Looking at a 2015 with 80k miles, need some advice..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut
2010 E350 Sport
Looking at a 2015 with 80k miles, need some advice..
I put a deposit on a 2015 E350 4-Matic with Sport Package locally with just about 80k miles on the ODO. The service history is mostly missing from the Carfax. Here's the link:
https://www.watertownmitsubishi.com/...-ct/105797209/
It's not perfect, but looked to be in very good condition. I experienced vibration when braking from highway speeds, a slight vibration when driving over 70mph, and an unusual sound when veering out of my line (lane keep assist, but it sounded odd). The front calipers looked like they have been painted red, but are now just a very faded color.
Is there anything I should be looking for? Are these vehicles generally reliable?
I also have a backup option, that is also much less expensive in the form of a 2011 GLK but don't know how comfortable or reliable that is either:
https://www.terryvillechevy.com/used...GG8HBXBF536088
Would love some direction here, especially since I haven't owned a German vehicle in more than a decade (2010 E350 RWD, 2008 328xi), and have since been driving problem-free Lexus/Toyota (ES 250 AWD, Toyota Avalon Hybrid).
https://www.watertownmitsubishi.com/...-ct/105797209/
It's not perfect, but looked to be in very good condition. I experienced vibration when braking from highway speeds, a slight vibration when driving over 70mph, and an unusual sound when veering out of my line (lane keep assist, but it sounded odd). The front calipers looked like they have been painted red, but are now just a very faded color.
Is there anything I should be looking for? Are these vehicles generally reliable?
I also have a backup option, that is also much less expensive in the form of a 2011 GLK but don't know how comfortable or reliable that is either:
https://www.terryvillechevy.com/used...GG8HBXBF536088
Would love some direction here, especially since I haven't owned a German vehicle in more than a decade (2010 E350 RWD, 2008 328xi), and have since been driving problem-free Lexus/Toyota (ES 250 AWD, Toyota Avalon Hybrid).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,924
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
E350 PPI POINTERS
I put a deposit on a 2015 E350 4-Matic with Sport Package locally with just about 80k miles on the ODO. The service history is mostly missing from the Carfax. Here's the link:
https://www.watertownmitsubishi.com/...-ct/105797209/
It's not perfect, but looked to be in very good condition. I experienced vibration when braking from highway speeds, a slight vibration when driving over 70mph, and an unusual sound when veering out of my line (lane keep assist, but it sounded odd). The front calipers looked like they have been painted red, but are now just a very faded color.
Is there anything I should be looking for? Are these vehicles generally reliable?
I also have a backup option, that is also much less expensive in the form of a 2011 GLK but don't know how comfortable or reliable that is either:
https://www.terryvillechevy.com/used...GG8HBXBF536088
Would love some direction here, especially since I haven't owned a German vehicle in more than a decade (2010 E350 RWD, 2008 328xi), and have since been driving problem-free Lexus/Toyota (ES 250 AWD, Toyota Avalon Hybrid).
https://www.watertownmitsubishi.com/...-ct/105797209/
It's not perfect, but looked to be in very good condition. I experienced vibration when braking from highway speeds, a slight vibration when driving over 70mph, and an unusual sound when veering out of my line (lane keep assist, but it sounded odd). The front calipers looked like they have been painted red, but are now just a very faded color.
Is there anything I should be looking for? Are these vehicles generally reliable?
I also have a backup option, that is also much less expensive in the form of a 2011 GLK but don't know how comfortable or reliable that is either:
https://www.terryvillechevy.com/used...GG8HBXBF536088
Would love some direction here, especially since I haven't owned a German vehicle in more than a decade (2010 E350 RWD, 2008 328xi), and have since been driving problem-free Lexus/Toyota (ES 250 AWD, Toyota Avalon Hybrid).
The known surprises with signicant repair cost that need inspection are from stock limited oiling setup:
- scored cylinders bore scope
- "$10k oily harness" failed sensors
- Cold start rattling failed VVT phasers
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Sep 2, 2025 at 12:39 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 599
Likes: 237
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
If the car fails the road test and has an unknown service history the prudent buyer will find a better option sold by a more attentive seller, and have the car inspected by a mercedes knowledgeable mechanic. Based on your statements, I believe you will be best served by buying a Toyota. You are not prepared to take care of preventive maintenance and the higher costs associated with a high mileage Mercedes.
Last edited by smiles201; Sep 2, 2025 at 12:38 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,690
Likes: 1,111
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
I personally like that GLK350. I have a 2010 C300 4matic sport with over 160,000 miles and it runs and drives great. I bought it 5yrs ago for $7,000 with around 115,000 miles. I think the M272 engine is fairly simple and easy to work on. I am always doing something to the car for maintenance.
Being in New England rust is a big issue. Get under each car and give it a thorough inspection. I replaced the struts, springs and shocks due to rust. Had to replace the rear passenger brake line due to severe corrosion, I think the drivers had been previously replaced from the looks of it. I work on the car myself so its not that expensive. If I took it to a shop for all the work then no way would it be worth it. Just the brake line the local MB dealer wanted over $2k if im remembering correctly. I did it for under $100 and the biggest cost was buying the flaring tool. Speaking of tools, to replace $10 bushings in the back I paid around $200 for the special MB tool.
Look up to see if they are PZEV engines, mine is and had the 15yr/150,000 mile warranty which is past now.
For $16,000 I would want a perfectly running and driving vehicle. If there were any issues I would forget about it quickly and move on. In general always take time to think it over.
