gawdfatha

I am considering whether to purchase a 2013 S350 Bluetec sedan with 37,000 miles. The factory warranty just expired and it's not a CPO. Seller is asking $44,000 negotiable. Has a clean Carfax and MBUSA dealer maintenance record.

Have driven a 2007 ML320 CDI since new and have had great experience with it. Only mech failures were the injector pump and a transmission sensor. But that engine does not have the AdBlue urea fluid workaround installed on US cars.

But I have read the posts here about issues with 2012 and 2013 S350's (engine oil seal leaks, AdBlue problems, and reflashed transmission software). I am also aware of the ongoing lawsuit alleging excessive emission levels at cold start. So would appreciate any input from current and/or past S350 owners about whether pursuing the car for @ $35K does or does not sound like a good idea at the time ...

Many thanks,
Gawdfatha

Mike5215

I wouldn't touch it (especially a TD) or any S without a warranty. Your credit union can sell you one if you finance the purchase through them. They run between $4k and $8k for a decent one.

alx

i have one. a 2013 bought it as my significant other's winter beater. she drives it daily and puts about 75 miles on it regardless of weather.

my car right now sits at 75k miles. so far it has thrown def heater, a rear door handle, a rear door module (the other door) and required a tcu update.

the car has been reliable as w221 goes.

but... what mike said - if you are not a capable mechanic with the right tools- get a warranty.

gawdfatha

Got it - That makes sense. I would prefer to buy a CPO with warranty, but so few S350's were delivered to the US in 2012 and 2013 that I can't find any CPO S350's for sale. So will try to carve enough off the price to cover a private warranty contract. Appreciate the advice!

Regards,

d1g174l

I love the S350. It's an amazing car. There are bypass chips for the Adblue system if it fails post warranty. The millieage is unbelievable. Mine has the iPod adaptor in the glovebox and I installed the tune2air which makes it reasonably current technology wise.

The torque is anazing all along the power curve.

Wonderful cars.

Nuru

Good car, you definitely want to get an aftermarket warranty for it. Those miles and its age, you probably can get a good warranty for less than $3500, but you will need to bargain. I have a S350 maintenance thread, where you can see what issues I had on my 2012.

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ce-issues.html

Oil Leak: I have been told that once the engine has the oil leak, the repair will take care of it as MB changed the seals and the new seal types are installed when it si repaired.

I also completed a Fridge Retrofit:

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...rigerator.html

DubVBenz

Can you share what systems you've found to bypass Adblue (and hopefully DPF)?

d1g174l

Here's a few:

http://www.diag-x.com/minusblue.html

http://mbdoctor.com/cd-changer/sprin...arts-here.html

https://www.cardiag.com/product/merc...etec-emulator/

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/c...tec/1144052842

I'm doing research in advance for when my warranty is up in 2019...I'm not paying $1600 for an adblue heater if it fails post warranty...

Here's a DIY on gutting the DPF:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w221...rticulate.html

JJFelock

I bought a CPO 2013 S350 4 years ago (2015). Great ride, very comfortable, awesom mileage. My issues however: from day 1, even after having two different shops look at it, it shifts unevenly in crawling traffic at low speed. NO one can explain it. Now at 77K mikes, some things are failing. I just spent $1800 on front end parts, yes, Boston area roads are deplorable, but to me, a car of this supposed quality should have more robust suspension hardware. The real eye opener however is that my check engine light just came on, and the adblue heating unit has failed. The part alone is $1600 - for a stinking heater? 6 years old and 77K miles. Sorry, but I think that's bull****. The whole job will be $2500, 10% of the car's current value. I'm out, trading it in for a non MB replacement.

artim808

Did you consider to disable adblue? It will be much cheaper than repair.

JJFelock

How does one disable it and wouldn't that turn up later in an inspection? Many thanks for your reply.

artim808

I don't know where you're located, but in some states on inspection they just connect OBD to check IM readings - everything must be ready and no CEL. So if you disable adblue and IM readings are ready and you don't have CEL you should pass the smog inspection.

JJFelock

In Massachusetts.

artim808

According to emissions.org emissions testing in Massachusetts is done with On-Board Diagnostic Tests and DYNO testing is not required for vehicles newer than the 2000 year models. If you like the car and you would like to keep it you should have to consider to disable adblue. You can check sprinter forum and ask for opinions since lots of sprinters has same OM642 engine as your S350.

Source: https://www.emissions.org/loc/massac...sions-testing/

fkong777

Why do you need a diesel car? for fuel economy? at that price you can get a 2010 S63. Last Model year NA V8 AMG with all the engine issue sorted out on that year. I was looking to get one as my unicorn car until I found my 2011 S550 designo, Last MY NA V8 for S550.

d1g174l

Hello there JJFelock! I highly suspect that what feels like shifting issues at low speeds are actually misfires as a result of a plugged intake manifold. There is a fellow named Tom Stephens that has written pretty extensively on the issues with the OM642.

There is an interesting article on some of his recommendations at the Sprinter-Source Forum here:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...t=61993&page=7

lwgolf

I have a s350 2012. Read Tom Stephens material and followed his recommendations . Car runs much better and now has 105000 miles. Dealer diagnosed oil leak as main seal. Wound up being turbo intercooler. No more dealer for me. Tom recommended a 20w50 oil. Called amsoil and they discouraged it. Time for an oil change. Anybody have any recommendations. Tom Stephens knows his stuff

lwgolf

I put the adblue by pass on my s350 and it runs great. What engine oil do you use.

artim808

Do you have DPF/EGR deleted? What changes you make other than different oil?

lwgolf

I do not have dpf/dgr deleted. Did you?