New Owner

[bigtwin]

Just done the deed on a E320 cdi estate, 80K on an X plate. Is due a B service in 2,100m, so did a deal on getting that done at "cost". Getting a couple of minor things sorted, and some new rubber too.

Gave it a onceover, could see no rust (!) - but did see a little oil leaking from the end of the turbo unit - "they all do that Sir".

Do they?

Also LCD clock display seems on the way out - seems common - is it? Main display is fine.

Also, before I actually hand over the big bucks, is there anything else I should get them to sort for me.

Thanks in advance for help - this is a very useful resourse for the previously uninformed shopper!

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

No they do not all leak oil from the Turbo unit, have them fix it

LCD Display, unfortunately you have to replace the whole unit, have them fix this

Check that the diff is not leaking oil

Check that the rear seats fold down

Check all electrics work

Make sure the AC works, put it on full cold and it should freeze you. Open the bonnet and check that the compressor is running (front of car on LHS)

Check that the auto-dimming drivers door mirror hasn't leaked and stained the drivers door

Have them lubricate the wiper mechanism

Get them to change the ATF, although "sealed for life", there is no mention of who's life...

Check suspension, no knocks, bangs, anti-roll bar bushes and track rod ends are common

Check it drives straight, the E320cdi has parameter steering so should be rock soild at speed

A lot to check but there's a lot in the car and can be expensive to fix. I am very very happy with mine

 

[bigtwin]

Many thanks. Will bend their ear about the turbo even more then!

Didn't get anywhere on the clocks stuff - basically said that it was big money, and that would mean a change on the price. As the rest was fine, I left it.

Seats are fine - already been valeted, so doubt that would see any mirror leak anyway, but will peer closer.

She drives very well - no obvious problems, but only had her up to 70, so not ideal, but not much I can do on that one.

Will get the ATF and wipers sorted.

Allways a bit of a compromise on a used motor with 80K on it - can't really expect perfection, so always leaves a worry. Figure I can tackle most wear and tear probs with my own spanners (suspension etc), got a years' warranty with it, so have to hope for the best with the rest!

 

[Blobcat]

Seats are fine - already been valeted, so doubt that would see any mirror leak anyway, but will peer closer.

It is the drivers door mirror that can leak. Both the interior mirror and drivers door mirror are auto-dimming. It is the photo-electric chemical that leaks from the drivers door mirror and stain the paint. The mirror glass is £150 + vat from the dealers...

 

[bigtwin]

It is the drivers door mirror that can leak. Both the interior mirror and drivers door mirror are auto-dimming. It is the photo-electric chemical that leaks from the drivers door mirror and stain the paint. The mirror glass is £150 + vat from the dealers...

Gotchya - I'll check.

Mind you - any out of warranty problems with that malarky and I'll be living without any auto dimming at £6.99 a piece from Haulfrauds, methinks.

Cheers again.

 

[jberks]

The cluster is big bucks officially - they are over £600 new. - but the outside temp guage will be on the way soon and the clock if still readable, won't stay that way. After a while, this started to spoil my enjoyment of the car.

From what you say, I assume they are a main dealer. I suggest you do as I have done on a couple of occasions. Tell them it doesn't have to be a new cluster, there are firms that do recons or repairs for a couple of hundred pounds or alternatively, they can swap the cluster with another car on their forecourt (if they have one thats working ok).

I had this with a cd changer in my last E. I wanted a cd changer. No way - too much money. I said it was a deal breaker. Still no way - they didn't have enough in it. I then suggested that they nick one out of another used car - it didn't have to be new. Suddenly it wasn't a problem any more, I got my cd changer and it was still working fine when I traded it back in 5 years later.

 

[bigtwin]

there are firms that do recons or repairs for a couple of hundred pounds or alternatively, they can swap the cluster with another car on their forecourt (if they have one thats working ok).
.

Good idea. Do you know the name of anyone that does the recon work?

Cheers.