Disabled and in need of your advice please on buying an E320 CDI 2004 Auto

[Apitherapy]

Hi to all that manage to read through this cry for help, hopefully you can steer me right on things.

I wondered if you could offer me your vast knowledge and advice on what I should be looking out for when buying a Mercedes E320 CDI 2004 (04) Auto, 139k Miles with full service history.

I am disabled, and after suffering a stroke and a degenerative spinal condition making mobility difficult at times and I suffer with a lot of pain due to this.

Recently I was scammed while buying a caravan to live in to start my charity to help mentally and physically disabled people through beekeeping. Now with no caravan and no money to buy another one all my plans are on hold until I can figure out another way of start things.

I did have a Land Rover Discovery TD5 until last week when I sold it. The manual gear changes were too much for me to deal with and caused a lot of pain. So I decided to sell and use the money to buy a decent, reliable, diesel automatic car.

Many options to choose from but within my budget of £1750, there aren't.

After doing my homework I found that I was continually finding high mileage Mercedes for sale.
This told me that they last forever if well maintained that is.

So I have decided to buy a Mercedes as the suspension is softer than most and will help with my spinal condition. The next issue is which model and variant do I choose from?

After more homework and reading I realised that most of the mini cabs for well know companies use the E320 CDI and there are still many for sale commanding good money with high mileages.
So on that basis is why I have chosen the E320 CDI Auto.

My budget will only allow for at best a 2004 model, so that's the year, as I couldn't afford a facelift for the money I have.

My questions are:

1. What should I be looking/budgeting for when buying a 2004 (04) E320 CDI Auto with FSH
139,000 Miles?

2. Gearboxes, how often should the oil and filter be changed? Are they known to be faulty or temperamental? Read some horror stories of huge repair bills with the 7g auto box. Does this apply to the E320 CDI 2004?

3. Braking system Pump? Again heard many horror stories of bills costing over £1800 to put right. Will this be an issue with the model I am looking at?

4. Anything else that I should be looking out for, as I am soon to take the plunge and buy one as I am without a car and can't get out without one due to my rural location and no public transport.

Unfortunately, I haven't any friends or family to help me. The recent years have taken there toll and literally I am on my own after my relationship ended 4 weeks ago. My partner was also my carer and now waiting for social services to be able to offer me some kind of care, but it all takes time. So any help or advice anyone on this forum can offer me would be most appreciated by me.

I have found a car for sale with a dealer and they have offered to reduce the price so its within my budget as they would like to help me out. But I will be spending more of less, with the travelling to go and buy it, all the money I have. "NO RUST other than a tiny amount in the rear arches, as all E class do of that year", the dealer said?

I've done all the obvious checks that I can, MOT history check on the gov.uk website. All checks out and looks good. MOT shows 2 advisories being Very slightly corroded brake pipes NS and OS.
But without seeing the car I wont know, but then an unable to get under the car and check due to my disabilities. I am quite mechanically savvy and used to work on my own cars before I became ill.

Any help or advice would be amazing.
Many thanks for reading this, just hope you haven't dozed off by now

 

[LostKiwi]

At 2004 the car will have SBC (it's a W211). This can be problematic and expensive if it goes wrong.

The 320 is a good engine capable of many miles. Check for a "chuffing" sound while the engine is running and have someone remove the covers on top of the engine and look for a black tarry substance around the injectors. This is caused by leaking injector seals and often referred to as black death (but it's really not as bad as the name suggests).
It's relatively cheap for a good independent mercedes specialist to sort out.

Where are you located? There may be someone able to go with you to cast an eye over the vehicle.

 

[Apitherapy]

At 2004 the car will have SBC (it's a W211). This can be problematic and expensive if it goes wrong.

The 320 is a good engine capable of many miles. Check for a "chuffing" sound while the engine is running and have someone remove the covers on top of the engine and look for a black tarry substance around the injectors. This is caused by leaking injector seals and often referred to as black death (but it's really not as bad as the name suggests).
It's relatively cheap for a good independent mercedes specialist to sort out.

Where are you located? There may be someone able to go with you to cast an eye over the vehicle.

Thanks you LostKiwi, really appreciate your advice.

Because I haven't got a car currently I will be travelling by train from Carmarthen in South West Wales, to Portsmouth where the dealer is located. It is an ebay car but being sold through a dealer that's been registered since 2007 with 100% positive feedback of over 400 car sales. So safe as I can get after being scammed.

I would post the ebay advert on here, but fear someone will beat me to it and buy the car before I do with my luck, or it will be against the forum rules?

Anyone who would be willing to help me out and come with me, I would be more than willing to pay for your fuel and some money to say thank you. The train fare isnt cheap so to have someone to steer me right would be most helpful and gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[LostKiwi]

There's a very good independent MB specialist in Southampton. Maybe see if the dealer would take it him for him to check it over?
MBS (who are on here as well).

 

[bob 6600]

Gearbox oil and filter should be every 40k or so.

Also check if it has a valeo radiator. Early ones failed and caused the coolant to leak into the transmission. Recon box required if you're unlucky.

SBC as said above, will be a factor if hasn't been changed.

