Mercedes W211 E320CDI aka the Tank
Discussion
Hi all;
Bit of background why I have come to buy this car... As it was far from where I thought I would be a few months ago....
As my company car period was coming to an end and an ever dragging company delaying publishing a new list, my existing car was now 4.5years old before having an option to upgrade. The list came out and, well the selection was terrible basically a 320d SE or a Golf Match DSG, 120d SE auto etc... The only car I would consider would be the 320d however if I was to pay all the company tax and be stuck with a car for 4+ years it had to be right. I was currently coming out of a tourer which was great. The 320d was coming in at circa $345 a month BIK which I though was too steep for a car which did not tick all the boxes.
My company has narrowed the list down to encourage people to get out of company cars without actually stating it. For this they have succeed, so an opt out was in hand. One good thing about the policy was the only constraints imposed on what car I could use for business was no convertibles or 2 seater cars. Now as I'm due to go away on holidays I basically had 4 weeks to find a car.
The criteria:
Relibale
Comfortable
Presentable
$3.5k budget. I had decided I wanted to buy a car for at least one year and use additional cash for other things. Besides I only bought a "toy M3" recently and did not want two expensive cars right now... So the budget was set as that was readily available as disposable car cash.
The search was on, I really wanted an estate car due to the practicalities, however on the search to meet all the above criteria I was struggling, and especially without feeling like I have gone back 15+ years and got total poverty spec car to be doing circa 18k miles in a year.
My list soon narrowed down to Mercedes E class, I could not believe the value and if im honest always had a soft spot.... Now I have never owned a Mercedes before lots of BMW's (total fan boy) and a few Audis but never really crossed paths with a Mercedes.
Then I noticed an advert for a C320CDI with 104k miles on the clock, full Mercedes history, last owner had for all but the first year of the cars life. It was now in the hands of a "bed room trader" having going through main dealer PX's. Close to budget and not a million miles away I went to look at it. The car was OK, it was aparent it is a car of two half's. On one side it has been serviced by the same Mercedes dealer since 2009, but the car presented it self as something which has been fallen out of love with. The AC was not working, the car has not been waxed/polish for a number of years and generally thick in grime. Also the Tyers on the car are some very cheap Chinese make which never heard off!
However importantly the car drove fine, and engine sounded lovely and quite. The ground in dirt all over the car, I can sort (shown cars in the past). Deal was done the Seller would put 12 months MOT on as only 2 months left and fix AC and get me to budget.
Few days later I drove it home, concerns on collecting. Is it going to cost me a fortune in fuel! (taken steady on way home managed 48mpg impressively). is something going to fall of the car or breakdown soon as I leave. 100miles now under its belt and happy to report its ok. And so far for comfort its certainly got that covered, and I think hopefully for a sub $4k car it is still quite presentable. Oh and the build quality, im very impressed, and has been given the nickname the tank by the family for its size and great clunks when shutting the doors lol.
Here are some pics when arrive home, however they do not due the justice just how grubby it was...
GOPR0098 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0099 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0100 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0101 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0102 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0104 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0106 by Rhys Hodge
And after two whole days on the car, a few photos though apologies they are not the best!
GOPR0108 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0109 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0110 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0111 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0112 by Rhys Hodge
GOPR0113 by Rhys Hodge
As this is supposed to be a cheap work car for a year, I am not going to be doing any modifications just maintenance and upkeep to a good standard. However there are few things I must address quite soon:
There are NO cupholders! A solution needs to be found as I need caffeine for those long drives. (I have had a look and looks like there is a genuine one which fetch $50, though while normally I would just order, this is not a 30-40k car so have to check any alternatives before making rash purchases.
There is NO bluetooth. I thought would have been standard, however because im am totally new to the brand I did not realise there is a module, and once found out where it is, it looks to have been taken, presume sold. These fetch circa $160 on ebay. But need to check if can get cheaper or alternative before go two feet and buy again. This is a must as again required for the long work drives.
