When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi, Im inclined to buy this car LISTED AS RUN AND DRIVE TOTAL LOSS DUE TO WATER DAMAGE for $1800 with 148k, reg. service records, inspected by auction lot mechanic who says it starts idles well sounds great everything works no visible signs of water damage but signs of electrical work in trunk. see pics!
can anyone tell what is the part in the trunk that is loose and what needs to be done to repair reattach etc.
what do you THINK ABOUT BUYING. ive purchased mb from copart listing water damage with nothing wrong. this car starts no warnings and everything works WHAT IS THIS
think?
thanks for the feedback. too bad, car was well maintained and regularly serviced. i thought maybe a sam uni or something simple.. i bought one for parts once a clk430 and it ran fine.
That stuff is for the Bose stereo - the cartridge CD changer, phone interface, and under that the amp. You will want to replace that stuff anyway, and convert to a conventional stereo. Bye-bye to all that crazy fiber-optic stuff!
I say go for it - if it runs and gives no errors, it's already better than half the CL's owned by forum members :-)
I bought the car because of regular dealer service every 3k miles, plus pre-purchase inspection showed no errors upon starting car or hand scanner or putting car in gear, plus price of $2,600. worst case part it out ( i know thats a headache also)
CAN ANYONE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS
1. The carfax said DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT AND REAR - any idea what electrical damage that could be? I am having it towed to an independent auto haus for computer diagnostics and will ask for cooling to be modified tp setting -10 per diy sticky. I am aware of other MB elec components under front and or rear passenger seats. Just unsure of left front and rear water damage potential unless there are components under left front and rear seat or floor board. (car fax cut and pasted below)
2. I see transmission fluid changed almost year but i see "transmission service" by dealer .... is that the same ? as change?
3. they seemed to change oil every 3k miles, and transmission and brake fluid yearly. i've owned several mercedes but thought tranny required less frequent service as does the brake fluid.
4. Any defect on this model warranting immediate attention. i assume the dealer would address that but i don't see any recall repair.Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:07/07/2004 155 Mercedes Benz of Westwood
Westwood, MA
781-688-1000 driveprime.comVehicle sold07/08/2004 Service FacilityVehicle serviced07/08/2004 Mercedes Benz of Westwood
Westwood, MA
781-688-1000 driveprime.comVehicle serviced09/26/2005 3,181 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.Vehicle purchase reported
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle10/13/2005 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Title issued or updated
Title or registration issued
First owner reported
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray08/29/2006 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Registration issued or renewed
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray08/24/2007 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Registration issued or renewed
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray09/03/2009 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Registration issued or renewed
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray09/08/2010 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Registration issued or renewed
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray09/14/2011 Florida
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Cape Coral, FL
Title #0094247412Registration issued or renewed
Titled or registered as
personal vehicle
Vehicle color noted as Gray Owner 2Purchased:2011Type:PersonalWhere:CaliforniaEst. miles/year:15,389/yrEst. length owned:12/18/11 -1/31/19(7 yrs. 1 mo.)Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:12/18/2011 42,471 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Marina del Rey, CAOdometer reading reported12/20/2011 42,497 Marina Shell Service
Marina Del Rey, CA
310-823-2330Brake pad sensor(s) replaced
Windshield washer checked
Air filter checked
Fluids checked
Oil and filter changed
Wiper(s) replaced
Engine cover removed and reinstalled
Brake pads replaced
Brakes checked
Drivability/performance checked
Brake fluid checked
Emissions inspection performed12/20/2011 California
Inspection Station
Marina del Rey, CAPassed emissions inspection12/20/2011 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Marina del Rey, CATitle issued or updated
New owner reported01/04/2012 43,444 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked02/13/2012 45,025 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Electrical system checked
Transmission fluid changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Automatic transmission pan gasket replaced
Transmission filter replaced
Transmission serviced
Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned04/09/2012 48,097 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked06/18/2012 52,221 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Four wheel alignment performed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Brakes checked
Oil and filter changed
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Steering/suspension checked07/13/2012 53,698 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Electrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked08/24/2012 56,198 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
A/C and heating system checked
Electrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Transmission fluid changed
Oil and filter changed10/26/2012 61,930 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Brakes checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Alignment checked12/18/2012 65,430 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Oil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Alignment checked02/11/2013 68,538 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked03/19/2013 70,476 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Transmission fluid changed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Steering/suspension checked04/22/2013 72,587 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comTire condition and pressure checked06/11/2013 75,537 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Electrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked06/20/2013 76,200 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comBrakes checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Steering/suspension checked07/11/2013 76,840 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comRecommended maintenance performed
Oil and filter changed
Steering/suspension checked10/18/2013 83,502 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comOil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Emission system checked10/23/2013 83,893 California
Inspection Station
Tarzana, CAPassed emissions inspection01/10/2014 87,479 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comRecommended maintenance performed
Oil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Steering/suspension checked03/07/2014 90,144 Mercedes Of Encino
Encino, CA
818-461-3623 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked06/11/2014 94,854 Marina Shell Service
Marina Del Rey, CA
310-823-2330Drivability/performance checked
Rear brake pads replaced
Rear brake rotor(s) replaced
Brake fluid checked07/22/2014 96,590 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Transmission fluid changed
Tire condition and pressure checked08/13/2014 97,188 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comMaintenance inspection completed
Recommended maintenance performed
Four wheel alignment performed
Oil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Brake fluid flushed/changed
Tire condition and pressure checked09/08/2014 98,178 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked09/29/2014 99,185 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked12/08/2014 102,439 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comTransmission fluid changed
Oil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked12/30/2014 102,880 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comEmission system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked01/21/2015 Collision Repair FacilityDamage repairs
performed
Repairs to the left side
Repair cost: $3,472.2106/06/2015 108,574 AAMCO Total Car Care
Inglewood, CA
800-462-2626 aamco.comVehicle serviced10/19/2015 114,133 California
Inspection StationPassed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection10/24/2015 114,185 AAMCO Total Car Care
Inglewood, CA
800-462-2626 aamco.comVehicle serviced03/03/2016 119,902 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked04/06/2016 123,031 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked08/29/2016 131,539 AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
Inglewood, CA
310-673-2480 aamco.comVehicle serviced09/08/2016 132,031 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comRecommended maintenance performed
Electrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked09/27/2016 132,922 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Engine checked
Tire condition and pressure checked11/15/2016 135,555 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comElectrical system checked
Tire condition and pressure checked12/26/2016 137,873 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comOil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked06/13/2017 140,477 AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
Inglewood, CA
310-673-2480 aamco.comVehicle serviced10/26/2017 141,174 Mercedes-Benz of Encino
Encino, CA
818-788-0234 mbencino.comOil and filter changed
Tire condition and pressure checked11/08/2017 141,379 California
Inspection StationPassed safety inspection
Passed emissions inspection12/28/2017 141,571 Villa Marina Unocal
Marina Del Rey, CA
310-821-5676Light bulb(s) replaced06/07/2018 142,102 AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care
Inglewood, CA
310-673-2480 aamco.comVehicle serviced01/18/2019 Damage ReportDamage reported
Damage to left front
Damage to rear
Water damage reportedCARFAX began reporting this information on 02/09/2019.
