Hey all,

One of my sales managers is wanting to let go of his 98 CLK 320, it has something like 345,000 miles and has been sitting on the roof of our dealership since I started working here about 9 months ago. The paint is peeling and the interior needs some TLC but I didn't know how it ran until yesterday, he gave me the key and said to try it out for a few days... I honestly thought he was just going to give it to me because he just wants to get rid of it but he said he'll take whatever I offer so I'm interested.

When I started it up yesterday it ran really ruff and warning lights flashing and going crazy but after idling and driving it around the dealership it ran great! No warning lights and engine/trans felt normal which was surprising for 300+ thousand miles... I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it from him but wanted to pop on here and ask if there is anything these specific cars are known for problem wise? I've only ever owned w124's and w123's so this year range is new to me, any advice input would be greatly appreciated!

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2007 BMW 328XI

The v6 is a solid motor. Not really any issues widely known. They had a harmonic balance issue that was recalled. At that mileage I'm sure it was rectified. Offer $300 and drive it until it explodes. Sounds like a great beater you don't have to put money into and care about it.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k

My thoughts exactly... Thank you for the reply Jake going to make him the offer and hopefully he'll take it and it's nice to know it isn't known for a bunch of problems.

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2007 BMW 328XI

First things I'd change based on miles / age / frequency of failure / would cause the car not to move if they fail. the assumes that they have not very recently been changed. ( regardless of brand )

Fuel pump.

Engine thermostat

Belts / all coolant hoses ( If you are in a warm climate and you car has heated washer reservoir / windshield base, by pass these as this will eliminate the more expensive hoses. )

Crankshaft position sensor.

Drive shaft discs ( if they look good they are good and can stay. )

I'd pull the alternator / starter and inspect the brushes then replace as needed.

Also get the trans fluid changed. I believe on a 98 it still had the torque converter drain plug which makes it easy to drain almost all the fluid.

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2016 Monsoon Gray Audi Allroad - 21k
2008 Black Mercedes E350 4Matic Sport - 131k
2014 Jeep Wranger Unlimited Sahara - 62k
2003 Gray Mercedes ML350 - 122k

We've got a 99 CLK320 in the extended family that my cousin bought new.

Car now has close to 350K miles, and is still running the original transmission. Car still uses no oil. Interior is perfect, original paint has some UV damage.

Amazing car. Contrast it with a couple of E320 v6 engines that would drink oil when run on the highway, but be ok when in town.

Cars with this kind of mileage have virtually no value, current owner got it for free(h)....

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

Ended up not buying it, when I offered $500 he said he was hoping to get $1,000 for it but said he would do $500. I drove it around and the "check engine" light came on and the transmission was bucking at take-off's and downshifting when coming to a stop and slipped a few times. I was really tempted but then thought it'll need tires soon, what if the trans goes and I just got tires for it or something then I need to insure it and the money I'll spend wanting to fix things should just save my money so I told him I would pass. A shame because I've heard nothing but good reviews on this car, wish it would have been in better condition. Thanks anyways guys for the input

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2007 BMW 328XI

Good call, don't look back. Remember what the most expensive Mercedes is?
If not familiar use the search here.

I'd rather buy a needs work car for $ 500 and put $ 3,000 into it than buy a driving $ 3,500 car and pretty rapidly have to put the same $ 3,000 into it.

With a $ 500 broken car you know it is broken, with a running $ 3,500 car you won't know what is going to break turning it into a $ 500 car.

In the land of road salt, body condition overrides a complete power train swap.

Eventually he's going to just junk it probably... When that time comes offer more than $100 scrap value which is probably about $250. I'd buy it then. If it needs a trans you can get one from a junkyard and have a good motor most likely for another 100k or so who knows.

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Only diesels in this driveway.
2005 E320 CDI 243k Black/Black
2008 Chevy 3500HD Duramax 340k
2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 220k