Danayoub

Hi guys,

Im looking at a nice 2010 e550 at a local dealer. I usually drive bmws, so I've become familiar with their issues (plugs, coils, misfires, etc) and what to look for/test before buying. I was wondering if you all could give me some pointers on what to look for on this 2010 model? Common issues or well known points of failure.

it has 88k miles

thanks in advance
Daniel

homeyclaus

Besides the obvious, a test drive etc:

Look at the Carfax and see how long it has been away from dealer maintenance. Then look at the airmatic system to make sure it hasn't been molested - good tools don't leave marks in the brass fittings. Also check things like the oil filter housing for tool marks - again, good mechanics don't use a giant pipe wrench to take them off.

davidjohnbamber

Get a PPI.

Peachy

I second this.

Danayoub

Thanks for the tips...

does the airmatic suspension usually hold up pretty well?

Peachy

I think I heard some of them start to go out around 100k miles. Just make sure it doesn't look like the car is sagging on any side, maybe bring a measuring tape and measure from the wheel well to the floor, they should all be within 0.5 inches of each other. Or something like that. When you test drive the car, use the airmatic buttons inside the raise and lower the car, make sure that's all working.


If they let you do a pre-purchase inspection like suggested, the person you take it to should be able to look up fault codes, minor/major airmatic leak will come up if there is one.

jahquan3

All the suggestions so far are great and I would also add to check for the faded wood trim inside the vehicle. Also there is a sticky pinned up near the top of the forum with many of the known issues and TSB type of items. I know as of now there is still a recall on airbags for the 2010 model that have not been fixed. So you might want to check that as well.
Warped Rotors and transfer case (4-Matic) have been mentioned by others in the forum. Overall a very reliable vehicle as I have over 130,000 miles and my car is still the love of my life.....Don't tell my wife LMAO!!!!

KEY08

Since you are already familiar with German cars and parts/labor cost it should not be an issue. When parts fail it is expensive. Agree with a good PPI and pay particular attention to brakes and the Airmatic systems. I had a 2010 E550 4Matic and it was a great car.

raja777m

While others mentioned on issues, I would like to add one more thing, are you getting both the keys? make sure the valet keys are actually working on the glove box and the doors.
One of my keys doesn't work, so, I assume they replaced it (feels heavier than the other one) and never configured to my doors.
*[Will be getting that issue fixed this Tuesday's appointment though.]

belarus27

Airmatic ,

make sure u get both keys n both of them work if you take out the button (if u have it) n try it. (I only got one key and it only works through keyless go lol , dont ask.

go to dealer and print their full report on the car to see how reliable it was.

also check bushings and ball joints.

other than that , make sure the car is in okay overall shape.
Thats it , that i could remember real quick

belarus27

Oh.. also check the seat heater/cooling on drivers side (if applicable) and seat side bolsters make sure then dont leak air (if applicable) even tho ahould be standard on 550s.

cetialpha5

I've done a few other things like replace the rear shocks, the pulleys and tensioner. The two piece wood cover for the cup holders also wasn't working, but there's a video on how to fix the comand knob and that involves taking apart the ash tray compartment and I was able to fix it following that video. Then again, my car is over 100k. Also if it has a pano roof, go over a ramp at an angle and see if it makes any popping/cracking noise, when the body flexes if the bolts are loose, it will make noise. I hope the one you get is loaded and has parktronic and keyless go/bixenons(headlamp washers). Faded wood, ripped seat is pretty common. On the other hand I believe if it's an E550, you have real leather and it's the MB-tex in the E350 that tends to rip. But faded wood is a big thing, if it is, just casually mention that you want it replaced. I think the wood kit is something like 3-4k from the dealer plus labor. Open the door and see if the wood hidden by the door is the same as the door.

raja777m

I don't remember which one, one of the models have recalls on power seats, they make noise when moving forward or backward. Make sure they work in all directions, all the up from top to bottom. If the car is equipped with massage seats, make sure they are working fine..!

Danayoub

Awesome advice guys, thanks for all the comments. The car is going for PPI tomorrow. If everything goes well I'll post some pictures!