Advice on buying a CLS55 AMG

[Watto]

Hi there, this is my first post on this lovely looking forum so I was wondering if you nice people could offer me some pointers on the car Im going to look at (and theres a 99% chance I'll buy) on Wednesday.

Its an 05 plate CLS55 AMG in Silver (I know, its not my favourite colour but it keeps cleaner looking). 27,000 miles, FDSH. 1 owner as far as I know. Looks immaculate in and out from the pictures Ive seen so far.

Is there anything in particular I should be looking for either with bodywork, interior or most important under the bonnet? Im no mechanic but I can pretend ot know what Im on about :lol:

Ive not driven a Merc for a good 10years but this ticks most of the boxes Im after for comfort, power and practicality. Thanks in advance. Hopefully if it all goes well I'll be hanging round on here for a while yet

 

[st4]

Sounds lovely. Check the history over and ring the places where it was worked on to check it was done. As its an AMG car it may have been on a track day, unlikely, but check underneath in case its had an "off"

Just the basics, a lot of electic gizmos so check the warning lights etc go off. Is it @ an MB dealer, 1 yrs warranty does give peace of mind.

Given some of the threads on here, check there is no outstanding finance on it

 

[Watto]

Thanks for that.
No its not from an MB dealer but it does come with a 6 month independent warranty which requires a fully independent service before leaving the dealer so that gives some piece of mind.

Ive discover that its had 3 owners from new but I cant really worry too much about that because it could be for any number of reasons, particularly in the current economic climate.

any more tips anyone? any characteristic leaks, whines or rattles?

cheers

 

[BlackC55]

Check front lower ball joints ans make sure EVERYTHING works. Engines are bullet proof.

 

[Watto]

Are there any model recalls I should check its had?

 

[BlackC55]

There are loads. the last time it went to a dealer it would have had some done. Call the dealer and quote the reg and see if there are any outstanding.

 

[Watto]

Well its got FDSH so should all have been done then I guess. Will try and give the local dealership a call before I go to look at it

 

[Watto]

Off to see it tomorrow, cant wait.

Can anyone tell me if AMG recommend a specific Octane petrol for this car? recently Ive had cars requiring 98+ ron meaning trips to the Shell V power pumps. Will this still be the case or can I get away with Esso's cheaper "premium" fuel. Obviously the higher octane will be better for the engine but I guess an 80Litre tank wont be cheap to fill

 

[wemorgan]

I'm quite sure the engine will work fine on 95 ron fuel. With so much power anyway from the 55 AMG I'm sure losing a few BHP vs the 98 ron will be almost unnoticeable.

IMHO the whole 95 vs 98 is a mute point in every day driving.

 

[Watto]

Thanks for that, I know a couple of the highly tuned Jap models Ive had have required 98+ ron because of the mapping done to the ECU and something to do with the air fuel ratios. Im no mechanic. But saving on fuel at the pump and road tax would be an added bonus

 

[seymansey]

Genenally speaking, forced induction cars usually perform better with super (or higher) fuel, but you certainly wont be doing any damage putting boggo 95 octane in.

 

[Watto]

Awesome. Just hope its all ok when I see it then

 

[saorbust]

The new 63 requires super unleaded from memory. Check the fuel filler cap - will have the right spec of fuel printed inside it.

They are awesome cars - enjoy it. And I'd suggest a brooklands 30 min AMG experience drive to see what they can really do (in their cars not yours !). Brother and I went on one the other week - utterly brilliant fun, and doing an emergency stop from 45 in the wet without touching the steering wheel gives you huge confidence in the ability and technology of these things.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Welcome to a forum that is a font of reasonable knowledge

I have had mine from 6k miles ie i have done 17k miles and the engine has been great, im still on the 1st set of brake pads but it eats tyres - check the wear patterns carefully.

