E-Class E320 3.2 - advice and opinions welcomed

[PaulG]

Hi
I'm going to have a look at a 2003 E-Class E320 Elegance (petrol) for sale this weekend. I was wondering if any owners have advice on what to look out for as I am new to Mercedes. Much appreciated.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

The SBC braking system is one to check, has it reached it’s maximum count (and been reset)? Or has it been replaced?

Saloon or estate? If estate check rear suspension goes up and down and stays up

 

[AMGeed]

Check all the electrics work. Seat adjustment, folding mirrors if fitted etc. Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults can be costly.
As well as advice offered in Post 2 above, check the tyre, brake discs and pad condition. Not overly expensive items, but a tool to bargain on the price.
A decent service history would give an idea on how well the owner has looked after the car. Huge gaps, avoid as there are plenty of others for sale.
I'd put the Reg# into the MOT. Gov site and see if it has advisories on the last few MOT's and have they been attended to.

 

[mersum1es]

Transmission oil history (changed frquently enough) and box cheanging good both cold and hot.

 

[mioba]

Rusty arches.

 

[LostKiwi]

Engine running check the bottom crankshaft pulley runs true. The rubber breaks down and they can fail. Not expensive to do but the bolt is done up tighter than a tight thing that's tightened beyond tight.

 

[PaulG]

Hello and welcome

The SBC braking system is one to check, has it reached it’s maximum count (and been reset)? Or has it been replaced?

Saloon or estate? If estate check rear suspension goes up and down and stays up

Thanks. Its a saloon.

 

[PaulG]

Check all the electrics work. Seat adjustment, folding mirrors if fitted etc. Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults can be costly.
As well as advice offered in Post 2 above, check the tyre, brake discs and pad condition. Not overly expensive items, but a tool to bargain on the price.
A decent service history would give an idea on how well the owner has looked after the car. Huge gaps, avoid as there are plenty of others for sale.
I'd put the Reg# into the MOT. Gov site and see if it has advisories on the last few MOT's and have they been attended to.

Thanks for that. I have run a report and the advisories are tyre wear related. Nothing serious at all.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Rusty front chassis rails.

 

[M80]

Later than 2006 gives several advantages, but if the price is right.
Running a VIN check can give some nice surprises as to included bits and bats.
If you have ULEZ concerns I guess you already know to check on the website for compliance.

 

[Blobcat]

Later than 2006 gives several advantages, but if the price is right.
Running a VIN check can give some nice surprises as to included bits and bats.
If you have ULEZ concerns I guess you already know to check on the website for compliance.

It’s petrol so no ULEZ issues (yet…)

 

[PaulG]

Thanks for all of your help. Unfortunately the E class on Autotrader sold before I could get to see it.

 

[M80]

It’s petrol so no ULEZ issues (yet…)

"Petrol vehicles older than 15 years old - pre-2006 - are likely to be non-compliant."

Agreed it should be compliant, but I thought there were some that aren't. If it's the reason for buying petrol it's best to check.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Later than 2006 gives several advantages, but if the price is right.
Running a VIN check can give some nice surprises as to included bits and bats.
If you have ULEZ concerns I guess you already know to check on the website for compliance.

+1 re buying 2007-09 211s are the best

 

[onefortheroad]

Rotten brake pipes . Exhaust heat shields loose and rattling . Water in the boot saloon . U neven tyre wear

 

[Wighty]

Engine running check the bottom crankshaft pulley runs true. The rubber breaks down and they can fail. Not expensive to do but the bolt is done up tighter than a tight thing that's tightened beyond tight.

Is that level of tightness in the brown zone of the underpants scale that mechanics use

 

[Snake Charmer]

Is that level of tightness in the brown zone of the underpants scale that mechanics use

No, my bosses wallet is tighter than that scale and any ducks rear end!

 

[Blobcat]

"Petrol vehicles older than 15 years old - pre-2006 - are likely to be non-compliant."

Agreed it should be compliant, but I thought there were some that aren't. If it's the reason for buying petrol it's best to check.

My 911 is and that’s ‘05

 

[LostKiwi]

My 911 is and that’s ‘05

Our 230 is compliant and that's 2002!

 

[PaulG]

Other than Autotrader what places would you recommend to look for a used E Class? Its been mentioned that there were changes on E Class models from 2006 onwards. We’re these really that significant?

The one that I was going for sold and that was understandable as it was under £4k, ’from the photos’ it looked in mint condition and only had 49k on the clock. Too good to be true? Possibly.

Thanks for your help everyone.