W203 purchase

[reggiebaby]

Hi all. Been a while since i had a Merc but am possibly going to purchase another. Its a w203 estate 320 petrol. Needs tidying up but i work in a bodyshop so won't cost me much.
Any recommendations for what to look for? Apart from the obvious stuff. The reg is OY%! SFU if anybody knows it.
Had to scrap the E320 a while back.

Thanks in advance

 

[DSM10000]

Front suspension arms (torque struts in MB language) can wear causing braking and steering vibration, but if the original parts are fitted then you can just replace the bushes. The multi link front suspension is generally quite robust but still worth checking over. If it has been used loaded on a regular basis then check the condition of the rear springs and dampers/ Previous MOT advisories may help here.

My 2003 saloon was ,overall very reliable with very few non service replacements needed.

How old is the car? The 2004 facelift is a better car than earlier versions and has a much nicer interior.

 

[markjay]

Also...:

- Leaking pilot bush on the 5g automatic transmission

- Broken springs

- Faulty automatic front passanger seat occupancy sensor (SRS fault)

Ideally, take to car to someone with STAR and ask them for a printout of the Quicktest report.

 

[reggiebaby]

Its a 2001 car. Its done 74k. Had some new bushes and new front springs. Needs a gearbox service and some paintwork Has chequered effect cloth trim. The seller had it on Ebay three times but it never sold. I've offered him £450

 

[Vlad]

Not a lot to worry about, other than rust. Engine is bomb proof. Have you done an MOT History search to see what's been advised over the years?

 

[AltonAnt]

I bought a C240 recently for a little over £1k. It has a good spec with leather interior.
Rust will be the biggest issue if it has been locked after mechanically.
On mine it is only surface which I have started to treat.

Looking at the MOT history it has had only common W203 problems such as coils springs.