Great car, I love my E430 - the engine has plenty of power yet still gets great highway mileage (for a V8 anyway).

Try and find out what oil it has been getting, MB spec 229.3 is the minimum it should have had. With an '01, this shouldn't be an issue, but that is around when dealers started wising up on the correct oil. Non-spec oils combined with the extended FSS intervals can gunk up some engines (as me how I know).

Transmission service won't be a huge issue yet at that mileage, but if you purchase it, I would have the transmission fluid and filter changed every 50,000 KM.

Check the service records and see if the front spring perches have been inspected. There was a campaign in Canada to do so, to check the mastic sealant for condition and any rusting (which causes the perches to fail, google it). Not sure if USA had a formal campaign, but I would have them inspected at an MB dealer for peace of mind. Also - if the dealer finds anything, they may be more likely to get assistance from MB re: repair. If this car isn't driven in the winter/snow, this issue is less of a concern.

Good luck!

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon