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Hello to all! New member, first time poster. I’m looking at buying a 2007 e350, 125k, former cpo car, decent carfax, pretty well maintained, new tires, we’ve tentatively agreed on $7,500. Intake manifold replaced by good indy shop in the last year. Also, they replaced tie rods, camber strut, thrust arm, control arm, vacuum pump, brake vacuum pump, serpentine and drive belts in the last year. Flawless exterior, dent removal, paint correction, ceramic coating. So here’s the issue: the sunroof works fine but the sunshade is stuck in the open position and there is staining on the headliner right below it. He said it doesn’t leak anymore and since he doesn’t seem to have spared much expense I tend to believe him. There’s also some type of “rot” on the drivers side door (approx. a 3” circle), which I figure I could stain or replace the door ($100 on eBay recently). I’m assuming it was probably related to the water from the sunroof. The radio doesn’t work (which he noted upfront) so it’s in the shop getting an amplifier. He’s okay with a ppi, I’m trying to locate a place that will do it in the Ft. Lauderdale area. So, would that sunroof situation (or anything else) keep you from buying the car? Also, any ppi suggestions? (Prestige European has done all his recent work). TIA for reading this long post and for any opinions! Cheers, David
Hello to all! New member, first time poster. I’m looking at buying a 2007 e350, 125k, former cpo car, decent carfax, pretty well maintained, new tires, we’ve tentatively agreed on $7,500. Intake manifold replaced by good indy shop in the last year. Also, they replaced tie rods, camber strut, thrust arm, control arm, vacuum pump, brake vacuum pump, serpentine and drive belts in the last year. Flawless exterior, dent removal, paint correction, ceramic coating. So here’s the issue: the sunroof works fine but the sunshade is stuck in the open position and there is staining on the headliner right below it. He said it doesn’t leak anymore and since he doesn’t seem to have spared much expense I tend to believe him. There’s also some type of “rot” on the drivers side door (approx. a 3” circle), which I figure I could stain or replace the door ($100 on eBay recently). I’m assuming it was probably related to the water from the sunroof. The radio doesn’t work (which he noted upfront) so it’s in the shop getting an amplifier. He’s okay with a ppi, I’m trying to locate a place that will do it in the Ft. Lauderdale area. So, would that sunroof situation (or anything else) keep you from buying the car? Also, any ppi suggestions? (Prestige European has done all his recent work). TIA for reading this long post and for any opinions! Cheers, David
This is only my opinion. Thats not a well maintained car.. Too many items to fix for a car thats 15 yr ride. Those "small" to do's will most definitely add up in the long run. If you get a PPI and your happy with results then by all means go for it!
R,
2Merks
Sounds like maybe the sunroof drains got clogged at some point and I don't that that's a normal maintenance item to clear the drains of clogs. If you get the PPI, ask them if they know how to check to see if the drains are clogged. As for the headliner not closing, that does happen, I think it's something to with the motor or gears, you'll have to search to old threads to find the solution. Radio not working is also somewhat common, you'd have to get a bypass loop to figure what is causing the problem. If it's just the amp, you should be fine, but common items with the radio would be the audio gateway, satellite radio, the cd changer, etc. Basically you use the bypass loop to eliminate each device and once it starts working, you know which item is bad and you can just buy a used one on eBay.
In addition to stuff mentioned, I've done stuff like the oil separator/breather cover, this is why the intake went if those items went bad. Covered in many other threads. In addition to the belt, the tensioner and pulleys are known to go along with the oil cooler/coolant gaskets by the oil filter up top. I've also done things like the ball joint, sway bar link, springs and struts/shocks. Your PPI should also inspect for ripped CV joint boots and also motor mounts going are very common. If it has keyless go, the door buttons to lock/unlock tend to go often.
Average price for these cars is around $6000 on Kelly, but they are highly rated as used cars. These days, who knows?
BUT
I have seen a few W211s that were sitting in vacant lots surrounded by weeds for a couple of years because when they were selling for $2500-$4000 they just weren’t worth the cost of the repairs. And now they’re getting dragged out and into the shop to get prettied up for sale in this high demand market. A laundry list of new items is a sort of a yellow flag. Be sure that is a real carfax and not some dealer off brand version that ignores the time it wasn’t registered — those exist. Cars like that show a lot of hidden issues in the wiring harness and connectors and brake systems. If you can confirm that it was a daily driver and the PPI takes off the air cleaner, the wheels, etc, and runs complete diagnostics, it could be a buy. W211s can go 200k+ with ease.
cetialpha5, thanks for the detailed “what could go wrong” list, the fixes, and the specific ppi suggestions (inc. sunroof drains)! It’s appreciated.
Odd Piggy, I wish they were around the 6k mark. I’ve been looking at ‘07 and up w211 because we love that classic look and haven’t been seeing a whole lot. I’m willing to go to 9k but it doesn’t seem to make a tremendous difference. Also,
trying to stay under 125k miles. I am concerned about what you said about “prettying up” a car with problems. That sounds like this could be a possible situation. Again, thanks for the detailed ppi suggestions and I’ll keep you guys posted.
Unfortunately not, 2Merks. But I did locate a MB specialist for a ppi. That should take place pretty soon once he finishes fixing the radio. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks again.
I didn’t see this mentioned, but make sure that the M272 engine doesn’t have the balance shaft sprocket issue. Search for “M272 balance shaft sprocket issue” for details. With the VIN you can find if the engine is affected.
Thanks, brooktre, I have already checked the engine number and it’s above the potential “danger zone” cutoff number. But definitely appreciate you bringing up the issue. Have a good one.
"Probably the 2009 would be the way to go because you might still have a year left with the 15 year extended warranty on the fuel tank leak."
Hi cetialpha5, I noticed you posted this in another thread but this '07 already passed the 15year/unlimited mileage (it's not PZEV) fuel tank warranty. I've searched through the forums but was unable to find out roughly what would be the chances of not running into that particularly expensive problem. Any rough estimates? Or do you think it's inevitable? Cause it sure sounds like a lot of the W211's have that problem.
Also, really stupid question, but if the problem seems to present itself after the tank is filled would filling the tank only 1/2 or 3/4's keep the fuel tank leak at bay? I'd like to use it as a daily driver since my work commute is only 10 miles roundtrip.
Also, really stupid question, but if the problem seems to present itself after the tank is filled would filling the tank only 1/2 or 3/4's keep the fuel tank leak at bay? I'd like to use it as a daily driver since my work commute is only 10 miles roundtrip.
It’s just one person’s experience, but our 2003 E320 only seemed to have the problem when the tank was completely full. By the time it was down to ¾ the gasoline odor was gone. Filling about 3-4 gallons short worked okay, but it was just a work around and not a fix. The car was approaching 200k miles and was retired before the warranty coverage was issued.
"Probably the 2009 would be the way to go because you might still have a year left with the 15 year extended warranty on the fuel tank leak."
Hi cetialpha5, I noticed you posted this in another thread but this '07 already passed the 15year/unlimited mileage (it's not PZEV) fuel tank warranty. I've searched through the forums but was unable to find out roughly what would be the chances of not running into that particularly expensive problem. Any rough estimates? Or do you think it's inevitable? Cause it sure sounds like a lot of the W211's have that problem.
Also, really stupid question, but if the problem seems to present itself after the tank is filled would filling the tank only 1/2 or 3/4's keep the fuel tank leak at bay? I'd like to use it as a daily driver since my work commute is only 10 miles roundtrip.
Thanks again in advance.
There's a few threads where people fixed the leak outside of warranty. You don't really need to replace the tank but I guess you just need the fuel pump/filter. So probably a few hundred instead of a few thousand dollars. I think someone mentioned using RTV to seal the gasket but I think it depends where the fuel is leaking from. But yes, one way people avoided it was to just not fill the tank completely.
It’s just one person’s experience, but our 2003 E320 only seemed to have the problem when the tank was completely full. By the time it was down to ¾ the gasoline odor was gone. Filling about 3-4 gallons short worked okay, but it was just a work around and not a fix. The car was approaching 200k miles and was retired before the warranty coverage was issued.
Odd Piggy, if I could get anywhere close to 200k miles I'd be very much freerolling the cost of the car! At 5k miles a year I'd have it for at least a decade. But I'm glad to hear that the odor vanished with a short fill-up, even if it was just a work around.
There's a few threads where people fixed the leak outside of warranty. You don't really need to replace the tank but I guess you just need the fuel pump/filter. So probably a few hundred instead of a few thousand dollars. I think someone mentioned using RTV to seal the gasket but I think it depends where the fuel is leaking from. But yes, one way people avoided it was to just not fill the tank completely.
cetialpha5, glad to hear that a potential fuel tank problem might not necessarily require the complete replacement of the tank. Hundreds sounds a lot better than thousands. And for sure if the ppi checks out I will not be filling up the tank all the way. Thanks.
cetialpha5, glad to hear that a potential fuel tank problem might not necessarily require the complete replacement of the tank. Hundreds sounds a lot better than thousands. And for sure if the ppi checks out I will not be filling up the tank all the way. Thanks.
If it's not leaking, you can just keep filling it up all the way until you start to smell gas in the cabin. There are several videos out there on youtube on how to remove the rear seat to check to see if gas is pooling on top of the fuel pump/filter.
I ended up passing on the one I originally agreed upon. The seller couldn’t work out the problem with the radio and the indie shop had to do further work on their intake manifold replacement, so I passed.
Ended up with another 2007 W211, E350 Sport. Not nearly as immaculate on the exterior as my original one but better condition in the interior along with 25k less miles (100k when I picked it up). Paid $7,900. Ppi checked out. Man, what a smooth, powerful, quiet ride! I’ve put 2,500 miles on it and am very happy. Thanks again for everyone’s advice and comments.
My engine number was out of the “death zone” so should be okay but want to refinish my wheels, or buy some new replica wheels. Also my headliner in the back is falling. Lol. It’s always going to be something.
I’d like to imagine an e550! That’s an awesome set of wheels, for sure.
