[.Joel]

Hi All,

I am about to purchase a Mercedes Vito 638 108D. The car is a 1998 model, 5 doors, manual, 260,000kms (161,500 miles) on the clock. The car is $8000 AUD (£3,400).

I am just doing some homework on things to look out for, things that I should consider replacing rather soon after getting it etc. The colour of the car is blue, this is not important as my step-father and his brother run a very reputable workshop. So this will be changed. I am more worried about the mechanics of it all, and suggestions as to what I should be looking to replace / maintain. Labour is not an issue, as they help me out and in return I help them through my work. Just after a list of things that I should seriously consider to avoid anything going wrong that could have a huge financial impact.

Regards,

Joel

 

[adamuk]

The 108D engine is solid and reliable but underpowered. As with all engines check for:

Emusification of oil and water in the filler cap. Could be the head gasket, could be a blocked engine vent.
Blue smoke from exhaust.
Engine starts easilty and revs freely.
Service history (10,000kms per oil change at least. not changing the oil on the engine is a disaster).

Other than that, check the brakes, discs, bearings, steering lock to lock, CV joint boots and all rubber items (hoses, brake lines etc.) since they will be starting to go on a van that age. Electrics and rust (though being in Oz you probably don't get it ilike us in blighty).

really, most stuff can be done on the van easily enough but most engine work is a fookin nightmare.

Cheers
Ad.

 

[Punjabi]

Pretty high mileage! Reckon you should walk away.....!
Especially if no service history!

 

[adamuk]

Pretty high mileage! Reckon you should walk away.....!
Especially if no service history!

mate of mine's got a 313 sprinter with 240,000 miles on the clock. still runs sweet. Keeping her well-lubricated is key!

 

[Punjabi]

Noted but then there are "high mileage cars" and there are "high mileage cars" - really depends which one our pal down-under has his eye on?

 

[Benz Bling]

If you buy it, look at getting an engine chip for it. I've got a 113 with 130 BHP and that feels underpowered at times.

I've posted a couple of chip tuning companies for your perusal.

Superchips - Superchips Applications.

Upsolute.com The Chiptuning Company...

I know neither company is based in Australia but I thought it would give you an idea of what is available.

Benz Bling

 

[alarmfitter]

can you chip a 108d

 

[adamuk]

No can do.. the remapping is only for turbos, so I am told.. or maybe they can't be arsed developing a chip for the 108D

 

[.Joel]

Hi Guys,

Appreciate the advice so far. Today i'll be having a closer look at it, and poke around. I will be using it to transport some kites & boards for weekend events. After a workhorse more then something with insane power. I had a twin-turbo Toyota Soarer, so I have decided after that car I would stay away from Turbos. Engines seem so much simpler without them, but obviously at the price of power.

Just the milage on it has me thinking etc. I'll ask if there's service books with it, and maybe the possibility of getting another motor. All the cars from this dealer do come with a 12Month warranty, so hopefully anything major happens in that 12 months should I decide to get it.

I'm just trying to run the pros and cons over in my head. The price is a definite pro, and so is the possibility I can talk him lower. This then opens up cashflow for things I should be doing straight away.

Regards,

Joel

 

[Benz Bling]

Hi Joel,

It seems as though I posted some inaccurate information about chipping a 108D, I didn't realise that the 108D was different to the 108CDI :bash:

Sorry about that, I didn't mean to give you wrong info.

Regards,
Benz Bling

 

[nail it]

yep cos its got no brain but i did not know till i looked under the bonnet lol

 

[gixxerpat]

Well at least you can be sure it wasnt clocked......Sounds like its a tad expensive....example....mine's a 97 108d, when i bought it in 02 it cost me 5500euro ,about £3700, but it had a genuine 28000 miles.(theres only 59000on it now)...it was like new....As said check everything out, its not just the engine with that milage on it, especially if it hasnt been looked after.....maybe think about it a bit more.

 

[sos motorcycle recovery]

hi mate ...just a word about mileages ..i currrently run a 113 petrol 2.0 with 458000kms on it and still going strong it works every day moving bikes about