RPB

I am looking at a 2001 55 two-tone, the car has 105k and looks in good shape. No accidents on CarFax.

I was looking over some paperwork from 7 years ago when it had 50k and there was some work done that I found interesting. On two separate visits it a short span it had all this below done:

Blower motor operation checked
Recommended maintenance performed
Spark plug(s) replaced
Spark plugs and wires replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Shift linkage repaired
A/C and heating system checked
Front carpet replaced
Interior trim repaired
Evaporator case drain hose repaired
Maintenance inspection completed
Seat memory computer/module replaced
Electrical system checked
Cabin air filter replaced
Blower motor controller replaced
Door sill plate/trim replaced
Cooling system checked
Front turn signal/parking bulb(s) replaced
Headlight(s) replaced

Ashtray replaced
Console shifter trim replaced
Lighter replaced/repaired
Steering wheel replaced
Horn replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Brake light switch replaced
Front seat adjuster replaced
Electrical system checked
High mount brake light assembly replaced
Interior trim repaired
Blower motor controller replaced

Is this normal for these cars?

Thanks!

MBfinatic

Sounds like something very major happened!... Did you look over the body panels very well?

RPB

No the car is far away but paperwork was faxed and I picked up on this. He agreed to me having a PPI done. I thought exactly what you stated! Something does not jive here and I might run away. Thinking I might be better off spending $16k for a very clean low mileage example with nothing like this on the CarFax vs. $9-10k for the aforementioned.

I have never seen so much replaced in two visits so close to each other and something must have happened!

tsquare

Sounds like flood or some kind of water damage. Can you tell the city and date when those repairs took place? Was there some extreme weather?

mufc

Sounds like it could possibly be flood damaged

RPB

Very interesting points and I really appreciate the great feedback. I am running for the hills on this one guys! Sucks because it was exactly what I wanted but this is too abnormal for me to keep trying to find out what happened. Repairs were down at a MB dealership in Brooklyn, NY between 09/04 and 05/05. I called the dealership where the repairs were done, they told me no information could be released due to the owners privacy. I told them it was for sale at a dealership and they still would not budge!

I just need to be patient and wait for the right one. Good things come to those who wait, right.

WBE55

I think you made the right decision. Run from that headache.

MBfinatic

I agree it could be a flood.

hyperion667

sounds like you did the right thing here.....
I can just imagine the seller kicking the air on that one lol

Strigoi

I bought mine with no records for a good price at the time and it came back to bite me in the ***. Including 2 sets of tires, I've dumped over $5,000 into since I bought it in May 2011.

Everything is finally squared away with it now which is nice. It's no longer a money pit at this point and is just a fast, comfortable and reliable DD.

tsquare

Good idea, wait for a good car it will make your years of ownership much more pleasant.

xlr8tin

Walk away...there are plenty of these cars with less miles and probably less money

roguewrester

Flood damage was my first thought when reading.

armaniE55

Beating up a dead horse here. Agree w/everyone else stay away. I had a friend who bought a E430 Salvage Title w/Flood damage. Sure the car drove great for the first year......after that he started having all kinds of electrical gremlins

The car ended up needing an entire wire harness due to corrosion and of course one can't see this without taking the car apart. I told him not to buy it

Armani

allenjdmb

Occurred to any of you that the evaporator drain was clogged, ruined the carpet, and was replaced under warranty or at the dealer? And as far as the blower fan , that's quite a common problem with the 210, 55 or no. I'd just be glad to know it had been fixed. And if all those repairs had been funded by an insurer, it's a pretty safe bet that the car would have shown flood on at least one of the two services, if not both.
And if you think there are a lot of nice low mileage examples of these cars left out there "for a little more money", then I wish you luck. Most of these cars have 100 plus k miles, no history, and are out of the hands of enthusiasts. Anyway, he's moved on now, but don't just immediately jump to conclusions! If you havent had some issues with your 210, 55 or not, then consider yourself lucky. It's just a matter of who's going to ix them, you or the last guy. Or the next one.

tsquare

Sounds like you know this car the OP was soliciting opions on - why not tell us all why this car had these repairs. I have never heard of a non-water damaged car having these type of repairs
My sense is that the opinions expressed were based on the OP's facts presented on the car he was considering. Nothing more - nothing less.

CharlyE500

I guess I might be lucky because my current W210 E55 is my second W210. Never had any problem except engine mounts. Tires, brakes/rotors and battery are consider as regular maintenance. My first W210 was E320 drove for 3 years and put 40K miles. E55 no repair at all. Thanks GOD. However, my MBW 745Li I spent $5K in 6 months and sold it at HUGE lost. If anyone think W210 is not reliable then no car is reliable.

armaniE55

allenjdmb = Not disagreeing with you as anything is possible but very unlikely on a W210. I also owned a 99 E430 for 3 years and lurked around MBWorld and Benzwo** for sometime now and never heard of a Evap clogged drained.