Slight water leak & Buyers Advice - W202 C280

[Leemc2008]

Hi

I'm just about to buy my first Mercedes from a friend. Its a 95' C280 Sport, 122k in very good condition. He tells me that there is only one problem, a very slight water leak on the water pump gasket. So slight thats its just the occasional drip.

Is this an easy problem to solve? Could it be something more severe, or could it be signs or lead to something more severe? I'm told its never ran out of water. It starts from cold perfectly, doesnt overheat and runs like a gem!

There is no history with the car unfortunately, so what questions should I be asking? Should the head gasket have been changed? After some research on here, it seems alot of cars suffering from oil leaks as well.

Fallen for the car already.. Dark grey, Full black leather, electric everything, and genuine AMG wheels.. Just want to make sure I'm not buying trouble.

Regards

Lee

 

[kth286]

A water pump change on that engine is listed at 6 hours I believe and needs special thin flexible extending bar and socket assembly.

If you intend keeping the car only fit genuine Merc pump etc as you would not want to be doing that job again.

I did mine over a two day period using genuine parts.

 

[Dec]

I had my water pump, not MB part, replaced (leak) 2 months ago by an independent, €200 including labor/VAT …about £160
MB dealer quoted about €530, I will take my chances given the year of the car.

Dec

 

[kth286]

Dec

Totally different design and layout on the 4 cylinder engine - much easier access and cheaper design.

 

[Dec]

Ah I didn’t know that, seen 6 hours and I new it would not be more than about 2 hours at most for mine.

Dec