clk coupe purchase

[Lit91]

I asked them to do that, they still refused!

That's a shame, and they wouldn't tell you what was involved in that service?

 

[ash1212002]

That's a shame, and they wouldn't tell you what was involved in that service?

I've asked if they could email me breakdown of what was carried out in each service, 6 services were carried out by them, they agreed to email me which is something I guess

 

[Lit91]

I've asked if they could email me breakdown of what was carried out in each service, 5 services were carried out by them, they agreed to email me which is something I guess

The service book will have ticks of what has been done at each service, so don't worry too much, as long as you know that these are genuine and tangible, which you know they are from the current information.

 

[ash1212002]

The service book will have ticks of what has been done at each service, so don't worry too much, as long as you know that these are genuine and tangible, which you know they are from the current information.

Merc have just emailed me...

08.02.2008 – A service – 6983 miles
· Oil & filter
· Screen Wash
· Mobil Synth 5W-30
· Indicator Bulb

26.01.2009 – A service – 9717 miles
· Oil & filter
· Screen Wash
· Mobil Synth 5W-30

18.01.2010 – B Service – 13888 miles
· Oil & filter
· Screen Wash
· Mobil Synth 5W-30
· Key Fob Batteries
· Pollen filter
· Brake fluid change (Brake fluid)

17.01.2011 – B service – 17931 miles
· Oil & filter
· Screen wash
· Mobil Synth 5W-30
· Pollen filter
· Key fob batteries

05.01.2012 – A Service – 22061 miles
· Oil & filter
· Screen wash
· Sump Washer
· Mobil Synth 5W-30
· Air filter
· Spark Plugs

03.01.2013 – B Service – 25573 miles
· Oil & Filter
· Screen wash
· Pollen filter
· Mobil Synth 5W-30
· Sump washer
· Key fob batteries
· Front brake pads

 

[Lit91]

Looks like decent history, if the gearbox oil change has been done, it will be further down the line past the 37k mark.

 

[ash1212002]

Looks like decent history, if the gearbox oil change has been done, it will be further down the line past the 37k mark.

the current seller purchased the car when the 37k service was due and has advised the garage did a basic service, I doubt very much the gearbox oil was changed, seller was not given an invoice and the book is not stamped

another service was carried out at 40946 but again no invoice or stamp as the seller is claiming the service was done at a garage where his mate works so was cash in hand, so unlikely there will be any record

 

[Lit91]

So it looks like there is no tangible service history for the period of ownership of the seller? Would advise to have the car serviced right after purchase if you go ahead.

 

[ash1212002]

So it looks like there is no tangible service history for the period of ownership of the seller? Would advise to have the car serviced right after purchase if you go ahead.

It appears so, all verbal

 

[Lit91]

I would suggest checking the colour of the oil by wiping the dipstick on a clean piece of kitchen roll, but 7k in it would be pretty dark anyway.

 

[ash1212002]

I would suggest checking the colour of the oil by wiping the dipstick on a clean piece of kitchen roll, but 7k in it would be pretty dark anyway.

I guess it would be, but worth checking any way, i've asked the seller I wish to check the car with the engine cold, is this the right thing to state

Is there a dipstick on these? on my c180 there is no dipstick, as the oil level check is done electronically

 

[Lit91]

I guess it would be, but worth checking any way, i've asked the seller I wish to check the car with the engine cold, is this the right thing to state

Yeah, you should be able to feel most engine defects with a cold engine - although I'm unsure on what to look for in these engines, I guess you will need to listen to knocks and unusual sounds, especially the dreaded timing chain rattle.

Not sure on what to look for on the supercharger either.

Basically see the car (behavior) from cold, and make sure that you get it up to normal temperature when test driving, so that you also get a feel for it once fully warmed.

The list is getting longer and longer haha...

 

[ash1212002]

Yeah, you should be able to feel most engine defects with a cold engine - although I'm unsure on what to look for in these engines, I guess you will need to listen to knocks and unusual sounds, especially the dreaded timing chain rattle.

Not sure on what to look for on the supercharger either.

Basically see the car (behavior) from cold, and make sure that you get it up to normal temperature when test driving, so that you also get a feel for it once fully warmed.

The list is getting longer and longer haha...

Sure is! i'll have to take a notepad with me! lol

 

[Ted]

Should have a dipstick. near rear of engine next to ATF dipstick tube.
I change my oil every 5k approx and it never looks dirty. Even at 10k I wouldnt expect a smear to be more than bark brown.

 

[ash1212002]

Should have a dipstick. near rear of engine next to ATF dipstick tube.
I change my oil every 5k approx and it never looks dirty. Even at 10k I wouldnt expect a smear to be more than bark brown.

If I do purchase the vehicle, I'll get it serviced inc the transmission oil, what oils /filters are recommended

 

[Ted]

The engine WILL rattle for a second or two on startup. That is to be expected. Then no untoward noises except for maybe some belt noise. (not rattle or knock!)
The supercharger on these is pretty quiet - you may not be able to hear it at all.

 

[ash1212002]

The engine WILL rattle for a second or two on startup. That is to be expected. Then no untoward noises except for maybe some belt noise. (not rattle or knock!)
The supercharger on these is pretty quiet - you may not be able to hear it at all.

Cheers Ted will listen out!

 

[Ted]

If I do purchase the vehicle, I'll get it serviced inc the transmission oil, what oils /filters are recommended

I always use a Mercedes filter. They are £10-11 so not worth saving on them.
For Oil, there is a linky here.. As I change mine so often, I'm not too fussy on the exact spec, but my rule is (in order) Synthetic, 10-40 (or 5-30 especially if it is in the cold months), price.

You will need the right socket for the filter housing - it's at the top of the engine at the back. Looks hard to get at, but it is really easy.

Gearbox oil change budget around £180. Olly on this forum (prestige Car Services) does them, but it may be a trek as he is near Portsmouth.
You could make a day of it though and go the Gunwharf quays.

 

[Lit91]

Gearbox oil change budget around £180. Olly on this forum (prestige Car Services) does them, but it may be a trek as he is near Portsmouth.
You could make a day of it though and go the Gunwharf quays.

Could be an excuse for a Mercedes gathering, I'm down that way

 

[tec]

Gearbox oil change budget around £180. Olly on this forum (prestige Car Services) does them, but it may be a trek as he is near Portsmouth.

As the OP is in Coventry it would make sense to use Jay at Mercland.
When I first bought my CLK I took mine there for some work and a checkover where he found two broken front coil springs and a faulty shock absorber.
The coil springs were slightly broken on the ends, so not easy to spot.
Jay has free loan cars as well, so is very convenient.

 

[ash1212002]

As the OP is in Coventry it would make sense to use Jay at Mercland.
When I first bought my CLK I took mine there for some work and a checkover where he found two broken front coil springs and a faulty shock absorber.
The coil springs were slightly broken on the ends, so not easy to spot.
Jay has free loan cars as well, so is very convenient.

Mercland a recommended garage through this forum, any other garages you recommend in coventry or surrounding areas