skedaddle

Hello Everyone, I was hoping someone can pull MB information on the following VIN to let me know if there are issues outstanding, such as recalls. The VIN is WDBJH82J32X070327.

Thank you in advance.

Michael

kajtek1

Don't know if you notice, but you VIN become a link and when you click it, you will get vehicle data.
Don't worry about recalls. If they were not done, the dealer will do it for free and you get carwash.
I still have carfax valid for few more days, so if you want copy, PM me with your direct email.

skedaddle

No, I did not notice that, thank you! The dealer has the Carfax available online. I have reviewed it but much of it seems redundant and things that I was expecting to see done for recall purposes did not jump out at me. More than likely I m not "decoding" the line items correctly. I am going to look at the car tomorrow. It only has 65,000 miles on it so we will see. I am trying to develop a "must check" list now.

fabbrisd1

I would suggest you pull and print a 3rd party value guide - like from edmunds.com - because ultimately Price will be a large part of the issue.

A 65K mile 2002 Mercedes - ultra-low mileage - you can expect to pay a "reasonable" premium over a 3rd party value guide - but unless it has had a celebrity owner - you don't want to pay a "unreasonable premium".

fabbrisd1

Tysons Corner $6K asking price - $40 to polish your headlights at Walmart - you could do worse - dealer will have a Used Vehicle Inspection report - but dealer diagnosis like "replace valve cover gaskets" can be nonsensical - key areas here are Suspension and Transmission and Climate Control as the "three biggies"

skedaddle

I have been studying for the last 36 hours. But any input is appreciated. I ran the vehicle on Edmunds and it put in a $1900 premium for mileage. So hopefully I have an idea of the real worth. As to suspension and transmission issues to look for what should I check. I have on my list CV boots and ball joints as well as leakage of the transmission to transmission control box via a leaking o-ring. I think the o-ring should have been updated with a recall.

kajtek1

You had to ask, didn't you?
To begin the inspection, a mileage/history verification is performed and owner's manuals and spare keys are assembled.

Identifiable Structural Damage (get a magnet for bondo check) *****
Mileage and History verification (CARFAX)
Vehicle Maintenance Schedule Verification (read FSS) *****
Verify all recall and campaigns have been performed
Current Maintenance and Warranty Booklet
Current Owners manual
All spare keys including wheel locks if installed ****
OEM Factory Window verification
Roadside Assistance Program labels
MBCPO inspection label affixed to B-Pillar
Perform testing for Diagnostic codes *****


Engine oil quality and level checks *****
Transmission oil check (bring dipstick for newer cars) *****
Rear Axle Oil check (check for oil residue if you can't open it in the field)
Transfer Case Oil Check
Front Axle Oil check
Antifreeze protection check (green coolant = red flag)
Power Steering Fluid check
Brake Fluid & Clutch Fluid check *****
Windshield Washer Fluid check
Level Control Oil, ADS
Battery Condition and check
Verify functionality of any moving linkages
AdBlue level check
(blowby test) ***** why MB is not checking it? >> put a napkin over oil fill and see if it stays at idling.


Emission control System checks
Fuel Filter check
Spark Plug check
Dynamic compression test (this is hard to do on newer engines, so I do acceleration test instead)
Fuel Injection System
Ignition System check
Pre-Glow system check (is the glow light coming on at start?)
Vacuum pump check (***** for older -pre1998 diesels with weak pumps)
Boost Pressure Check
Air cleaner / Filter check per maintenance schedule
V-Belt and Poly V-Belt check
Engine Mount check
Heating and Ventilation Dust filter per maintenance schedule
Active Charcoal Filter / Pre-Filter per maintenance schedule
Recirculation Air Filter per maintenance schedule
A/C Refrigerant Charge per maintenance schedule


Fuses condition and proper rating
MIL check *****
Instrument Cluster check *****
Exterior rear view mirror check
Exterior mirror fold-back operation
Interior rear view mirror check
Automatic dimming rear view mirror
Radio and speaker function check
Tire Pressure Monitoring System check
CD Changer and DVD rear entertainment system check (if applicable)
Cell phone and BlueTooth check (if applicable)
Cigarette Lighters
Voice Control Systems (if applicable)
mBrace functionality and software check
Switches check
Steering Column adjustment and memory
Seat Adjustment and memory check
Heated / Ventilated Seats
Front Seat Belt Extenders (coupe and Cabriolet)
Front seat backrest latch/ Release (Coupe and Cabriolet)
Front seat backrest latch/ Release Chime / Warning Lamp (Coupe and Cabriolet)
Rear Window Defroster check
Rear Head Restraint Retraction
Rear Window Sunshade
Horn
Headlamp Low / High Beam & All exterior lights
Rear Seat Back rest latch / Warning Lamp
Panorama Roof Function and Rollo Shades
Interior and Entry Lighting
Windshield Wiper / Washer systems
Air-Scarf Functionality
Rain-Sensor Functionality


Drive Shaft Flex discs, couplings and Center Support Bridge *****
Exhaust System /Connections / Supports *****
Parking Brake and Cables
Brake Lines
Tire Wear including spare
Wheel inspection
Wheel bolt torque
Wheel alignment check and adjust if necessary
Brake Rotors and Pads check
Shock Absorbers / Damper struts
Suspension Inspection
Self-Leveling Suspension inspection
Front / Rear Axel Rubber Mounts / Bushings
Check Steering Play *****
Tighten Steering Gear Bolts for 463 vehicle
Front Axle Ball joints
Steering Shock for 463 vehicle


Body Structure Inspection
Glass, Lamp Frames and Lenses
Central Locking System Function
Mechanical Locking at all points
Alarm System Function
Power Window Operations from all points
One touch and convenience Closing
Interior Trim, Inspect Dash, Door Panels, Seat Covers, etc
First Aid Kit - Inspect and Replace if inner seal is broken, check expiration date
Multi-Contour seats
Seat Belt Operation and Condition
Front Seat Belt Height adjustment
Front Seat Center Armrest and hinges
Front Sun Visors / Vanity Mirrors, Rear Vanity Mirrors (if equipped)
Roll Bar / Pop Up Headrest
Parktronic (if available)
Soft top and Seats, condition and operation
Aircap - Check operation and proper movement according to vehicle specs
Door / Trunk Lid Closing Assist
Trunk Release
Tailgate ClosingAssist
Rear Facing Third Seat (Station Wagon)
Door / Trunk / Tailgate Seals, Inspect Drains
Sliding Roof function Drains and Headliner
Inspect Glass Roof for Scratches / Corrective action
Instruments


Instruments
Speedometer / Odometer / Tripmeter (confirm speedometer with GPS)
Steering / Vehicle handling / Centered Steering Wheel ****
Braking System Performance / Parking Brake Operation
Automatic Climate Control Function, Regulation, Display, Odors *****
Cruise Control Function ****
Verify Navigation Function
Verify Distronic Function
Engine Performance
Excessive Exhaust Smoke (Diesel)
Vibration and Noise (Drivetrain / Wheels)
Transmission Shifting (upshift / downshift, Kickdown)
Shift-Lock Operation
Wind Noise


Fluid Leaks - Visible Inspection
Automatic Climate Control
All Fluid Levels (under hood)


Engine wash
Trunk Mats
Paint*****
Spare Tire, Tools & Jack, Check Tirefit sealant expiration date
Moisture and Odor
Vacuum and Shampoo
Floor Mats
Carpet
Upholstery
headliner, Door Panels
Buttons Knobs and Vents, Instrument Panel
Glass and Mirrors
Wood and / or Chrome Trim
Vacuum and Shampoo
Screws
Ashtrays
De-grease Door Jambs, Hinges, Kickpanels and Visors
Moisture and Odor
Dings, Dents and Scratches
Examine Paint
Examine and Clean Chrome
Glass and Mirror Housing
Grill
Lamp Lenses
Badges
Trim and Moldings
Wipers
Bumpers
Door Edges, Frames
Wash and Wax
Scuffs and Scratches
Cuts and Gouges
Wash and Polish

skedaddle

Yes I did. And man am I glad I did. Now I can through my list away and have a real list. Thank you so much. You don't happen to be in NOVA and have some free time today, LOL.

fabbrisd1

The "list" is all well and good - the dealer will have a internal UVI report - which from a dealer can look/sound more gnarly that is really is - at $6K asking - please remember this is not a $60K car - this one had redeeming qualities to the dealer - the reason they are retailing it - rather than dealing off thru a wholesale/auction...

Good luck - keep the beat !

skedaddle

Just wanted to update this thread for those that provided all the help. So got to the dealer and before they would let me see the car they quizzed me on my skill set and for what purpose I wanted the car. They wanted to make sure that it was not for my "daughter in college" because they said it was not the right car for that. Being that I lived on a 52' boat for several years and did all of my own mechanicals, they felt that I may qualify to undertake this project.

So I looked the car over and then the salesman drove me over to service and the mechanic that preformed the inspection talked with me and offered to put it on the lift and we went over it together. The main issues are, a broken coil spring on the right front, needs new pads and rotors on all four, the A/C does not cool due to an undiagnosed issue, the shifter bushing is worn, it needs new spark plugs and the gear indicator / clock on the instrument cluster is shot. Along with a myrid of small things like the door rocker panel trim pieces are missing and the headlights are crazed.

So with all that said I offered $4300 and in the end they took it.

So I am now the owner of a 2002 w210 4matic wagon with 65,000 miles.

Again thank you for all the help and support. I am sure I will be back with more questions after I get it home to my shop and start working on it.

Michael

kajtek1

Congratulations on new drive.
Amazing how many issues you found on good car with low mileage, but looks like you are up to task.
Some parts you might rather buy new, but I am restoring SL500 and can't beat junk yard for stuff like trim, seat parts or even stupid bolts that cost $4 at dealer and you need 1/2 hr to find them in catalog.
So if you need stuff like that and don't have JY in your area, PM me the list and I will check it on my next visit to Disneyland.. egr JY.

skedaddle

Will do thank you, Kajtek1. Not many Benz around my neck of the woods. But we do have one junk yard in the county, have never seen a Mercedes there but haven't really looked either.