CLS 55 Next year!

[John]

CLS55 will cost more no doubt, allot more things to go wrong, the CLK55 will be cheaper to run, it's nice and simple.

Cls55 was over 80k new the 209 clk55 was around 50k..

Both will have similar vehicle tax (unless disparate ages either side of the change of bands in 2006), both large V8s so similar on servicing and fuel costs, insurance likely to be similar and depreciation the same (arguably a CLS is better looking so I would argue the depreciation would be less overall).

Only the difference in mechanicals with air suspension and SBC, if buying from that era, and they don't go wrong that often.

I can't imagine the parts are much different in price either.

You can of course be unlucky with any car but I doubt there is a lot in it all said and done.

 

[BenzedUP]

Anyway who buys an AMG and worries about running cost :s

Buy & smile lots, if things go wrong, fix it!

 

[sirius9]

Anyway who buys an AMG and worries about running cost :s Buy & smile lots, if things go wrong, fix it!

Well said!

 

[V8 CLS]

Well said indeed,

Those with warranty from Warranty Direct, how much are you paying per year?

Fuel wise, I am expecting around 15-17 mpg, sound about right? Right?

How many of you have upgraded the front grille to the single bar?

 

[Amo]

I have averaged 30MPG in mine but realisticly you will only really acheive 15 around town and 18 on a run (if having fun).

I wouldnt worry about warranty, they wont cover Airmatic at all and even other parts they will not cover for first 3 months?!? i was quoted £250 from Warranty direct which is decent offer but i have AA parts and labour cover which is only £140 for roadside relay and any 5 breakdown fixes (max payout £500, but its better value).

SBC pump may be covered by Warranty but its only £750 ish to buy new and you will only ever need to change it once IF you are unlucky to have one fail on you.

 

[AMGeed]

I have averaged 30MPG in mine but realisticly you will only really acheive 15 around town and 18 on a run (if having fun).
.

How have you managed 30mpg Amo?
In 2.5 years of ownership I have never seen over 25.8mpg......ever!

Between 12- 16 around town and up to 25 on a spirited run.{Same engine and similar car).
These cars don't enjoy being driven slowly and the mpg is stupid until you crack on a bit.

 

[Andrew W]

How have you managed 30mpg Amo?
In 2.5 years of ownership I have never seen over 25.8mpg......ever!

Between 12- 16 around town and up to 25 on a spirited run.{Same engine and similar car).
These cars don't enjoy being driven slowly and the mpg is stupid until you crack on a bit.

I've never seen more than 23 being really steady !

 

[AMGeed]

^ I got my 25 figure over a 169 mile mainly motorway trip averaging 57mph.
I noticed the mpg indicator rises up to 75mph, then drops away above that.

I think that's how you are getting 23

 

[Grovsie31]

I average 21.x in my N/A 55. ive seen low as 15 and ive had just shy of 30 on the motorway at 70.

 

[AMGeed]

I average 21.x in my N/A 55. ive seen low as 15 and ive had just shy of 30 on the motorway at 70.

Those look decent figures.
I saw 7.8 when my car was ticking over before the MOT emissions test

 

[John]

^ I got my 25 figure over a 169 mile mainly motorway trip averaging 57mph.
I noticed the mpg indicator rises up to 75mph, then drops away above that.

I think that's how you are getting 23

I don't think I've ever seen more than 25.something and that was in torrential rain when going to MSL sticking at 60mph!

 

[7om]

Definitely go for a CLS55. N/A 55 engines aren't even real engines, they may as well be two Ford Fiesta engines held together with duct tape in the middle and a Merc badge on top (wikipedia).

The Supercharged 55 engine is a proper engine, it has a Supercharger so you know it's good.

On a serious note, I like how the E92 handles, the gearbox is 10x better but once you put your foot down you can feel the weight holding it back. With the CLS55 the torque makes things feel effortless. You can get a good CLS55 for 12-15k but you can't say the same for the E92, you need 20k+ still for a well looked after version.

The CLS launches ok, just buy really good tyres and ultimately a diff as I've recently discovered that cheap tyres are dangerous one you've done a few tuning mods...and you will do tuning mods because the CLS55 engine represents some of the best bang for buck I've come across. I'd put it second to the S Audi 2.0TFSI but that's a 4 pot, so you may as well buy an N/A Merc if that's your thing.

Ok, the lines are out...any bites?! haha

 

[rockits]

Been considering either an E55k Estate 7 Seater as a spare/floating car or a CLS55. As I have bought an E240 Estate 7 Seater from Olly recently I guess that leaves the door open for the CLS55!

