BSR Music

Someone please give some insight ..

We are looking at a 1999 E320 4Matic wagon... Champagne color, Very clean inside, beautiful interior, outside few dents here and there. Something I can fix myself. Sounds great, engine sounds smooth. Will test drive tomorrow 4/23 . My concerns are the most common repair issue with this model. I dont want to sink money into a pit when I can have something different. But, with the price at $4300 & 151K miles from a used dealer I know.

I cant pass up the opportunity.
What do I need to look for as in usual problems, and even where to check the history of this vehicle?
Can a local Mercedes dealer tell the history to me or is a carfax idea better?

I'm chosing this car because from 3 sources say this is a dependable ride. I DID notice the Official Benz manifold or engine covers (Black Mercedes Logo covers) are not present, so obviously some work has been done somewhere down the line.
Any help is appreciated...

Musikmann

There is a sticky thread at the top of the page that lists all of the problem areas. Most dealers will not share the service history of the car with you citing privacy issues. CarFax will give you some info but seldom will it be the whole story. See if the dealer will tell you who the previous owner is so you can ask about service. If that's not possible take the car to an experienced MB technician and have them look it over. Even a dealer's evaluation would be better than nothing. The $200 or so dollars you spend on that is well worth it.

BSR Music

Thanks for your info. !st day has passed a a Newbie Benz owner... and I must say, I Love It. Some issues with the radio and cig lighter /power ports not working, but surely that is a fuse somewhere of all the fuse boxes it has. No power to radio or outlets.
I'll post a new thread for this.

Musikmann

Congratulations on your new ride.