range of the balance shaft issue. It may be OK, or may not, depending on when in the year it was manufactured.

Likely it has some deferred maintenance - probably needs a brake fluid flush (every 2-3 years per MB) and it is 1K miles away from the first transmission service. Other than that, go for it! But also realize it is a 10 year old car, and will likely need an occasional repair as a result.

Acapulco Bill

Hopefully the car has the HK Logic7 sound system and COMAND. The 2008 year is difficult to find aftermarket headunits and other accessories.

shotgun_banjo

If I find a that car here I would buy that in a heart beat.

Maymin

My ownership experience. All services done at dealership.

C350 bought it new.
$500 or so for fan belt pulley. I may be off on describing the part replaced.
Rear differential - noisy starting at 40k miles of so. Blame tires etc. Never entered into record my issue. Out of warranty. 70k now really noisy. Bought used differential. Used rec service shop other than dealer as they would not replace used differential. Came of E340 with only 3000k miles. $500 to get it home. $900 to install. Leaking. Disgusted. Took it to dealer. Faulty seal. I had dealer fix this. Charge $500. No problems now. 116k miles.
ELS - this one was a real bummer. Knew right away when we could not jump start car. Dealer fixed it. Cost $1150.
Add routine maintenance and wear and tear items over the years. Another $3k to 4K I am thinking.

Also owned a 2006 E350. All services done at dealer. Valve body repair x three on transmission. Rear shade screen motor failed. Thanks to MB world post. We pulled it out and made it manual. Cost of repair was $1800.00. Total cost of ownership including maintenance approx. $80k. All a wash. Noticed oil on engine. $500 to diagnose. Need new engine. Two cylinders lost compression. One had gash all the way to the engine block. Needed new engine.MB response was old and too many miles. 170k. Good will $2k off new one. Decided to replace vehicle. Got 2016 E 350. BMW did not seem to be interested in our business. I was exploring 5 series. Keeping fingers crossed.

In summary. MB cars good for those who can afford them or know good mechanic or mechanically inclined. Most trade them in 4 yrs or write off leases. Problems after four years start. I believe I just have bad luck. Most non dealer shops are 20 to 30% off the dealer price. If you have a good mechanic it is worth using him or her. I stick with the dealer as service is pricy but good. My one experience was enough for me. Use MB forum to gain insight and do some work at home if I can.

MB cars age gracefully. Look great even after years on them. Not the same with others. Plan to keep our C350. Figure as long as no major issues like engine failure, I will be good. New cars pricey and smaller engines etc.

Budget $2000k per year for repairs. Does not mean you will spend them but in the event you will be prepared.

Still a happy MB owner.

W204Motorsports

Not a c350 but I got my 2008 c300 3 years ago and i've done some mileage with it, got it at 140k, now I have 230k

-When I first got it, the belt was about to shred so I needed to change the belt/tensioner and idlers
-Cam plugs in the back of the cylinder heads start leaking, its 2 small rubber plugs, very easy to change around 150k.
-Thermostat was done before I got it at 140k
-Transmission fluid has to be change as soon as you get it, specially since its 4matic, those transfer case can fail from poor maintenance. I also changed the front and rear differential fluids which werent too pretty with 150k on it.
Spark plugs at 160k
-Brakes all around before 200k
-Power steering/brake fluid flush before 200k
-ESL went at around 180k (I replaced it with a emulator which all of you should, cost me 300$ and I will never have the stupid lock issue again.)
-ESP Module acted up when it was cold at around 210k ( Opened it, cleaned it up with electrical cleaner and its been fine since)
-Blower motor started making squeaking noises when cold just recently at 220k, easy to replace or just required lubrication.
-I forgot to mention one of my front axle boots got torn up so I had to replace one of the front axle boots, the axle seem to go if you drive id hard and they are expensive new.


Other then that, do you're oil changes every 5000-6000km and you'l have a great car, just do the maintenance.

Forgot to mention I brought the car to the dealer when I first got it to get all the recalls done ( air bag module and rear tail light ground) and they updated the transmission with the latest software.

Acapulco Bill

Two great, detailed posts by @Itwargssf and @Maymin. If you haven`t done so already, please post these histories to TrueDelta.com