If the previous owner was meticulous about regular maintenance, and fussy about fixing every squeak and rattle (with the records to prove it), it could be a good car.

Critical:

• Wiring Harness
• A/C Evaporator

Less Critical:

• Head Gasket (May or may not leak – but timing cover almost certainly will.)
• Blower Motor
• Water Pump

Not Too Critical (Easy DIY or an inexpensive Shop Repair):

• Air Pump Bearing
• Motor Mounts
• One or both stereo amplifiers

Things to Double Check

• Front Headrests – both should rise up/down.
  
• Paint blisters at center-top of windshield; top-corners of rear window; top-forward area of rear bumper. These are spots were metal clips were used, instead of plastic, and rust will form.
  
• Up-shift delay: 2-3-4 shift should be done by 3500RPM, or perhaps 4000 rpm under hard acceleration. If higher, then you may have an exhaust leak – or something related to that transmission repair you mentioned.
  
• If it’s an ASR car, find a corner or other spot -- preferably on a slightly inclined or wet surface -- where you can make a hard right turn. Speedometer ASR triangle should illuminate while tires spin.
  
• Might be a good idea to bring along a “Dalton 1000” code reader, in addition to checking codes at DM.

Otherwise, if it’s a ASR car prepare to eventually have an issue with that, but that is not a show stopper. Expect the occasional (i.e., once per year) electrical glitch or blown fuse -- especially in hot weather when you start the car with A/C already turned on.

In addition to frequent oil changes, feed it regular doses of Redline/Techron/BG44K and a good solvent (Berryman B12) and you’ll likely have a good, trouble-free experience.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black