C55 amg with no history, should i be afraid?

[Lukas1985]

Hi all.
I am about to see in the next few days a c55 amg 2005, 2 owners, with 109k miles on the clock in really tempting money that has been in the locked garage for the last 10 years. There is only current year history showing full service & crank sensor replacement. Should I consider that buy?
Last MOT do not show any advisories and only fail on one of the MOT's for rear tyres (apparently common ) and ppi checks do not indicate to any damages or faults.
Current one expire in 2023 so good for next half year which means it has been done recently.

Car looks mint and seller claiming it is in great shape.

Need some advice, should I be worried? What exact to look for when see a car or just stay away?

 

[Petrol Pete]

Hello and welcome . I have been living with a C55 for nearly 6 years now , pretty much a daily driver that lives outside 24/7 . Buy with your eyes , check very carefully for any corrosion around the wheel arches (Estate or Saloon ?) . What exactly has been done on the 'full service' you mention ? All 16 spark plugs ? Full transmission service ?

Just like any other car sitting in a garage for 10 years is not necessary a good thing. What is the mileage ? There has been a C55 on here that has been described as 'very expensive to run' that was because the owner decided on an 'open cheque book' approach to ownership along with paying someone to do every single job (even- in my opinion- some that were unnecessary) , fair enough but with zero DIY . That approach has resulted in a very tidy C55 and peace of mind for the owner at a high cost that does not match my own experience.

It's probably the cheapest real AMG to run in real world conditions.

The C55 is a pretty simple car with a massively under-stressed engine , lets face it +/- 350bhp from a 5.4 litre V8 is pretty soft by todays standard, the 722.6 transmission is rock solid and easy to service , the M113 engine is legendary for it's reliability.

Let us have a bit more detail on the car , many on here have owned/still own C55's

PS. Mine has 150K miles on it.

 

[W1ghty]

It must have had some servicing before it spent 10 years in a garage ?? Does MB have any records ?
Check to see if the gearbox filler tube in the engine bay has got a red or black tab on the black cap .
If it’s red then someone has probably changed the gearbox ATF and filter ?

 

[Lukas1985]

Hello and welcome . I have been living with a C55 for nearly 6 years now , pretty much a daily driver that lives outside 24/7 . Buy with your eyes , check very carefully for any corrosion around the wheel arches (Estate or Saloon ?) . What exactly has been done on the 'full service' you mention ? All 16 spark plugs ? Full transmission service ?

Just like any other car sitting in a garage for 10 years is not necessary a good thing. What is the mileage ? There has been a C55 on here that has been described as 'very expensive to run' that was because the owner decided on an 'open cheque book' approach to ownership along with paying someone to do every single job (even- in my opinion- some that were unnecessary) , fair enough but with zero DIY . That approach has resulted in a very tidy C55 and peace of mind for the owner at a high cost that does not match my own experience.

It's probably the cheapest real AMG to run in real world conditions.

The C55 is a pretty simple car with a massively under-stressed engine , lets face it +/- 350bhp from a 5.4 litre V8 is pretty soft by todays standard, the 722.6 transmission is rock solid and easy to service , the M113 engine is legendary for it's reliability.

Let us have a bit more detail on the car , many on here have owned/still own C55's

PS. Mine has 150K miles on it.

Thanks for reply.

Car is on 109.8k millage, not sure if the car was on the group as mot record show 2011 and than April 2022 (done 140miles between). Assume someone had to do some works to return it to road legal. Not entirely sure what to expect. I have asked about fuel filter, oil filter, new oil, air filters etc and it has been confirmed done. I hasnt asked about gearbox tho but assume if someone done all them would do gearbox and diff? i would probably feel during drive gearbox issues. Quite sure brake links would also need to be done after long stood.
I have requested info from nearest to seller Mercedes service station and hopefully they will come back with something.
I read and watched a lot recently about this cars and definately want one specially its C55 and more rare than E55.

 

[Lukas1985]

It must have had some servicing before it spent 10 years in a garage ?? Does MB have any records ?
Check to see if the gearbox filler tube in the engine bay has got a red or black tab on the black cap .
If it’s red then someone has probably changed the gearbox ATF and filter ?

I will definately check. Thanks for advice.
Any other signs to look out when inspecting a car?
It must been serviced otherwise probably wouldn't lease till 110k almost millage?

 

[W1ghty]

I will definately check. Thanks for advice.
Any other signs to look out when inspecting a car?
It must been serviced otherwise probably wouldn't lease till 110k almost millage?

Might be worth reading up on SBC braking systems . They can cost a bit to be overhauled (£1k ??)
Budget £250 ish for gearbox and filter change at an independent. Every 40k miles recommended .
May be worth checking if there is a Valeo radiator on the car , sometimes they leaked into the gearbox oil (not sure if this car fits those production years , the problem may have been on earlier cars ? )

 

[merc85]

No Sbc on the w203's ive read of a few burning oil though for some reason, why was it laid up?

