'08 E350 Items to Check?
 

Just got an '08 E350 146K very clean. Anyone have suggestions on wear or problem areas unique to this car that should be checked?

Needs front tires, was considering Vredestein Quatrac's, any thoughts or comments?

Thank you,

since it's an 08 check your engine number to see if it's affected by the balance shaft problem

What's done if it is affected? Car has 146k. Thanks,

The gear that drives the balance shaft wears out, google M272 balance shaft

Thanks christuna, it's well beyond the affected engines by engine serial number. That is great news.

Balance shaft is only an issue on 06 and early 07 E350.

If it's a 4-Matic take a close look at the U-joints on the front driveshaft. Bad news if it comes apart at speed......

Thank you,
It's a RWD only w/Sport Package.

Sport package? Are the wheels/tires of different size front to rear. That means no on rotation. To someone cheap like me I won't buy a car I can't move tires front to back on to insure I get the most mileage out of them.

Make sure that if it has the wierd unserviceable fuel tank/pump combo that it’s been replaced.

Thanks speednjay, the fuel pump has been replaced. It is the serviceable type.

The PZEV tank is not covered by the extended 15 year warranty.

For my car (2008 E350 4Matic Sport/Avant Garde) driven 25K miles/year:

* Idler Pulleys (there are two).
Replace them the moment you hear a squeak, along with the tensioner, to be safe. Incredibly easy and fast DIY.

* Engine and Transmission Mounts
Another easy DIY. See this thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/407012-easy-1-hour-less-engine-mount-replacement-w211-4matic.html

* Front Axles (Boots were torn and water/dirt had entered so I just replaced the axles (with OEM, GKN Loebro)

* Two New Wheels/Rims -- this car desperately needs a backup camera, and the mirrors don't tilt down in reverse, so curb rash in my first year driving it was bad. (The other two wheels I will refinish since they are still in good shape.)

* Tires: This car eats them. I use Yokohama ADVAN Sport.
Replacement interval is about 18 months.

* Fuel tank leaks: I recently noticed a gas smell after topping off. The dealer should fix this at no cost, so that is on my to-do list.

Overall, this is reliable car, enjoyable to drive, with a sexy, classic look.
See also this thread:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/397441-2007-2009-w211-vs-earlier-w211-years-any-major-differences-2.html

Thanks to everyone for the info., it is appreciated.

On both my dad's Wagon and my brother's former '09 e350 the transmission cooling line hoses were in pretty rough shape after 10+ years. Replaced those. Also high pressure steering hose.