w124 280 e class

[smoothcoupe]

hi guys... i am going to view a 96 n plate e280 tommorow, 139k on the clock, full service history, last owner 9 years, grey leather and air con.. wheels need a refurb and drivers seat bolster needs refurb.. any tips on what i need to look out for.. common problems etc.... thanks.. bodywork isnt a major problem as paint mercs for a living.

 

[stwat]

Well i was going to say 'rust' but as your a bodywork tech i wont bother

 

[ET4]

Just buy it . . .

People tell you to look at the jacking points for a general idea of the car from a rust point of view, I agree to an extent, but in your line of work u got it covered Boot lips and wheel arches are prime examples.

The key fobs cost about £125 to replace so make sure the c/locking works. Don't accept 'yeah it's the battery' routine cause u got to open the car from the passenger side if it aint !

If the car pulls to one side it aint a quickfit job to sort. MB want £125 to sort the 4 wheel alignment out, specialists are not far off.

If it's got anything hanging from the rear view mirror.... walk away.

After that just go for the basic used car check, start.stop.fluids.filler cap oil/water?electrics.interior.smoky?noisy?rattly?body panel fit? etc

You're not gonna get ripped off if your thorough. . .
An 108,000 mile major engine & gearbox service (which this one has passed) Is £450 by MB. Which I did'nt think was bad for my 1996 E320. That's the most you'll pay for a main dealer service. Check through the service records and you're away . .
So it's looking good fella

Happy Days:bannana:

 

[Ade B]

Don't know if this is too late and as no one else has said it..

The 24v 6 cylinder engines suffer from a brittle loom and weak head gasket - check if these have been done as they are expensive to fix. AC is also an expensive fix (don't believe it just needs a regas).

HTH

Ade

 

[Dave Lewis]

Check through the history. By this mileage the water pump may need replacing. Check for oil leaks from cylinder head - this is the usual sign of this design fault rather than water in oil and vice-versa.Check condition of insulation on the (biodegradeable) engine wiring loom, particularly around the coil packs under the cover on the top of the cylinder head. Make sure the transmission fluid has been replaced every 30,000 miles or so. Check for rust under the screen washer bottle, and rear jacking points. Make sure the aircon blows nice and cold. That's about it I think. Great cars, well designed and built, and great to drive.