Simon Garrett
New Member
I'm looking for a 300 or 280 estate to help me with my work, something clean and dependable.
I've seen a 280 I really like (1993 on a K, 130,000 miles, nice level of equipment without being bonkers, 2 owners), but kind of suspect I should walk away. The trouble is that there is an invoice for removal and refacing of the head, new gasket etc, from 1999, and there is mayo under the oil filler now. The dealer concerned (not a Benz specialist) says he will sort the problem and then offer a 12 month warranty.
My question is, is there a history of warping of the heads on these engines? It seems odd for the gasket to fail so soon after being replaced. If the top of the engine was sorted in '99, is the block maybe cracked? I'm attracted to Mercedes because I thought the engines were supposed to be strong over high mileages.
The car has a decent but not perfect history. My experience of warranties on used vehicles of this age is not encouraging.
Should I give it a miss, or work with the dealer to reach a deal?
Cheers
Simon
I've seen a 280 I really like (1993 on a K, 130,000 miles, nice level of equipment without being bonkers, 2 owners), but kind of suspect I should walk away. The trouble is that there is an invoice for removal and refacing of the head, new gasket etc, from 1999, and there is mayo under the oil filler now. The dealer concerned (not a Benz specialist) says he will sort the problem and then offer a 12 month warranty.
My question is, is there a history of warping of the heads on these engines? It seems odd for the gasket to fail so soon after being replaced. If the top of the engine was sorted in '99, is the block maybe cracked? I'm attracted to Mercedes because I thought the engines were supposed to be strong over high mileages.
The car has a decent but not perfect history. My experience of warranties on used vehicles of this age is not encouraging.
Should I give it a miss, or work with the dealer to reach a deal?
Cheers
Simon