Due to the lack of response here I will tell you what I know about the previous V6 2.8 petrol V280.
I’m not sure your engine runs cam belts. I used to run the previous v280 petrol I’m sure the OM642 (if this is the correct motor ) is vastly different to the 2.8 but a quick
Search on google shows it uses chains as well. I would imagine the engine, what ever model it is, providing it has a reasonable service history is fine. Our old Vito 2.8 had perfect running gear when I sold it at 20 years old. it had the air volume meter and temp sensor replaced with plug leads but never anything major.. low mileage at about 120000 miles our only vehicle but I commute on the train..
The reason we sold it was because getting parts for the failing electrics was getting difficult. Loads of parts were no longer available from MB and due to its relatively low production numbers used parts were equally difficult to get. Finally the central locking controller packed in which is a security device is mapped individually to the vehicle. We couldn’t work out a fix and had to lock each door just like it was 1972.
My advice would be make sure everything works perfectly check all electrical systems, window winders, locking, alarm, cruise control, ABS, traction stability and whatever else it may have fitted. ensure everything works faultlessly and you get all the keys if the cruise control doesn’t work then there is likely a ABS issue.
we had our v280 for over 12 years and we loved it, ownership wasn’t cheap, we tried several MB specialists but ended up using MB simply because we felt they always did a fair job. It’s always a good idea talking to MB, Vehicles over 10 years old get a good discount on services, 40% I think it was.
So in short, check the service history, have good play with all the facilities and switches including the heater and aircon, heat exchangers and radiators are expensive. Well everything’s expensive so if you have any doubts it’s probably wise to get it fixed as part of the deal.
Our 280 was more or less trouble free to about 10 years old, the air suspension was the biggest problem, The compressor and the controller both failed, (later vehicles might not have this) coolant hoses started to burst the radiator header tank split on the seam and the fan belt tensioner fell apart dropping the belt.. disconnecting everything from power steering to the alternator.
Sounds awful but that vehicle sat beside the road for weeks without moving, we jump in it reconnect the battery and do a 2000 mile round trip without a single issue. we called the breakdown service twice, once it was fixed beside the road with a burst hose and the second time the belt tensioner collapsed throwing the fan belt. It was snowing and we had a newborn in the back, green flag sent a guy out just to meet the response times then he cleared off. I drove the 20 miles home with the heater on full and a silent prayer. It was fine.
we now have a new MP, considered the V6 but couldn’t get one that sleeps 4, quite rare in the UK I don’t think the V6 was a official UK model.
