spartacus2002

hi folks, I am considering purchasing a 2010 E550 4Matic sedan with 44,000 miles. It appears to be in great shape. I test-drove it and it rode/ran well.

Are there any components or issues I should be specifically checking on this vehicle prior to purchase? I really don't want to buy it then have it be a money pit.

Thanks in advance.

homeofstone

Airmatic suspension is all I can think of and it should be fine until about 100,000 miles. I suggest purchasing an extended warranty on the car. At 44k miles it should have had the 40 k service which includes oil/filter change and transmission service and brake fluid service and maybe cabin air filter all of which totals about $1000.00.

KEY08

They are great cars and can be had for a song, so take that into consideration when making your purchase. I think the previous post covered most of the concerns. Not sure what options are on the 550 you are looking at, but P2 is a must and there some other great options that make the driving experience so much better as well. Look around on this site to see and hear about options some cannot live without.

timlippold

As with any German car out of warranty, a documented service history is a must. Look for an owner that had been proactive and meticulous with the mechanical maintenance and cosmetics. The last thing you want is a car that has deferred maintenance or has only had the minimum work performed. I also recommend a pre purchase inspection at a dealer or independent shop that services Mercedes.

thefisch

You should look to see if the burl wood trim is faded. If it has the black trim then no worries.

jahquan3

I think everything has been covered. Maybe double check no pulsating rotor issues, and there is a sticky here with all of the TSB items. Also there is a new recall going out concerning the airbag system being replaced. It is now active on the MBUSA site but I think most service departments are still waiting on the parts to come in. It effects my car so it might effect yours to. Just something to make note of as well. Good luck and it's an amazing car

Arrie

Oops, one item is missing!


The MOST concerning thing to me would be the 4Matic transfer case issues. If I was buying the car I would not touch it unless it has the transfer case replaced with the improved version. It seems like a bearing issue and MB says it requires the whole gear box change to repair it. Pretty pricey bearing fix.


Honestly, I would not trust 4Matic on an E-class 2010 - 2014 models.


There is a lot of posts of transfer case issues in this forum.


I'm lucky to have a 2010 E550 without 4Matic but with Airmatic. Great car other than it rattles inside. Airmatic had a leak issue in the rear springs that were replaced with an improved design. There is a TSB for this so against this you should have them replaced BEFORE you buy the car.


Other than above it has been very nice ride.

Airmousam

Transfer case is that big of an issue? Did not know that, as I rarely see it mentioned here.

KEY08

Me either with the W212. I had an issue in my W211, but a change to a different fluid fixed the low speed shimmy when turning.

jahquan3

I have a RWD w/Airmatic as well. I don't remember reading much about 4-Matic transfer case issues, but maybe I just skimmed over it.

spartacus2002

Well, I bought the car today after seeing the service records and carfax report. 10,20,30,&40k complete services were done. Car is immaculate. It is also BIG, much bigger than any sedan I have driven. Looking forward to studying the owner's manual. Plus I bought a comprehensive 3yr/30k miles service contract thru USAA with zero deductible. And I found a local independent MB-only mechanic with 28 years experience wrenching on MBs who accepts that contract's claims-filing requirements.

Whew! I love cars but this purchase was a leap of faith for me. Looks like it worked out.

thefisch

congrats. Post some pics so we can enjoy too.

spartacus2002

will do soon



EDIT: Disregard, the P symbol seems to be for the parking assist system.

teksurv

I believe that is for Parktronic/Parking Assist, not a fault.

spartacus2002

Thanks. Yep, I found a thread here from 2011 where a guy had the same issue and it turned out to be Parktronic. Man, the power of the internet...

Airmousam

Congrats!

KEY08

Nicely done. You will enjoy it.

Arrie

Below one link to discussion where konigstiger mentions a bulleting for it. If there is a bulletin then MB knows there is an issue with their design.


Also in this thread there is a link to another thread about the same topic.



https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-case-bad.html

spartacus2002

Black exterior paint was covered in early-morning dew when these pics were taken. Paint is fine but needs a good coat of wax to fill in some swirls. The kids (8 and 10) have dubbed it "The Limo" and insist on riding in the back so they can ride in style; no more fighting over front seat.

KEY08

The TSB LI28.00-P-051499 mentioned is for vibration and chatter. The list of cars affected, although extensive, does not include the 2010 E550 4Matic.

jahquan3

Nice ride. Enjoy

El Cid

Congrats! Appears you have model with "old" type light switch (mine does). The Operator's Manual may not cover it (mine doesn't). Have found out that if I leave the DRL's enabled in the COMAND menu, leaving the switch on "O" for off causes all lights to operate automatically. If you enable the approach(?) lights in COMAND, you have to leave switch in "A" for automatic. These are the lights under the outside mirrors. But you can enable them, leave switch in "O" and approach lights don't come on. I didn't like fact that every time I opened the locks, the approach lights came on. Turn to "A" whenever I want the approach lights.
Recommend you read the OM and COMAND Manuals very carefully and make notes.
The second and third stickys on this thread cover almost all the known issues. However, they are very long.
Happy Motoring!