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Coiled dipstick is used on all of them that have a place to put it but does not come with one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork (Post 3445855)

Coiled dipstick is used on all of them that have a place to put it but does not come with one.

Oh so its the same dipstick for all? no different part numbers for different engines/transmissions/cars?

That is correct. Once they got rid of dipstick tube that was end of being able to use "special" tool meaning the flexible cable dipstick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork (Post 3445895)

That is correct. Once they got rid of dipstick tube that was end of being able to use "special" tool meaning the flexible cable dipstick.

That's great, glad I held on to the dipstick. Might also have some of those little orange clip things around too. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh (Post 3445836)

My brother had one for a while.

Basically, from inside the ceiling is pretty panoramic. There is a central bar that runs from B pillar to B pillar, and contains the overhead light and the roller shades. You can power open/close the opaque roller shades, if the heat load is too great.

Once the sunroof is opened, it slides back across the rear glass roof. Effectively, for the rear seat passenger, the roof is once again opaque.

It's an interesting feature to demo to your buddies, but like a moonroof, it's complex and therein lies the disadvantage.

I don't think it would be a make or break deal, either way I've got a hole in the roof.

Regards to the sunshade, the rear window has a power shade that covers 80 percent or better of the rear window. It's a mesh, you can see through it, but it hurts your vision at night. Along with the rear window shade option you also got rear door sunscreens.
These manually pull out of the top of the door trim, and attach on two small hooks above the window. Nice to have in a sun belt area.

Zenon lights and HK stereo....

I don't have either option, but my brother and cousin all have them.

Since you're coming from a W124 and a W123, the standard lights and stereo are so much superior to either older car, again there isn't enough difference to insist on the upgraded lights or stereo.

Regards to the trunk closer, I saw that in the owner's manual has something to do with limiting the angle that the trunk lid raises(?), but I couldn't honestly tell if I've got one or not. Absolutely couldn't care. One thing the trunk lid does that I do like, is that it is spring loaded to pop up when the latch is opened. Never met a W123 or W124 that did that. Well the wagon does with the rear hatch, but that's not a sedan.....

Split rear seat, don't have it, I'd have liked to have had it a couple of times when taking trips, but I have alternate vehicles to haul stuff with.

Remember, there's no used car factory out there to make one to your specs, you have study the market, know what to ask, and jump quickly when the right price/condition/color and miles car pops up.

Jim

The car I'm looking at has the rear sunshade but not the door shades.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillGrissom (Post 3445391)

This will tick most off here, but IMHO,

Not me. "Nothing more expensive than a cheap M-B (or BMW)". A co-worker has a ~2002 Kompressor and mentions $275 to replace a neutral safety switch, etc. Compared to my 60's Chryslers ($10, 10 min job, but NSS never fails), and even simpler if an old Chevy. I was amazed at the parts prices and rarity after I bought my 1985 300D. It is only maintainable because these are hitting the junkyards now. I only got the 1984 for its engine to fix my failed 1985 - so much for 1M mile engines. Ended up fixing both. The quirks of these cars is enough that I would never want a 2000+ M-B. Finally, I have no thrill for diesels, especially with fuel prices consistently 30% higher for decades. Now if there was cheap bio-diesel that didn't ruin the engines, ... happy days.

It kind of goes without saying that these MBs and BMWs are more expensive when it comes to their care, maintenance and parts costs.

The price paid for it doesn't necessarily mean it has or hasn't been maintained and cared for by the previous owner(s). I'm finding that even if and when all records are included, there will still be parts and labor necessary to keep , or, get it in good repair. The seller may or may not be aware of any weak points or items in need of repair or replacement.

Thusly, won't be bound to disclose any of this to the buyer.
If a used MB for sale includes a warranty, then that is the insurance the buyer has going forward. If it doesn't then it's always; "caveat emptor." That's kind of understood when buying used.

What I've come to realize regards DIYing on your W210 and newer, is that the investment of an adequate code reader for these cars and being able to do the fixes yourself when possible, is invaluable when it comes to owning one. Thereby
making much more straightforward repairs possible on one.

Unfortunately the choices are limited for the hobbyist.

Standard OBDII readers to Star DAS is like comparing the capability of a 1998 flip phone to an iPhone/Android.

Official Star DAS is out of the reach of anyone but the most well equipped indy shop. It costs almost $30k/year to acquire and keep licensed.

There are Chinese clone Star DAS systems that are dubious quality, and questionable legality.

What is out there that works but doesn't break the bank?

I would be happy paying say $500 to $1k to MB for a legit copy of Star DAS with an official interface box with the following restrictions:
It is licensed only to the VIN(s) I hold title to. It would be verified through a process similar to what you have to do to get a new key.
It is only available for vehicles past their factory (or CPO-extended) warranty period.
It would be a violation of the agreement to use the software to connect to any other vehicle other than one that is registered to me (limits liability by preventing someone from playing indy mechanic on another's vehicle).
No developer mode (due to liability). Only read and reset codes and pull diagnostic data.
You provide a compatible computer (no fancy industrial hardened touch PC included like the real version, keeps the cost down) For the hobbyist a standard Windows computer meeting a minimum hardware specification will suffice.

Better yet if they would set up the diagnostics, code reading, adaptations functions etc.... into the navigation screen. You can't tell me it is not doable.

For those of you looking for the well maintained CDI, check the dealer website. These are usually well maintained trades.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned Vehicle Search

John

Here is a 2005 for sale at MB dealer with 23k miles!

If I were in the market, I'd be calling and possibly taking a look at this one:

Pre-Owned 2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class E320 CDI for sale

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork (Post 3446084)

Better yet if they would set up the diagnostics, code reading, adaptations functions etc.... into the navigation screen. You can't tell me it is not doable.

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