What to look for on an 02 plate E320 diesel

[joecash]

Hi grateful for any hints or tips on what to look for on an older E320 diesel (02 plate) it has low miles, or so the dealer says.

Grateful for members experiences of inspecting cars that they may wish to share or any areas that really matter

thanks

 

[KillerHERTZ]

This a W210 or a very early W211?

If its a late W210 your main concerns should be the state of the bodywork and rust, all 4 arches, bootlid, front wings around the headlights, bonnet - pretty much anywhere.

If its the newer shape W211 then again check the arches for rust, the SBC suspension, check if its a Vario radiator.

 

[GordonTarling]

I would think it's more likely to be a W210, but you never know! If it is, then rust is your big enemy - there are a few better examples around, but the rot gets them all eventually. Apart from the places Killerhertz has mentioned, tops of doors, front spring perches and front crossmember also should be checked. It'll be the IL6 engine, so fairly bulletproof overall, but inlet port shutoff motors can give problems, as can EGR valves. Check to see if the gearbox fluid has been changed - it really needs doing every 40,000 miles or so.

If it's a W211, the front arches can't rust, as they're aluminium. They don't all have SBC suspension, so best to get one without if you can. The Valeo radiator problem should all be fixed by now, so I doubt you'd find one, but you just never know. If it is an affected model, avoid like the plague, as it will cost LOTS to fix it!

 

[joecash]

VALEO problems - had a quick look to see what it is - dont fancy that problem - are there many merc models affected?

 

[mersum1es]

VALEO problems - had a quick look to see what it is - dont fancy that problem - are there many merc models affected?

W203,W209,W211

Valeo or Behr - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

Edit: if all related (=nearly whole transmission ) parts changed, there is no worry.

What you guys are talking about the suspension, SBC is electric brake system, AIRMATIC is 'active' suspension??? Both are the money holes, yes, when getting old :-/

Edit2: transmission function overall, may be expensive to repair anything 'just odd' there. Other thing; Check out that injectors are not blowing by (search 'black death'), issue to almost ALL CDIs. Should start quickly both cold and hot. No whoosing when revving. NO WARNING LIGHTS (dealer: "it probably something small". Sure)!

It would be beneficial if you could the error codes read before buying.