Hi all,

I am looking at another Benz 1996 E320 as replacement for my wrecked 1989 300CE.
When test driving I saw that CEL is on; The dealer said they will take care of it.

My concern is whether CEL and error codes can be cleared without the dealer repairing anything and I still got the problems afterwards.

Thanks!

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

1. You can clear codes and, depending on the nature of the problem, they could pop up again, anywhere from instantly to 5 minutes, to days.
When you look at the car, turn the key to the " ON " position & make sure you see the CEL coming on.
This will ensure that you don't have a " malfunctioning " bulb.
Shady caracters would try this trick.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

When the CEL pops up again days after then it would be already too late if I bought the car, right?

Is there anything I can do to avoid that?

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

Yes.
Get a statement in writing, saying if the CEL light comes on within the first 30 days, they will resolve the cause at their expense.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Thanks manny, yes I'll try to have it in writing. But technically what can I do else? connect a OBD II scanner to see if there is any code left?

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

If somebody clears the codes & you check immediately afterward with a scan tool, chances are you would not see anything, i.e. codes present or pending.
Aside from that, you could take the car on another test-drive and, before returning to the dealer, check for pending codes.
Is this a M-B dealer you're dealing with ?

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Used car dealers are the lowest form of life on earth. Never trust them.
There are plenty of those cars around, so why buy one with problems from the start?

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
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

It seems like a good deal but you make me reconsider the whole thing

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE

Just reconsider that particular car. The CEL issue can be something innocuous, and ignorable, or something serious that could have you paying for the car all over again in repairs.

I am tempted to say if the dealership was sincere, they would already have fixed the problem. However, since they don't know whether they will sell the car, they won't invest in repairs. But from what you wrote, it sounds like they will not repair anything, just reset the codes.

I recommend finding a good tech who knows the car and can give you an honest opinion. If he/she says the CEL is a minor issue, then go ahead with it. Otheriwse, there are many more to choose from.

__________________
2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
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

For the peace of mind I just ordered an inspection by SGS for $99.50. I am curious about the results.

Thanks for all inputs. Nice, helpful people of the forum as always .

__________________
1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

---------------------------------------------------------
1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE