Question about a salvage E320
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Acura MDX
Question about a salvage E320
Hey everyone. While looking for a sedan I came across this salvage title E320. The seller says the salvage title is due to water damage, but there is a gap between the front bumper and the hood. He is asking 6400 CDN which seems like a bargain. I will inspect the car soon, but I would like your input as to what to expect and look for and how much it would cost to fix that bumper. Thanks in advance and looking forward to joining the MB owners community 
The ad:
"2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic all wheel drive. It has a rebuilt salvage title due to water damage. The vehicle was taken through a puddle by a previous owner that resulted in immediately stopping the engine. The water damage was only up to the threshold of the doors and the carpet, seats, and all electrical components in the affected area were replaced. The motor was carefully rebuilt and balanced by a qualified ASE certified Technician. This vehicle has usual wear and tear for its low 59K miles that include minor scratches and body imperfections but is still in great shape! The front bumper on the passenger side is slightly misaligned because of the bent bracket underneath."
The ad:
"2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic all wheel drive. It has a rebuilt salvage title due to water damage. The vehicle was taken through a puddle by a previous owner that resulted in immediately stopping the engine. The water damage was only up to the threshold of the doors and the carpet, seats, and all electrical components in the affected area were replaced. The motor was carefully rebuilt and balanced by a qualified ASE certified Technician. This vehicle has usual wear and tear for its low 59K miles that include minor scratches and body imperfections but is still in great shape! The front bumper on the passenger side is slightly misaligned because of the bent bracket underneath."
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Hey everyone. While looking for a sedan I came across this salvage title E320. The seller says the salvage title is due to water damage, but there is a gap between the front bumper and the hood. He is asking 6400 CDN which seems like a bargain. I will inspect the car soon, but I would like your input as to what to expect and look for and how much it would cost to fix that bumper. Thanks in advance and looking forward to joining the MB owners community
The ad:
"2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic all wheel drive. It has a rebuilt salvage title due to water damage. The vehicle was taken through a puddle by a previous owner that resulted in immediately stopping the engine. The water damage was only up to the threshold of the doors and the carpet, seats, and all electrical components in the affected area were replaced. The motor was carefully rebuilt and balanced by a qualified ASE certified Technician. This vehicle has usual wear and tear for its low 59K miles that include minor scratches and body imperfections but is still in great shape! The front bumper on the passenger side is slightly misaligned because of the bent bracket underneath."
The ad:
"2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 4matic all wheel drive. It has a rebuilt salvage title due to water damage. The vehicle was taken through a puddle by a previous owner that resulted in immediately stopping the engine. The water damage was only up to the threshold of the doors and the carpet, seats, and all electrical components in the affected area were replaced. The motor was carefully rebuilt and balanced by a qualified ASE certified Technician. This vehicle has usual wear and tear for its low 59K miles that include minor scratches and body imperfections but is still in great shape! The front bumper on the passenger side is slightly misaligned because of the bent bracket underneath."
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Run the other way. In my previous car I drove through a flooded street and water got into the engine. A new engine cost $25,000USD so it was cheaper to salvage the car. I was very happy about it because I didn't want to deal with the car that had flood damage and I suggest you don't deal with it either. Molding and corrossion would be my primary concern and I'm sure the electric gremlins would be present also. Do yourself a favor and walk away from that car. It is cheap for a reason.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: US
W204 C63
Run the other way. In my previous car I drove through a flooded street and water got into the engine. A new engine cost $25,000USD so it was cheaper to salvage the car. I was very happy about it because I didn't want to deal with the car that had flood damage and I suggest you don't deal with it either. Molding and corrossion would be my primary concern and I'm sure the electric gremlins would be present also. Do yourself a favor and walk away from that car. It is cheap for a reason.
Could agree with you more. OP, run away from what it's sure to be the beginning of your financial demise
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Acura MDX
Hey guys thank you for the replies. I just contacted the seller by email, so I will be waiting for a reply to inspect the car in person. As far as the engine goes the seller claims "it runs and drives mint and has been an excellent car! It was also serviced at the local Mercedes Benz dealer appr. 2500 miles ago."
If it is indeed in good running order now what sort of electrical/engine problems could possibly arise later? I will definitely do a thorough inspection before committing to anything. Basically I am looking for a fairly reliable daily driver at a low price. Although I am not a mechanic I am pretty good with auto mechanics...
I assure you though now after reading the replies I am not as enthusiastic as before.. I am definitely not looking forward to "begin my financial demise" or any kind of demise because of a car for that matter
Looking forward to more ideas...
If it is indeed in good running order now what sort of electrical/engine problems could possibly arise later? I will definitely do a thorough inspection before committing to anything. Basically I am looking for a fairly reliable daily driver at a low price. Although I am not a mechanic I am pretty good with auto mechanics...
I assure you though now after reading the replies I am not as enthusiastic as before.. I am definitely not looking forward to "begin my financial demise" or any kind of demise because of a car for that matter
Looking forward to more ideas...
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Belle Mead, NJ
2003 E320
These are great cars BUT, not cheap to maintain. Services and Parts are EXPENSIVE. I would tell you to continue your interest on the E-Class since they are amazing cars but, do not go with a salvage one, especially from water. Like many others have mentioned, these cars have a LOT of technology in them and there are lots of electrical dependent systems and you know that those systems and water are NOT a good combination. Also that gap is not a good sign, if the hood was completely closed when the picture was taken then that car had some sort of accident on the front area. Keep looking, you will find a nice one that you will not have to worry about what may surface due to that water damage. That is my opinion
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