Right, where do we start:
It's a decent colour 2.5-16 with full leather, heated seats and an automatic transmission with cruise. And it's got air con, but you'd need to check that carefully to see if it's still working after the best part of 20 years!
Anyway, looks like someone's pride and joy. Wheels, exhaust, steering wheel and indicators/side repeaters are non-original. He says it's been lowered as well, that is one thing that you'd have to check properly as they have SLS (hydraulic self-levelling suspension) on the rear. Although I am slightly biased, originality is probably more desirable on these cars these days - if you want the newer looks and style a C36/C43 makes much more sense IMO.
Condition looks quite good in the photos (don't they all though
) and he's keen to show he's been looking after it, so not a bad start. To be honest though, the main problem with these cars as they get older is the fiddly bits. The parts that many garages don't know about or don't understand/ignore. Valve clearances, the ASD and SLS systems etc. Head gaskets themselves aren't a particular weak spot at all I would say, but more so the problems relating to lack of proper servicing will be valve/compression etc issues.
2.5-16s have the later duplex chain system which was a major trouble spot in the earlier 2.3 models.
You're going to want to check for rust as well at this age although to be fair it'll no doubt be better than many 8-10 year old MBs! :bannana:
If you're going to look at the car Shaun, and want to ask any questions, PM me and I'll send you my mobile number.
HTH,
Will
It's a decent colour 2.5-16 with full leather, heated seats and an automatic transmission with cruise. And it's got air con, but you'd need to check that carefully to see if it's still working after the best part of 20 years!
Anyway, looks like someone's pride and joy. Wheels, exhaust, steering wheel and indicators/side repeaters are non-original. He says it's been lowered as well, that is one thing that you'd have to check properly as they have SLS (hydraulic self-levelling suspension) on the rear. Although I am slightly biased, originality is probably more desirable on these cars these days - if you want the newer looks and style a C36/C43 makes much more sense IMO.
Condition looks quite good in the photos (don't they all though
) and he's keen to show he's been looking after it, so not a bad start. To be honest though, the main problem with these cars as they get older is the fiddly bits. The parts that many garages don't know about or don't understand/ignore. Valve clearances, the ASD and SLS systems etc. Head gaskets themselves aren't a particular weak spot at all I would say, but more so the problems relating to lack of proper servicing will be valve/compression etc issues.2.5-16s have the later duplex chain system which was a major trouble spot in the earlier 2.3 models.
You're going to want to check for rust as well at this age although to be fair it'll no doubt be better than many 8-10 year old MBs! :bannana:
If you're going to look at the car Shaun, and want to ask any questions, PM me and I'll send you my mobile number.
HTH,
Will