Painted calipers, I picture someone racing the car around. Im speculating.
Being in New England rust is a big issue. Get under each car and give it a thorough inspection. I replaced the struts, springs and shocks due to rust. Had to replace the rear passenger brake line due to severe corrosion, I think the drivers had been previously replaced from the looks of it. I work on the car myself so its not that expensive. If I took it to a shop for all the work then no way would it be worth it. Just the brake line the local MB dealer wanted over $2k if im remembering correctly. I did it for under $100 and the biggest cost was buying the flaring tool. Speaking of tools, to replace $10 bushings in the back I paid around $200 for the special MB tool.
Look up to see if they are PZEV engines, mine is and had the 15yr/150,000 mile warranty which is past now.
For $16,000 I would want a perfectly running and driving vehicle. If there were any issues I would forget about it quickly and move on. In general always take time to think it over.
Painted calipers, I picture someone racing the car around. Im speculating.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut
2010 E350 Sport
I personally like that GLK350. I have a 2010 C300 4matic sport with over 160,000 miles and it runs and drives great. I bought it 5yrs ago for $7,000 with around 115,000 miles. I think the M272 engine is fairly simple and easy to work on. I am always doing something to the car for maintenance.
Being in New England rust is a big issue. Get under each car and give it a thorough inspection. I replaced the struts, springs and shocks due to rust. Had to replace the rear passenger brake line due to severe corrosion, I think the drivers had been previously replaced from the looks of it. I work on the car myself so its not that expensive. If I took it to a shop for all the work then no way would it be worth it. Just the brake line the local MB dealer wanted over $2k if im remembering correctly. I did it for under $100 and the biggest cost was buying the flaring tool. Speaking of tools, to replace $10 bushings in the back I paid around $200 for the special MB tool.
Look up to see if they are PZEV engines, mine is and had the 15yr/150,000 mile warranty which is past now.
For $16,000 I would want a perfectly running and driving vehicle. If there were any issues I would forget about it quickly and move on. In general always take time to think it over.
Painted calipers, I picture someone racing the car around. Im speculating.
Being in New England rust is a big issue. Get under each car and give it a thorough inspection. I replaced the struts, springs and shocks due to rust. Had to replace the rear passenger brake line due to severe corrosion, I think the drivers had been previously replaced from the looks of it. I work on the car myself so its not that expensive. If I took it to a shop for all the work then no way would it be worth it. Just the brake line the local MB dealer wanted over $2k if im remembering correctly. I did it for under $100 and the biggest cost was buying the flaring tool. Speaking of tools, to replace $10 bushings in the back I paid around $200 for the special MB tool.
Look up to see if they are PZEV engines, mine is and had the 15yr/150,000 mile warranty which is past now.
For $16,000 I would want a perfectly running and driving vehicle. If there were any issues I would forget about it quickly and move on. In general always take time to think it over.
Painted calipers, I picture someone racing the car around. Im speculating.
Today I came across a showroom condition 2014 in Diamond White with Chestnut leather. 98k miles. 4-Matic with an MSRP of $64,560. One owner with extensive service records for $16k. Does this look like a better buy? If I buy a warranty from the dealer, should I still be worried?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 339
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
Our 3.5NA (M276) ‘14 E350 has 165k miles, and both looks and drives like new.
We do maintenance by the book, at the dealer, and replace things when worn (shocks/struts, engine/transmission mounts).
I think if the car passes a competent PDI you should be able to enjoy the car for many years to come. Mileage doesn’t hurt a Benz, misuse/disuse/abuse/lack-of-maintenance does.
We do maintenance by the book, at the dealer, and replace things when worn (shocks/struts, engine/transmission mounts).
I think if the car passes a competent PDI you should be able to enjoy the car for many years to come. Mileage doesn’t hurt a Benz, misuse/disuse/abuse/lack-of-maintenance does.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 592
From: NY & FL
MB’s of all kinds.
Our 3.5NA (M276) ‘14 E350 has 165k miles, and both looks and drives like new.
We do maintenance by the book, at the dealer, and replace things when worn (shocks/struts, engine/transmission mounts).
I think if the car passes a competent PDI you should be able to enjoy the car for many years to come. Mileage doesn’t hurt a Benz, misuse/disuse/abuse/lack-of-maintenance does.
We do maintenance by the book, at the dealer, and replace things when worn (shocks/struts, engine/transmission mounts).
I think if the car passes a competent PDI you should be able to enjoy the car for many years to come. Mileage doesn’t hurt a Benz, misuse/disuse/abuse/lack-of-maintenance does.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 173
Likes: 62
From: California
2016 E350 Sport
" If I buy a warranty from the dealer, should I still be worried?"
My car is north of 50K miles, and about a month ago, I got an email from dealer where I have it serviced offering a CPO warranty. They quoted me $9K+ for 3 years or 100K miles. I DIDN'T BITE!
My car is north of 50K miles, and about a month ago, I got an email from dealer where I have it serviced offering a CPO warranty. They quoted me $9K+ for 3 years or 100K miles. I DIDN'T BITE!
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
there is one very expensive repair needed on the models and model years your considering, if the car lived its life in snowy climates where salt is used on the roads. That repair is replacing the faulty brake lines. Mercedes used some new brake lines in these model years, which were a disaster. They rust and start leaking after 8-10 years, and it is minimum $2500 job to do. Definitely find a car that already had them replaced if its a 2010-2015 model year that spent its life in northern states..
Last edited by 2013W212; Sep 14, 2025 at 10:07 PM.
