I am likely going to buy a 97 C280 (135k miles) from a friend who recently purchased it and has no background or info on the car.

Questions:
1) I keep hearing about the head gasket. What are the signs of head gasket failure?? What do I look for? What do I watch out for after I buy the car?
2) I also keep hearing about the engine's electrical harness. Is that a problem on this model?
3) If I get the car (and not knowing the detailed history on the car), is it a good idea to just have the "90k mile service" done to get everything up to snuff? Anything else I should do?

 

there is something on it that you need to be careful.

recently purchase and resells it, something must be wrong.

if he says no info about the car, it can be denial.

 

Prudent point.
And while Sleepwalker and others could probable tell you more, my impression is that he Inline 6 cyclinder, which pre-98's have, was prone to head gasket probs. As far as the wiring harness, again others could tell you more, but I've read on these forums that MB addressed and fixed that prob. by '96., so a '97 s/b clear of that issue.

Having the 90K service makes good sense, but first I'd pay to have the car gone over with a fine tooth comb before purchaseing. It may cost you a couple hundred, but the peace of mind would be worth it; if it were me.

 

...Inline 6 cyclinder, which per-98's have...

Do you mean b4 the 98's models..?
tnx
R0ss

 

Right, I meant to say pre-1998 model year.

In 1998 MB replaced the I6 engine on the C280 (which had a cast iron block and aluminum head), with the V6 which has an aluminum block and head. HP stayed about the same but the engine lost 100pounds of weight, no head gasket prob., and has been a real performer.

 

1) The quick turnaround on the car by friend was due to having a dirt-cheap M3 fall (almost literally) into his lap.
2) If the car is having head gasket issues, would there be any visible evidence?