drnino

Hi Guys...

Man this board is addictive. Ever since I decided to purchase a W210, I've just been reading everything I can. And nothing beats the info on this board.

Anyways, to my question. I'm looking at two cars at the moment, I will most likely purchase one of them.

The first is a 1997 E420 with 97k miles. It is about a 4 hour drive from me, but it is in superb condition. All maintenance records, one owner, 90k service performed by dealer, new tires, etc. Really well taken care of.

The other car is a 1999 E430 Sport with 104k miles. The dealer doesn't know much about the history...so here comes my question.

I already know the first car is in great shape. Luckily the 2nd car is closer to me (about 30 min drive). So I'm going to see it first. I'd rather have the E430, but ultimately will take the car that is better taken care of. I wanted to know if you guys could give me some tips on what to look for given the model and mileage. I'd like to check all that I can by myself, before I shell out some dough for a more through inspection done by a mechanic. I grew up around a auto body shop (my father owned) so I know cars pretty well, however, I am no mechanic. So whatever advice you can give me on what to check, if you could also explain in a little detail plz...I'd appreciate it.

Thanks guy...and again this board is awesome. Can't wait to get one of these and bug you guys for more questions later ;-).

OldNate

I'd definetely go for the e430. It is closer, and it's from a dealer, which usually means it comes with some kind of standard warranty. Look for flaws in paint, look for rust, and get it checked out by a mechanic, that is about all I can say. Good luck

drnino

Thanks Nate. Both cars are being sold by a dealer. The 97 E420 that is 4 hours away is being sold by a dealer on behalf of one of his customers.

Both are independent dealers, not franchise. So I don't think either car comes with any warranty. I'll ask the dealer when I go see the 99 E430 tomorrow.

I'm definitely considering an inspection by a mechanic. I just wanted some tips on what I could inspect myself first, to determine if I should even pay a mechanic to come see it (not cheap).

j944

I would run w/ the 430. The sports just look better.
You might be able to check w/ a local dealer and see if any service had been done on the 430. If so they will have it. That would be a starting point. The harmonic balancer recall is the only major thing that comes to mind as far as recalls. Mechanical, Mine has been great.

Good luck

drnino

Thanks for the reply j944. Your car looks awesome...the 430 I'm looking at is identical. I remember seeing a post about your rear window trouble...is that something I'm going to run in to? Thanks!!

j944

Thank you,
From what I understand the rear windows are an issue. Now that both have been replaced I can move on w/life.(Until something else happens)

How are soon are you looking to seal the deal?

drnino

Well, I'm looking at the car tomorrow. I'm just a little concerned because I've posted in a couple of boards about what to look at when I inspect the car...but haven't received much information.

I'm mainly concerned because the car seems very reasonable. It's almost like it's TOO good. It's a 99 E430 sport, 105k miles for 11k. That seems like a great price from what I've seen...which prompts to say, "well...what's wrong with it?". haha.

j944

The residual value on these things suck. Hence why sometimes these beauties fall into the wrong hands. Other than the ESP sensor and windows I havent had any issues in eight years. It isnt a daily driver but its out on weekends and road trips.
The miles on either car are low considering the average per year is 15-18k.
I think the dealership probably wants to just move the unit so their not going to charge too much considering they got a good deal at the auction anyway.
That and the 02 lease returns flooding the auctions now these should be cheaper.
These are just my opinions so no one flame me on my observations.

drnino

Thanks for that info...appreciate it.

Holy crap...that ESP sensor is on ebay for $1200 bucks. Good lord that is an expensive sensor. When that went out, what did it cost you to replace it? Did you go to the dealer? What happens when it goes out...does it affect driveability?

Thanks.

hubert

Look for rust on top of all doors under the rubber seals. The Esp sensor that guy is talking about costs like $12 i never heard of the head unit to go out

Big J

you'll have alot of fun with the e430 plus with the sport package which is a AMG spoilers too.

drnino

It is such a beautiful car and I had to try hard not to let that sway me.

Again, the specifics: 1999 E430 sport, 105k miles, got him down to 10,300 on the price (11,500 out the door...tax, reg, everything).

Here is what I noticed with my extremely limited mechanical knowledge. I pretty much only checked under the oil cap and looked at the dipstick. The dipstick seemed a decent color, not really dark...but probably needs an oil change. However, when I looked under the oil cap, I notice that there was some oil sludge build up under the cap and around the opening. I'm guessing the oil wasnt changed very often?

