500e Ppi - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tom woolner · #1 05-21-2002, 08:05 PM

I just got the PPI back on a 92 500E w/ 96000 miles. Power steering pump leaks, a/c is cool, not cold, and one of the nitrogen cells in the rear needs to be replaced. Also, variousw minor leaks, including weeping at the valve cover gaskets. Their overall opinion is "excellent" for the year and mileage.
My question is; how much are the parts for replacing the nitrogen cell and how much labor is involved (I will have a shop do the work). What's the chance that the a/c problem may just be a minor leak, requiring freon? Should I spend the extra money for an a/c diagnosis?
The car is reasonably priced, and a 2-year (not Starmark) warranty is available. However, it is quite some distance and will cost $1500 to ship.
TIA
Tom

placo1 · #2 05-21-2002, 09:05 PM

Well from what I understand the power steering pump leak is typical. It will probably need to be rebuilt and will probably cost a couple hundred dollars. I don't think the warranty will cover that.

The A/C might just need a recharge of R-134A if its still cool. I would imagine your warranty would cover the A/C system except for the actual cost of the R-134A so even if there is a problem down the road you should be covered.

I've heard the nitrogen cell repair is quite costly (app $1500) and you'll want to take care of both sides when you do it.

I guess the most important thing to do is read the fine print on the warranty being offered to insure these parts will be covered so that you can get them repaired.

As far as the shipping goes, how far is it? If it's less than 1500 miles then by all means get a one way ticket and drive her back. You'll be surprised how fast the miles fly by and how comfortable the car is over long distances.

I'm sure others will chime in and tell you the exact cost of the nitrogen cell replacement but otherwise sounds like you may have found the right car.

GO FOR IT and GOOD LUCK!

Michael · #3 05-21-2002, 09:36 PM

Nitro cells aren't much more than $100 for the part, maybe the same in labor each. Yeah, do both-$500 out the door, I'd guess with a full flush. Rear shocks do go bad, but can be had for at/under $400 for the part. Labor on any work should involve a comprehensive system flush. Only do a shock if it's noisy or leaking.

Make sure the AC work is covered before you buy-could get pricey if it's a condenser

albeit unlikely.

All other leaks sound like standard fare (tho my valve covers are leak-free-knock on wood

Good luck!

And Placo, let's knock a few back at the Hotel Del-love that place

tom woolner · #4 05-22-2002, 12:52 PM

Thanks, guys
One other thing. The compression was 180 in 6 cylinders, and 170 in two (test done at operating temperature. I seem to remember that Stu thought these engines should be at least 190. Any feedback from anyone who's done a compression test on a M119?
Thanks again,
Tom

placo1 · #5 05-22-2002, 12:58 PM

Tom,

180 is excellent. The problem arises when you have a cylinder which is much less than the others. So don't worry about it.

Let us know if your joining the club!

Michael,

Sounds great, I know a few other breweries also, great to have so many choices of beer!

Send me an email whenever you plan on coming out and I'll forward my phone number to you. Hopefully I'll have some nice euro's installed on my car by then!

-fad · #6 05-22-2002, 05:29 PM

if you are getting a great deal on the car, take the plunge!!!! (w/ warranty)

have the PPI folks also opine on:
>main engine wiring harness
>condition of caps and rotors
>condition of fluids
>front suspension condition (bushings)

>plan on putting in about $2k-$2500 right away to do (deferred maintence as needed) and nitrogen cells, hydraulic fluid flush, +/- wiring harness, oil check relief valve, and a/c straightened out

if there's no records, plan on fluild changes right away: oil.filter, p/s, brake, trans, hydraulic/ rear end fluids, etc

may also require a 30k maintence service w/ alignment and tire balancing and mis items like wiper refills

from what I've observed in the market recently, I would consider $19-22k a great deal for this mechanical profile 500e and between $22-25k a decently fair deal on this profile 500e (w/ aesthetics in good condition)

hope this helps
-fad

allenjdmb · #7 05-23-2002, 06:54 AM

1. You don't want to rebuild this PS pump. This is a mac daddy pump that's carrying a ton of energy. I've had two friends that had attempted to rebuild them with no good result. I would plan on replacing it. Expensive, $6-750.

2. The nitrogen cell replacement is no big deal.

3. I wouldn't trust the air being warm. 124's are notorious for evaporator problems. If it's low, it's because it's leaking somewhere. Maybe a recharge will do it, but might better count in the $$$ for an evaporator for safety's sake. In my area, with an aftermarket evap, about $8-900.

4. I'd want to get some details on that warranty. I've yet to see someone offer an extended warranty on any Benz at 96k miles, but I'm sure there's someone out there who will.

On the whole, these are trouble free cars that are super durable; absent any tranny or major engine worries (and the 119's are a great motor), they're not bad to keep up. Hope this helps.

Allen, 92 500E, 00 CLK 430 cab, new SL inbound (soon!)

tom woolner · #8 05-23-2002, 10:23 AM

Well, I'm taking the plunge! I've turned down several that upon reflection, would have been OK, but I think this is the one! I counteroffered, after the PPI, and he came down a bit. For fear of jinxing the deal, I will withhold details until the title and car are in my hands! I'm really jazzed! (Now, what to do with my mint 300E? Can't afford to keep it).

Tom

zr one · #9 05-23-2002, 08:22 PM

good luck and go get em Tom!as for the 300e ,once your in your 500e ,

you wont look back(well maybe in the mirror

as you pull away!)

ItalianBenz · #10 05-23-2002, 11:23 PM

Tom from hearing what you have on the plate. It needs some things. Not including if it never had a timing chain done.
I wouldn't pay more than 15K out the door. Those after market DFS or alliance or other ins companies. Suck. You pay this money
A insurance company wont pay for a reseal they consider seals a wearing item. You have to rec a new pump. alot times with these tandem pumps. Its the reservoir bypass hose that leaks.

I just did my timing chain a few weeks back. My pump was leaking all it was that bypass hose,. So you might sell it as needing a new pump> to bring the selling price down. Also for that mileage I bet the rear shocks are going bye bye soon.
As for the AC there is a leak. An ac system is a closed system.
If you have to recharge it something went out of it. If its cool and not cold. Well possible a low side AC manifold hose. If it blew warm then I would lead it to a evaperator. which is like a $1800-2400 repair. But If you can get an estimate saying it is that but in turn its less than that leak. then theres another sale point.

I've done my home work and research I have helped a few friends my 500E's. I kinda know where I stand with these puppies. But its good to ask all the guys. At there mileage and there paid price what work they had performed after they purchased it. Hope this helps Good luck.