2001 E320 Wagon - 1st time MB owner

[suloh@comcast.net]

Hi Folks:

Was looking for a sticky on what to look for when buying an W210.

I just purchased a 2001 E320 wagon with 80K miles on ebay. There is no vehicle history so I would appreciate any tips on the problem areas for this car. I will of course do the oil/tranny fluid change once I have the car. So far this is what I have gathered:

1) Harmonic Balancer disintegration -does this apply to a 2001? How to tell if it is failing
2) Front suspension perch (sp?) - again does it apply to 2001 models. Again how to see.
3) Weak head gaskets and cam seals - oil leaks
4) Power windows
5) rust

I would imagine that Daimler Benz would have sorted out all these issues by 2001 since that is the last model year. But any other areas I need to watch out for?

Thanks David


PS - Is it true that I can go to any MB dealership and get a printout of all work done by MB for the cars as well as any recall work done or due?

[Kobus]

1) - Go to the dealer and have him check your VIN to see if your car was part of the HB recall. 2001 was the year affected by the HB.
2) Lots of write-ups here on this. No recall or service bulletin in the USA.
3) Never heard of this.
4) Also write-ups and some cheap fixes for the problem. Search for author Kajtek1.
5) Should not be a problem in your area, unless it's an east coast car that ended up on the west coast.
Also search for author ohlord , he's the wagon expert/fanatic here.

Dealers may or may not be willing to give you a redacted copy of the service record. Worthwhile to try.

[mr.xpowerseller]

Originally Posted by suloh@comcast.net

Hi Folks:

Was looking for a sticky on what to look for when buying an W210.

I just purchased a 2001 E320 wagon with 80K miles on ebay. There is no vehicle history so I would appreciate any tips on the problem areas for this car. I will of course do the oil/tranny fluid change once I have the car. So far this is what I have gathered:

1) Harmonic Balancer disintegration -does this apply to a 2001? How to tell if it is failing
2) Front suspension perch (sp?) - again does it apply to 2001 models. Again how to see.
3) Weak head gaskets and cam seals - oil leaks
4) Power windows
5) rust

I would imagine that Daimler Benz would have sorted out all these issues by 2001 since that is the last model year. But any other areas I need to watch out for?

Thanks David


PS - Is it true that I can go to any MB dealership and get a printout of all work done by MB for the cars as well as any recall work done or due?

First, really dumb move to buy a car off ebay that you have never seen in person or had a professional inspect. Pictures can hide anything and sellers can lie about everything. Not having any service information is just another big minus.

Second, Daimler Benz did not make your car, Daimler Chrysler did. Big difference.

Third, an 01 wagon was not the last year of this model. The W210 Wagon was produced into early 2003 and sold as a 2003 model year vehicle.

I do wish you luck, because you are most likely going to need it (and lots of cash!).

[ohlord]

new member that let the horse out of the barn
You are looking for things to watch out for in buying a w210 after the fact.Cross your fingers on an ebay purchase is the first thing to look out for,the other items no worries,cept the window regulator and that might never happen.
Did you get a warranty?Did you get a professional PPI?
How much did you pay?Was it a used car dealer?
ohlord
03 was the last model year for the w210 wagon and while most things were worked out ,it does no good if you did not inspect,inspect,inspect.

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by Kobus

4) Also write-ups and some cheap fixes for the problem. Search for author Kajtek1.
.

thanks for the credits
To be only fair you should add, that tanks to my fixes the two W210 we own logged over 400,000 miles combined so far in perfect running condition.
From what I understand the original poster just won the bid and is going to pick up the vehicle, what make him checking this forum?
Ebay might not be perfect, but if you still hold money in your hand, you are in power and even after paying there are ebay insurances. Not too good, but they exist.
Not much sense to spend time checking the recalls, since they'll be fixed for free anyway.

[Kobus]

Originally Posted by mr.xpowerseller

Second, Daimler Benz did not make your car, Daimler Chrysler did. Big difference.

That's splitting hairs. So on the day before the name change was made, it was a different car than the next day?? The car was designed while the company was still called Daimler Benz and built in the same factory irrespective of the company name.

[Paul Mellerowicz]

Very risky buying sight unseen (except for a picture). I wish you well as you will see what comes up. Hope you are exteramly handy (with many metric tools).

Even with realtively low miles (yours at 80K) there can be issues lurking.
They may be "Johnny Cash Hard" miles. Perhaps you'll wish you didn't Walk the Line.

This forum can save you much $$$ vs. going to the dealership (aka stealership).

Many people have simialr challanges which come up. Just scan the posts for your similar situation.

[Kajtek1]

And how many cars did you buy on ebay?
I spend about $120,000 buying vehicles on ebay. Most of the time I flew with cash in hand. The only time I had one Mercedes shipped, it was a cheap car for my son. Even it was cheap, the unscrupulous dealer send the car badly neglected, but it is still Mercedes. I brought it to 95% of perfection and only have minor issues to make it perfect.

[rabbit188]

I run a carfax check on every vehicle I consider. I have bought several on ebay and have had 100% success. Carfax is worth it!

[suloh@comcast.net]

I carfaxed it. 1 owner, no issues at all

Will post more when I pick it up