Those Tyers, they will not do and need replacing. Tread depths ok, however they just scream budget and one thing I do not want to do is risk anyones safety by having cheap tyres. However as all four alloys have seen better days, I am tempted by looking to get some of the AMG version alloys (this may be the ONLY modification for this car).
Sorry if I bored you on the above, but thought worth while to document my work car journey.
Bit of background why I have come to buy this car... As it was far from where I thought I would be a few months ago....
As my company car period was coming to an end and an ever dragging company delaying publishing a new list, my existing car was now 4.5years old before having an option to upgrade. The list came out and, well the selection was terrible basically a 320d SE or a Golf Match DSG, 120d SE auto etc... The only car I would consider would be the 320d however if I was to pay all the company tax and be stuck with a car for 4+ years it had to be right. I was currently coming out of a tourer which was great. The 320d was coming in at circa $345 a month BIK which I though was too steep for a car which did not tick all the boxes.
My company has narrowed the list down to encourage people to get out of company cars without actually stating it. For this they have succeed, so an opt out was in hand. One good thing about the policy was the only constraints imposed on what car I could use for business was no convertibles or 2 seater cars. Now as I'm due to go away on holidays I basically had 4 weeks to find a car.
The criteria:
Relibale
Comfortable
Presentable
$3.5k budget. I had decided I wanted to buy a car for at least one year and use additional cash for other things. Besides I only bought a "toy M3" recently and did not want two expensive cars right now... So the budget was set as that was readily available as disposable car cash.
The search was on, I really wanted an estate car due to the practicalities, however on the search to meet all the above criteria I was struggling, and especially without feeling like I have gone back 15+ years and got total poverty spec car to be doing circa 18k miles in a year.
My list soon narrowed down to Mercedes E class, I could not believe the value and if im honest always had a soft spot.... Now I have never owned a Mercedes before lots of BMW's (total fan boy) and a few Audis but never really crossed paths with a Mercedes.
Then I noticed an advert for a C320CDI with 104k miles on the clock, full Mercedes history, last owner had for all but the first year of the cars life. It was now in the hands of a "bed room trader" having going through main dealer PX's. Close to budget and not a million miles away I went to look at it. The car was OK, it was aparent it is a car of two half's. On one side it has been serviced by the same Mercedes dealer since 2009, but the car presented it self as something which has been fallen out of love with. The AC was not working, the car has not been waxed/polish for a number of years and generally thick in grime. Also the Tyers on the car are some very cheap Chinese make which never heard off!
However importantly the car drove fine, and engine sounded lovely and quite. The ground in dirt all over the car, I can sort (shown cars in the past). Deal was done the Seller would put 12 months MOT on as only 2 months left and fix AC and get me to budget.
Few days later I drove it home, concerns on collecting. Is it going to cost me a fortune in fuel! (taken steady on way home managed 48mpg impressively). is something going to fall of the car or breakdown soon as I leave. 100miles now under its belt and happy to report its ok. And so far for comfort its certainly got that covered, and I think hopefully for a sub $4k car it is still quite presentable. Oh and the build quality, im very impressed, and has been given the nickname the tank by the family for its size and great clunks when shutting the doors lol.
Here are some pics when arrive home, however they do not due the justice just how grubby it was...
GOPR0098 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0099 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0100 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0101 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0102 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0104 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0106 by Rhys HodgeAnd after two whole days on the car, a few photos though apologies they are not the best!
GOPR0108 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0109 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0110 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0111 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0112 by Rhys HodgeGOPR0113 by Rhys HodgeAs this is supposed to be a cheap work car for a year, I am not going to be doing any modifications just maintenance and upkeep to a good standard. However there are few things I must address quite soon:
There are NO cupholders! A solution needs to be found as I need caffeine for those long drives. (I have had a look and looks like there is a genuine one which fetch $50, though while normally I would just order, this is not a 30-40k car so have to check any alternatives before making rash purchases.