My engine number was out of the “death zone” so should be okay but want to refinish my wheels, or buy some new replica wheels. Also my headliner in the back is falling. Lol. It’s always going to be something.
I’d like to imagine an e550! That’s an awesome set of wheels, for sure.
It looks nice . It seems it has been driven by someone's for preference to dark color clothing. You can recover most of the original color of the seats with a good detailer. What problem do you have with the wheels, clear coat is peeling?
If you do the work on the headliner, you may want to check on the courtesy/privacy screen and maintain it (or fixed if stuck already). It tends to stick, and some owners just leave it as is (too expensive to be repaired by someone else)
It looks nice . It seems it has been driven by someone's for preference to dark color clothing. You can recover most of the original color of the seats with a good detailer. What problem do you have with the wheels, clear coat is peeling?
If you do the work on the headliner, you may want to check on the courtesy/privacy screen and maintain it (or fixed if stuck already). It tends to stick, and some owners just leave it as is (too expensive to be repaired by someone else)
Thanks! That’s very odd with the seat as that discoloration is not visible in person. Maybe some bizarre shadowing. 🤷♂️. I’d like to look this minute but I rode my bicycle to work today. Lol
Unfortunately, the wheels have been badly rim rashed. Also, the clear coating around the middle emblem is peeling badly. I see new replicas for $200 each or I can get these wheels refinished for about the same price, maybe a little less. Debating whether or not to put any money into it. Car was driven by an elderly fellow, but garaged at least (which I also do).
Steering wheel didn’t need a cover and seat had no rips, unlike many other w211’s I had seen.
Good call on the privacy screen, it’s stuck in place in the stored position. Have been gently playing with it while wife hits the dash button but no luck so I’m leaving it alone for now.
Thanks! That’s very odd with the seat as that discoloration is not visible in person. Maybe some bizarre shadowing. 🤷♂️. I’d like to look this minute but I rode my bicycle to work today. Lol
Unfortunately, the wheels have been badly rim rashed. Also, the clear coating around the middle emblem is peeling badly. I see new replicas for $200 each or I can get these wheels refinished for about the same price, maybe a little less. Debating whether or not to put any money into it. Car was driven by an elderly fellow, but garaged at least (which I also do).
Steering wheel didn’t need a cover and seat had no rips, unlike many other w211’s I had seen.
Good call on the privacy screen, it’s stuck in place in the stored position. Have been gently playing with it while wife hits the dash button but no luck so I’m leaving it alone for now.
Perhaps is light, but my W212 has the same interior color and I know when I am staining the seats. Usually when wearing brand new jeans (blue, or black). Finding a mild cleaner not to dry the MB-Tex should clear the stain and bring the original color back.
I noticed the steering wheel looks in great shape for a 2007 vehicle, sister's W211 is wood but not-wooden parts are not aging great. It seems to me the material used is "bio/light-degradable" since I have seen many used W211 with covers. Usually material is eroded or some unpleasant stickiness due to degradation. Watch out for the headlamp switch cover which tends to degrade as well. Not sure if it is the sunlight when the car is outdoors (like when at the beach).
On the privacy screen, I noticed that sometimes one press does not nothing, press once wait 2 o 3 second press again and it works. Same to get it down if stuck. When the motor grease gets dry it seems the motor needs some help. I dismounted sisters, clean it, greased again and it is working so far. No need to replace mechanism. Can you hear the motor clicking when the button pressed?
Perhaps is light, but my W212 has the same interior color and I know when I am staining the seats. Usually when wearing brand new jeans (blue, or black). Finding a mild cleaner not to dry the MB-Tex should clear the stain and bring the original color back.
I noticed the steering wheel looks in great shape for a 2007 vehicle, sister's W211 is wood but not-wooden parts are not aging great. It seems to me the material used is "bio/light-degradable" since I have seen many used W211 with covers. Usually material is eroded or some unpleasant stickiness due to degradation. Watch out for the headlamp switch cover which tends to degrade as well. Not sure if it is the sunlight when the car is outdoors (like when at the beach).
On the privacy screen, I noticed that sometimes one press does not nothing, press once wait 2 o 3 second press again and it works. Same to get it down if stuck. When the motor grease gets dry it seems the motor needs some help. I dismounted sisters, clean it, greased again and it is working so far. No need to replace mechanism. Can you hear the motor clicking when the button pressed?
Much obliged for all of the tips! I may have inadvertently worn some new jeans and also a black jacket recently as we had some coolish weather here in S. Florida (50’s Lol). You’re right, of course, the sun can do serious damage, which apparently caused your sister’s deterioration. And certainly, W211’s are older vehicles, and aging never helps. She’s lucky she’s got you to help her!
I’ve never heard a click of any kind when trying to operate the screen and am thinking it might be a fuse, but figured I’d scan the forums for some answers when I got a chance.
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But I'm glad to hear that the odor vanished with a short fill-up, even if it was just a work around.
. It seems it has been driven by someone's for preference to dark color clothing. You can recover most of the original color of the seats with a good detailer. What problem do you have with the wheels, clear coat is peeling? 