Engine and gearbox mounts due along with a atf change

 

[Lukas1985]

Chere's. If it will drive well and looks good I will take it and get to friendly MB specialist that I trust for full check. The car is for sale from trader so obviously I will have minimum of 14-30d to return and get refund if it will become to expensive to repair

Might be worth reading up on SBC braking systems . They can cost a bit to be overhauled (£1k ??)
Budget £250 ish for gearbox and filter change at an independent. Every 40k miles recommended .
May be worth checking if there is a Valeo radiator on the car , sometimes they leaked into the gearbox oil (not sure if this car fits those production years , the problem may have been on earlier cars ? )

 

[Lukas1985]

No Sbc on the w203's ive read of a few burning oil though for some reason, why was it laid up?

Engine and gearbox mounts due along with a atf change

That's what I read also. C55s don't come with SBC like E55s. Also nothing to worry about faulty air suspension
Burning oil apparently are as per manual around 1qt every 1k miles if I remember right.
I am aware about few bits that would need doing and I allow for them in price when making offer for a car. General question were is it worth looking at one without no history and been stored for 10years. Obviously check for rust and broken/cracked visible rubbery components/seals/gaskets.

 

[whitenemesis]

Stood in a garage for 10yrs?
Tyres are likely to need replacing.
Rubber belts and radiator hoses will need close inspection/replacing.
Brake flexible hoses closely checked for deterioration.
Suspension rubbers could have deformed/deteriorated

Not using a car regularly can cause more problems than a daily driver...

 

[Bortig]

Might be worth having it checked over before you part with money.

 

[ALFAitalia]

At the very least I would want to know if it had been run up to full operating temp once in a while. I would not be buying any car (classic aside) that has not spun its crank in a whole decade.

 

[Lukas1985]

To last 3 messages,
I believe if tyres wouldn't be replaced, MOT wouldn't pass ?
I think that the same comes to any corossion or suspension play?
There is also PPI done by trader which indicate to all working correctly and will be provided along with purchase so I can assume that would work to my way for a Direct refund it turns out a lemon ?

 

[markjay]

It must have had some servicing before it spent 10 years in a garage ?? Does MB have any records ?

It's pre-DSB (by 2 years) so unlikely there will be any record online, and unless you know which garage serviced it and ask them directly, then MB won't have any info stored centrally for the car.

 

[markjay]

Servicing isn't a problem, here's the checklist:

Replace:
Engine oil and filter
Air filter, fuel filter, cabin filter
Spark plugs
Brake fluid, engine coolant
Sunroof lubricant
Rubber belt for peace of mind

Check:
Everything... including brakes and brake lines.

 

[whitenemesis]

To last 3 messages,
I believe if tyres wouldn't be replaced, MOT wouldn't pass ?
I think that the same comes to any corossion or suspension play?
There is also PPI done by trader which indicate to all working correctly and will be provided along with purchase so I can assume that would work to my way for a Direct refund it turns out a lemon ?

This all hinges on the honesty of the trader and without wishing to cast aspersions, traders tend to do the upmost minimum required and rely on the purchaser not to spot problems when inspecting the car. After purchase complaints can be a battle, no matter what your statuary rights are.
Buyer beware... always!

 

[MrGreedy]

The Valeo radiator is a good shout from W1ghty. This can have failure of the water/gearbox oil heat exchanger in the radiator, and corresponding mess up or gearbox and cooling system. A new radiator would be worth it in my view if this is carefully looked and and could be an affected vehicle.

 

[Lukas1985]

This all hinges on the honesty of the trader and without wishing to cast aspersions, traders tend to do the upmost minimum required and rely on the purchaser not to spot problems when inspecting the car. After purchase complaints can be a battle, no matter what your statuary rights are.
Buyer beware... always!

I think for a piece of mind will do some recording of the car and ask question in regards to return policy during, so to capture as an evidence
I have told already that i will be taking it for further inestigation, they are aware and over the phone confirmed they are confident with it, so maybe hidden gem?

@markjay That would only be possible after driving vack 140miles .. to my area. If i decide hope that won't be much of an issue. They confirmed that fuel filter with oil filter and oil has been 100% done.

@MrGreedy Thanks for that. If I likes how it presents and drive during view, I will take to a Mercedes mechanic that only do Mercedes for last 25 years or so and refuse to do any other makes. Have a long waiting time in his garage but managed to squeeze in to queue for thorough inspection.

 

[Bortig]

Only thing I could add is, once you buy it then take it to be checked how confident are you that the trader will want anything to do with it, PDI etc are easy to fake.

 

[Lukas1985]

Only thing I could add is, once you buy it then take it to be checked how confident are you that the trader will want anything to do with it, PDI etc are easy to fake.

As i mentioned i have lined up slot for inspection already just in case
Cannot say until I arrive at they facility. Once I see what's there I will have more confidence. can also try Google or call facility that done checks and confirm. I believe as a trader he will endlforce a trade agreement with return clause which I will ensure its there.