Can you help a prospective MB owner?

[d1p]

Hi there, I'm a new member here and thinking of buying a mercedes of some flavour. Have seen an older car for sale which I *really* like the look of.

It's a Brabus fettled 1998 E320 estate with 180k on the clock and "some rust" in the arches. I think it is essentially suspension, wheels, exhaust and steering wheel, possibly the ECU too. As I understand it the enginge is the same as a standard E320 I haven't seen the car yet.

My questions are these:
- What are your buying tips, stuff look for or listen for when driving on this specific model.
- What should have been done or will be coming up in the service schedule that I should know about?
- Will it be a nightmare to maintain a car with Brabus parts or are these relatively easy to source?
- Opinions on the mileage, is 180k reasonable on a car of this age. Much life left in the old girl?

Cheers for reading and (hopefully) for your advice.
Rob

 

[d1p]

OK so I understand that rust is the issue on this model, which is predominantly why it is in my price bracket I'd guess.

How can I tell if anything critical has been affected by it (fuel, brake lines etc). Will the rust come back before my very eyes even if I have it sorted?

I'm sorry that I'm certainly asking something which has been covered before but from what I've read these are quite reliable but you need to check for some critical things. What I don't know is how to tell if bushes need doing or if that knock (should it have one) is a terminal problem/money pit indicator.

 

[guydewdney]

worth nothing more than any other e320 - about a grand?

 

[d1p]

Uh huh it's a little less than that but yes.

My concern is the ability to fix the rust and whether there are any expensive services due etc. How long does everything last essentially.

What sort of mileage from this engine is reasonable?

 

[BlackC55]

The engine will last forever if maintained well. The gearbox is the weak point.

If its done a few miles a oil and filter change is essential for the box.

Rusty fuel lines, self Leveling and brake pipes are areas that I Would check too.

 

[d1p]

Great stuff BlackC55.

Can I do the gearbox oil change myself? How do I check for rusty fuel lines (any specific problem areas to look at) I guess self levelling suspension will be apparent - by er, not being level?