Look at the steering wheel, is it smooth, or does it have the leather embosed grain still in the rubber? at 69K miles, it should look good.

The spedometers are known to slip and not record the correct milage with the odometer or trip meter. to check to see if it is working, jack up the car, remove the spedo cable from the transmission. (use a 1/4" wratchet and 10mmsocket with extention) remove the 10mm bolt and pull out the cable, then connect a battery operated drill to the cable and run it in reverse. spedo should run at least 40mph. (my drill ran it at 42mph) run it until the last # of the 6 rolls to the next#. then zero the trip meter. (black knob on left side of cluster. push in) now run it a few miles and see if the trip and odometer flip at the same time.

Check in the hinge pockets for rust, and or are full of debris. there are some drains in this area.

Under the battery is a known rust area from acid. If the owner will let you remove the battery and tray, it would be good to inspect this area. I have seen some big rust holes in the sheet metal.

Look behind the rear wheels under the body where the 1/4 panel rolls under the lower edge. the wheels throw water, sand, rocks and it chips the paint and rust will start. there is a seam on the flat part and rust will bet between these 2 pieces. also if the trunk liner is removed you can get a good look of the top side of this area. there is a drain that gets plugged up with debris and any water leakage from the rear window will pool and not drain.

With the trunk open, use a mirror and a flashlight, look up under the ledge to see if the back glass has been leaking and has caused rust to start. good indicator that the seal is leaking.

How is the fabric trim on the right side of the drivers /pass door opening? people for some reason like to rub against this gettin in and out, and the rubber piece will be exposed and flopping loosley.

Check the rear axle boots to see if they are torn, cracked or look new.

What condition is the brake fluid in the reservor? clear or look like cofee?
How is the coolant in the Expantion tank? what color?

Pull the trans dip stick and look at the color. Red, or dark brown? should be red and not burnt smelling.

How is the carpet where the driver gets in and out? or the cloth trip where shoe`s kick it getting in and out.

Look at the brake peddle for wear. How is the drivers seat? broken springs, saggy, seat Bolster is a good wear spot.

Is this the original owner? how long has he/she owned it? why are they selling it? I agree with this low of milage, there should be records of maintenance. you really can`t take a persons work for it w/o a paper trail.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works