Engine replacement 2004 E320
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
Originally Posted by advans
This exact same situation happened to my ML500, they replaced the motor mounts TWICE, the command unit TWICE, sparkplugs TWICE, Transmission mount TWICE, i'm still bit**ing at them and they ignoring me and everything! so angry! i hate MB-Manhattan
As for the thread starter, what they most likely saw was some carbon deposits which can create noise in the valve train. Be glad that you are getting a new engine and not a rebuild. The engine swap is actually a pretty simple job for a tech and you are getting the same engine that would be dropped in at the assembly line. With the new engine, MBusa could be looking at a 10-30K warranty claim and that is definitely the reasoning for the tech specialist to inspect the car. Dont sweat it.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Boston
2004 E320, 2006 Infiniti G35X, Yamaha VMAX 700 (Snowmobile)
Engine has been pulled , the shop was told by the MB Tech they could rebuild it with parts that were in stock but the Service manager thought it would be more cost effective to order a full engine including wiring harness from MB in Germany. The cost around 15K.. Takes approx two weeks for the engine to make its journey from Germany to Boston.
The Tech stated that at some point it appeared that the car had overheated but not since I had owned it (bought it used with 14k miles on it). He stated that most people wouldn't even had bothered with the tapping noise since the car was running fine. The pistons were shaved down but not being a mechinic no clue what that impact would have. He also stated that the wiring harness had melted though the sheathing.
I suspect the previous owner or better yet the car engine was just poorly assembled caused the problem.
Hopefully get the car back in two weeks.
The Tech stated that at some point it appeared that the car had overheated but not since I had owned it (bought it used with 14k miles on it). He stated that most people wouldn't even had bothered with the tapping noise since the car was running fine. The pistons were shaved down but not being a mechinic no clue what that impact would have. He also stated that the wiring harness had melted though the sheathing.
I suspect the previous owner or better yet the car engine was just poorly assembled caused the problem.
Hopefully get the car back in two weeks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Anyone who buys a used Mercedes w/o getting a CarFax on it and who hasn't seen the entire maintenance records for it is taking a huge gamble. Most of the used cars sold by dealerships are lease cars bought at auction. Some have had multiple owners. Then there are those cars that belonged to businesses and everyone and their brother has driven them. Some have been in accidents.
The only used cars I would consider from a dealer would never make it to the lot. They are one owner cars who the Used Car Manager saves for his best customers.
It's not too late to check the maintenance history of this car and it's not too late to do a CarFax on it.
The only used cars I would consider from a dealer would never make it to the lot. They are one owner cars who the Used Car Manager saves for his best customers.
It's not too late to check the maintenance history of this car and it's not too late to do a CarFax on it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by BudC
Most of the used cars sold by dealerships are lease cars bought at auction. Some have had multiple owners. Then there are those cars that belonged to businesses and everyone and their brother has driven them. Some have been in accidents.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by BudC
Anyone who buys a used Mercedes w/o getting a CarFax on it and who hasn't seen the entire maintenance records for it is taking a huge gamble. Most of the used cars sold by dealerships are lease cars bought at auction. Some have had multiple owners. Then there are those cars that belonged to businesses and everyone and their brother has driven them. Some have been in accidents.
The only used cars I would consider from a dealer would never make it to the lot. They are one owner cars who the Used Car Manager saves for his best customers.
It's not too late to check the maintenance history of this car and it's not too late to do a CarFax on it.
The only used cars I would consider from a dealer would never make it to the lot. They are one owner cars who the Used Car Manager saves for his best customers.
It's not too late to check the maintenance history of this car and it's not too late to do a CarFax on it.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
Originally Posted by jocon63
Engine has been pulled , the shop was told by the MB Tech they could rebuild it with parts that were in stock but the Service manager thought it would be more cost effective to order a full engine including wiring harness from MB in Germany. The cost around 15K.. Takes approx two weeks for the engine to make its journey from Germany to Boston.
The Tech stated that at some point it appeared that the car had overheated but not since I had owned it (bought it used with 14k miles on it). He stated that most people wouldn't even had bothered with the tapping noise since the car was running fine. The pistons were shaved down but not being a mechinic no clue what that impact would have. He also stated that the wiring harness had melted though the sheathing.
I suspect the previous owner or better yet the car engine was just poorly assembled caused the problem.
Hopefully get the car back in two weeks.
The Tech stated that at some point it appeared that the car had overheated but not since I had owned it (bought it used with 14k miles on it). He stated that most people wouldn't even had bothered with the tapping noise since the car was running fine. The pistons were shaved down but not being a mechinic no clue what that impact would have. He also stated that the wiring harness had melted though the sheathing.
I suspect the previous owner or better yet the car engine was just poorly assembled caused the problem.
Hopefully get the car back in two weeks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by chkdg8
But there are also vehicles that come back from leases in very good shape without qualifying for CPO. Don't you think?
Anyone who has gotten on MBUSA and done a search of the National Inventory will find dealers that will link to the CarFax for the vehicle. You will be amazed at what you will find. Most of the cars at MB dealerships are leased cars bought at auction in Texas. They come from all over the U.S.
Even a Mercedes cannot take abuse. In any case, a buyer should check the maintenance records and the history of the car with CarFax. The car in question obviously has had problems in the past and might even be a buyback.
The first rule of car buying is patience. I'm not saying you should wait 13 years to buy a new car like I did but when you are spending 10's of thousands of dollars you should make sure you know what you are getting.
End of sermon
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by BudC
I'd never buy a leased car. People who lease know they are going to be dumping the car so they aren't going to treat the car like someone who owns the car.
Anyone who has gotten on MBUSA and done a search of the National Inventory will find dealers that will link to the CarFax for the vehicle. You will be amazed at what you will find. Most of the cars at MB dealerships are leased cars bought at auction in Texas. They come from all over the U.S.
Even a Mercedes cannot take abuse. In any case, a buyer should check the maintenance records and the history of the car with CarFax. The car in question obviously has had problems in the past and might even be a buyback.
The first rule of car buying is patience. I'm not saying you should wait 13 years to buy a new car like I did but when you are spending 10's of thousands of dollars you should make sure you know what you are getting.
End of sermon
Anyone who has gotten on MBUSA and done a search of the National Inventory will find dealers that will link to the CarFax for the vehicle. You will be amazed at what you will find. Most of the cars at MB dealerships are leased cars bought at auction in Texas. They come from all over the U.S.
Even a Mercedes cannot take abuse. In any case, a buyer should check the maintenance records and the history of the car with CarFax. The car in question obviously has had problems in the past and might even be a buyback.
The first rule of car buying is patience. I'm not saying you should wait 13 years to buy a new car like I did but when you are spending 10's of thousands of dollars you should make sure you know what you are getting.
End of sermon
Buy a used car for a third party who takes care of his car, and you'll do much better.. you can tell by the interior condition of a car how well the rest of it is taken care off. Just look at a few.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
So true Bud... Our Volvo gets no where near the attention my MB gets.. one is a lease for the kids to ride in and destroy... wife drives off at high RPM with a cold engine, etc... and the other is papered beyond any required maintenance.
Buy a used car for a third party who takes care of his car, and you'll do much better.. you can tell by the interior condition of a car how well the rest of it is taken care off. Just look at a few.
Buy a used car for a third party who takes care of his car, and you'll do much better.. you can tell by the interior condition of a car how well the rest of it is taken care off. Just look at a few.
Of course that area has some really wealthy people.
He did say that if I told him what I was looking for he would get me a good car.
I was told essentially the same thing by the Internet Sales Manager at North Scottsdale BMW.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by BudC
One time I had a conversation with the Internet Sales Manager for Schumacher. He told me that you would never see the good used cars show up in their Internet inventory. They have a bunch of good customers who trade often and have their cars spoken for by other good customers before the trade ever occurs.
Of course that area has some really wealthy people.
He did say that if I told him what I was looking for he would get me a good car.
