MBnoob007

Hi Guys,

I'm new here, and new to MB cars in general. I test drove a 2008 E350 today and was "seriously impressed" by it. I've owned a E39 (2001 BMW 530i) and always thought the BMW has an edge in handling/performance. Since I am looking for a car - I thought of giving MB a try.

Now, the car that I test drove is -
- 2008, with 126K miles (much higher than I like).
- Keyless start/stop button located on top of the gear shifter, that looks cool.
- It has a 1" spoiler on the trunk.
- AMG 18" wheels.
- It's Black on Black that I like, but the paint is messed up. Lots of tiny touch ups, and rocks and chips all in many places. From a distance looks beautiful though....

I liked the car, but the bad paint-job & high mileage discouraged me. Price will be $8000 + fee/tax/DMV, etc = $9,500 OTD.

I don't know much about these cars. I looked on Cars.Com and found lower mileage cars within that price. Question is - is this a special model? Because I've not seen a single car online with Push start/stop & a rear spoiler ? A lot of them say "Sport Pkg" - So how to tell the difference? I also think every BMW & MB seller says Sport Pkg, without actually having one.

PLEASE HELP !!!!

MBnoob007

So, 32 people have actually read this thread and nobody knows anything about these cars? I would love to get a 2008-2009 E350 - just not sure how to tell the difference in different types/variations.

Did I ask the wrong questions, or am I in the wrong place? Please guide me..

jimbo1763

Cars sometimes get customized, so you are right to be careful.

Can you get us the VIN? That would be very helpful.

MBnoob007

Finally... a Sunlight from behind the clouds.... Thanks for replying buddy. I belong to many forums, and was beginning to wonder if I ended up on a right forum for MB?

Although the photos don't show, but there are globs on Black paint - a cheap effort to fix the front bumper and around the car. The lower part of the car looks like sand blasted a in small lower areas. Most of the body - doors etc seem to be waxed by a non-professional who burned into the paint. Anyhow, I figured if the car would last me a few years without major expenses/repairs, I could live with it. And maybe get a professional to go over the Black car and "try" to fix these imperfections. When sunroof is opened the creased rubber seals broken, but the roof seals Ok when closed.

OTD car will cost about 8500-9000. I wouldn't mind paying another 2-3K for a car half it's mileage - if it makes a difference with similar Pkg. I liked this car's handling - that's what got me thinking about MB in the first place...

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/5981009303.html

Vin # WDBUF56X38B309624

THANKS!!!

jimbo1763

Plug that VIN into a VIN decoder and see what the factory says the car has.

Here is a link to get you started.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140...in-number.html

MBnoob007

Thanks

It does have sports pkg, as I suspected. Many others say they do too... so guess, I'll use this link to see if they actually do. I like the price too, but just wondering if I should get this car with 126K+ miles . In the MB world, is that considered a high mileage, please be unbiased. Thanks again!

P.S: nobody else likes to help a MB noob here?

rtbrjason

I think the white cluster indicates the sport package for future references. 18" wheels too but those could have been changed. That one looks pretty nice and at $7500 doesn't seem overpriced to me. I'd hold out for an E550 though.

MBnoob007

I'm not looking for another V8 (E550), have an old Lincoln Towncar in the family, and just got rid of a Corvette.

So shall I pull the trigger on this one? I have the carfax also. The mileage, condition, etc looks Okay?

I would need this car to be my daily commute to work, long distance 1000 mile long trips - so reliability is a bigger factor than looks.

jimbo1763

Get the service records, and get a pre-purchase inspection done.

Mercedes can last a long time, but you have to maintain them regularly, or you will be faced with more expensive repairs than you are going to like.

Bahnstormer

I just checked out a handful of 2008 E350s listed on Craigslist in Florida. The price of the car you're looking at seems pretty fair. To get a relatively low mileage model like that in pristine condition (paint and body), you'll probably end up spending at least 10 or 11 grand (before taxes). If the car checks out OK in the inspection and you can live with the paint imperfections until addressing them, I would say go for it. The keyless Go is an awesome feature - wish I had it in my E500. Good luck with your search.

2MERKS

Well judging by the pics looks can he deceiving, but being you seen the vehicle upclose and personal, so if you're having second thoughts keep it moving, but ultimately its your call The ride looks good but as one member noted a PPI will he your best bet and friend to the end!
GL

MBnoob007

I've posted the link to the Ad, and also the Carfax report. I assume some of you guys are more knowledgeable & experienced in reading Carfax and evaluating its condition. Your honest advice would be very appreciated.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______________________

I didn't drive it on the freeway yet, but it climbs the hill pretty good. Seems a tiny hesitation when you push the gas to the floor, but I think that's a common thing among MBs and BMWs - takes about 2 seconds for the car to sense the pedal is on the floor, and then it reacts fast.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______________________

I will try to find a MB Indy for a detailed check up of the car. Like I've said, I would prefer something with lower miles - $10-$11K would be OK with me - but finding a Black/Black is hard, & I've not seen one with Push auto Start/Stop... (story of my life)

S70Houston

I picked up my E320 with 71K miles for 10.5 from the original owner 2 years ago. Came with a stack of receipts, all maintenance done at MB Dealer and I had a pre purchase inspection done as well. I love my car and am glad that I got a low miler with no imperfections.

I personally would not ever get a car which had not been taken care of and the exterior does not look as it should, ESPECIALLY on a luxury vehicle.

If theexterior has been neglected, there could be many other things that would have been neglected as well.

Based on the pic on the craigslist add, seems like the floor/footwell is protected by paper which is usually done by a dealer. This would indicate to me that the car was purchased at a dealer auction and is now being turned over without any service history and most likely no second set of keys. These guys are just out to make a quick buck.

I personally would pass on this one and find one which has a service history, which has been cared for and does not have any imperfections on the paint, ....... Just my 2 cents.

S70Houston

Here are a few I just found on craigslist, Sacramento/San Francisco area:

Mercedes 2007 E350
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5963764483.html

Mercedes E350
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5975922181.html

2008 Mercedes- Benz E350
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5980585058.html

2009 Mercedes E350 AMG pkg
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/5977967450.html

Seems like there are plenty of cars out there in order for you not having to jump on the very first one that comes alson.

MBnoob007

You sure did get a good deal . This was purchased at a dealer auction. There is a service history - I posted the Carfax report, please see post # 8. Please review it and let me know what you think.

Common sense says, pay a little more and get lower mileage car.
Mind says, this has that keyless entery / keyless Start/Stop option, Sport Pkg, and 126K may not be so bad - after all, they're asking $7500.

P.S: Is 126K too much mileage for this car? I know the price is also attractive, but I don't want my car to be getting repairs often.

S70Houston

I personally do not consider what is shown on carfax a service history, I can show you a binder full of service receipts for mine.

I already mentioned what I think, I would go search more before jumping on this one, but it seems you have already made up your mind.
126K in my opinion is not too much if you know the EXACT service history of this vehicle, ...... which you do not.

My wife's 330i has 160k on the clock and runs like a champ, but has all services done when it needs it and all faulty parts exchanged when issues come up.

Good Luck.

Bahnstormer

As S70Houston said, 126k is not excessive mileage for a Benz, if the car was maintained properly. Fluid changes are critical and should have all been done with that kind of mileage. Tranny oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering and obviously motor oil maintenance at proper intervals will go a long way to trouble free motoring in these cars.

2MERKS

Purchased my Wagon with 146K on the dial, and i have not had a problem. My indie stated the car was very strong for the age (2005) So just as the members say don't be afraid to to even look at a higher mileage car, but a PPI will help you out in the long term.

MBnoob007

^ ^ Makes sense. Dealers usually won't have receipts, so they would have me rely on Carfax. Private owners would save receipts and maybe able to tell me more about the work done. Come to think of it, I would save up on the tax, service fee, etc from a Private party too...

Few years ago I have bought a 01 530i (E39, with M-Pkg, fully loaded) with 98K, drove it to 160K till I stopped taking care of it and abandoned the car for years... I still haven't driven a car like that... So I understand what you're saying...

MBnoob007

Hopefully the tires & brakes are good on the car I buy. As for fluids, I think I'll have them change all of them, for preventive measure (unless receipts show it was done within last couple of yrs)

cetialpha5

Here's the results of the VIN decoder:

http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-...UF56X38B309624

It has the P2 package which is keyless go and the bixenon headlamps. I have a 2008 so here's a list of things to check. Make sure the headlamps operate correctly, they start by pointing at the ground, go left and right (or something like that) and the point up. They auto level. When you turn the steering wheel you'll see the lights turn a little to the left or right up to 12 degrees, that's the active curve illumination. P2 wasn't that common. This car just has the P2 package, no other major options like the pano roof, power trunk closer, parktronic, folding rear seats, etc. Check that all the door handles work, very common for them to fail, press the button in the door handle to unlock and press the button outside to lock. Check to see if the rear blinds work, hit the button on the center console next to the left seat heater. Those wheels were not factory. I think they were AMG wheels for a different car like the E55, according to the vin it just had the regular 18 inch 10 double spoke design. Things like motor mounts, thermostat, tension/pulley can go, but those are just regular maintenance. Not sure about 126k because I'm way below that. This car is also a Pzev and if you're in a Pzev state like CA, then certain parts like the gas tank is covered for 15 years/150k. Non Pzev cars actually had a manufacturer extended warranty on the gas tank for 15 years no mileage limit which didn't apply to Pzev. Looks like the tank was already replaced once so you might be good for a while.

Bahnstormer

Not exactly sure who you are referring to when you say "have them change all of them." To replace all the fluids with Mercedes approved products will not be cheap, even at an indie mechanic. After purchasing my E500 with 86k miles three months ago, I've so far changed my own motor oil and coolant, using Mobil 1 0W-40 purchased at Wal-Mart and genuine Mercedes 325.0 antifreeze bought from the dealer. I plan on flushing my power steering fluid this weekend with Pentosin CHF 11S ordered from eBay. In a few weeks I will tackle the transmission fluid and rear differential oil and will be using genuine Mercedes 4134 ATF and 85W-90 synthethic gear oil. The brake flush I will leave to the dealer since I have the SBC system. I guess my point is to be careful who you allow to change the fluids because they could go cheap and use products not meant for our cars. You can also save a pretty penny in labor costs if you're mechanically inclined and do the jobs yourself. These forums have a lot of good insight and DIYs, and there's really no rocket science involved.

cetialpha5

For oil, either Castrol 0w40 or Mobil 1 0w40 is preferred, they both meet MB 229.5 spec. For antifreeze, you can use Zerex G-05 which can be had at most auto part stores. For transmission fluid, Shell ATF 134 meets spec and can be had at a shell distributor for around $60 for a case of 12 quarts. Transfer case and differential oil I haven't found a cheap alternative to aside from MB, but ECS Tuning sells it. The brake flush which is supposed to be every 2 years takes about a quart and you can use Pentosin Super Dot 4 which is also available at most auto parts store. I like to use Advance auto as they typically have the brake fluid and antifreeze and you can use a coupon code on retailmenot.com and typically get 40% off.

kajtek1

That definitely calls for diesel.

MBnoob007

Diesels are longer lasting and less break-downs? Huh.. I didn't know.