There is NO bluetooth. I thought would have been standard, however because im am totally new to the brand I did not realise there is a module, and once found out where it is, it looks to have been taken, presume sold. These fetch circa $160 on ebay. But need to check if can get cheaper or alternative before go two feet and buy again. This is a must as again required for the long work drives.
Those Tyers, they will not do and need replacing. Tread depths ok, however they just scream budget and one thing I do not want to do is risk anyones safety by having cheap tyres. However as all four alloys have seen better days, I am tempted by looking to get some of the AMG version alloys (this may be the ONLY modification for this car).
Sorry if I bored you on the above, but thought worth while to document my work car journey.
Nice car thanks for posting I'd considered doing the same as nearly a year ago I got out of my PCP for the 7 seat estate version. Funnily enough the PCP was for 320d M Sport which I loved but the sums were crazy £450 a month which over 4 years was £21600. Left it's back after 3 years and had £2000 excess mileage to pay. Glad I didn't keep it full term.
Merc was 2 owner, original was rich old lad had it from 2007 to about 2015 full MBSH. Second owner owns a local farmers market and not sure it ever got anything done to it. Worked hard for the farm, dog wagon and kid transport and was pretty dirty.
I bought it to save the PCP money for something else and despite spending lots the past month or so it has proven cheaper than PCP. Plus I own the equity in it!
Do I like my choice? Yes but I don't love it and considering a change already. Compared to 320d it's much thirstier I'm getting low 30s on a run and my commute 40 miles mostly A roads is high 20s which is shocking. Build quality ain't great either nor is the ride or NVH although new springs and airsprings in rear helped plus plenty of new bushes and arms. Suspension still not what I'd desire.
Mine came with a parrot unit for calls which I rarely use but it's ok. Go with the other suggestions mentioned.
I love Mercs I have 3 and BMW too. Join the MB for discounts and events. The Merc forum here is good too for advice, I've posted previously and some great chaps on it.
However I'm seriously considering an Audi D3 A8 3.0 TDI Quattro love the look, solidity of them but I know little about Audi. I had an Allroad briefly was nice but trouble.
Cheers
Merc was 2 owner, original was rich old lad had it from 2007 to about 2015 full MBSH. Second owner owns a local farmers market and not sure it ever got anything done to it. Worked hard for the farm, dog wagon and kid transport and was pretty dirty.
I bought it to save the PCP money for something else and despite spending lots the past month or so it has proven cheaper than PCP. Plus I own the equity in it!
Do I like my choice? Yes but I don't love it and considering a change already. Compared to 320d it's much thirstier I'm getting low 30s on a run and my commute 40 miles mostly A roads is high 20s which is shocking. Build quality ain't great either nor is the ride or NVH although new springs and airsprings in rear helped plus plenty of new bushes and arms. Suspension still not what I'd desire.
Mine came with a parrot unit for calls which I rarely use but it's ok. Go with the other suggestions mentioned.
I love Mercs I have 3 and BMW too. Join the MB for discounts and events. The Merc forum here is good too for advice, I've posted previously and some great chaps on it.
However I'm seriously considering an Audi D3 A8 3.0 TDI Quattro love the look, solidity of them but I know little about Audi. I had an Allroad briefly was nice but trouble.
Cheers
TheAngryDog said:
Nice car Rhys. Does it have the phone cradle in the arm rest? If so you can get a module for that to allow Bluetooth calls, but not music. Does it have command? You can run the VIN through a decoder to find the options it was specced with when new.
Yes it looks like it does have the socket, just need to find the module for a sensible price... It does not have the command sat nav. It would have been nice, however due to time frame and now age of the car I thought could possible be quite dated.MercedesClassic, im same as you, if I was looking for a new car I would not choose something like this for all rounder. However for the money and age I cannot see much that can be better to fit my criteria.
Another thing to not is the auto fold mirror to not work, need to look at sorting as I would assume the driver mirror has had a hit at some point. No obvious marks, but the mirror seems out of adjustment as does not look out as much as would like. And fold does not work on either mirror. So need to do some googling and forum browsing for DIY help. I will try some MB forums as suggested also.
