First MB

[bosa]

Hi everyone,

I was looking for an estate to replace a hatchback and our local independent who sold us the hatchback had a 2008 w204 180 K Sport estate with manual gearbox. As our other car is manual and we have only had manuals I thought this was a safer bet - yes I know you should always get an auto MB!

Thanks to this forum I have had the garage check the rear suspension for rot and they are very happy and have a video for me. They will treat the sub frame before I pick it up.

I am really looking forward to this car. I have had several German cars from other manufacturers and this car looks great in black. Our golden retriever should enjoy the space in the back.

I should pick this up next week, the garage have a few cosmetics to tidy up plus an MOT. I hope it’s a good buy with 83k on the clock and two local owners.

I will try and join in where I can.

Jonathan

 

[00slk]

Welcome, I had a manual Mercedes 30 years ago

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Worth getting the timing chain checked

 

[bosa]

Cheers, I will check with the garage.

 

[sonic]

Welcome, you should have got a good discount being a manual? We had 2 SLK's with the same engine, never had a problems but they are not very good on fuel 32 mpg at best.
As Blobcat mentions there have been some problems with the timing chain around 90-100K miles. Google M271 engine.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome and good advice above

 

[bosa]

Thank you. Will be low mileage locally and currently drives well so mpg not a great issue. Will factor in a timing chain.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Jonathan welcome to the forum

 

[Srdl]

Hi Jonathan and welcome to the forum and the world of Mercedes. It can become addictive!

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Jonathan.

 

[bosa]

Welcome, you should have got a good discount being a manual? We had 2 SLK's with the same engine, never had a problems but they are not very good on fuel 32 mpg at best.
As Blobcat mentions there have been some problems with the timing chain around 90-100K miles. Google M271 engine.

Do you believe I should have avoided this one, or is it just that I need to factor in a timing chain change in the next year or so? I will ask the garage to do some checks.

 

[sonic]

MB make very good auto boxes & the consumption is hardly effected. I had 3 speed autos in the 70's & it increase the consumption by about 25% then.
The manual box is not a bad one, if it comes at the right price take it. But remember they are not easy to sell when you want to dispose of it.
There is an issue with the M271 chain & sprockets, but its hard to say what percentage quite low as I understand. You do get a warning at cold start up, but keep an eye on it.

 

[bosa]

Thank you, makes me feel better about this. The mileage and history is okay plus switching between a manual (other car) and auto may be a pain for me and my wife so accept it is less desirable.

 

[John Laidlaw]

As above, at cold start up if the chain is excessively noisy it will need seeing to, chain and/or sprockets

 

[davemercedes]

Hello and welcome, bosa.

The only real problem with a manual Mercedes is you need a third foot to use the foot-operated "parking" brake. But like everything else, you'll get used to it.

 

[bosa]

Ha, yes. An extra left foot and right hand for the brake.

Some prep being done on the car plus service/MOT. Looking forward to it. I realise it is not a ‘special’ car and will be our default dog transport but want to get the best out of it.

 

[Srdl]

I realise it is not a ‘special’ car ...

It’s a Mercedes so that makes it special and I’m sure your Golden Retriever will agree!

 

[bosa]

Just picked it up today after a bit of prep, service MOT etc. Lovely black estate. I would post a photo but dark and muddy roads around here means it needs a wash already!

Drives really well, garage happy with rear subframe but have treated anyway. I have not noticed any rattle from timing chain but I am prepared to invest in a replacement next year if necessary (83k miles).

Only issue is the nearside rear door is not locking/unlocking on the fob or door button so will get this seen to next month. Probably an actuator.

This forum has been a great help to me already, thanks everyone and I hope you can have a good Christmas if you celebrate this time of year.

Jonathan