I attached a picture of the engine from a car I found on ebay. I just wanted to have a picture to reference. Where I marked on the picture with yellow dots...I notice there was oil build up/residue. It wasn't hardened on...I could wipe it off with a towel...but it seemed like it been there for a little while.

Thoughts guys?

OldNate

No used car will be perfect. You must be willing to fix minor problems. The sludge sounds like a minor problems and a $100 flush could fix. I had my car sitting for 5 years before I got it, and the oil was very clunky, EZ lube charged $200 to flush and change all of the fluids (1 year ago) and it's been running strong ever since.

drnino

Thanks Nate...completely forgot to mention the two other most important items. The sunroof does not work. I can hear the motor running...but it doesnt move (off track?). Also, the air blows really weak...seems cold...but really weak (blower motor?). I know, this is a used car...I just want to make sure I get into one with the least possible problems.

Any thoughts on those two additional items? In your opinions...are they big money?

Thanks.

OldNate

Well, the AC should blow hard, even if it is older. It might need a new motor which is maybe $300 installed, that's what mine was. I do not know anything about the sun roof. Use these issues to bargain the owner down $700-800 or so with the reasoning that Mercedes' are expensive to fix. Then just get it repaired yourself for around $300 for both, i'm sure you can find a shop that will do it for that. You just have to know where to look.

and another thing, make sure YOU like the color. I made the mistake once on buying a car with a color I didn't like, and it bugged me so much that I sold it. Don't count on re-painting a car.

MB>BMW

check the instrument cluster...the leds burn out and its a ***** to replace...i called the dealer and he said i have to buy a whole new cluster....effin crzy

also...check all the electronics...test every button u can

power seats...windos..headrests...sunroof...check for lamp defetive by braking and checking all lights

cant think of anything else...but this is a good starting point

one questions

i know the 97 is a pre faclifted model

but is the 99 post or pre facelift w210???

raymond g-

99 is pre

Hirnbeiss

I have an E430 and like it fine, but I would definitely put a lot of weight on a one-owner car with great maintenance records. I don't know enough about the 420 engine, but form what I've read, it's good for many miles.

The crap under the oil filler cap plagues all of the M112/113 engines. If it's white stuff, it's condensation in the oil from the cold weather. If it's real sludge, be wary. MB has a program going to fix problems related to sludge buildup on these engines (I think up to 100K miles), but they may need good maintenance records first.

drnino

Thanks Hirnbeiss. Helpful information.

The sludge buildup isnt white...and wasn't a major amount. But it was enough that I wanted to note it. The car has over 100k (105k), so I guess I can't be involved in that program. However, can you direct me to where you heard/read about it? I'd like to know what they are doing to fix it...maybe I can try and take my own steps to emulate theirs.

lexrex

Agreed...some emulsion under the oil cap is normal and not a problem. It should disappear in warm weather or after a long highway trip.

The weak blower is almost certainly a bad blower regulator. Here are instructions on how to repair it inexpensively.

Sounds like a great car for a great price. I too would go with the 99 if they're in about equal shape. The 4.2L M119 DOHC motor is awesome, but there's nothing wrong with the M113 4.3L. You get a bunch of goodies with the 99 that you don't get on the 97: smartkey w/true keyless entry, ESP, 5 spoke sport package rims & body treatment....

drnino

Ok guys, thanks for ALL the help. I'm picking up my new baby tomorrow! I went with the 1999 E430. Very excited!

One quick question for you all. I want to make sure I don't wake up one morning and it's not there, so with that I ask: Do you guys trust the factory security system or have you installed an aftermarket one?

If you say that you have kept the factory system, please let me know why. I'm also curious if there is the possibility of add-ons to the factory system (remote start, window up/down, etc.).

Thanks again!

j944

Glad to see you've decided on the sport. As far as alarms I kept the factory figuring w/ the smart key they would have a hard time stealing it. The key will work the windows. I dont know about adding a remote start to the existing unit.
Good luck and post some pics

drnino

Wow. I can't say enough how much I love this car. The pick-up is amazing, the ride is so smooth, and it handles well for a big car. I mean I simply have no complaints. Thanks guys for all the help...enjoy the pics.