E320 Cdi Sport 2008

[GrandGinge]

Apologies if this has been discussed previously, I have been through 40 previous pages on the forum and couldn't spot an answer.

I am looking at a 2008 E320 CDi Estate 'Sport' as a family wagon and new to the MB brand. I have searched high and low for a decent spec and found one which ticks all the boxes. It has 50k on it and I am likely to keep it for 5 years doing circa 15k pa.

Is there anything I should look out for, I believe it should be post rust problems and after the facelift most engine and electrical gremlins were sorted but the plethora of knowledge on here may advise otherwise.

I have previously been a BMW fan and owned numerous BMs with their gearbox issues etc which are little known about and wondering whether Mercs have other little known issues?

Any help or advice is very much appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

Full MB service history should be expected on a car of that age to show that the owner was prepared to maintain it without skimping, along with the usual decent matching tyres and bodywork and trim in good condition - my 2008 E-Class looked like new inside and out when I traded it in last year so if it doesn't then it's been abused!

Ensure they've done the auto transmission oil change as it's due at around 40k miles/3 years - main dealer should do this anyway but they were originally designed as "sealed for life" so it could be missed if serviced outwith MB network.

I had no issues with mine - only hiccup was a frozen fuel filter but -17C temps will do that!

Lovely cars, but then I would say that

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 30th May 17:14

[GrandGinge]

Thanks Yellowbentines, I haven't found many people with a bad thing to say about the E class. Interesting that the 'sealed for life' auto boxes are a cross marque issue.
Have you heard of any issues with the DPF?
-17oC I would imagine give most cars a test!

[matc]

They do have an issue with the inlet port shut-off motor, which is caused by a seal above it leaking oil into the motor, which has plastic cogs so is easily worn. It's an expensive repair should it fail and will leave the car in limp-home mode.

There's a relatively cheap modification for this which involves the seal being replaced with an orange one - the maintaining dealer should be able to tell you if this has been done, if not then it's one of the first jobs I'd do. It's not a re-call so you'll have to pay for it, but it's a lot cheaper than replacing the motor!

Other than that and the usual maintenance the face-lift E-Classes are pretty solid.

[anonymous-user]

GrandGinge said:

Have you heard of any issues with the DPF?

Mine was the E220 Cdi and didn't have a DPF to fail! Not sure if the 320 is the same on this age of car.

[GrandGinge]

Thank you for the responses, very informative and helpful, I took the plunge last night and bought it, it drove fantastically and apart from needing the wheels refurbed it looks like new.

Matc - could you elaborate re the inlet port shut-off motor, is this a DIY job or one for a dealer/ specialist?

Thanks again!

[matc]

If I'm honest all I know is that an seal is replaced just above the motor, I don't think it's a massive job, but it's worth getting the dealer to do it as if the motor does subsequently fail then you may be able to claim on parts warranty for the whole repair.

[Stegel]

We have an 09 E320CDI Sport estate which we bought with about 8 months MB warranty remaining. I asked the dealer about the inlet port motor issue and was told the parts were modified on later engines and our one should not have the problem. I don't know when the modification was made in production so I suggest checking with the MB dealer.

I'm interested to hear an alteration is possible to head off the problem - I have an 06 CLS which is OK up to now but will enquire as to how much it would cost - stitch in time etc.