Buying an E class

[SJMaxson]

I am considering buying a 1995 M plate E280 auto estate, with full service history but 165,000 on the clock.   Is this a sensible buy at this mileage?  Is there anything I should look out for?

Many thanks.

 

[Andy]

Hi

Check for headgasket oil leaks,usally at the front os and the rear of the engine. Make sure everything works on the vehicle. Make sure there is plenty of power and it ticks over smoothly. You should be ok.

Regards

Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[SJMaxson]

Thanks for that.  Any need to worry about the timing chain?  I previously had a high-mileage E-class where it had to be replaced (as did the head-gasket, etc, etc......)

 

[SJMaxson]

And another thing.......

What is a "ballpark" life expectancy for engine/gearbox in a 280 (assuming service history kept up to scratch)?  200,000? 250,000?  

 

[Haig Tyler]

And make sure that the oil pressure hits the 3 at the end of the gauge at anything above idle - seems it can be real low at idle and still be OK (although my 230TE with 160K stays at 3 all the time).

I worked in Germany for a while and used to spot the mileages of the W124 taxis - 400-600K was not uncommon, usually accompanied by a slick steering wheel and a cage of canaries behind the dash.

I bought my 230TE with no history but after a thorough check and after 3K in my ownership the only engine problem has been sticking valve lifter.  This cost £150 to fix, but only as I had them all down at the same time.

Good luck