E Class Estate - Newbie Buying Advice

[AMGeed]

Thanks for the reply. The car was bought from a 'dealer', however I only have a mobile number for him and email, none which he responds to anymore. I'll have to track him down through law enforcement if necessary and throw the book at him. the warranty and refund guarantee he supplied aren't worth the paper they're written on.

The Sat Nav disc I have is the original Mercedes one, but it just doesn't read. However I'm more concerned about the engine. I just took it for a test drive around the block - plumes of black smoke emerge when sitting at the lights, but otherwise not noticeable whilst driving I think. And very laboured. I was only doing about 20mph but it was revving 2.5 - 3k rpm. Would this be explained by the injector issue?

Check the boost pipes on the turbocharger for splits or leaks. You have the symptoms of a leak.

 

[efunc1]

Thank you, that sounds relatively inexpensive if so.

Could continued driving damage the turbo however?

 

[E55BOF]

I'm sorry to hear you got your leg lifted. I'm afraid it's probably a waste of time trying to get back at him legally, and your local Trading Standards won't help - they don't generally talk to the public these days.

You might like to post his name, mobile number and email address, with a factual and accurate account of how he treated you, online anywhere you reasonably can, so that anyone researching him before dealing with him will be fully informed. You might also like to put his email address into www.EmailSherlock.com; you might find something useful on there.

 

[efunc1]

Check the boost pipes on the turbocharger for splits or leaks. You have the symptoms of a leak.

Hi thanks for your take on this. Just to pursue this further, my mechanic who scanned the car last week just told me that it's more likely to be the gearbox, or the clutch slipping. There are no engine management lights lit on the dash (just the SRS light), and if there was a leaking boost pipe, EGR valve or similar he reckons there would be a warning light because they are electrical systems. I'm really out to sea on this so need a concrete diagnosis I can take to the seller whilst theres still time. The Star scan only threw up an injector failure as far as I know. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[merc85]

Black smoke whilst stationary would put the Gearbox slipping to bed, is the car manual or auto? as if its auto its not going to have a clutch either.

Certainly sounds a leaky injector or similar as AMGeed has suggested

 

[efunc1]

Auto.

Hmmm, OK, I'm happy with that verdict if that's what it is. Gearbox troubles on top I do not need!!!

Taking it back to Wayne Gates for another verdict tomorrow..

 

[merc85]

Fingers crossed for you sir, how people can sell cars in that unkown condition is beyond me i certainly wouldn't be able to sleep.

 

[efunc1]

Update to the thread. I was chasing up quotes for a possible injector job and went to a place in North London that does refurbed ones. They ran some ECU, EGR valve, pressure and injector leak back tests and checked around the engine and gave it a completely clean bill of health. Even took it for a test drive and thought it was lovely with no issues, and no smoke either. After settling the bill and reversing out I, once again, experienced the plumes of smoke. I went back in and this time they identified the issue. It only smokes when in Reverse or Drive whilst stationary with brake applied. i.e., under load the car is supposedly revving to move, and over-fueling. The diagnosis is that the torque converter needs to be replaced. Having already spent almost £150 diagnosing the faults the bill now an additional £650 for a recon TC.

The question is, why would it fail like this? There is no juddering or anything. However I do find it revs very high at low speeds and takes a lot to change up a gear. It makes the car feel a bit under-powered because I need to keep a heavy foot on the gas (although others say it drives well). But is it possible the TC could go bad and it not affect the gearbox as well? That's another concern. The car is still under warranty for engine and gearbox faults, but I can't see the dealer having deep enough pockets for this job if the gearbox needs an overhaul too..

 

[HB]

Update to the thread. I was chasing up quotes for a possible injector job and went to a place in North London that does refurbed ones. They ran some ECU, EGR valve, pressure and injector leak back tests and checked around the engine and gave it a completely clean bill of health. Even took it for a test drive and thought it was lovely with no issues, and no smoke either. After settling the bill and reversing out I, once again, experienced the plumes of smoke. I went back in and this time they identified the issue. It only smokes when in Reverse or Drive whilst stationary with brake applied. i.e., under load the car is supposedly revving to move, and over-fueling. The diagnosis is that the torque converter needs to be replaced. Having already spent almost £150 diagnosing the faults the bill now an additional £650 for a recon TC.

The question is, why would it fail like this? There is no juddering or anything. However I do find it revs very high at low speeds and takes a lot to change up a gear. It makes the car feel a bit under-powered because I need to keep a heavy foot on the gas (although others say it drives well). But is it possible the TC could go bad and it not affect the gearbox as well? That's another concern. The car is still under warranty for engine and gearbox faults, but I can't see the dealer having deep enough pockets for this job if the gearbox needs an overhaul too..

Recon your original TC for approx £300. If you can send it up to mackies in Glasgow. They are zf approved repairers.

 

[efunc1]

Thank you. I'm guessing the removal/fitting labour would come to £350 on top?

One question remain though - if the TC is really shot why am I not experiencing the usual juddering and surging?

Also, why would it fail - is it contamination, or just physical wear? If contamination could the gearbox be affected? that would completely change the equation and I would just return the car without wasting my time.

 

[bozmandb9]

Hi folks,

I've got a very tough brief. I need to buy my brother a car for his birthday as his VW Passat estate just packed in. It was supposed to be a surprise and I don't have much to spend! Actually not much more than £1 - 1.5k. However his birthday was today and I failed to find something suitable in time, so now I'm considering doubling up the budget and getting him to chip in too now that I've had to break the surprise.

I thought I might be able to find a very good S210 Estate, but it just didn't happen in time and most of the ones I was offered the sellers wanted more than I had to spend. And there is always the issue of corrosion of panels and underside.

