I'm checking a 2002 E320 for possible purchase, and one thing I've noted in the records is a recurring comment that the car "won't accelerate past 60." The then take the car to the shop, who then says they cannot duplicate the error.

Another recurring theme is the oil usage. The shop adds oil and reports no leaks. I saw no smoke from the tailpipes, but have no idea if it had been warmed up before I got there.

I have had no opportunity to pull any codes yet. There are records for replacement of the throttle position sensor at least once, if that help.

If these are simple issues, I'll likely make an offer pending no horrors discovered in a Pre-Purchase Inspection.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

elsewhere
Thou shalt runnith

 

Won't accelerate past 60 could be a bad TPS (it makes the car feel like it has a lawn mower engine in it if you try to floor it). If they stopped bringing it in after they replaced the TPS, then that was probably it. It's a $100 simple fix.

Oil is an issue. Some Benz engines like to leak from the valve cover gasket, but it's really easy to see. If they didn't see any leaks, sounds like it might be a big issue. Can we assume this is engine oil, not transmission oil?

 

Engine oil, yes.

Runnith away I shall. Thanks.

 

it would be better to look at the newer mercedes from 2004 to the current date.

because there were some quality problems (mechanical and electrical) with regarding to the early cars to 2003.

i would recommed - just walk away from this 2003 model and look for a newer one.

why buy something that you may regret in the near future.

 

Thanks. I have politely explained to the owner that, while I'm prepared to make some repairs to a used car, these exceed my capabilities. We parted on a friendly basis.