Planning to buy my first Benz, but have some concerns!
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Planning to buy my first Benz, but have some concerns!
Hi, I was planning to buy w212 2012 with OM651 engine, however Im concerned about the engine noise. Never really owned a diesel engine, but it sounds loader than I would think it should sound.
Chain?
Milage supposedly is 220k kilometer / 136k miles
Part 1:
Part 2:
Chain?
Milage supposedly is 220k kilometer / 136k miles
Part 1:
Last edited by Zvejniex; Oct 18, 2024 at 01:00 PM.
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
good catch! it does have a limp tensioner and chain sound 
In addition, the starter crank sounds like a low battery or similar.
None of these issues are a big deal to fix. Nothing out of the ordinary.
In addition, the starter crank sounds like a low battery or similar.
None of these issues are a big deal to fix. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 18, 2024 at 01:24 PM.
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Any additional input would be highly appreciated!!! Im on a fence here as the car looks good from inside and outside, but I have bad luck with engines as last subaru purchase after 1year resulted in crazy rod knock
Is it likely that at that milage this could happen?
Last edited by Zvejniex; Oct 18, 2024 at 01:40 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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Posts: 11,922
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
How certain can we be its just tensioner issue and not cost a small fortune to change the whole chain.
I would assume 4 matics are harder to work on in this case.
Any additional input would be highly appreciated!!! Im on a fence here as the car looks good from inside and outside, but I have bad luck with engines as last subaru purchase after 1year resulted in crazy rod knock
Is it likely that at that milage this could happen?
I would assume 4 matics are harder to work on in this case.
Any additional input would be highly appreciated!!! Im on a fence here as the car looks good from inside and outside, but I have bad luck with engines as last subaru purchase after 1year resulted in crazy rod knock
Is it likely that at that milage this could happen?
MB parts are cheap but hourly charges can get up there with parts canon random luck...
Regarding the limp chain tensioner noise:
These modern diesel go the distance better than gasoline because they're harder to abuse.
When you buy high mileage that means time is up for A to Z maintenance - If you decide to ignore the cheap maintenance then you'll get the astronomical repairs.
I would buy that chassis and spend $2k in NORMAL/REGULAR maintenance up front:
- 4Matic + tranny,
- coolant + Tstat + radiator(mayo)
- mounts 2+1,
- suspension links + BJts
- batteries Main+ Aux
- serpentine belt + idlers + tensioner
- filters diesel fuel + engine + cabin
- DPF Exh.Pressure sensor,
- tires, brakes, alignment
I forgot to mention... inspect for major rust (frame+brake lines) if in salt belt - Hopefully not.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 18, 2024 at 02:21 PM.
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You're not buying a Toyota.... everything is gonna cost a small fortune to repair.
MB parts are cheap but hourly charges can get up there with parts canon random luck...
Regarding the limp chain tensioner noise:85% High chance $110 tensioner only. Don't guess look at the VVT Gear correction.
These modern diesel go the distance better than gasoline because they're harder to abuse.
When you buy high mileage that means time is up for A to Z maintenance - If you decide to ignore the cheap maintenance then you'll get the astronomical repairs.
I would buy that chassis and spend $2k in NORMAL/REGULAR maintenance up front:
I forgot to mention... inspect for major rust (frame+brake lines) if in salt belt - Hopefully not.
MB parts are cheap but hourly charges can get up there with parts canon random luck...
Regarding the limp chain tensioner noise:
These modern diesel go the distance better than gasoline because they're harder to abuse.
When you buy high mileage that means time is up for A to Z maintenance - If you decide to ignore the cheap maintenance then you'll get the astronomical repairs.
I would buy that chassis and spend $2k in NORMAL/REGULAR maintenance up front:
- 4Matic + tranny,
- coolant + Tstat + radiator(mayo)
- mounts 2+1,
- suspension links + BJts
- batteries Main+ Aux
- serpentine belt + idlers + tensioner
- filters diesel fuel + engine + cabin
- DPF Exh.Pressure sensor,
- tires, brakes, alignment
I forgot to mention... inspect for major rust (frame+brake lines) if in salt belt - Hopefully not.
Upon further inspection / thinking, I have a feeling this is NOT a risk I can afford right now
1. Potentially expensive rattling noise
2. Issues with hood, always shows open
3. Had some previous frontal collision, most likely right headlight was also replaced as its apparent that the color is a bit different.