01/31/2019 Damage ReportTOTAL LOSS VEHICLE
There are many reasons an insurance company will declare a vehicle a total loss. Have this vehicle inspected by a qualified technician before you buy. Learn more
01/31/2019 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.Title or registration issued
to insurance company01/31/2019 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Sacramento, CASALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED02/05/2019 Damage ReportSALVAGE TITLE/CERTIFICATE ISSUED
THANKS FOR INPUT HOPE MY QUESTIONS ARE NOT STUPID LOL
Last edited by whjresq; 02-11-2019 at 05:55 PM.
Reason: attachments
1. The carfax said DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT AND REAR - any idea what electrical damage that could be? I am having it towed to an independent auto haus for computer diagnostics and will ask for cooling to be modified tp setting -10 per diy sticky. I am aware of other MB elec components under front and or rear passenger seats. Just unsure of left front and rear water damage potential unless there are components under left front and rear seat or floor board. (car fax cut and pasted below)
Can be the whole car in low water
Can be the rear un the water
Can be windows/roof/ trunk left open with rain
If you look under the carpets, you'll find out
Also, try to find someone with Xentry Das and do a diagnosis
2. I see transmission fluid changed almost year but i see "transmission service" by dealer .... is that the same ? as change?
same
3. they seemed to change oil every 3k miles, and transmission and brake fluid yearly. i've owned several mercedes but thought tranny required less frequent service as does the brake fluid.
trans fluid DOES NOT need to be changed yearly
at most every 5 years
Nothing to worry about my car suffered the same water damage in the trunk simply due to rain . At the dealer it was $6000 to fix everything but my insurance covered it .
That is just phone/stereo /Nav stuff in the trunk . You can either buy used parts or a new aftermarket system . That will require changing the dash radio
or You can even get a new Bluetooth car Amplifier so you don’t even need to change your dash radio (your source will be your phone ) .
The water leak was in the trunk and I guess damaged the audio components and navigation in the trunk. The car was scanned and came out clear except for a few anomalies which were clear except a horizontal position potentiometer - A67R2 component; NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS recommended, and plugs and possible motor mounts. The mechanic did not sound convincing on motor mounts or plugs. My other mercedes had hydraulic MM would you could clearly see when they were blown.
if the trunk was the only thing to leak, then that car IS a good deal. mine has leaked before, my amp and CD changer still work. there were times my CD changer wouldn't recognize CD's but you can just use the onboard NAV with an mp3 CD with hundreds of songs anyways
motor mounts ARE hydraulic on w215, yes. they are easy to diagnose, have a friend floor the engine while it is sitting in park. the engine should only move very slightly, if the engine drastically jumps in any direction, the mounts are bad
i still think you should pry up carpeting inside cabin to check for other places of water ingress
Last edited by ctravis595; 02-16-2019 at 12:13 PM.
1. The carfax said DAMAGE WAS LEFT FRONT AND REAR - any idea what electrical damage that could be? I am having it towed to an independent auto haus for computer diagnostics and will ask for cooling to be modified tp setting -10 per diy sticky. I am aware of other MB elec components under front and or rear passenger seats. Just unsure of left front and rear water damage potential unless there are components under left front and rear seat or floor board. (car fax cut and pasted below)
Can be the whole car in low water
Can be the rear un the water
Can be windows/roof/ trunk left open with rain
If you look under the carpets, you'll find out
Also, try to find someone with Xentry Das and do a diagnosis
2. I see transmission fluid changed almost year but i see "transmission service" by dealer .... is that the same ? as change?
same
3. they seemed to change oil every 3k miles, and transmission and brake fluid yearly. i've owned several mercedes but thought tranny required less frequent service as does the brake fluid.
trans fluid DOES NOT need to be changed yearly
at most every 5 years
no, but with how often the 13 pin connector can leak on 722.6 transmissions, the rate of failure for the conductor plate, the solenoids etc its not unreasonable to have had someone working on this transmission every couple of years
I am just not trouble shooting this. It appears someone did not reattached (plugin ) everything. From this photo can you tell if all the components are there. Also will it be obvious what plugs into what. I can tell where the large harness plug in for exampl.