E350 (A207) Buyers advice

[tomolewis]

Hi All,

I'm after buying a e350 convertible (2010+), I found from this forum its based on the class

Just wondering if there is any things I should look out for? I think one of my weak points is the auto box I have never owned an auto before?

Any advice would be great thanks!!

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Hi All,

I'm after buying a e350 convertible (2010+), I found from this forum its based on the class

Just wondering if there is any things I should look out for? I think one of my weak points is the auto box I have never owned an auto before?

Any advice would be great thanks!!

What have you heard about the autobox that makes it " weak "

 

[tomolewis]

What have you heard about the autobox that makes it " weak "

I meant my knowledge is weak on auto boxes

 

[davymead]

Hi All,

I'm after buying a e350 convertible (2010+), I found from this forum its based on the class

Just wondering if there is any things I should look out for? I think one of my weak points is the auto box I have never owned an auto before?

Any advice would be great thanks!!

Excellent choice, a well designed and top quality vehicle, and as with all Mercs if looked after with comprehensive service history, will last for many years.
Any soft top vehicle will need to be checked thoroughly to make sure the roof mechanism all works perfectly ..... that’s perfectly.
Look to get as bigger spec car as is possible be it petrol or diesel. Best of luck looking.

 

[markjay]

The A207 E-Class convertible is based on the W204 C-Class saloon, but with E-Class trim level and luxury. The shorter wheelbase makes for a very agile and sporty drive.

Like with every convertible, check and double check the action of the roof.... look out for any hesitation, creaking, etc - any fault can mean an expensive repair.

Generally the A207/C207 were generously speced, and most were looked after well, so you'll be spoilt for choice.

 

[SmartAmg]

Yep, lovely motor.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

I meant my knowledge is weak on auto boxes

Ha ha , sorry m8 I read it wrong. The car in question dependant on year will have either a 7g+ or a 9g+ gearbox, which means its either 7 speed or 9 . Think the 9 speed came about on the facelift in 2015/2016 when the gear selector lever moved to the steering wheel stalk area. Gearbox service should be done at 77 500 miles or 4 years , my choice , get it done every 40k . The gearbox itself is capable of 700 nm of torque ,gear changes are seamless, I myself drive a 2017 e350 c207 , its my 4th mb auto over 12 years , I've never driven anything other than a Toyota celica gt4 300 bhp 4wd monster rally car , that I can compare mercs to. Id never go back to a manual , thats for sure . Id be more concerned about a roof not working tbh. I love my pana roof open with all the windows down . Proper eye 👁 catcher under 30 mph .

 

[OneForTheRoad]

.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

 

[geoffus]

As above, I have the smaller engine E250 but still like it.
Gearboxes are wonderful and smooth if ATF serviced when due, a lot miss this as expensive if first owners sell after 4 years. Mine is the AMG sport plus version with the 19” diamond cut wheels and subtle rear boot spoiler so looks very smart.
Only downside is the cheap horrible Artico man made leather seats, the drivers side bolster is well known for splitting. I nearly bought a E350 with red leather seats which I believe is real leather, but it fell through unfortunately.
Try to get one with a rear camera if possible, regards the roof, keep it well lubricated and protect with Fabsil Gold during a dry warm day to keep it looking good.

 

[tomolewis]

Thanks All good info folks

Is it worth me doing a basic ODB2 scan with torque pro? Also if the oil cooler seals have not been done yet is it inevitable they will go at some point?

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks All good info folks

Is it worth me doing a basic ODB2 scan with torque pro? Also if the oil cooler seals have not been done yet is it inevitable they will go at some point?

The cooler seals were beginning to be replaced in the year 2012 onwards . My 2009 110k E320cdi cooler seals are still ok (I know I shouldn’t have said it ) . Budget£800-1000 for the repair
Yes may be worth scanning depending on quality of dealer/private ?

 

[tomolewis]

I'm going to look at a (private) 2010 3.0 CDI SE tomorrow, FSH and 78k


I come across a merc specialist in London that charges £550-600 for the oil cooler seal fix (MercMan Tips on youtube)

 

[W1ghty]

Do an online MOT history check as well , make sure any advisory stuff was done

 

[tomolewis]

Do an online MOT history check as well , make sure any advisory stuff was done

I did and only advisories its had are for tyres

 

[OneForTheRoad]

The cooler seals were beginning to be replaced in the year 2012 onwards . My 2009 110k E320cdi cooler seals are still ok (I know I shouldn’t have said it ) . Budget£800-1000 for the repair
Yes may be worth scanning depending on quality of dealer/private ?

my dads e320 v6 on a 07 has 136,000 miles on it, no oil leaks as yet .

 

[tonysmb]

There were 2 versions of the 7-speed box, 7g and 7g+, which was introduced c2011, possibly for 2011, or might have been 2012 model year.

I'm fairly sure they came in with the updated dash (more colour speedo etc.), stop/start, straight drls (replaced hockey-stick shape) and the 265bhp version of the engine (quite a few internal changes, revised dpf regen parameters). I think internal storage on hard drive was increased at same time (4 to 10gb IIRC)

 

[W1ghty]

my dads e320 v6 on a 07 has 136,000 miles on it, no oil leaks as yet .

We’ve done it now buddy , that’s 2 oil coolers that have just started leaking

 

[Barnowl1]

I have a 2014 e350 cab. And it’s bloody lovely. No hood or gearbox issues, Put a new battery on it in Oct last yr. (2020).. Should have done it at 5 years really...

Don’t hit a kerb though...springs break.

 

[tomolewis]

There were 2 versions of the 7-speed box, 7g and 7g+, which was introduced c2011, possibly for 2011, or might have been 2012 model year.

I'm fairly sure they came in with the updated dash (more colour speedo etc.), stop/start, straight drls (replaced hockey-stick shape) and the 265bhp version of the engine (quite a few internal changes, revised dpf regen parameters). I think internal storage on hard drive was increased at same time (4 to 10gb IIRCI

I've done a VIN decode and it says it has the 7g+ box in it.