2003 S320 CDi

[BB McGraw]

Hi all,

New to the board so please be gentle

Potentially first time MB owner, depending on your replies.

I saw a 2003 S320 CDi Auto for sale at a local independent dealer with a price tag of £5695. Stopped and had a chat with the fella.... 94k miles, 1 (senior) owner, newish tyres, usual toys, satnav, bluetooth etc, got the price down to £5300, with a test drive sorted for the weekend. Body work looks very nice and the alloys are in reasonable condition.
Now for the questions. I've done a little bit of googling and found the main things to look out for are; electrics, suspension and gearbox all of which sound pricey to fix if they go wrong. So, as I'm getting a test drive soon, what and where should I be looking out for? Is there anything else that's worth looking at?
I would also be using the car for towing a caravan, 1600kgs max. Is the gearbox is OK for towing?
I don't have my heart set on it yet so I'm willing to walk away if it's going to cost an arm and a leg to keep on the road.
I currently own a 2005 Shogun Sport TD but the OH thinks it's too 'Tractorish'. I know I'm at the lower end of the market but the old Paj has served me well with no major running costs and I'm hoping to get the same out of a Mercedes.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Jukie]

I think you may need to consider possible issues with the 'cat' as well. There are web references to a tinkling sound as the revs rise. It's to do with the ceramics in the cat. Again, not cheap.

 

[clk208]

Do everything you can to check the service history/mileage is genuine would be my tip.

Many of these huge diesel barges bought to do big miles.

 

[peter49]

I would be reluctant to buy a 10 year old car with ~ 100,000 miles on the clock especially as you intend to work it hard. MBs are certainly not the cheapest cars when things start to go wrong. If the Shogun is running well, why change for something that is older and not getting any younger?

 

[Borys]

S class for towing that is a no from me,it's a luxury cruiser.
Stick with the Shogun and get S to enjoy comfort,great cars
To check:
-airmatic for leaks, bottom of the shock responsible for stiffening suspension
-front ball joints, bottom of the shock if never changed with that mileage it is a certain job
- take the cover of the engine,check injectors for visible leaks,part numbers is already played with
- engine operating temp has to be around 90 otherwise thermostat job
- gear box oil service history if not done job to do
- drive belt for cracks
- engine dumper pulley for wear
- instrument cluster, check if not flickering and is evenly lit
- brake discs cond they like to left alone for long time
- rust on shocks
- brake lines for corrosion
- if self closing check all doors for correct operation
- check both sides infrared point for operation,put all windows down,lock the car holding the button should make the close
That should cover most

 

[BB McGraw]

S class for towing that is a no from me,it's a luxury cruiser.
Stick with the Shogun and get S to enjoy comfort,great cars
To check:
-airmatic for leaks, bottom of the shock responsible for stiffening suspension
-front ball joints, bottom of the shock if never changed with that mileage it is a certain job
- take the cover of the engine,check injectors for visible leaks,part numbers is already played with
- engine operating temp has to be around 90 otherwise thermostat job
- gear box oil service history if not done job to do
- drive belt for cracks
- engine dumper pulley for wear
- instrument cluster, check if not flickering and is evenly lit
- brake discs cond they like to left alone for long time
- rust on shocks
- brake lines for corrosion
- if self closing check all doors for correct operation
- check both sides infrared point for operation,put all windows down,lock the car holding the button should make the close
That should cover most

Thanks Borys, this is what I was looking for

Although you say you wouldn't tow a caravan with it. Is the gearbox not suitable or just your personal opinion? I can't keep both cars.

 

[BB McGraw]

I would be reluctant to buy a 10 year old car with ~ 100,000 miles on the clock especially as you intend to work it hard. MBs are certainly not the cheapest cars when things start to go wrong. If the Shogun is running well, why change for something that is older and not getting any younger?

It wouldn't be doing any more than around 7k miles a year and less than 500 miles towing. It's mainly for the OH to get to and from work. She struggles with the Shogun's gears (read, she's going to destroy the clutch or gearbox the way she changes gear).
Personally I like the Paj, it's easy to service and maintain myself and I prefer the raised driving position. But if I'm going to replace it I want something a bit 'special'. I've always liked Mercs, but I've always been wary of running costs. Everywhere I read about problems and how costly it is to fix. Similarly, if you look at the Paj forums, you'd wonder why anyone would ever buy one at all, but (touch wood) I've never had any major problems with mine.
Also, the Paj is lucky if it returns 30mpg on a long run whereas the S320 looks like it can do better. I appreciate VED and insurance may increase, but I'm more worried about forking out £1k for a replacement strut or £1k for an alternator!
The more I read the more I'm beginning to think I'd be cheaper paying for some driving lessons for the OH, which after 25 years of driving will go down a storm.