Repair-It

(originally in response to the Seville replacement thread) Guess Jenn kept the Seville longer - past 260k until the engine locked up probably from a loose timing chain or something.

She got an 05 or 06 Matrix. She doesn't love it. It's AWD. It's also a tin can and slow. Worst of all it has had some recurring vibrations that have required a back up car more than once. When the appliance doesn't appliance, that's a fail. Although, breaking news, it would probably be wise to keep it as the winter/beater/hauler, which makes sense.

Here's something better, which she may be in the market for as Adam's CLK550 continues to bail out both the Matrix AND the Volvo 240. Oh the irony.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dmoe2vMjS/ BTW this car is like 2 miles from Jenn/Adam. There are two 08-09 CLK350 coupes on Autotrader within 200 miles and 13 nationwide. This is a hell of a find. The 350 ran from 06-09 but I'd avoid the 06 and most 07s due to the balance shaft issue in the M272, hence 08-09.

The Matrix is an '06. It does get reasonable fuel economy when it is t broken. Carrier bearing on the driveshaft doesn't look great, so we bought one. This vibration issue has now twice reared its head just as I've been about to leave for work travel or other stuff. Like Kevin said, conveniently I have an old Mercedes with too many features she can drive in the mean time.

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lo ... H28F235933

Notables:
- 040U black, like my E55
- Engine serial is past balance shaft gear breakpoint
- Nappa leather, not low grade or MB Tex
- Garage door opener
- Power heated mirrors
- Wood steering wheel
- Sunroof
- Low line TPMS
- 486 sports suspension (desirable)
- Nav with Sirius/XM capability
- Auto climate (I think they all had this?)
- Uplevel 810 H/K sound with sub. It was set on NPR.
- CD changer in upper glove compartment
- Heated seats. Both worked.
- 951 sport package (related to sports suspension)
- P90 sport styling (related to the others)
- 6 twin spoke 17s
- Power tilt/telescoping wheel
- 2.82 axle on the V6. 2.65 in the 550 and 63.

That reminds me, I'll gift Jenn a Monroney. And attach the brochure. Desirable things missing:
- AMG package
- P02 or P03 with some goodies like bi-xenon
- Ventilated seats?
- Keyless go, of course

Engine is:
M - engine: 272960 30 676939 (272.960 M272 E35, V6

https://www.benzbits.com/BalanceShaftTSB.pdf

Mercedes-Benz, with the improved parts, has engine serial numbers that are higher than:

M272 Engine Serial No. 2729..30 468993
M273 Engine Serial No. 2739..30 088611

In the clear.

I would say this looks pretty good. Great maintenance (until it got to RI, but that was only a few years ago and not that many miles). Brake fluid, transmission fluid on time. And probably not that rusty.

Looked even better in person. Driving impressions
V6 has good power and the transmission seems good. Brakes felt pretty great to me actually. Some light vibes on the highway but probably just tires as it seemed to subside as we drove further.

Cosmetic
Headlights VERY clear. Paint REALLY good. Rear bumper has some park by braille marks. And a scuff on the left rear taillight. Slight bumper out of alignment by said taillight. Weird scuff on rocker when you open driver's door but not otherwise noticeable. Front right wheel well splash shield in the front is out of position and has a hole worn from the tire. Forgot all about it on the test drive which is probably why they lived with it for so long. Interior was in great condition for wear but somewhat dirty (looked cleaner in pictures). But other than some detailing I don't think there is much to do.

As $4900 used cars go I think this one is a slam dunk.

Saving for later if needed.

Scan

Anaylsis:
- Should lube variable intake linkages but no CEL or noticeable issues. This is the only current code (0521 or P2004). https://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercedes- ... ever-flap/
- The stored intake cam codes are likely either a last failure of the cam adjuster magnets or an intermittent future failure. They are $45/ea. AI and the internet agree that these are not the dreaded balancer shaft gear codes.

Every other code was stored/history. If I scan with DAS I could get the mileage at the time to get a better idea if any of these are a concern. I wouldn't be concerned.

Making a general thread for this. Hopefully the purchase plan goes through. I'll organize some things here.

Browsed through the service records at the seller's house. They bought the car as CPO in 2011 for $30k. I think it's been garaged probably its entire life. You can tell.

From memory, some key things done:
- Thermostat
- Transmission conductor plate
- Two different probably front lower control arms
- I think front struts and mounts (or the rear?)
- Driver's window regulator
- Belt pulley stuff
- Other things I forgot - maybe will fill in later or Jenn/Adam can. I presume they would hand the records over.
- crankcase breather centrifuge cover

Things the car would need immediately addressed are:
- The rear Michelin AS3s are older and the left rear has a goose egg in the sidewall. The front has Falkens (lame) but have good tread. So two new rear tires, ideally matching the fronts I guess. Or maybe just invest in the Conti DWS06+ in the rear and run the fronts until it needs them.
- Windshield washer pump. https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... 2218690121 Hilariously only $32. Rockauto has even cheaper options. This is a very universal pump and was also used on my S550. And like every German brand.
- Lower right wheel well splash shield. I linked the parts and diagram previously but I think it's this: https://www.mercedesbenzpartsshop.com/o ... 2098841422 only $78.
- Probably lube up and actuate the intake manifold swirl valve and other dashpot linkage. It is a current code but no CEL. Who knows, it could be down on a little power/torque which would be interesting. Hopefully it is not seized internally. See the other thread for WAY more info.

Things to watch:
- Radiator. Coolant was a little low and I did smell a whiff of coolant by the upper radiator area after we hammered on it. EPC says 203-500-42-03 which may be unavailable but 203-500-48-03 is available and is $229 at the dealer. Rockauto has a Nissens for $205 and some others.
- Intake cam solenoid magnets. Had stored codes for both. They are caked in oil weep stuff so maybe they are old and had a code in the past. I would have to scan with DAS to see when they may have occurred. They are 2720510177 and should be around $45/ea. This would take care of any weeping oil at the O-rings as well.
- Eventually it will need the oil cooler and filter housing resealed. But it is just weeping not leaking. I saw no evidence of anything leaking anywhere but also didn't get a complete look under the front. From the top the underbody panel was spotless.
- Not clear if the seatbelt presenters are fully working? This can probably just be ignored, too. Not sure they are available. Left is 2098600582 and right is 2098600682. Could be a used on eBay deal, take apart and inspect, or ignore. Maybe I'd start with bidirectional control and see what happens. Internet says to ensure both door switches are working (dome light + alert in dash) or use scan tool to check all inputs/outputs. This is a great place to start to at least see what the situation is. Still could ignore if the presenters are just failing.

Maintenance:
- Oil & filter change. VERY clean timing cover/chain area but it's due.
- Brake fluid. In the past it was done on time but not sure what the current state is.
- Coolant
- Diff
- Air filters
- MAF clean
- TB clean
- Clean/lube sunroof
- Check magnet solenoids and cam position sensor plugs for oil wicking
- Check audio (mainly the condition of the rear subwoofer surround, as they like to become unglued and rattle)
- Consider a power steering reservoir (for the new filter) and fluid flush
- Code out all the throttle lag stuff which I assume applies to the M272
- Full inspection

The sport package means it has bigger front brakes. 330mm which is 13". That's pretty big on a 17" wheel. Rears are 290mm solid.