Yeah mine doesn't have Command Nav either but 99% I know where I'm going and if not I use Google Maps. Mine doesn't have HK audio upgrade either so that's a weak spot but luckily I prefer the quietness. My SL55 Has the Bose system and 320d had HK which was sensational. Ear bleeding volume.
Ok my mirrors didn't fold either but you can turn it in via the computer. Go into convenience settings turn it and other things on or off. Steering wheel can motor out if your way in exit too.
There's loads of helpful videos on settings and maintenance online too. I've slowly been going through mine and at moment it's like Triggers broom. Therefore as much as I'd like a change to an A8 it could turn out to be a money pit. So I'll settle and get value out if my new parts.
Oh I also got lots of filters and fluids changed like the gearbox as a preventive measure as couldn't see evidence it had been done. Although Indy said the oil wasn't too bad so chances are it had been done.
It amazes me how many w211 and s211 estates there are in the roads. Cheers David
Ok my mirrors didn't fold either but you can turn it in via the computer. Go into convenience settings turn it and other things on or off. Steering wheel can motor out if your way in exit too.
There's loads of helpful videos on settings and maintenance online too. I've slowly been going through mine and at moment it's like Triggers broom. Therefore as much as I'd like a change to an A8 it could turn out to be a money pit. So I'll settle and get value out if my new parts.
Oh I also got lots of filters and fluids changed like the gearbox as a preventive measure as couldn't see evidence it had been done. Although Indy said the oil wasn't too bad so chances are it had been done.
It amazes me how many w211 and s211 estates there are in the roads. Cheers David
Thanks all;
Car does have the power fold options and its set to fold when car locks. However nothing happens, will get this looked at im coming weeks.
Today the AC is not blowing cold on drivers side, but is on passenger side. Had a quick look and suggest running low on gas. THE seller charged the system, now I suggest this was just charged to get it working, and no checks for any leaks. I suppose this might now point to a small leak, I have check some MB forums but confused as how to check climate modules is on earlier cars not with the same as mine:
DSC_0068 by Rhys Hodge
Want to check and see if there was any other codes before get regress and leak tested.
Don't you just love the first few weeks with a new car (especially relatively old one). im to fussy not to have things working........
Car does have the power fold options and its set to fold when car locks. However nothing happens, will get this looked at im coming weeks.
Today the AC is not blowing cold on drivers side, but is on passenger side. Had a quick look and suggest running low on gas. THE seller charged the system, now I suggest this was just charged to get it working, and no checks for any leaks. I suppose this might now point to a small leak, I have check some MB forums but confused as how to check climate modules is on earlier cars not with the same as mine:
DSC_0068 by Rhys HodgeWant to check and see if there was any other codes before get regress and leak tested.
Don't you just love the first few weeks with a new car (especially relatively old one). im to fussy not to have things working........
Ph1listine said:
Looks nice, is this the 7G gearbox? Heard they are more problematic than the earlier 5 speed or is that nonsense?
7G . The 5 speed are bullet proof, however to be fair I think 7g if looked after are generally ok. As some said above get fluids change. Mine has been done at dealers but going to get it done on next service (due October to be sure).Well today first trip to the garage.....
Given the AC issue I just could not wait, so phone call to local garage who said would have a look at it today. Popped down and hooked up to do a leak test and diagnostic.
a good result was no leaks detected, however on diagnostic AC pressure valve was faulty, and was only 110g gas in system not 950G!? So part was ordered and agreed once arrive that afternoon they would replace can fault that for service!
While the car was hooked up, I did asked what were all the faults showing on the car. I asked was concerned what I was going to be told. The issues logged:
AC Pressure valve (as above)
Rear boot latch (this is sticky and aware)
Mirrors not folding (again aware of this and seems a common fault! something I must get around to sorting)
O2 sensor pre cat. This was a surprise, so will look to get this done asap have asked the garage to price this up.