4. REAR BACKSEATS CANNOT BE FOLDED DOWN
5. Price is as it would be a good vehicle 13k EUR, seems kinda high now
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
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From: Berlin...ish
2015 W212 E300 (M276) 4Matic
then i think youve made the right decision. When i bought my W212 i planned 2-3k Euro ontop for any maintenance that almost always pops up when buying a used car and i like to do additional things like change all fluids, filters, belts and you should also factor these things in. Ive even put fresh rubber on my wheels, both summer and winter. ide be perhaps considering something else for this budget or just wait for something a little cheaper to come along and have that reserve incase something does go wrong. just be patient......i waited 9 months before i found what i wanted but its significantly harder looking for a petrol variant, you should relatively easily find a good diesel.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,922
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
crash repaired...
Thanks for the feedback!!!
Upon further inspection / thinking, I have a feeling this is NOT a risk I can afford right now
1. Potentially expensive rattling noise
2. Issues with hood, always shows open
3. Had some previous frontal collision, most likely right headlight was also replaced as its apparent that the color is a bit different.
4. REAR BACKSEATS CANNOT BE FOLDED DOWN
5. Price is as it would be a good vehicle 13k EUR, seems kinda high now
Upon further inspection / thinking, I have a feeling this is NOT a risk I can afford right now
1. Potentially expensive rattling noise
2. Issues with hood, always shows open
3. Had some previous frontal collision, most likely right headlight was also replaced as its apparent that the color is a bit different.
4. REAR BACKSEATS CANNOT BE FOLDED DOWN
5. Price is as it would be a good vehicle 13k EUR, seems kinda high now
Someone else will enjoy this 2x priced gem
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,922
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
no pain/no gain
You'll find another better Mercedes for sure.
no remorse for passing this wreck.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 18, 2024 at 05:42 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 11
From: Berlin...ish
2015 W212 E300 (M276) 4Matic
Well it sounds like you had a good/correct feeling before hand and in saying that always go with your gut
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 739
Likes: 328
From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
You're not buying a Toyota.... everything is gonna cost a small fortune to repair.
MB parts are cheap but hourly charges can get up there with parts canon random luck...
Regarding the limp chain tensioner noise:85% High chance $110 tensioner only. Don't guess look at the VVT Gear correction.
These modern diesel go the distance better than gasoline because they're harder to abuse.
When you buy high mileage that means time is up for A to Z maintenance - If you decide to ignore the cheap maintenance then you'll get the astronomical repairs.
I would buy that chassis and spend $2k in NORMAL/REGULAR maintenance up front:
I forgot to mention... inspect for major rust (frame+brake lines) if in salt belt - Hopefully not.
MB parts are cheap but hourly charges can get up there with parts canon random luck...
Regarding the limp chain tensioner noise:
These modern diesel go the distance better than gasoline because they're harder to abuse.
When you buy high mileage that means time is up for A to Z maintenance - If you decide to ignore the cheap maintenance then you'll get the astronomical repairs.
I would buy that chassis and spend $2k in NORMAL/REGULAR maintenance up front:
- 4Matic + tranny,
- coolant + Tstat + radiator(mayo)
- mounts 2+1,
- suspension links + BJts
- batteries Main+ Aux
- serpentine belt + idlers + tensioner
- filters diesel fuel + engine + cabin
- DPF Exh.Pressure sensor,
- tires, brakes, alignment
I forgot to mention... inspect for major rust (frame+brake lines) if in salt belt - Hopefully not.
Diesels outlasting gassers has nothing to do with easier to abuse. Actually diesels are much easier to abuse with poor maintenance and tuning that is just ridiculous. Diesels can generally handle some extra abuse but it only goes so far. Was considering a 335D when I got my e250 but every one that I found local to me was definitely abused and used as little street racers which is too bad.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 739
Likes: 328
From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Thanks for the feedback!!!
Upon further inspection / thinking, I have a feeling this is NOT a risk I can afford right now
1. Potentially expensive rattling noise
2. Issues with hood, always shows open
3. Had some previous frontal collision, most likely right headlight was also replaced as its apparent that the color is a bit different.
4. REAR BACKSEATS CANNOT BE FOLDED DOWN
5. Price is as it would be a good vehicle 13k EUR, seems kinda high now
Upon further inspection / thinking, I have a feeling this is NOT a risk I can afford right now
1. Potentially expensive rattling noise
2. Issues with hood, always shows open
3. Had some previous frontal collision, most likely right headlight was also replaced as its apparent that the color is a bit different.
4. REAR BACKSEATS CANNOT BE FOLDED DOWN
5. Price is as it would be a good vehicle 13k EUR, seems kinda high now
The OM651 is louder than a comparable gasser however from what I can tell on the videos it was excessively loud (although hard to distinguish on videos).
The hoods on these cars need a good slamming to get the light to clear, a soft close is not gonna do it. That being said there seemed to be something up with this one. Just for future reference. First time I closed mine and drove off I got the light and learned quickly they cant be limp wristed.