Testament to how I feel about it is I dont want another car in its place - I love it so much, as such I got the Aston for kicks and will use the CLS for every day use

Stuff

Drivers door rattles - been in loads but never cured

Lights come on when its still light

Wipers are noisy even with new blades

Makes a bellowing rampant angry snarl sometimes but im told they all do that

Im thinking hard and I cant recall anything of note to the negative - its actually quite reasonable to run I fill it up with alternate tanks of good BP and boggo BP - cant tell the diff

ONE THING - spend a bit and get your pre warranty inspection done at MB they can then sell you a MB warranty if you want at £1500 or an indie one at £800 (pre haggle) Im about to put a years MB warranty on mine as one major hit and its loads of £ gone

Until the Aston arrives its the best car Ive ever had and it may well be after the Aston arrives

 

[Watto]

Thanks for that, good info and things to look out for. Ive been driving a 400bhp Evo for the last 11 months but I want something more grown up now. I dont think an angry snarl will bother me, I'm used to pops, bangs and flames!

I remember MB wiper blades being noisy from years back, is it still one massive single blade or have they progressed to two like everyone else now?

£1500 for a years warranty? Holy cow how much is a service? Ive been offered a 3 year AXA backed warranty by the dealer Im going to. Will have to get the info on where I can take it and how much you can claim before I decide to go for it or not.

thanks again for the info. hopefully by this time tomorrow it will be on my drive and I'll be on here everyday

 

[hawk20]

Thanks for that, good info and things to look out for. Ive been driving a 400bhp Evo for the last 11 months but I want something more grown up now. I dont think an angry snarl will bother me, I'm used to pops, bangs and flames!

I remember MB wiper blades being noisy from years back, is it still one massive single blade or have they progressed to two like everyone else now?

£1500 for a years warranty? Holy cow how much is a service? Ive been offered a 3 year AXA backed warranty by the dealer Im going to. Will have to get the info on where I can take it and how much you can claim before I decide to go for it or not.

thanks again for the info. hopefully by this time tomorrow it will be on my drive and I'll be on here everyday

Forget servicing costs -that's a few hundred per year. Depreciation is likley to be a few thousands. That's motoring!

Good luck with your search.

Choose warranties with care. The MB warranty does what it says on the tin. Few others seem to.

 

[DSLiverpool]

Forget servicing costs -that's a few hundred per year. Depreciation is likley to be a few thousands. That's motoring!

.

I assume a 2005 car is circa £20k - its not going to drop so much in the next 2 years - ie a 2005 car has had its cliff face drop and has plateued (?)

On servicing it is relatively low cost but its the little extras that get you - I have not had a "visit" costing less than £750 BUT its only had 3 visits in 3 years.

 

[Watto]

Good look finding an AMG with under 30k on the clock for £20k I certainly couldnt.

On the flip side I have driven home in my new (to me) CLS 55 AMG and Im pretty much in love already. The comparison to the Evo is just well, you cant. Ive had Mercs before but this is a different class. Just got to work out what all the kit does now.

Ive taken a 2 year independent warranty which they guaranteed me didnt have a claims limit and I could use MB main dealers. Hopefully I wont need to find out but if it doesnt do what it says on the tin, I'll be demanding a refund

Right Ive got to go and play with it some more, no doubt I'll be back with questions later!

One before I go, I notice the centre console next to my left leg gets quite warm. Is that normal? I take its where the transmission or something goes through to the rear wheels?

 

[hawk20]

One before I go, I notice the centre console next to my left leg gets quite warm. Is that normal? I take its where the transmission or something goes through to the rear wheels?

Not heard that one before. It's not just the air from the heater is it?

 

[DSLiverpool]

Good look finding an AMG with under 30k on the clock for £20k I certainly couldnt.

To PX my 2006 06 23k miles immaculate version I was offered £22k by a merc dealer and less by an Aston dealer hence Im keeping it !!!

One before I go, I notice the centre console next to my left leg gets quite warm.

Not normal - must be the heater - turn it off or was it sitting in the sunshine ?

I have just come back from Darn Sarf and ripping away from the toll motorway payment plaza was soooo goood one of the few places you can let it red line (I know I know)