I'm looking to buy my first R350, advice please
 

Hi all.. first timer here. I am looking at a 2007 R350, it's for sale locally, one owner here is the short description per the listing.

"Winter is coming, what better way to weather the storm than with this affordable 4Matic with heated seats! We are pleased to offer an EXCEPTIONALLY clean and well optioned R350 4Matic SUV finished in Arctic White with a beige leather interior. This is a single owner vehicle with a comprehensive service history. This vehicle is in as new condition. Four brand new Continental Radials and just serviced. Rare rear console option."

The shop selling this R has a great reputation, I have known the guys there since 2000. Independent MB shop. It has high mileage 160k, but so does my 190E (187k) and my last 3 Land Rovers (247k, 253k and 145k) I am an ex-Mechanic and service my own cars. I am not too worried about high mileage cars, and since I know the shop should I grab this one, Listed at $8500..? I appreciate your advice..

Thanks
Chris

You might want to get the engine serial # and see if it falls into the balance shaft issues that the early gassers had. Search the forums for the engine serial number range(s).

Don't

Buy 2008+. My 2008 R350 has zero defect so far.

That's great Asian but, my experience has been awful. This past year I have spent $5K just to keep the car on the road. Now I'm in the middle of CA smog hell because of a recurrent P0410 error code despite $1K in fixes and no one has an answer. When the car runs, it runs great but, the cost of maintenance for me has not been worth the purchase.

Not sure about the price... considering 160k on the clock... that said, at that mileage, if something was flawed it would have shown by now.

If it looks good and drives good, try and get it cheaper.. we like ours. It is the best riding highway cruiser I've had.

Honestly, the OP stated it has 160k... the faulty sprocket would have failed a long time ago... remember, it was only around 10% of all the engines that had faulty gears...

Our 06 is sitting at 105k and has been pretty trouble free... I am leaning towards retiring it but my wife loves it and wants a year or so more with it.

My 2006 has been fine as well.... to be honest... considering the 2006 is now approaching 10 years old.. the bad ones have vetted themselves by now... in other words... a good running and driving example with a robust service history is probably a safe bet when it comes to the inherent issues.


Now with the one in question having 160k.... I would seriously look at things like the differentials, suspension components, transmission, and obviously under the hood. Many of these components could be approaching end of life. I would be scared of constant component replacement... but that is me..

Thanks Jeff.. pretty much my thoughts. If it weren't for the reputation of the shop selling it I would run away. I am not worried that much about a Benz with high miles, the car shows super clean, one owner. I will look at it tomorrow and report back, I am planning on getting it for less if I do.