What are the things to watch out for when buying used E230 w211 FL

[finclk]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting a FL W211 4-5yrs old E230 Class sedan.

What are the list of things I should watch out for?

- Mileage tampering

- 7G tronics gear box controller

- Aircon compressor

- Engine belt

- Proper servicing records

???

Anything else? I'm wondering if i can send the car back to C&C and get them to do full inspection? I don't trust STA Evaluation. It's very on the surface checks. I want to avoid problems of buying the car and a few months later important parts spoil here and there.

I'm prepared to pay couple of hundreds for such service to reduce the risks of buying a lemon.

Thx!

[blackmercs]

Hi

I think u have all the answer to yr question. Yes send it to C&C for full inspection but no one can guarantee you that parts will not fail after the inspection. Good luck!!

[finclk]

thx. I know got no such thing as guarantee but want to minimize risks. I want to know what i'm paying for. So C&C can do full inspection? thx. .will check on pricing with them

[g8crasher]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting a FL W211 4-5yrs old E230 Class sedan.

What are the list of things I should watch out for?

- Mileage tampering

- 7G tronics gear box controller

- Aircon compressor

- Engine belt

- Proper servicing records

???

Anything else? I'm wondering if i can send the car back to C&C and get them to do full inspection? I don't trust STA Evaluation. It's very on the surface checks. I want to avoid problems of buying the car and a few months later important parts spoil here and there.

I'm prepared to pay couple of hundreds for such service to reduce the risks of buying a lemon.

Thx!

1. Mileage tampering is almost a given. Central gateway reprogramming is relatively commonplace given the tools are readily available now. Even checksums built into the ECU cannot prevent tampering of the display odometer HOWEVER the TRUE value of the vehicle's mileage CANNOT be tampered and can be accessed via MB STAR Diagnostics. I think you know who holds the key to this information.

2. First generation 7G Tronic has well documented issues with the valve body especially on CLS models. The valve bodies are relatively hard to access and labour cost is therefore expensive when it has to be replaced.

3. Aircon compressor - hook it up to one of those machines that drain the aircon compressor oil. Chances are, most owners NEVER bother to change out aircon compressor oil on a regular basis. This is one of the main causes of premature aircon compressor failure. Fresh oil should look like plain water - colorless. Green indicates presence of a dye to trace leaks and yellowish-brown is - you guessed it - dirty dirty dirty oil. Renewals should be done on a yearly basis for optimum operation - it's like changing out engine oil.

4. Most competent mechs will be able to handle this. High mileage MBs have to watch out for timing chain replacement.

5. Service records can be cross checked with C&C when STAR Diagnostics is plugged into the system.

[blackmercs]

Change compressor oil? Which workshop?

[g8crasher]

Change compressor oil? Which workshop?

Look for Edward @ Edge Tuning, Sin Ming Autocare #05-08. Tell him I sent you. He will check the car's system and uses a specialized air conditioning optimization system to carefully calibrate the setup. Not cheap ah coz it's a different process than just changing out the oil and topping up of R134 at regular aircon shops like Tomika Bt Merah & Ubi.

[finclk]

thx guys.. appreciate it. Found out apparently that C&C does provide inspection services for C&C Merc. Just $200 for the service. They say it's 33pt check. Not sure what it comprises of.

For PI Cars, they can accept - $10k. Basicalyl telling you to go fly kite since nvr buy from C&C. Haha...

Any good service MB specialized workshops that we can bring the merc for testing if it's a PI car? Preferably with fuller set of equipment for more comprehensive testing/checking.

Thx!

[blackmercs]

Change compressor oil? Which workshop?

Look for Edward @ Edge Tuning, Sin Ming Autocare #05-08. Tell him I sent you. He will check the car's system and uses a specialized air conditioning optimization system to carefully calibrate the setup. Not cheap ah coz it's a different process than just changing out the oil and topping up of R134 at regular aircon shops like Tomika Bt Merah & Ubi.

Wow this is super new to me. Needs to find out more infro on this one. Thanks

[mercc]

Tampering of mileage pretty rampant especially among those dodgy used car dealers.

Try to source for one serviced by C&C to verify mileage during last servicing date and also if accident free.

A C&C inspection wil be good, can some check some details here- http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/multipoint_inspection

[Arshavin]

Once a year for new car too?

Maybe that explains why most cars have faulty air con these days

Look for Edward @ Edge Tuning, Sin Ming Autocare #05-08. Tell him I sent you. He will check the car's system and uses a specialized air conditioning optimization system to carefully calibrate the setup. Not cheap ah coz it's a different process than just changing out the oil and topping up of R134 at regular aircon shops like Tomika Bt Merah & Ubi.