docpaul

Hi, I am looking at a nearly mint 2000 E430 sport. The A/C is cool but not cold and is only blowing out the center right vent. There was some record of blower motor chirping sound on a service record some time ago and I realize this is an issue with these cars. The car will also need tires and front brakes fairly soon.

These cars with the 6 cylinder motors (E320) are going cheap often in the 6.5-8 K range with less than 70K miles vintage '97 -2001.

Can anyone comment on what it is likely to take to get the A/C perfect? And the value of the car as is?

I also know that Mercedes does not advise changing transmission fluid but plan to do it anyway. Can it be easily drained or is it better to suck the fluid out?

Finally is there any way to improve the range of the keyless entry/ alarm system. One has to be very near the car to get it to work...

Thanks,

Doc

ohlord

was a straight 6 M104
98 up v6 M112 E430 is the M113 engine.
a sub 80k 2000 in nice shape about 8grand
The a/c diagnostics need to be run to find out if it is low on r134a or a sensor is bad.You can run the diagnostics yourself or if not a very accomplished diy'r have a good indie mb shop do a full inspection.
Trans fluid and filter must use mb spec fluid and optain the special dipstick for critical measurement. Diy is on benzworld.org and also mercedesshop.com.
I have the special dipstick for a delivered price well below dealer.
Easy diy if you can rent a lift and follow directions and remember how important it is to work clean when opening up a 722.6 5 speed auto.
inspect,inspect,inspect.
Run diagnostics,read any pending codes in the obd2 in case they try to hide an issue.
Check suspension wear,and maint. history.
Trans you drain, don't suck
ENGINE oil you suck, don't drain
mb spec oil also in the engine.
Coming up on 100 k miles spark plugs will be due,O2 sensors also.Cabin filters changed and brake fluid flushed.
Good luck on the purchase (after proper inspection) and if it does not pass muster walk away and keep looking.
Premium fuel and 23mpg dictate you find the best one you can locate.

don't forget to consider the M112 v6 E320

ohlord

nope.Just make sure fresh batteries and that the lens on the receiver is polished as well as the door lens.Not much you can do with the redundant Rf transmitter ,just aim well.

docpaul

Just wanted to thank you guys for the advice. Still wondering about the drivers side center vent being the only one producing cool air...

Also the decision between the V6 and the 8 cylinder, as the power of the 8 is sweet but here in Maui so few places to use it...

TMAllison

Needing trans service, tires and brakes; and having a suspect duo-valve or AC charge (if you are lucky) and weak lock/unlocking signal doesnt sound like *near mint* to me. Getting those items up to snuff could be $2k very easily, and possibly much more.

ohlord

just a fact of life with the system.It could be near mint at 51k and still need tires and brakes and a fluid change,they are normal maint items.Tires you buy,brakes you diy for less than 200 bucks,trans fluid you diy,duo valve you clean it or give it the special knock up a side the head
Way under $900 to do all and he'd have a 51k mile 430 worth the money.Even better if inspected properly and useing those parts mentioned to work the price down about a grand.Cash drives a hard bargain.

docpaul

By mint I meant the body and paint, including interior are nearly flawless, as good as it gets. As Oh Lord says brakes are no big deal and the keyless door opener is just weak by design and has poor range. The A/C fault is potentially a big expense but the consensus seems to be the duo valve is likely why getting cold air only out of drivers side center vent... R134 is cheap and most cars need a recharge every few years.

I may well go for the pre purchase inspection just to be safe. Finding someone qualified and trustworthy is always an issue especially in Hawaii.

Musikmann

I'd recommend a pre-purchase inspection on any used car, even if you're buying it from a trusted friend or relative. It's also nice if you can get the service history from the owner. All the MB dealers have are the warranty repairs. Good Luck!

ohlord

will do a ppi.Just make sure they do a good one.A 6pack to the tech that performs it never hurts