I know this is a general question, and it is hard to give buying advice without knowing everything about a car, but I'm looking for feedback on a car I'm considering purchasing. I have searched the forums and read several posts and common issues etc., but I still would appreciate some feedback. I have an SL550 (R230), and have past experience with S class, but E class is new to me... I'm fairly handy on minor things, but major things I would take to a shop...

I'm looking at a 2004 E320 with 170,000 miles and price is $3,300 (black exterior, tan interior). It doesn't have service records, but it has been an same family(s) (two brothers) since it was new (the current owner just bought a new Mercedes). I'm looking for a car that needs a little work that could become my 14 year old sons first car...
- The body is fairly clean for its age.
- The interior is fairly clean with a few minor flaws (i.e. chrome on interior door handle is pealing (replaceable) and a the rear sun shade won't go down...). Also, the head liner is starting to sag in one rear corner (about 12 inches by 12 inches). Probably some other interior flaws, but I think I could manage these.
- The "Diminished Brake..." warning light is on, but brakes seem fine. I presume this is either 1) the brake switch which I think I can replace, or 2) the SBC pump which I believe is under warranty. I feel like this is a serious issue, but one that is manageable.
- Interior light stays on (albeit dim) all the time, the owner says that is normal (not in any Mercedes I have owned). Is this normal????
- Drives very well, engine feels strong, shifts well, does not get hot... Didn't see any leaks.
- I have SDS (limited experience), but haven't hooked it up yet. I will try to do that before moving ahead with the car, but I'm afraid of what I'll find... On a 2004 E class, does SDS connect via ODB port or 38 pin under hood (or somewhere else)?
- Inside the oil filler looks dirty (dark brown oily), but maybe that is normal for a car this age/mileage...
- I didn't see any rust.

I would like to do a pre purchase inspection, but I don't think there are many shops here that would do it (no local dealership).

Any feedback, opinions, things to consider, or advice would be appreciated.

THANKS

Lee

 

Check the transmission. Buy a Mercedes transmission dipstick and use some white paper towels. If the transmission fluid it black or greenish, you may be in for some problems.

 

Also, get a confirmation on the SBC pump warranty before buying because this is a very expensive out of warranty repair. The new pump alone will run you $1,500 or more.

 

@marc hanna , Thanks for the advice.

I'm also wondering if the brake warning light could be a symptom of the auxiliary battery being low or bad? I going to take another look at the car (and hopefully hook up SDS), and hopefully that will give me some insight.

Assuming everything checks and/or I can resolve the brake warning light, does $3,300 seem like a fair price with 170K miles?

Lee

 

A completely dead aux battery won’t affect the brakes. It only supplies power to the convenience features.

Assuming it is completely rust-free I think that $3,300 is a fair price. Local markets vary though.

I just bought a 2005 C240 4matic with 150,000kms (90,000 miles) for $2,800 Canadian dollars, just to give you a point of reference.

 

Perhaps it just needs an oil change. For reference, I pulled off the valve covers to replace the gaskets and the engine looked brand new with no sign of wear. Oil color looked golden. Engine is M112 3.2L v6 at 140,000 miles.

 

The SBC warranty is 25 years in the US so you've got a few more years of coverage. Diminished brake I think means it's time to get the SBC serviced. I don't think you'd get that message on a brake light switch. The fuel tank only has a 15 year extended warranty though. Fill up the tank and sniff around the back seat for any smell of gasoline. It leaks from the top of the tank when it's full. It's 15 years from in service date, unlimited miles so a 2004 may already be expired depending on when it was first registered.

Depending on what you mean by interior light, it could be normal, there's always a soft glow from all the lights at night.