N_Jay

Well that is what I would like to know.

What are the typical problems?
What is recommended to avoid or mitigate them?

Airbag

impossible to say . Just keep a some cash around as you just never know .. ..

N_Jay

OK, any 125K mile 14 year old car can have failures, and I know German cars are a bit pricier than most to keep up.

I was hoping for more definitive issues to watch for.

Right now the car is middle of the pack in miles, but he oldest road worthy car in the fleet.
CRV 2002 and 150K
E350 2007 and 97K
GL320 2008 and 114K

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Arguably 125K needs shocks…worn ones will accelerate bushing and bj failure in upper control arms much less lower control arms. When you change out the rear shocks change out the upper mounts as well…new shocks are likely to tear out the rubber bits in the upper mounts.
You won't believe the improvement in ride and control..I like Koni yellow sport shocks but YMMV.
If the transmission and differential lubricants haven't been changed as far as you know, get them done. Change out the power steering fluid as well…use the right stuff.

N_Jay

Taking notes!

As spoon as I Get all the records I'll know if it need trans and drive line fluids. (I usually like 50 K for those changes, if complete and about 30K for cars that only drain 1/3 to 1/2 the fluid)

PS is often overlooks (as is Brake fluid, even though most Mfgs. are starting to put it on the schedule).

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Brake fluid every two years or annually if you're driving in alpine/mountain country or more/better fluid if tracking the car. Flush fluid every time pads are changed. One thing I try to do is keep the same fluid level it was at when I started the flush…with worn pads the brake fluid level goes down and a low brake fluid level can signal pad replacement if the front pads aren't the determining factor (front pads will signal instrument panel light, rears won't). If you replace the front pads and flush the system and fill the master cylinder reservoir, when the rear pads are almost out the brake fluid light won't light…the pads can wear right to the backing plate and score the rotor.

N_Jay

Picked up the car, and all looks good.

One quick question.

Anyone have a spare front licenses plate mount kit they want o sell?

OGBULLYLOCDAWG

There's an edit button, but for newly registered members I think it takes a certain amount of posts before it's available to you.

N_Jay

Long since fixed.