Having said that, excellent engine, powerful, smooth and economical on a run!

Find a good one, will last you a long time

 

[Apitherapy]

There's a very good independent MB specialist in Southampton. Maybe see if the dealer would take it him for him to check it over?
MBS (who are on here as well).

Thanks again LostKiwi,

I don't think the dealer will be able to do that. H has already mentioned that he is a single father raising two children and trying to run a business at the same time, all during school holidays. So I don't want to push him too far, as he has discounted the car a fair bit already to try to help me out.

Would you recommend forking out for an AA inspection? Will they check anything more than an MOT test would?

Thanks again

 

[Apitherapy]

Gearbox oil and filter should be every 40k or so.

Also check if it has a valeo radiator. Early ones failed and caused the coolant to leak into the transmission. Recon box required if you're unlucky.

SBC as said above, will be a factor if hasn't been changed.

Having said that, excellent engine, powerful, smooth and economical on a run!

Find a good one, will last you a long time

Thank you Bob 6600,

I will bare that in mind. The service history is very good from the details the seller has provided me with.

I Wondered if I could send you the details by Private message and have your opinion on the car? But as said I am a little worried about telling just anyone. But you guys are helping me out, so feel safe enough.

Wont post directly on here but if someone can private message me I will reply to them with the details I have That would really help me out.

Thank you

 

[Ken_R]

Would you recommend forking out for an AA inspection? Will they check anything more than an MOT test would?

PM the vehicle details to Cole at MBS (member here). He may know the vehicle.

Alternatively, ask Cole for a quote to go and inspect the vehicle on your behalf.

Regarding your disability, with which I have some sympathy, being a long term back sufferer myself, - Have you actually tried entering and exiting such model of vehicle? I think if I was in your position then I would do some 'tyre kicking' around local dealerships in order to establish what was a comfortable tarmac to seat height.

 

[Sasha94]

I take it the car is a W211 on an 04 rather than a very late W210? You mention facelift so I did wonder. Some W210's snuck out in 2004 on 53 plates although the 211 came out in 2002. The gearbox will be the same 722.6 5 speeder as mine which is a very strong box although like all auto's will be costly if it breaks. The 320 CDi engine of that era is the 3.2 straight 6 (OM648 engine) and is seemingly very reliable. Don't discount the 2.7 straight 5 E270 CDi and straight 4 E220 CDi either as although the 4 isn't as refined as the 5 or the 6 it's not bad for a 4 cylinder diesel and they will also pile the miles on very well.

SBC is a concern in a W211 but if you did go for a W210 you wouldn't have to worry about that.

Rust is concern on any Mercedes, check everywhere you can; the days of water soluble Merc's are still fresh so do be sure to check it all twice.

Otherwise, make sure all the electronic stuff works, check both electric seats and memory (most E Classes will have front seat electrics and some will also have key memory function, if the buttons are on the seats it's electrics only but if they are on the door it'll have memory) and check the electric steering column (if fitted) moves up, down, in and out smoothly and that the key memory works as well as the comfort access (all of fitted of course) because if something is faulty it can cost a fortune to repair, even something like a radio that doesn't play sound can be expensive, a dead COMAND system can be into 4 figures to repair so check everything electrical at least twice would be my advice. That said, my CLK has a broken heated seat so, as you can see, I don't follow my own advice

If you link the eBay ad we can all have a look at the pics and ad, see if there is anything else. I wouldn't imagine anyone on here would snipe the car from under your nose

 

[Apitherapy]

PM the vehicle details to Cole at MBS (member here). He may know the vehicle.

Alternatively, ask Cole for a quote to go and inspect the vehicle on your behalf.

Regarding your disability, with which I have some sympathy, being a long term back sufferer myself, - Have you actually tried entering and exiting such model of vehicle? I think if I was in your position then I would do some 'tyre kicking' around local dealerships in order to establish what was a comfortable tarmac to seat height.

Thanks Ken R,

I have just contacted Cole@MBS, not sure if it was by pm or a new conversation or that may even be the same thing, you can tell I'm the new boy ha ha.

Re the seating arrangement and height. I have tried several cars over the past weeks and all are either too low or too high. The Eclass seems to be at a height I can live with and a suspension that is friendlier than most when it comes to my spine.

Hopefully it will all work out Thank you again, all this information is very helpful indeed

 

[bob 6600]

2002 was cross over for W210/W211
2003 was crossover for S210/S211 but yes odd one may have sneaked through

I can have a look for you, no harm in posting the link here. Not sure if you can PM with 4 posts?

 

[Apitherapy]

Just heard from the seller, he is away with his children for a short break over the weekend and will be back on Monday.
He has assured me that he won't sell the car to anyone else until I have had first refusal, which is nice of him.

Is a New Conversation on here a Private Message?

If so I have managed to start one with Cole@MBS. Now I have some time I can work out all the details on here.