Now however I think I'll aim for the £3000 mark (max!) and set my sights on a S211 instead. I prefer the modern looks and in comparison the S210 looks a bit boxy.

What concerns me is that a 2002 S210 is a fairly mature car, whereas a 03/04 S211 is fairly new with associated design flaws and teething issues. I've seen mention of SBC pump, etc. Is it even feasible to find a very good S211 for less than £3000? Would it be unwise to buy one of the early ones from 2003/4? Is it worth holding out for a 2005 model, and which engine would be considered most reliable, cheapest to run and maintain? I think my brother favours petrol now after years of a Passat TDI. Is the E220 or 240 good candidates or do most people favour the 320 CDI? I've seen a later E200 kompressor for an interesting price. Any good or underpowered? Is there a fundamental thing I should be alerted to in my hunt? I notice ball joints are replaced often, so if I find one that's been regularly serviced and has receipts for this kind of work already, am I on to a good candidate?

Finally, I've seen an 2004 E240 with 2 issues the seller was very honest to me about. One is that the rear air suspension drops down if the car's been standing a while, but he says it's fine once the car's started and it remains level in all other situations. Additionally he's noticed a bit of lag in the automatic gear box. It claims it's virtually unnoticeable but a known issue with the 5-speed auto and the E240 engine. Later 7-speed boxes don't really suffer. But because of this he had gearbox mounting fitted and it's not noticeable. In all other respects it looks like a lovely car and a very honest seller.

I've got just a week left to find something and buy it next weekend. Any advice welcome!

Thanks

I'll stick my head above the parapet to suggest that you may well get a good S211 within budget, I certainly did! Clearly it won't be low mileage, but I've always found high mileage cars to be much better buys, if you buy well.

I spent £2,500, got a 2003 S211, with mega spec, and everything works, including full memory seats (driver and passenger), 4 zone climate, electric tailgate and load tray, etc etc. Drives like a dream, and a wonderful place to be, oh plus it has the semi active adaptive suspension. The 185k doesn't bother me remotely. So far, three months in, had no repair costs, nothing gone wrong (with the exception of discovery one cracked wheel rim).

I wouldn't worry about the SBC, mine's already had a new unit, same goes for a lot of the supposed issues on the early cars, they are simply not relevant now. Any Friday afternoon cars will not be still on the road, at this sort of price level, in my view, only the good ones will be still around, problem cars will be worth more for parts. Those still in use will have had the glitches sorted in general.

Bottom line is any 10-15 year old car is going to be a bit of a risk, choose right with an early S211, and the reward can more than justify the risk, especially if you do your homework and choose well.

 

[efunc1]

thanks bozmand.

I'm thoroughly confused by my issue now and don't know what to do. The symptoms I'm finding is that this car smokes heavily (black smoke) when in reverse, but is fine at most other times, drive, park, neutral, etc. I've occasionally seen it when sitting at traffic light stationary in Drive.

The second garage I took it to (not a merc specialist, but a very good indy) concluded that reconditioning my Torque Converter will resolve the issue. I went back to the MB indy in Harrow however and they scoffed at the idea and said I should change all my injectors, even though the leak back test looked fine and there's no engine management lights and no visual indication of knackered injectors.

I have to respect his knowledge and experience, but am in a real dilemma. Why would this only cause smoking in reverse? What should I do - TC or injectors? Anyone else seen this?

This thread is ironic since it describes exactly the same dilemma and the same advice from the same indy! Transmission noise & vibration E220 CDI - Page 2 - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

And here's another vote for TC: S320 cdi - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

 

[bozmandb9]

Sorry to hear of the troubles efunc1. I guess we've all been there, hope you manage to get some justice from the 'trader'. Have you checked your insurance to see if you have free legal cover included?

But you're taking the right course, just focus on getting it put right, since chances of getting any justice are slim at best.

I'm afraid I have no experience of this particular issue. My car has had gearbox and tc work. Just hope you get it resolved as easily and cheaply as possible, and end up with a good car. I guess bottom line is you have to find somebody who you are prepared to trust, and back fully, or even better, somebody who will guarantee that the work they are proposing to carry out will resolve your issue!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties on this.

If it's relevant, I'll be selling a 2004 E500 Estate with 60k on the clock, yes: 60k, in a month's time when the clocks go forward. Two owner, immaculate, garaged most of its life, full MB service history (12+ services). Don't really want to sell it but my wife is whinging about us running four cars.

PM me if you want me to tell you when it's listed.

 

[David404]

I ve been looking at W211 e320 e280 and they don't all have heated seats.

 

[efunc1]

I ve been looking at W211 e320 e280 and they don't all have heated seats.

No, never presume anything without investigating in advance.

 

[efunc1]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties on this.

If it's relevant, I'll be selling a 2004 E500 Estate with 60k on the clock, yes: 60k, in a month's time when the clocks go forward. Two owner, immaculate, garaged most of its life, full MB service history (12+ services). Don't really want to sell it but my wife is whinging about us running four cars.

PM me if you want me to tell you when it's listed.

thanks, but it's the 500cc engine that freaks me out! how much is the tax on that?

 

[efunc1]

Right, I've now arranged to have this car collected by the dealer for a full refund. So now I'm looking for another example, but this time trouble-free if that's possible! Would consider a very good c-class estate too. newer the better. I guess 06-08 years are just in the price range.

 

[forrester123]

You should have bought a decent Mondeo in the first place.
Unless you know the car, buying a Merc. on a tight budget & not knowing what could be needed, is asking for trouble.

 

[efunc1]

Well, yes, that's still an option, but I don't know Fords at all. Ironically, the reason I embarked upon a hunt for a merc in the first place was that I was told they are bullet-proof and will go on for decades. My dad's had his for over 25 years and it's the most reliable car in the family! Maybe modern ones are too complex.