Unsuccessful test drive today on a used E240.

[tonybod]

Hello all,

I test drove an E240 today (1999 plate, 65k on the clock). I am hoping to become a Mercedes owner sometime soon.

The car is perfect for me apart from the engine troubles when testing. Putting my foot down had little effect on acceleration, and it seemed to be stuck in gear.

I've been having a good read through this forum and the symptoms sound like the problem could be as simple as a MAS/MAF problem. I've told the garage I am still interested, but is there anything else I should look out for when they call me back to say the problems have been fixed?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

All the best,

Tony.

 

[jibcl500]

Needs an air flow meter £140 ish from a bosch service center, £250 ish from mercedes.

jib

 

[tonybod]

Thanks for the super fast reply.

Hopefully they will get back to me early during the week and say all fixed.

Is there anything else I should look out for? All the reviews I have read say it's a great car.

Tony.

 

[vijilants]

Hello all,

I test drove an E240 today (1999 plate, 65k on the clock). I am hoping to become a Mercedes owner sometime soon.

The car is perfect for me apart from the engine troubles when testing. Putting my foot down had little effect on acceleration, and it seemed to be stuck in gear.

I've been having a good read through this forum and the symptoms sound like the problem could be as simple as a MAS/MAF problem. I've told the garage I am still interested, but is there anything else I should look out for when they call me back to say the problems have been fixed?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

All the best,

Tony.

Yes, check for rust below.

 

[tonybod]

I forgot to mention originally, the power problems were similar to when a clutch goes on a manual car. Does it definitely sound like the air flow meter?

Thanks again for the speedy replies. Much appreciated.

Tony.

 

[bigtwin]

I forgot to mention originally, the power problems were similar to when a clutch goes on a manual car. Does it definitely sound like the air flow meter?

Thanks again for the speedy replies. Much appreciated.

Tony.

You mean increase in revs, but not power? Not MAS. Generally when the MAS goes, you just have less power full stop - i.e. the engine doesn't rev/pull fully.

If it's like a clutch slipping, sounds like gearbox/drivetrain problems - loasamoney potentially.

TBH - I would be very wary of garage that's letting cars like that out for a test drive - unless it's going for a song.

 

[Rory]

Find another one. It's bad enough when a car develops a fault after you've bought it, but to look at one that already has a fault is asking for trouble.

I know they're suggesting it will be fixed, but how often to you hear of cars being "fixed", only for the same fault to occur a few days later.

 

[vijilants]

Yes, any half decent dealer would at least get the car running properly first.

 

[jibcl500]

Your description sounds like the air flow meter at fault. If they fix the car make sure the meter is replaced with a genuine Bosch meter and not one from ebay, request that you see the invoice for the part.
If you unplug the meter with the engine running it should stall the engine. if it does its the meter.

jib

 

[bigtwin]

Your description sounds like the air flow meter at fault.
jib

Increase in revs but no increase in power?

 

[tonybod]

You mean increase in revs, but not power? Not MAS. Generally when the MAS goes, you just have less power full stop - i.e. the engine doesn't rev/pull fully.

It did seem to pull away ok, and not over rev (if that makes sense). It was also idling a little funny (as if not on all cylinders).

TBH - I would be very wary of garage that's letting cars like that out for a test drive - unless it's going for a song.

I did leave with no intention of buying. The only strange thing was the person looking after the garage for the day asked me as soon as I got there if I wanted a test, not the kind of thing you do if you know there are major problems with the car.

I'll see what they say when they get back in touch.

Thanks again for all the replies,

Tony.

 

[jberks]

It did seem to pull away ok, and not over rev (if that makes sense). It was also idling a little funny (as if not on all cylinders).

Does sound like the MAS.

The idle could be plug leads. The 240v6 is prone to dodgy plug leads IME. I had 2 sets on mine in 5 years they are £250 a set so get it sorted as part of the deal. It could also be a worn throttle housing which is around £500 but less likely. I was told by a number of garages, including the dealer, that an idle judder is 'normal'. Take it from me, it might be normal but thats only because most have a fault. After changing the leads, the judder disappeared on both occasions.

At the end of the day, the 240 is all about smmooooothness. The idle should be virtually inperceptable. Any juddering is a fault.

At 64k, the gearbox oil should be changed and it will be due a new set of plugs (changed at 60k). Each job is £200 so again - make sure they do it.

Also, the 240 is very smooth but it's no more economical than the 320, just a lot less powerful so you may want to consider the 320.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I had an MAF failure, symptoms were severe loss of power but I still had gear changes and could build up speed slowly.

I am assuming the E240 is auto. If so there is a fault occurs with the auto, its not expensive, it performs ok but it stays stuck in 2nd and the car wont go over 40mph at all. Once fixed it would be fine. But watch out for other potentially more expensive items. Check the air con well, the condenser unit on these is also a known fail item and 65k is as long as they last in some cases. The aircon needs to blow cold really quick, if not you have a problem and the problem is usually the condenser radiator, behind the passenger side wheel strut. Watch for rust too, but if you have the Mobilo warranty with the car it will be of benefit. Check if the service history is main dealer. The doors, wings/wheel arches and front cross member are very prone to it. Peel the door seals back for a look. However these items can be fixed and prices reflect the risks.

It is safe to assume the MAF is near the end of its life anyway.

A knock from the front may well be drop links, very cheap, life is 25-50k.

 

[tonybod]

Thanks again for all the replies. I'm still waiting to hear back from the garage about what they diagnosed the problem to be.

All the best,

Tony.

 

[ozbod1]

the answer to this one is surely simple, WALK AWAY theres loads about why put yourself at risk.