 

[Apitherapy]

I take it the car is a W211 on an 04 rather than a very late W210? You mention facelift so I did wonder. Some W210's snuck out in 2004 on 53 plates although the 211 came out in 2002. The gearbox will be the same 722.6 5 speeder as mine which is a very strong box although like all auto's will be costly if it breaks. The 320 CDi engine of that era is the 3.2 straight 6 (OM648 engine) and is seemingly very reliable. Don't discount the 2.7 straight 5 E270 CDi and straight 4 E220 CDi either as although the 4 isn't as refined as the 5 or the 6 it's not bad for a 4 cylinder diesel and they will also pile the miles on very well.

SBC is a concern in a W211 but if you did go for a W210 you wouldn't have to worry about that.

Rust is concern on any Mercedes, check everywhere you can; the days of water soluble Merc's are still fresh so do be sure to check it all twice.

Otherwise, make sure all the electronic stuff works, check both electric seats and memory (most E Classes will have front seat electrics and some will also have key memory function, if the buttons are on the seats it's electrics only but if they are on the door it'll have memory) and check the electric steering column (if fitted) moves up, down, in and out smoothly and that the key memory works as well as the comfort access (all of fitted of course) because if something is faulty it can cost a fortune to repair, even something like a radio that doesn't play sound can be expensive, a dead COMAND system can be into 4 figures to repair so check everything electrical at least twice would be my advice. That said, my CLK has a broken heated seat so, as you can see, I don't follow my own advice

If you link the eBay ad we can all have a look at the pics and ad, see if there is anything else. I wouldn't imagine anyone on here would snipe the car from under your nose

Wow Sasha94, that's a lot for me to take in all in one go ha ha. Thank you so much for your detailed advice

To be totally honest with you I have no idea if it's a w210 or w211? I am by no way as knowledgable as you guys here on the forum.

But it does seem that there are a number of known gremlins and common faults to bare in mind. Sounds to me like a nightmare waiting to happen unless as you say, all the work and bits have been done.

Sorry for being so guarded with the details of the car, I just don't want to loose out on a good one because someone pips me to the post. Highly unlikely, but with my luck how it is, I wouldn't be surprised ha ha.

I will reveal the details eventually to you all, and I think have sent them by a new conversation to Cole@MBS, so once he has replied I will let you all know. But I hope you can understand my caution with having been scammed so recently.

I will post the messages of the details regarding the car. You can help me understand them better.

Thank you again

 

[Apitherapy]

Link is here, sod it. I do hope that nobody would try to buy it out from under me. Have to trust sometime and you've all been helpful so far

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MERCEDES-E320-CDI-ELEGANCE-AUTOMATIC-SALOON/322613004819

Here are the main parts of the description

2 Former Keepers
Warranted 139,000 Miles
Serviced by Main Agent Mercedes @ 13K, 23K, 33K
Mercedes Specialist @ 42K 54K
Independent @ 75K, 87K, 108K and 117K
Main Agent Mercedes @ 90K (£720)
independent @ 133K
NO MALFUNCTIONS ON COMPUTER
Mot thro 4th Oct 2017
(very minor advisories; brake pipe slightly corroded osr/nsr
HPI Clear with Certificate
1 Month Warranty inc

Please let me know you thoughts people

Thank you all very much for helping me with this

 

[LostKiwi]

Yes a conversation is a PM.

Thats definitely a 211 and as such it will have SBC.

It does look very tidy I must say.

MOT history is not great but OK. Seen a lot worse!!!

 

[AMGeed]

That is a W211. Can't really add too much to the above posts.
I hope this one turns out to be a decent example and what you are looking for.
Cole is very thorough if he does look over the car for you.
Good luck!

 

[Apitherapy]

Yes a conversation is a PM.

Thats definitely a 211 and as such it will have SBC.

It does look very tidy I must say.

MOT history is not great but OK. Seen a lot worse!!!

Cheers LostKiwi,

Does indeed look very tidy, which worried me a little as I thought the front wings looked in some way odd, can't put my finger on what exactly, but the front passenger wing looks like it has a rather large shut gap between the door and the wing? Was thinking they may have had a lot of rust and been replaced?
But then I am extremely sceptical ha ha.

 

[Apitherapy]

That is a W211. Can't really add too much to the above posts.
I hope this one turns out to be a decent example and what you are looking for.
Cole is very thorough if he does look over the car for you.
Good luck!

Thanks AMGeed, my fingers and toes are crossed too

Have sent Cole a message via a "New Conversation" as I can't seem to find where or how to private message. I'm assuming I will be able to contact him via that route?

 

[KennyN]

It is a W211.

MOT history checks out OK , as the ad says - both rear brake pipes slightly corroded.

Only two months left on it so maybe ask for a fresh MOT to sweeten the deal .

Good that it is on 16" rims as the lower the profile the harsher the ride.

Far from being an expert on such things but the rear bumper has parking sensors , but the front doesnt and there is no switch on the centre console to switch it off. So , has the rear bumper been replaced at some point and if so why ??

No heated seats which may have been beneficial , with your condition.

Kenny

 

[Apitherapy]

Wondered?

Is the SBC something that can be prevented easier than when it has gone completely wrong?
Would that be a radiator and fluid replacement to stop the issues from happening?

If yes, what is the best radiator to get and how much should I be looking at for the parts and labour?

Many thanks