Need Advice on Pre-Owned W211

[Guest rkrskr]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase a pre-owned W211 from the end 05 region, and my budget is less than $95k. Would appreciate any advice the experienced folks in here have to offer. Basically, I'm considering either of the following cars:

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=65255&DL=1213

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=63948&DL=1314

Also, what should I look out for when purchasing a used Mercedes? I understand that I can send the car to STA for accident evaluation, but it is absolutely necessary to send the car to a specialist Mercedes workshop for checking?

Lastly, having test driven the E200K, is it normal that the steering is a bit "light". It feels quite "dangerous" in my opinion - no offence. Maybe I just need some time to get used to it.

Thanks for your time!

[Guest NewC180]

Hi Bro, your nick looks familiar, from the bmw forums?

Republic Auto is a subsidiary of C&C, so should be a safer bet. Maybe you can talk to them to show you the full history of the car, which will give you a better picture of the service & accident history if any. This should be much better than the STA check which is really just skin deep.

AFAIK, the steering is speed sensitive, so it'll feel light at slow speed especially when parking, and gets heavier as your speed increases. Dunno if this feature is available in your car.

IMHO, it's kindof overpriced for a 4 yr old car. Should be able to knock quite a few k's off.

Good luck and happy searching!

[Guest rkrskr]

Hey,

I'm from the Bmw forums too. Already own an E60 LCI, now looking for a 2nd hand Merc W211 as an additional car. Very impressed with the luxurious interior. Some features on the merc aren't avail on my BM, like folding rear headrests, 3 memory for passenger seats etc.

One of the reasons why i went to Republic Auto is that its a subsidiary of C&C. However, something I found suspicious was that of "New Paint Job From C&C With 5 Years Warranty." I haven't asked the salesman about this yet, but I did some background check on the VIN of the Merc. The car was delivered to Singapore as a Black Car, so the owner didn't spray paint the car for a change of colour. i hope its not due to an accident, though. I find it kinda weird that someone would spray paint a car before selling it (thought he would want to minimize the cost incurred thus far).

As for the speed sensitive steering, I felt it was too light for comfort. Maybe it takes some time to get used to it.

Yea and 91k is kinda steep, will try to knock some K's off.

Anyway, many thanks for your advice

[Guest jsiau]

I am driving at 07/2006 W211 since day 1 and today mileage is about to cross 50,000KM... no major problems so far with my car . and mine is black on black... which is not popular with many people as they prefered black on cream as it look more luxurious unless you preferred black as an interior like me as it looks more sporty... and my wife's cousin a car dealer also indicate to me that B on B is difficult to sell, so many you can knock off so $$$ , on the other hand, if you are not thinking of changing rims and you like cream inside then the car with B on C ,this would be a better choice as it comes with 16inch avantgarde rims looks much better compare to the B on B "Ah Pek" rims.. hope this help with your choice. cheers

[Guest NewC180]

Hey,

I'm from the Bmw forums too. Already own an E60 LCI, now looking for a 2nd hand Merc W211 as an additional car. Very impressed with the luxurious interior. Some features on the merc aren't avail on my BM, like folding rear headrests, 3 memory for passenger seats etc.

One of the reasons why i went to Republic Auto is that its a subsidiary of C&C. However, something I found suspicious was that of "New Paint Job From C&C With 5 Years Warranty." I haven't asked the salesman about this yet, but I did some background check on the VIN of the Merc. The car was delivered to Singapore as a Black Car, so the owner didn't spray paint the car for a change of colour. i hope its not due to an accident, though. I find it kinda weird that someone would spray paint a car before selling it (thought he would want to minimize the cost incurred thus far).

As for the speed sensitive steering, I felt it was too light for comfort. Maybe it takes some time to get used to it.

Yea and 91k is kinda steep, will try to knock some K's off.

Anyway, many thanks for your advice

Hey I have a E60LCI too! and a W204 C180. Must buy 4D lio... kekeke.....

I find that Merc is more generous with standard features whereas a lot of things in BMW are optional and you have to pay extras for it. Eg, my basic C has Bluetooth, footwell lights and rear door lights, which the 5 does not have, and can you imagine that we paid so much more for the 5? But on the other hand, I think most bmw drivers will still buy the car just for the drive, even though it could possibly be a completely stripped down car! Hahaha!

I don't like the light steering too, but it does get slightly heavier as you drive faster, but still IMHO too light. You'll need to take a long time to get used to it, esp since you're a bm guy.

Completely new paint job for a 4 yr old car really doesn't sound quite right, I think you really need to check things PROPERLY before committing.

With the new launch of the W212, I think there's a lot of W211s trading in. If you're not in a real hurry, take your time to find your gem, there should be quite a lot of them for you to choose from.

Good luck and welcome to the sgmerc family!

[Guest sy69u]

try to get the fl w211. it has slightly more features, 20bhp more & cost a couple of thousands more. look around, there should be loads of them available now.

[Guest tomasulu]

an STA inspection is no guarantee you won't have to pay a huge chunk of moolah to replace a major component down the road. it will tell you whether the car has been in an accident and they bring it out for a test drive. but they don't have merc-specific diagnostic equipment to do a deep dive.

my only advice is to trust your gut instinct when you go for that test drive. turn off the radio and put the car through its paces. accelerate and brake hard. make a u turn, both ways. look out for unusual noise. but even if the car is mechanically sound and the engine is strong, you can't stop say the ac compressor from dying on you 2 months down the road.

[Guest rkrskr]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your inputs. I placed a deposit for the W211 listed here: http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=63948&DL=1314

1) The car has attained an STA evaluation of B. The sales person said B is acceptable for a 4 year old car. Should I take her word for it?

2) Also, the deposit will be refunded if the car doesn't pass a extended warranty check by Kar Engineering. http://www.warranty.com.sg/index.aspx. Basically, for S$1450, I get another 3 years of warranty from Kar Engineering if I service my car at authorized workshops. Does anyone have any experiences with Kar Engineering?

3) Should I still send my car to a specialist Merc workshop like MBM, prior to paying for the car, for an independent opinion?

4) Is it normal to encounter some grinding sounds due to SBC Hold? The Merc manual says its normal, but I'm kinda scared when I feel slight vibration especially after SBC Hold has been engaged.

Sorry for the great number of questions. Many thanks in advance.

[Guest NewC180]

Congrats bro on your new ride!

I'm not really knowledgeable on the questions you've raised, so here are my 2 layman cts:

S$1450 for a 3 yr warranty is really worth it, but then again, please check properly on what the warranty covers. Scully later everything they also tell you wear and tear not under warranty than bo hua lio. It is also important that the warranty covers big ticket items like air con, transmission, electronics etc just to name a few.

A 2nd opinion will definitely be good, at least can check if the car has ever involved in major accident or not, and also any parts that look like it's gonna give way anytime soon. Call up MBM and ask if they provide such a service, I think the nominal fess should be worth it.

Good luck!

[Guest bbwannabe]

Hi,

This might be interesting for you.

http://www.mercedes-benz.com.sg/content/singapore/mpc/mpc_singapore_website/enng/home_mpc/passengercars/home/services_accessories/parts_services/Service_Available/Pre-owned_Car_Inspection.html

Cheers`