W211 engine rust?

[greggster]

Sorry, one day i will give back the same knowledge that i am now taking hopefully

I am going to see a W211 tomorrow, any ideas what the rust is in the front of the engine just under the cover?

 

[greggster]

really sorry about this, but i suppose i have to learn somewhere - think i have it now;

 

[Dieselman]

Just lift the cover off for a proper look. It seems too high for a water leak.

 

[evdok]

Some kind of water leak i'd say.

 

[st4]

Greg-have you upped the seach, the engine bay looks like an I6-are you going for a 320cdi?

 

[Satch]

That looks like it is surface rust on the high pressure pump for the diesel injection system. It has a painted finish and in a fairly exposed location but not immediately clear to me why it would be in such a state.

 

[Smiley]

Has it spent its life on the coast?

 

[greggster]

Hi *** - thanks for asking, its an E270 - i had to broaden my search a little, so it's going to be either a 220 or 270, i think the 320 is just too juicy for me (don't know why i get so hung up on economy as i only do about 12k miles a year - am i being stupid?). This one actually got sold this morning before i got to it so i never got to investigate the rust!!

I am still a little nervous about buying a car with 100k miles on it - please re-assure me everyone!

 

[jeremytaylor]

If it's been properly serviced, it should be no problem.

My brother has a 270 estate that he has run from 5,000 to 100,000, and it has been fine.

 

[greggster]

great thanks for the re-assurance, i may go to see a different E270cdi tomorrow on the south coast if i can get my work done in the morning!

 

[Smiley]

Look for one that has been serviced properly - I would rather buy one with 100k miles and 8 stamps than a 50k miler with 2 stamps - and the 100k one will be cheaper too.
100k is nothing. My old w124 diesel is now over 200k and still runs very well. regular servicing is the key.

 

[hawk20]

But why choose one with 100k miles on it if you are after an '04 or '05. There are plenty out there with book miles (50-60k miles). I would use the MB search engine on their website and you can buy one under 60k miles with a tier 1 approved used warranty for 12 months. Any probs it has you get sorted free.

 

[greggster]

thanks hawk20, money is the reason though! I could get an 02 plate with 60k miles or an 04 with 100k miles

 

[greggster]

rust on engine update - i travelled 2 hours to view this W211 on the sellers verbal "its mint" statement! I guess the rust is because it must have been sat for a year or so, probably in a breakers yard? it looked mint from a distance but closer inspection showed the whole of the near side had been badly painted! I had searched the tax register before i went and hadn't been taxed for over a year! The usual short conversation between me and the seller at this point (me biting my tongue) left me driving home feeling like i had wasted my time! Oh well the search goes on.

 

[AANDYY]

I looked at about 15 in a 70 mile radius , 'till I got mine!
Keep at it, it'll be well worth the looking.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

rust on engine update - i travelled 2 hours to view this W211 on the sellers verbal "its mint" statement! I guess the rust is because it must have been sat for a year or so, probably in a breakers yard? it looked mint from a distance but closer inspection showed the whole of the near side had been badly painted! I had searched the tax register before i went and hadn't been taxed for over a year! The usual short conversation between me and the seller at this point (me biting my tongue) left me driving home feeling like i had wasted my time! Oh well the search goes on.

You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince\princess. Keep looking and stay focussed.

 

[jeremytaylor]

Some Merc or Merc Direct dealers sometimes have models of the age you are looking for - they should be a better bet.