Other than that it was it, so was kind of relived as asked for warts and all! He said the Mercedes logs everything and can tell its not been in a shunt?
Car went back in this afternoon sensor replaced and AC recharge the system is now ice cold! Lets hope thats the last of AC issue.....
Few pics:
DSC_0069 by Rhys Hodge
DSC_0070 by Rhys Hodge
Given the AC issue I just could not wait, so phone call to local garage who said would have a look at it today. Popped down and hooked up to do a leak test and diagnostic.
a good result was no leaks detected, however on diagnostic AC pressure valve was faulty, and was only 110g gas in system not 950G!? So part was ordered and agreed once arrive that afternoon they would replace can fault that for service!
While the car was hooked up, I did asked what were all the faults showing on the car. I asked was concerned what I was going to be told. The issues logged:
AC Pressure valve (as above)
Rear boot latch (this is sticky and aware)
Mirrors not folding (again aware of this and seems a common fault! something I must get around to sorting)
O2 sensor pre cat. This was a surprise, so will look to get this done asap have asked the garage to price this up.
Other than that it was it, so was kind of relived as asked for warts and all! He said the Mercedes logs everything and can tell its not been in a shunt?
Car went back in this afternoon sensor replaced and AC recharge the system is now ice cold! Lets hope thats the last of AC issue.....
Few pics:
DSC_0069 by Rhys HodgeDSC_0070 by Rhys HodgeEdited by RhysH on Monday 5th August 19:36
Edited by RhysH on Monday 5th August 19:37
Another PH’r that was local to me stuck his laptop on my SLK and I was amazed at the list of faults it spat out - he cleared them all and only one came back which resulted in a google for code and cause and as a result a successful fix for the issue that started the whole hook the laptop up to the car in the first place.
They really do store stuff for a long time it seems
They really do store stuff for a long time it seems
Bit of an update:
So much for not spending much.... lol
The Aircon has been bugging me, after two weeks holiday came back and the car was blowing warm air again. Ok a small leak, went to a local MB specialist who charged the car up and added dye for a leak test. To be honest I was not overly impressed with the service and said it sounds like the condenser this would be $800 job was the qutoe! My jaw nearly hit the floor and I was not impressed. After all the idea of this was cheap motoring, and having a car without working AC will not do as with some days a long working drive the one thing I hate is being sat in a hot car.
Journey home and some thought, Bright idea, I would just get some AC sealer put it in an bobs your uncle hopefully sort the leak. I done this when arrived home, all was well. However the can had not completely used all its contents. I ran the AC and was still ice cold so thought happy days and run for a week or so and see what happens. I had a sleep that night then that nagging feeling crept in, it stated ensure use all the contents of the can, I didn't and I cannot recall how heavy the can was before did I actually put much in. So I though I would do it again until all was gone. However when I don't this it looks like more AC gas went into the car and the AC was no longer blowing cold air. Then you get the feeling why did I bother and not just leave it alone when was working.... Muppet!
By this point I had enough, and called a local mobile AC specialist to come and fix. He came today and said it was the AC condensor and fitted to car which was a grand total of $320. Much better than 800 quoted at MB specalist! So far so good, but not used car since so finger crossed ac issues now sorted.
Few other issue also sorted in process O2 sensor replaced which was showing as code on car, and I have also got two lower arm ball joints replace as slight clunk (things like that annoy me!). $420!
The car has flashed up A service in 30 days (which knew was coming). While its got full MB history, I will just used a local garage as its only minor service.
So going a bit against "cheap car motoring" mentality. However I hope the cost will now soon stop.
So much for not spending much.... lol
The Aircon has been bugging me, after two weeks holiday came back and the car was blowing warm air again. Ok a small leak, went to a local MB specialist who charged the car up and added dye for a leak test. To be honest I was not overly impressed with the service and said it sounds like the condenser this would be $800 job was the qutoe! My jaw nearly hit the floor and I was not impressed. After all the idea of this was cheap motoring, and having a car without working AC will not do as with some days a long working drive the one thing I hate is being sat in a hot car.
