playerrtwo

Hi everyone, hope everyone had a happy new year.

I myself am pretty happy to be purchasing my first MB this week perhaps. Sorry for sounding like a newbie, although I am. I owned an a4 1.8T, and then a 95 BMW 540i, and i want to keep it euro. Now i know im in for a big responsibility.

I wanted to come to the forums and introduce myself, and was hoping that I could find people here who could help me out and tell me what common problems or issues to look for with a w210 before i Make the purchase.

I plan on buying a '00 E430 Sport, w/ AMG pkg, this one here

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/mcd/3477294064.html -

I already went to look at it in person, and was not dissappointed, there wasnt a scratch on the car except for one tiny dime sized ding on the B pillar which wasnt that noticeable. Car purred nicely and shifted smoothly. no ticks, squeaks squeals knocks creaks bongs, bings, or anything.

Now my concerns are with the 130k miles, - what problems could i look forward to encountering soon?

According to the seller, all routine maintenance was done, and everything was changed w/ paperwork to prove it- water pump, bushings, control arms, tune up etc. However im still concerned. What else can I ask for to see what he had changed/fixed? How will i know if he changed everything with MBspec products?

I plan on giving the car new plugs wires distrib. cap etc when i purchase the car just incase but would like to know which ones are recommended?

I have been browsing this forum for a few days and I know about or have heard that MB cars have to use MB spec products? I know this serves for Oil, and other fluids, but as well as anything else (brake pads/rotors etc?)

What type/brand of synthetic Oil/weight is recommended for the car?

I understand that its a MB, however I dont want to get bent over the hot coals for $$ at a dealership for a simple oil change or replacing brake pads.

I plan on coming to this forum often to research some DIY projects and other things to help me learn about my new car. (its new to me)

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, and hope for some help in the future, and would like to know from anyone if im making a huge mistake purchasing this car, or is it a good deal for the price. Thank you!

playerrtwo

also, are there anythings that are a Must Know for a new MB owner? Any tips/tricks? Any items that are a must have for MB car care -

I heard somethign about a DAS Xentry system for reading codes? a standard OBD one wouldnt work?

Plutoe

Welcome----you will no doubt notice that we are a lively group with loads of varied experience. Good Luck

illest

Car looks nice. Good luck with the purchase. The 'other' forum has lots of very good DIYs.

siopaolover

welcome! hope you end up with the E430! it looks great. both forums will get you what you need to keep your car going strong and will also save you money!

desired_speeds

130k mi is nothing for these cars. They drive just as nice as long as you take care of the wear items and keep up with the maintenance!

shakeel.bhatia

That looks like a beauty! I'm at 135k right now and I've had no problems at all. Just regular maintenance and you're good! the E430 is definitely the one to go with, I also had an E320 and it just didn't feel the same having a V6 in such a big mercedes. besides you'll get nearly the same mileage!

playerrtwo

yes one thing i love is for a V8 i get surprisingly great gas mileage, havent complained yet. However clock just hit 130,100 and my CEL came on. Prev. owner said that the O2 sensor was about to go, but how can I know for sure? I dont want to take it to MB dealership and get slammed with a big bill. Would a standard OBDII reader check my code? Or do I need a special computer to do that? Or should I take it to a repair shop that specializes more in foreign cars rather than domestic

Plutoe

A standard OBD reader will do just fine.

playerrtwo

thought my brake caliper seized but just had to replace left front wheel bearing/spindle and an O2 sensor today - problem happened out of nowhere no previous symptoms of it going bad as far as i know ive only had the car 5 days and drove it all week with no problems hit no bumps or potholes -- $700 bucks seem about right? Im new to MB -