altesilber

Hello Folks, new guy here. I am about to purchase a 2011 3.5l E350 4matic with 38 k miles. Car is spotless in and out, however I did find one problem that the dealer is having a M B dealership fix.. The car was traded at a Audi-Porsche dealership and the problem was over their head. I've been told that it is having a "clutch pack" replaced. I picked up the prob during the test drive, high frequency vibration in steering wheel which increased on turning. I thought it might be engine/tranny mounts, but they are ok. Would you Folks please give me a checklist of items to check out before I buy. I am familiar with the perils and cost of M B ownership having had a 300SD and two 300TD's. That old 116 series SD was a great car. Thanks all.

Mud

Wow that's low mileage.
I own the same car w 58k miles. Generally been ok but I would suggest asking the MB dealership to go over it while its there for the current work. They can pull any dealer service records. Plus you can get info on current maintenance conditions.

My warranty repairs (I have extended warranty) have been interior wood trim replacement, driver seat pad replacement, engine/transmission mounts, console storage cover, and just recently a.c. compressor replacement. The first 3 items are fairly common issues from what I understand.

300SE1993

191K miles on mine and it's been trouble free. I got it at 173K. Prior owner said the only problem was a burned out headlight bulb. Mine is on original transmission. It was a little chattery on torque converter lockup when I got it, but fresh fluid and filter fixed it (It hadn't been done since 40K miles and I did it at 175K). I'd be a little scared of a car that needs a clutch pack in the transmission, as they are typically good units. I'd go for a fresh main and auxiliary battery just to be safe. Make sure the brakes don't pulsate as front rotors are known to have this issue.

altesilber

Curious, which extended warranty did you purchase? Quite a variety available. Thanks.

altesilber

Hi Mud. Which extended warranty did you purchase? A lot of them out there. Thanks

Mud

I bought the MB 7yr/100k extended warranty (ELW) while the car was still in original factory warranty. I bought it initially w 25k miles on it. Looks like the ELW will expire based on time rather than miles since I'm retired and drive less. I typically don't do extended warranties but this was first MB and I just wasn't sure about longer term reliability. I've used some value out of it and unless something major craters between now and Dec, MB will have made a bit off of it. That's ok, I knew what I was buying.

There's a section in this forum devoted to warranties, I used that to help me shop for cost and where to buy from. Much less than the dealer and its been super simple using it at the dealer, including loaner. I bought it thru a fellow named Jason but I don't recall the dealership he worked through at the time.

I plan to keep the car after the ELW expires.

C280 Sport

That is low miles. Maybe try and find a good MB indi shop to find it. You would be surprised what the dealer overlooks sometimes.

VegasE

First, that is very low miles for a major repair of that nature. Who knows what else might have been abused?

Second, I would only consider a 2012+ E350. There was a major makeover for the 2012 MY which includes a much more powerful engine that gets better gas mileage as compared to the 2011. Also, the 2012 has a 70K service interval on the tranny as opposed to 40K on the 2011. The only downside to a 2012 is that the spark plugs require twice as much labor to replace as opposed to a 2011 (replace at 60K intervals).

thefisch

OP, what extended warranty options are available to you at purchase?

altesilber

The best extended warranty from this dealer is the Porsche plan. I'll pass on that.

belarus27

185 for 2 mounts
And 280 for work.

Old .mounts had 142k miles on them.
And were worn out pretty bad.
Anyone thats in doubt...just change them.

kajtek1

You must be another victim of "related topics" program that glues different posts together.
How many times I started in diesel section, only to notice that I am reading "for sale"
Administrators don't react on the complains.