Journey home and some thought, Bright idea, I would just get some AC sealer put it in an bobs your uncle hopefully sort the leak. I done this when arrived home, all was well. However the can had not completely used all its contents. I ran the AC and was still ice cold so thought happy days and run for a week or so and see what happens. I had a sleep that night then that nagging feeling crept in, it stated ensure use all the contents of the can, I didn't and I cannot recall how heavy the can was before did I actually put much in. So I though I would do it again until all was gone. However when I don't this it looks like more AC gas went into the car and the AC was no longer blowing cold air. Then you get the feeling why did I bother and not just leave it alone when was working.... Muppet!
By this point I had enough, and called a local mobile AC specialist to come and fix. He came today and said it was the AC condensor and fitted to car which was a grand total of $320. Much better than 800 quoted at MB specalist! So far so good, but not used car since so finger crossed ac issues now sorted.
Few other issue also sorted in process O2 sensor replaced which was showing as code on car, and I have also got two lower arm ball joints replace as slight clunk (things like that annoy me!). $420!
The car has flashed up A service in 30 days (which knew was coming). While its got full MB history, I will just used a local garage as its only minor service.
So going a bit against "cheap car motoring" mentality. However I hope the cost will now soon stop.
Small update:
Car is booked in for minor service on Tuesday - oil service but also getting gearbox oil changed as supposed to be done every 40k or 4 years. From going through history I can see it must be due now. So that will get sorted on Tuesday. There is still a clunk on the front passenger side so getting them to relook at that to see what it is. Maybe top strut mount...?
Other than that had the car go into limp mode at one point, switched car of and then on again and resumed ok. Got the car plugged in and came up with following codes:
- 2510 - Y77/1 (Boost pressure regulator) Positioner signals fault
- 2616 - B60 (Exhaust back pressure sensor) control variation - The exhaust back pressure is too low
Reading up on this, it looks like the turbo actuator maybe staring to be play up. Originally this would be total new turbo at $2k!! But seems now you can get the unit refurbished for circa $100. Thankfully....... phew. Although most people say the second fault should be reading as too high so might just be some coke in the engine? Not sure but will see..
That said few people has also mentioned the PCV valve could be playing up and putting oil over into turbo. I toke the pipe off to have a look and there was a very small amount of oil (as I type this now kicking myself I did not get photos!). So im going to order a new PCV valve and turbo inlet seal to see if that helps.
Also I bought some Redex total system clean (not sure if it will help but can't see it doing any harm). I will be doing 800-900 miles in the car shortly so hopefully all goes ok.
Its been a long time since I have been tinkering with cars to keep them going and not light modding. Bring back all memories and some not positive especially with the time constraints two very young children and a wife.... lol.
I did have a wobble this weekend, and phoned about a 67plate 5 series estate, but after a rush to the head reminder me that its small niggles and sure will be sorted easy then cheap motoring will be done for next 12 months..
Car is booked in for minor service on Tuesday - oil service but also getting gearbox oil changed as supposed to be done every 40k or 4 years. From going through history I can see it must be due now. So that will get sorted on Tuesday. There is still a clunk on the front passenger side so getting them to relook at that to see what it is. Maybe top strut mount...?
Other than that had the car go into limp mode at one point, switched car of and then on again and resumed ok. Got the car plugged in and came up with following codes:
- 2510 - Y77/1 (Boost pressure regulator) Positioner signals fault
- 2616 - B60 (Exhaust back pressure sensor) control variation - The exhaust back pressure is too low
Reading up on this, it looks like the turbo actuator maybe staring to be play up. Originally this would be total new turbo at $2k!! But seems now you can get the unit refurbished for circa $100. Thankfully....... phew. Although most people say the second fault should be reading as too high so might just be some coke in the engine? Not sure but will see..
