Maybe the car had a history of a lot of idle time? Engine/pumps running but not moving much? My 420SEL had noisy pumps when I got it with only 130k on it, they still worked but I replaced them as you could clearly hear them inside the car at all times. I've never actually seen one fail on any MB however....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)