Would you buy this W204 320 CDI

[W1ghty]

Our 2007 Vito has the same OM642 3.0 V6, with a DPF (not sure whether a 2008 C320 would have one?). These engines are not quite as complex as current diesels but there are still a lot of ancillary bits and pieces that can (and do) go wrong ... there's no way I'd be buying a 14 year old one for an elderly relative. From about 90K miles we had ...

Failed crank position sensor
Failed DPF pressure sensor
Failed DPF temperature sensor
Failed EGR valve
Failed turbo (caused by delaminating exhaust manifolds)
Failed MAF sensor

This is a one owner FMBSH vehicle. All of the above put it into limp mode, some of them multiple times until correctly diagnosed and fixed (by a main dealer). It's mostly used for long motorway runs, not short local trips (which as mentioned will cause DPF clogging).

It also gets through glowplugs at an alarming rate - these started failing at under 50k miles. Two more went recently, and the glowplug relay (which is not available from MB), and the special 225A 'mega fuse' fuse that supplies the glowplug circuit). Bill for this was over £1000 at a local independent (not main dealer).

Add in the recent hike in the price of diesel and the emissions concerns/uncertainties already mentioned and I would *definitely* be looking at a petrol engined car for mum. Our 'daily driver' is a 2.0 petrol C Class estate (W205).

My 2009 E320cdi doesn’t have a dpf so there is good odds that there is not one ?

 

[BTB 500]

My 2009 E320cdi doesn’t have a dpf so there is good odds that there is not one ?

That would be helpful, but I'd still go for a smaller/simpler petrol engine (C200 or similar) here.

 

[SpikyMikey]

It sounds like I'm a traitor to the brand, but in this situation I'd be inclined to be looking at a petrol Japanese mid-size like a Mazda 6/ Honda Accord/Toyota Avensis or even a Skoda Octavia/Superb.

 

[W1ghty]

That would be helpful, but I'd still go for a smaller/simpler petrol engine (C200 or similar) here.

Me to

 

[davymead]

Now in her 70’s love her, is it time ….

 

[mbzclk]

That’s very strong money for a very early W204.

As others have said, you have to get the rear subframe checked.

 

[st13phil]

Also is this the correct grill for a 2008 320 CDI Sport?

No. The Sport would have had the large centre star on the grill and a flat bonnet badge (the louvered grill was not even an option for the Sport). However, the bumper itself is the Sport variant so someone has swapped out the grill and added the bonnet star (not that unusual). At first glance I thought it had Eucalyptus wood trim which was unique to the Elegance model (the Sport had brushed aluminium as standard), but on closer inspection it looks like the optional Black Bird’s-eye Maple wood. It has the black headliner that is expected and the right wheels, so I think the only non-original bit is the grill & star.

As others have said, the price is very strong.

 

[Couper]

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I originally intended to get a honda accord. But rust is the enemy. I got fed up of viewing them and being disappointed.

C class size is as small as she will go to. Swapping out of a Kia Sportage.

I bought a 2011 220cdi Elegance in the end. MBFSH 70,000.

Looks like new!

If it lasts 2 years it will be cheaper than the lease she was paying!!

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Fair enough. Nick it off her a couple of times a month to go on a long trip and hopefully all will be well!

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks for everyone's advice.

I originally intended to get a honda accord. But rust is the enemy. I got fed up of viewing them and being disappointed.

C class size is as small as she will go to. Swapping out of a Kia Sportage.

I bought a 2011 220cdi Elegance in the end. MBFSH 70,000.

Looks like new!

If it lasts 2 years it will be cheaper than the lease she was paying!!

Very sensible . Good job !