That said few people has also mentioned the PCV valve could be playing up and putting oil over into turbo. I toke the pipe off to have a look and there was a very small amount of oil (as I type this now kicking myself I did not get photos!). So im going to order a new PCV valve and turbo inlet seal to see if that helps.
Also I bought some Redex total system clean (not sure if it will help but can't see it doing any harm). I will be doing 800-900 miles in the car shortly so hopefully all goes ok.
Its been a long time since I have been tinkering with cars to keep them going and not light modding. Bring back all memories and some not positive especially with the time constraints two very young children and a wife.... lol.
I did have a wobble this weekend, and phoned about a 67plate 5 series estate, but after a rush to the head reminder me that its small niggles and sure will be sorted easy then cheap motoring will be done for next 12 months..
Oh I'd forgotten about your thread, just doing my weekend catch-up. I'm enjoying mine more recently since it's been pampered and playing nice.
Mine has to go back in for knocking as well it's only evident at low speed on poor surfaces.
The actuator on mine was done before I bought it and Indy says engine is good. However still occasionally when booting it from low revs it will buck quite badly. Not good if overtaking a tractor for example.
Was worse before I got her serviced and like you I used Redex complete system cleaner. So I might need to repeat that see if it helps.
I've put the notion for a change out of my head for the foreseeable as well be invested too much to sell at a loss when it's driving much better.
Keep us updated on the fixes. Cheers.
Mine has to go back in for knocking as well it's only evident at low speed on poor surfaces.
The actuator on mine was done before I bought it and Indy says engine is good. However still occasionally when booting it from low revs it will buck quite badly. Not good if overtaking a tractor for example.
Was worse before I got her serviced and like you I used Redex complete system cleaner. So I might need to repeat that see if it helps.
I've put the notion for a change out of my head for the foreseeable as well be invested too much to sell at a loss when it's driving much better.
Keep us updated on the fixes. Cheers.
Great choice! I did something similar opting out of company cars and buying older ones out right. The best part is you’re not stuck with the one car for 4 years - you can chop and change which is what I’ve done. So far, an Alfa Giulietta Veloce (my last company car that I bought of the company), 318D Sport (F30), Audi A4 Cabriolet B7 (what a mistake that was!) and currently an E46 330ci Clubsport.
With the exception of the F30 which was only 4 years old when I got it (but 80k Miles), all of these cars have needed a bit of money spending. When I add up what I’ve spent though on depreciation and repairs, I’m still quids in against a lease deal on a 320d M Sport with 15k per annum allowance.
Best thing I can suggest is keep a tracker of your costs with a comparison against approx total costs of a lease car. That Merc will need some work (all used cars do initially because that’s typically why people sell them / trade them in, especially if they’ve owned them for a very long time), but once you’re passed that, you’ll have a reliable, comfortable, good looking car for a chunky saving over total leased car costs, plus a fair bit more interest / enjoyment I’m sure.
Don’t be disheartened - the repairs will stop and you will start benefiting from the savings. Just make sure all the work you do is done right by professionals - marque specialists may cost a bit more but typically they know the common faults so can diagnose issues quicker and more accurately. Best of luck with it.
With the exception of the F30 which was only 4 years old when I got it (but 80k Miles), all of these cars have needed a bit of money spending. When I add up what I’ve spent though on depreciation and repairs, I’m still quids in against a lease deal on a 320d M Sport with 15k per annum allowance.
Best thing I can suggest is keep a tracker of your costs with a comparison against approx total costs of a lease car. That Merc will need some work (all used cars do initially because that’s typically why people sell them / trade them in, especially if they’ve owned them for a very long time), but once you’re passed that, you’ll have a reliable, comfortable, good looking car for a chunky saving over total leased car costs, plus a fair bit more interest / enjoyment I’m sure.
Don’t be disheartened - the repairs will stop and you will start benefiting from the savings. Just make sure all the work you do is done right by professionals - marque specialists may cost a bit more but typically they know the common faults so can diagnose issues quicker and more accurately. Best of luck with it.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff