Herschel2015

I am considering buying the 2007 E350 in the below URL. I really like the feint blue glass that was featured on this model year. If I remember correctly, however, the blue glass could be ordered from MB in different tints. On the car I am considering, the tint is too dark for my preference. If the tint on this car's windows has been added on top of the factory blue glass, then I can simply remove it, correct? From the photos, can anyone determine whether this is factory glass (i.e., MB dark blue dark tint) and thus these windows cannot be restored back to the feint blue tint?

Thanks in advance!

https://www.carmax.com/car/14303048

bernard farquar

It certainly looks to me like aftermarket added tint. If you look at the rear window, around the outside you can see air trapped in the bumps on the outside edge of the glass. You can have this all removed by a tint shop if you want.

jimbo1763

Off topic of what you were asking, but the early model year 2007's were subject to the balance shaft problem. I know because I had one. Be sure the check the engine number against the list to make sure you are out of the affected range if you intend to pursue this car.

N_Jay

I have never heard of different levels of blue tint on the sport/avant-garde models.

beejAMG

the blue glass. as NJay mentioned is standard with the sport/avantgarde models. that car youre looking at has aftermarket tint. you can have it removed professionally or you can do it yourself with soupy water and a wide flat blade squeegee.

http://www.tintingtool.com/squeegees...-p-109367.html

but like jimbo1763 mentioned, the tint should be the last of your worries. do an extensive research before you pull the trigger. W211s are one of the nicest sedans out there, if you know what to look for.

Herschel2015

Thanks to everyone for your responses. I really appreciate your thoughtful consideration of my question. I had not heard of the balance shaft problem, so thanks too for making me aware of that concern. I am looking into it. Question on that topic: this car has 55K miles; would the balance shaft problem likely have shown up by that mileage?

I've owned both a 2007 and 2008 E350 Sport ... best cars I've owned. Hands down. I've wanted another 2007 for about 3-4 years, but had not come across one in good shape when I had looked on previous occasions.

My plans are to take the car to both a local mechanic as well the local body shop approved by my insurer (USAA). The CarFax has a two year gap with no records; otherwise one owner with regular maintenance at the same dealer with no major repairs or accidents noted and mileage of about 5L per year. Of note, the VIN is not included in the Autocheck database.

Any other suggestions on research?

jimbo1763

You could definitely still be at risk as to the balance shaft with that mileage. If you can get the VIN, you can run it through a VIN decoder online to get the engine number. See post #5 at this link-plus the link tells you what engine numbers are affected. It is definitely worth your time to do this.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...ne-serial.html

Herschel2015

My engine number is higher than the last number made before the modification to correct the defect. So, I should be okay, I guess.

BTW, the vindecoderz site is fantastic. Thanks for sharing that!