Sguernsjr

Hey everyone, I just registered and have a few questions about a vehicle I'm looking at. It is a black on black 2008 E550 with the level 1 premium package. It is being sold by a high end used car dealer down here by me in New Orleans. The salesman actually personally drove it for the last six months or so. He had the thing totally went through and it is in GREAT shape. Of course, I asked about any oil leaks and he said there was one when they took it in on trade, but that the local MB dealer repaired it. A few other things I saw in the maintenance records were cam plugs being replaced and a control module or something being replaced. He said he had a bunch of lights come on one day, and the dealer replaced that part after diagnosis.

My question is, should I be worried at all? The car is in excellent condition, minus a few small rock chips, that should be expected on an '08. Everything has been taken care of by Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans and is documented. Also, I will have a pre-purchase inspection at a local specialized German car repair facility. The salesman told me that if anything is found, he will gladly pay to have it repaired. That gave me great piece of mind. The car is priced about $2k below bluebook and I've already established with them there is more room to come down.

If it passes the pre-purchase inspection with no problem, or if there are some small things that they will take care of, should I feel comfortable pulling the trigger and getting into my first MB? Thanks in advance

homeofstone

I can't say on this one but my 2005 E500 has been good and we love the ride. Just keep in mind that it is a high end luxury car and repairs and maintenance are expensive. Don't skip any maintenance, it will cost you dearly in the future if you do skip maintenance. Check the records for a transmission service at 40,000 miles. Spark Plugs at 100,000 and brake fluid flushes. Also rear end oil replaced at 100,000. Alignments are also usually over 120.00. If it has air suspension then expect to have to replace at least one pair of shocks at 800.00 to 1500.00 Each.

cetialpha5

Which book are you using? I was able to get slightly below clean nadaguide trade in so it was a decent deal. Also you don't mention the mileage, but one thing to look out for is the airmatic, a common problem as it gets up there in mileage/age. I think ideally you'd get the PPI at a Mercedes dealership as they would have the VMI which would list all maintenance done to the car. An indy wouldn't have access to that. However I suppose you could try and get the dealer selling you the car to get the VMI from the Mercedes dealership and then you can give that to the indy to make sure everything was done correctly. I'd also make sure that the indy has a full star diagnostic system so they can check out all the systems not just a basic obdii check.

Also in terms of features, P1 package is somewhat common, most cars have that. It's the P2 package that's a bit more rare, but more likely to be found in an E550 as opposed to an E350. That's keyless go with bixenon headlamps, headlamp washers and curve illumination. If you had the vin, it'd be easy to tell.

Sguernsjr

Thanks for responding. Sorry about that. The car has 67k miles on it currently. I will check the records and make sure the proper servicing was done so far. The vin is WDBUF72X28B334192

I will call today and ask about the VMI.

homeofstone

Also if you purchase it I recommend never using any after market oil filter. Only use the OEM Mercedes kit or the one made by Mann which is the oem.

Blitz2639

He is right about the cam plugs being replaced and the control unit that was replaced was a central gateway. There isn't great service history on the car but it still seems like a nice car. The last service that was done at a dealership was @ 21k miles and April of 2011. I don't see any trans service that was done and it could have been done at an indy shop. I wouldn't let it deter you from purchasing the car if you're comfortable with it, I would just get the trans service done when you buy it or have them do it. I have an 08 and love it. What are they asking for it?

BenzboyW210

You are past the point of issues with the camshaft balancer early E550's had (2007) for the M273 engine, which is good.

The facelifted W211's are great cars. Keep in mind some repairs will be expensive, these cars have a lot of technology.

Air suspension components will eventually leak and fail, Arnott Industries makes excellent aftermarket parts for more than 50% off Mercedes OEM part costs. Discount (10%) on this forum as well for members.

Ensure oil changes were regular and with correct oil (229.5) and fleece filters. Ditto tranny fluid. I would be diligent with keeping both serviced regularly.

Other common repairs can include the transfer case (produces a shudder under low speed turning). There is a bulletin for an upgraded transfer case, usually a warranty item.

Xenon lights and the associated ballasts/control modules are expensive to replace new, Ebay has used parts at a reasonable price.

2008 has the upgraded nav system (powered by QNX) which is far superior to the earlier COMAND units.

Enjoy the ride!

Barry45RPM

I thought the next gen COMAND was added to 2009 models ???

Blitz2639

You're right. 2009 was the only 211 that had the newer NTG. This vehicle also doesn't have a transfer case so don't mind that comment on repairs.

cetialpha5

The car also doesn't have Bixenon, however the only problem with buying bixenon lights on ebay is that most of the lights are fakes. Fake ones might not be as bright and also might flicker.

ParadiseLV

I have an E550. If the maintenance is in order, then you'll probably be okay. Ive had no regrets with my recent purchase.

It is due for Service D in bout 3K miles.

WildWolf

I have an 08 E550 4matic. GREAT car. I am replacing it with a newer model in 1 week.

AMGAffalterbach

I have a 2007 E550 with sport package and premium 1, I absolutely adore this car. Airmatic was a concern for me at about 110,000 miles but I have been going strong since. Sounds like you ran across a great vehicle.

LemonSqueezy

Thumbs up for all the 550 drivers here!