Bought a used Mercedes E-Class diesel: Current repairs & future changes

The only real gripe (unsolved) I have with the car right now is the audio system.

BHPian Tassem recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have put my money where my mouth is and bought a Pre LCI W212 E350 CDI with just over 45k on the ODO. A perfect blend of old-school mafia, opulence and an abundance of smooth power delivery. It's also effortless to drive around the city. I've put about 400km on it so far in two weeks. Sacrilege, I know!

I'm currently scouting for a reliable independent garage in Bangalore that can be trusted with repairs. And also a place to source parts locally. Would appreciate any leads. Looking at Marque One and Code 6 right now.

A couple of pics because why not.

The long bonnet. Quintessential Merc. Won't be confused with any other brand.

She's a beauty. The wheels will be changed to AMG style soon.

The three digits that make all the difference. Only mileage is Smiles Per Litre here.

I may start a thread if there are enough interesting things happening. There are a few issues but thankfully all minor and being taken care of mostly by the previous owner. The only real gripe (unsolved) I have with the car right now is the audio system which is a true (unwelcome) blast from the past in an otherwise timeless design.

I am in the process of upgrading this to a 12" floating tablet-style head unit but have hit a few snags along the way as my stock unit is malfunctioning. The tab-style unit is a piggyback and needs the stock unit to function. Figuring out how to replace or repair it. Any tips?

For now, the change list is as below:

• Full suspension change. The rear shocks are a bit shot. Mulling between stock and Bilstein B6. Advice?
• Full audio upgrade.
• Seat covers to all black.
• Centre Console sliding lid is broken. Needs replacement.
• Both sun visors are dirty and missing mirror covers. Needs replacement. Advice?
• AMG wheels or similar. Sticking to 17" to retain comfort.
• Partial respray - there are a few scratches. Nothing major.
• Full stealth mode? All chrome delete, wheels to black? Not sure yet.
• Headlamp upgrade. Stock headlamps are useless for the most part. Will mostly go for a projector swap.

Current repairs being carried out: (Car is currently with the previous owner for some of these fixes as these were agreed upon.)

• There is some noise from the steering while turning when stopped or barely moving. It doesn't sound like the rack; mostly pump.
• CEL due to a glow plug sensor going kaput.
• There is some forced creep when the car is held in gear and stopped.
• Brakes squeal a bit at times. Pads are new.
• Minor jerk while shifting from R to D and vice versa. No jerks while shifting from 1 through 7.
• Passenger side power window switch doesn't work for closing. Open works fine. Driver's side controls work fine for all windows.
• Rear headrest power fold doesn't work.

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