I was told essentially the same thing by the Internet Sales Manager at North Scottsdale BMW.
Of course that area has some really wealthy people.
He did say that if I told him what I was looking for he would get me a good car.
I was told essentially the same thing by the Internet Sales Manager at North Scottsdale BMW.
I sold used cars in a past life, Volvo, and it's simply like this... NOT all used cars of identical specs are equal... not even close.. The way it was "cared for" is critical in how well it will serve you. And the only way to know that is to study closely the condition of the car, and how well pampered it was... that and have EVERY receipt for an oil change, tire rotation, and warranty repair with the car at the time of purchase.
BTW. 95% of used cars on the lot ARE NOT that car.. those are cars that are listed in the classifieds, and at times like Bud said, held in reserve by the salesman for a special customer.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 152
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From: Boston
2004 E320, 2006 Infiniti G35X, Yamaha VMAX 700 (Snowmobile)
I did run a carfax and it was clean, the car was not a lease vechicle, it was traded in at the dealer. The orginal owner wanted the new BMW 745IL and bought this as a interm vecicle until the new model was out, he only owned it for a year and out 14k on it. I ran and aquired all records before I purchase the car.
I beleive what happens is that some people don't let the little things bother them including noises, I on the other hand no when something is not working or when something doesnt' sound right so for all I know these problems are from the previous owner who just didn't think much of them. Most of my problems have been minor issues, The engine however is a hugh issue and when I spoke with MBUSA to vent, they told me that for every 1000 cars manufactured, 8% end up having major problems such as the engine. They claim it is no diffrent with they are American or European. Parts are imported from 100"s of companies and they do get bad apples.
Of course brings up another question, this is a Mercedes and they are suppose to be know for there quality and workmanship right !
I beleive what happens is that some people don't let the little things bother them including noises, I on the other hand no when something is not working or when something doesnt' sound right so for all I know these problems are from the previous owner who just didn't think much of them. Most of my problems have been minor issues, The engine however is a hugh issue and when I spoke with MBUSA to vent, they told me that for every 1000 cars manufactured, 8% end up having major problems such as the engine. They claim it is no diffrent with they are American or European. Parts are imported from 100"s of companies and they do get bad apples.
Of course brings up another question, this is a Mercedes and they are suppose to be know for there quality and workmanship right !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by jocon63
I did run a carfax and it was clean, the car was not a lease vechicle, it was traded in at the dealer. The orginal owner wanted the new BMW 745IL and bought this as a interm vecicle until the new model was out, he only owned it for a year and out 14k on it. I ran and aquired all records before I purchase the car.
I beleive what happens is that some people don't let the little things bother them including noises, I on the other hand no when something is not working or when something doesnt' sound right so for all I know these problems are from the previous owner who just didn't think much of them. Most of my problems have been minor issues, The engine however is a hugh issue and when I spoke with MBUSA to vent, they told me that for every 1000 cars manufactured, 8% end up having major problems such as the engine. They claim it is no diffrent with they are American or European. Parts are imported from 100"s of companies and they do get bad apples.
Of course brings up another question, this is a Mercedes and they are suppose to be know for there quality and workmanship right !
I beleive what happens is that some people don't let the little things bother them including noises, I on the other hand no when something is not working or when something doesnt' sound right so for all I know these problems are from the previous owner who just didn't think much of them. Most of my problems have been minor issues, The engine however is a hugh issue and when I spoke with MBUSA to vent, they told me that for every 1000 cars manufactured, 8% end up having major problems such as the engine. They claim it is no diffrent with they are American or European. Parts are imported from 100"s of companies and they do get bad apples.
Of course brings up another question, this is a Mercedes and they are suppose to be know for there quality and workmanship right !
Ask them.. "so what am I paying the extra $20,000 for then?" IF the parts are all from the same place? MBUSA is a bunch of clowns from what I can see... they don't even know the cars they sell... I have had them on the phone and gotten totally contradictory info from one CSR to the next... Go to the factory for answers..
