Purchasing 2007 E350 4matic wagon
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Joined: Mar 2010
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E320CDI, ML350
Purchasing 2007 E350 4matic wagon
Hello. I found a wagon that I really like that only has 46,000 miles on it, BUT it was made in early 2007, and from what I can see on the CarFax, the balance/camshaft sprocket has not been dealt with, even though all service has been done at Mercedes dealer. I am supposed to go look at it tomorrow. Should I not buy the car if this has not been addressed? It sounds like a nightmare to have to deal with this repair on your own. I am still recovering from my 1995 E320 wagon with about the same miles on it as this one and the head gasket blew. $5000 repair at Mercedes -- first Benz. I was very unhappy about that. Just don't want another repeat here. Otherwise, the car looks to be in great shape.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I wouldn't risk it. You might get several years out of it before it goes though, that's pretty low mileage. But you're better off waiting to get one that doesn't have the issue. It's a 5-7k repair or more if you need it. Not worth the gamble.
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Joined: May 2017
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C320
Get the vin and find out if it's in the range of bad balance shafts. If it is, use it to negotiate a lower price. If you buy it, change the oil twice as often, set money aside for a replacement engine. And please stop getting your work done at the dealer. They're ripping you off. There are plenty of excellent MB specialists out there that will do the work of 1/2 the price.
Also consider an 04-05 E320 or E500 wagon They're far more reliable and cheaper to maintain. And they run on 87 octane.
Also consider an 04-05 E320 or E500 wagon They're far more reliable and cheaper to maintain. And they run on 87 octane.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
^^^ This.
I have a 2007 E350 and mine is not in the range of bad balance shafts, as I checked prior to purchasing.
The one you are looking at as well may not be in the range.
I love mine, so check and you may not need to second guess.
If it is in the range, you will have to decide. It is not a guarantee that it will happen, but it certainly is a risk.
Good luck.
I have a 2007 E350 and mine is not in the range of bad balance shafts, as I checked prior to purchasing.
The one you are looking at as well may not be in the range.
I love mine, so check and you may not need to second guess.
If it is in the range, you will have to decide. It is not a guarantee that it will happen, but it certainly is a risk.
Good luck.
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Joined: Oct 2016
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2012 E350 4Matic
Something to keep in mind with the mileage being so low is that plastic, rubber, and fluids all degrade with time regardless of whether the car is driven or not, especially if you are (or the car came from) a hot climate. It would be a good idea to pay close attention to the condition of the rubber components in the suspension when you have the car inspected - I would recommend a pre purchase inspection to make sure there are no surprises waiting for you. Also check the date stamp on the tires, and check for cracking or dry rot. At 46k miles it could still have the original tires on it, or tires that are quite old. Tires over 10 years old should be replaced.
Do you know how it was driven? Was it an extra car that sat unused most of the time, or was it used for frequent short trips? If it did primarily short trips it would be worth testing the battery and taking a good look at the brakes.
Do you know how it was driven? Was it an extra car that sat unused most of the time, or was it used for frequent short trips? If it did primarily short trips it would be worth testing the battery and taking a good look at the brakes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
If you have the carfax then you have the vin. Actually car might be ok, the affected range had production dates in September of 2006 so if you say it's early 2007, then maybe it's out of range. I thought you had already checked the vin. Use this site to get the engine number and then read the thread regarding the balance shaft to see the exact range.
https://www.lastvin.com/
https://www.lastvin.com/
