< crossposted to Tech and Hot-Rods since it kinda overlaps the two categories -- Ron > Got that 500E bug and have been looking. I understand it can be an expensive bug, tho. And there don't seem to be any perfectly kept 50K mile examples around. Wonder why :-) Called a local dealer to price a PPI. They said about $400 to check brakes, timing chain and compression, plus general exam. I've got my own list of stuff to check. Some of it I can do myself. That would help if I can disqualify a car ^before^ it goes off for PPI. If anyone cares to comment on these points, I'm all ears. --> Signs of overheating I dug all through the archives; found someone saying that Lee posted on how to spot a previously overheated 500E. Can't find the post for love or money. I do know that every single 500E I've ever seen has heat discolored firewall insulation. Any other clues? --> Wiring harness I know that this can be expensively killed by underhood heat, but don't know how to spot the symptoms. MBZ dealer testable? --> Timing chain, chain guides Measure chain stretch, pull cam cover(s) to verify guides. The archives say timing chain should be done in the young hundreds. No idea what that will cost, though. Given the clearances I assume it's expensive. --> Power steering pump Per the archives, I'm expecting this to die around 100K. I am competent enough to put in a new OEM unit. Hope it's not some weird goldplated 500E only thing for $1K. --> Hoses, belts, etc. Aware of the weak hose to the steering pump. Aware of the unibelt tensioner needing to be checked. (And replaced? $$$?) --> Brakes Verify happy calipers all round, find out if the fronts are aluminum units or not. FYI dealer service adviser said that 500E brakes are "very expensive" items. --> Motor/transmission mounts Verify and estimate remaining life. Assumed expensive to replace. --> Flex disk Pretty normal check on a German sedan. --> Shocks Told it's critical to estimate remaining life on the expensive adaptive rear shocks. A friend with an M5 got socked for $1200 EACH on these. I assume I can stick on a set of performance Bilsteins instead when the OE set die. --> Front suspension Probably the thing about which I'm the most clueless. I do know enough to have the PPI guy verify that it hasn't been curbed hard. Don't know what wears out in the 100K range or what it costs. --> Fenders and body Verify VINs on each panel to ensure not crashed. I have seen cars with some sag in the rear bumper cladding. I don't know if that part is 500E specific or if it's E-class generic. Geez, what do you do for new front fenders if they get bashed? I imagine the factory replacements are gold. --> Transmission Called an MBZ slushbox shop. They said it's basically a 722.X unit, cheap to rebuild. A surprise! --> Engine Haven't priced a rebuild yet. Assuming it will cost about as much as a 500SL do-over, probably $6500 bare minimum. I'm sure I'm missing something here. Again, those of you (lucky SOBs!) who already have 500Es in the family and who can clue me in are due for a round of drinks once I get a good specimen diagnosed and purchased. Ron -- |
The low down:
I would check for a history of service with the books that come with the car first. IF not there, call the dealer. IF you do have history, still call the dealer and confirm! Check in the valve cover (under the oil cap) for dark brown or black residue. In a Mercedes Engine with less than 100k miles, it should be a light silver if the oil was changed regularly. Drive the car and see what you think. If there are any problems like the wirring harness, the dealer should do this under a "good will warranty repair" Our local dealer RBM of Atlanta has done at least 100 or more for us. They say it has to be under 120k miles. ------------------ Benzmac: Donnie Drummonds 300E ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM OWNER OF MB AUTOWERKS .COM |
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