I have pretty much chucked the idea of buying a w210 and am pursuing a w211 instead. Found a very nice 05 specimen with relatively low miles for the age and it seems very, very clean. Car is modest as far as options go, but has basically what I need minus bluetooth.
Anyway, I see on the carfax a couple of "computer checks and reprograms" that are making me a bit nervous. First owner had it for 4.5 years and put 80K+ miles on it. Second owner has had it for 4.6 years and barely put 11K miles on it. Allegedly driven mostly by the wife, second car to the family yadda yadda. Second owner never had it at dealership so there is no records available on carfax report.

Are these computer reprogramming things a good or a bad sign or somewhat normal for the model?
I really have no reason to doubt the low mileage history, as I just sold my wife's Nissan Sentra which I bought her two years ago and didn't pile more than 5K (if that) miles on it. When we go to the beach we usually bring my truck because we also bring the kayack and my fishing boat, and during the winter months we use the truck more as well due to 4x4 capability.
So if I buy this car, it will not see a whole lot of miles from us per year. My hope is to buy a good car that I can keep for many, many years to come.

Again, my concern is that of the apparent computer issues and the wiring repair that shows as well. Any advise on this mater will be greatly appreciated.



Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
09/29/2004 Delaware
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Bethany Beach, DE Titled or registered as
corporate vehicle

10/27/2004 12 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE

302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Pre-delivery inspection completed

10/27/2004 15 Dealer Inventory
Delaware Vehicle sold

10/28/2004 I. G. Burton Chrysler
Milford, DE
302-424-3041
igburtoncdjmilford.c
om Washed/detailed

11/19/2004 Delaware
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Bethany Beach, DE
Title #00000880 Title or registration issued
First owner reported

12/09/2004 2,540 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Recommended maintenance performed

01/14/2005 4,632 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed

04/08/2005 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Recommended maintenance performed
Horn contact replaced
Steering wheel replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Tires rotated

10/04/2005 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Monroe Township, NJ Registration issued or renewed
Vehicle color noted as White

01/16/2006 I.G. Burton
Milford, DE
302-422-3041
igburton.com Vehicle serviced

01/17/2006 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Vehicle serviced

03/24/2006 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Computer reprogrammed

08/24/2006 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Hydraulic control unit replaced
Electrical system checked
Computer(s) checked
Computer reprogrammed
Automatic transmission checked
Glow plug(s) replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Seat(s) checked

01/05/2007 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Front seat cushion replaced
Power seat switch replaced

03/20/2007 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Recommended maintenance performed
Trim repaired

07/10/2007 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Vehicle serviced

08/22/2007 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Light bulb(s) replaced

12/31/2007 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Recommended maintenance performed

02/28/2008 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Intake manifold gasket(s) replaced
Computer(s) checked
Fuel line/hose replaced
Tires rotated and balanced
06/25/2008 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE

302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Brakes serviced
Alternator/Generator replaced

08/04/2008 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Vehicle serviced

11/18/2008 77,853 I.G. Burton Imports
Milford, DE
302-424-3042
IGBurton.com Wiring repaired
Battery/charging system checked

11/19/2008 I.G. Burton
Milford, DE
302-422-3041
igburton.com Vehicle serviced

03/09/2009 Auto Auction
Pennsylvania Listed as a dealer vehicle
Sold at auction


Millions of used vehicles are bought and sold at auction every year.
03/31/2009 82,013 Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Manheim, PA
Title #66979096R 01 Title issued or updated
Dealer took title of this vehicle
while it was in inventory


Owner 2
Purchased: 2009
Type: Personal
Where: New Jersey
Est. length owned: 4/3/09 - present
(4 yrs. 9 mo.)


Date: Mileage: Source: Comments:
04/03/2009 82,115 New Jersey
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Monroe Township, NJ
Title #EB20090930454 Title issued or updated
New owner reported


Hmm, we haven't received any information on this car since April 2009. Before you buy, ask the seller for recent service or repair records.
I'm here to help! Print and bring my SmartBuyer Checklist when you go to test drive this 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI.