S320 57 plate Buying advise - SORN for last year

[MB8701]

Hi All,

I have seen a s320 local to me which I quite like.
The seller generally works abroad and so it has only ever convered around 1000 miles a year - sitting in storage for 9-10 months at a time.

He seems to be very very maticulous in terms of its up keep so I am happy on that front but just wondering about the fact it sits idle.

Is there anything I should concentrate on - the main thing on my mind is certain important seals might be deteriorating faster than a car in regular use.

If these are sort of cheap to replace then I am happy to do so as soon as I buy the car as a preventative measure but would like to get some knowledge of what and cost.

 

[E55BOF]

No, I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. What was his 'phone number again....?

Seriously, though, I've bought motor bikes that have stood for five or more years, and changed the oil & filter, put fuel in and started running them, with never a problem. This should be better, as it has been run every year at least.

Somebody with more specialised knowledge will be along in a while, no doubt, to give you advice, but it sounds like a good buy to me (at the right price, of course). How many times has it been serviced?

 

[Giantvanman]

There are a number of people who only run cars for a few weeks every year. They accept that some things will deteriorate with lack of use and accept that they may need to replace and repair parts each year…………seals, joints, gaskets, sticking callipers etc etc are only the tip of the iceberg.

However, many start the engine every week or so, getting it up to temperature to get the oil circulating.

It is NOT a good thing for a car to be standing unused for long periods. Personally, it's not a 'bargepole' BUT I would use this as a serious haggling tool to bring the price down A LOT and allocate what I'd saved for repairs.

 

[xkillz]

Hi All,

I have seen a s320 local to me which I quite like.
The seller generally works abroad and so it has only ever convered around 1000 miles a year - sitting in storage for 9-10 months at a time.

He seems to be very very maticulous in terms of its up keep so I am happy on that front but just wondering about the fact it sits idle.

Is there anything I should concentrate on - the main thing on my mind is certain important seals might be deteriorating faster than a car in regular use.

If these are sort of cheap to replace then I am happy to do so as soon as I buy the car as a preventative measure but would like to get some knowledge of what and cost.

I think it would be a good purchase before you start driving it take it for a service and the first couple months the car will need to be driven carefully then after that the car should be ok

I know because my r class was off the road for two years but know it runs beautifully if you can get it for the right price go for it

 

[mbenz1]

I would be concerned about the DPF on that car, sincre it has been used very less and also clogged injectors, fuel system??

I think it will be very important for that car to have a proper service history where all service schedules are adhered to. Atleast that will provide some peace of mind IMHO.

 

[mbenz1]

Also, storage/ no use for more than a month allows moisture build up in oil and fuel systems, which is not good and should be prevented by regular use

 

[MB8701]

Hi All,

Thanks for the pointers guys.
I think It is almost a bit of a luck of the draw.

It is a bit of a risk but its such a nice example that I am going to have a look at it and see how it goes.

I guess the main thing is getting a test drive.

The only thing that inspires confidence is that he is very fastidious like me in terms of looking after the car, making sure it is all ok. He had an ever so slight vibration from the front so took it to mercedes and it turns out as its been sitting for a long periods of time that the bushes and control arms needed doing on one front side. so he got them all done

 

[mbenz1]

Hi All,

Thanks for the pointers guys.
I think It is almost a bit of a luck of the draw.

It is a bit of a risk but its such a nice example that I am going to have a look at it and see how it goes.

I guess the main thing is getting a test drive.

The only thing that inspires confidence is that he is very fastidious like me in terms of looking after the car, making sure it is all ok. He had an ever so slight vibration from the front so took it to mercedes and it turns out as its been sitting for a long periods of time that the bushes and control arms needed doing on one front side. so he got them all done

Good luck for your viewing. I hope that the car is a genuine and satisfying example of a W221. They are absolutely great cars.

 

[MB8701]

Me too!

I will keep everyone updated.

I have my fingers and legs crossed its a good one

 

[tromppost]

is it 7000 miles and one owner ?? What colour ? Sounds like a very good find.

 

[MB8701]

Sorry - the car has 40,000 miles on it. The first owner done 38,000 approx in the first 3 years and then the second owner has had it for around 3 years and has done around 1000 a year.

The great news is I bought it!!!! I just had to have it - its not a bargain price but the guy was a complete gentleman and did not skimp at all in the upkeep of the car.

It has dynamic seats and I noticed they were not working and rather than trying to barter on price with me he stuck to our original price and said if you are happy to still buy I will take it to merc right now and ask them to fix it.

We went straight to merc and it seems like he knew them all very very well (clearly spends a lot of money their).

They looked at his car infront of 10 others and said the battery in the rear that runs the auxillry items was knackered so they placed that - coded it all up and its all perfect now. He also asked them to kindly check over it as he was selling it to me...

Picking her up saturday!!! Promise I will post some pics!!!!
I am over the moon!!!

Has been years since I have wanted an s class in the right spec and have had a few missed chances.

Now to think of a few updates......

updated LED lights in a few places
Rear diffuser for exhaust tips exit
updated maps
...............

 

[GH421]

Good stuff!

I too have knackered dynamic seats but I'm getting the whole inside seat modules changed which include all the bladders and control units.

Please do let me know where you get your updated map from

 

[MB8701]

Good stuff!

I too have knackered dynamic seats but I'm getting the whole inside seat modules changed which include all the bladders and control units.

Please do let me know where you get your updated map from

Fingers crossed I do not have any future problems with them....

I am just going to buy the updared 2014/2015 maps from these guys - I checked ebay but they are selling at 100 pounds each for 2012/13 editions so I feel its better to pay 150 for a 2015 edition.

I could sell it on ebay after its loaded? for around 120 after as others have suggested.

Comand APS Map Update DVD Europe for NTG3 V13.0 2013/2014 in S and CL Class. | Mercedes Navigation Disks | Comand Online Ltd

 

[GH421]

Are there any companies who could do this for you instead? Rather than buying the disc and using it once.