Although I have been having discussions with a guy selling his E55k Estate. Anyone know anything about this one??
Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 AMG for sale in Worcestershire | Pistonheads

Also Maserati QP V is an option as well and looked at a nice ZF Auto 2007 version recently. Not sure whether to be a double Maser owner or double Merc owner?!

I am not sure about another 55k though as had a short ownership of an SL55 and really didn't like the fact that traction seemed to be a constant and annoying issue.

My work XJ is being sold soon so looking to replace it with a nice daily driver for ideally upto £10k but would make it upto £15k if needed.

 

[Mrhanky]

Been considering either an E55k Estate 7 Seater as a spare/floating car or a CLS55. As I have bought an E240 Estate 7 Seater from Olly recently I guess that leaves the door open for the CLS55!

Although I have been having discussions with a guy selling his E55k Estate. Anyone know anything about this one??
Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55 AMG for sale in Worcestershire | Pistonheads

Also Maserati QP V is an option as well and looked at a nice ZF Auto 2007 version recently. Not sure whether to be a double Maser owner or double Merc owner?!

I am not sure about another 55k though as had a short ownership of an SL55 and really didn't like the fact that traction seemed to be a constant and annoying issue.

My work XJ is being sold soon so looking to replace it with a nice daily driver for ideally upto £10k but would make it upto £15k if needed.

Don't know about the car but could have a look at it as I'm local if your serious about it.

 

[rockits]

Very kind offer....I might take you up on that. Just need to decide whether to keep the E240 Estate or swap it out for an E55.

How do you find the traction on your 55? Not sure if my old SL55 was a poor example, had poor tyres or most 55k's just have a little too much torque/power.

 

[Will]

I've got two E55K Estates. Traction is absolutely fine on both, decent tyres makes all the difference. I rate Continental Sport Contact 3s for a great balance of performance, comfort, tread wear and price. A full set in MO (Mercedes approved) can be sourced for under £500 which is good value.

Obviously you know about the amount of torque these things generate but unless you're running old/worn/budget tyres on greasy roads then you can pretty much nail it and pull away cleanly I find.

That car looks like a nice example. Mileage is a little on the higher side, but then again most of these have 80-120k on these days and most of the expensive/common issues seem to have surfaced at lower miles (air suspension being one example). Condition and history are more important than 50k less digits on the LCD display I would say.

The spec is a little on the light side but at least it's got Parktronic and COMAND, sunroof is nice too. Estates are quite rare and I would say the price is keen if it's as good as it looks with no major faults. My only concern would be looking at the MOT history - it's only done about 4k miles in the last 3-4 years and looks like it only did 13 miles (!) from the present MoT to the one before. The seller has been upfront about the lack of use but surely including driving back from and to the testing station it must have been parked up unused for a year doing nothing (?) Not sure how kind that will have been for it depending on how it's been stored. Brakes, suspension, seals etc than sort of stuff - maybe batteries and electronics you'd want to check too?

Allow a provisional budget of £1k to sort out any niggles perhaps with a slush fund of another £1k for the next few months or year depending on your use. If it doesn't need it then great - but if you find a few surprises then it should cover quite a lot.

My tip would be to check the airmatic and brakes. Discs and pads aren't cheap - you're looking at £500 for the fronts before discount and fitting. Airmatic struts can work out expensive although there's quite a few cost effective solutions nowadays - I think MB can supply reconditioned struts and there's a few aftermarket suppliers now too.

At the end of the day at that sort of money, I don't think you can lose. I'm pretty sure they would break for close to the asking price?

 

[Mrhanky]

Very kind offer....I might take you up on that. Just need to decide whether to keep the E240 Estate or swap it out for an E55.

How do you find the traction on your 55? Not sure if my old SL55 was a poor example, had poor tyres or most 55k's just have a little too much torque/power.

In the cold and damp it's pretty bad if your giving it some beans. When making progress I often have to pedal it to keel it in check.

In the dry no issues whatsoever, although I can easily light of the tyres if I'm being silly and force the issue.

I use super sports as well, I have been a little disappointed in them in the wet compared to the rain sport 3's. In the end of the day, 550hp on our roads is pretty silly so I have no major complaints.

 

[rockits]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Not sure what other bits of spec are looked as essentials or nice to have on these. Not bothered about things like keyless go or massaging/cooled seats. Heated seats are essential in my book but I guess the standard E55 spec will have these.

Anyone have a link to a post or URL for standard specs on an E55? It is a hard one to price as it looks decent enough but hard to work out how much the mileage devalues the car. I am guessing the suspension may be fairly original and worn at 150k. However even at 80/90/100k it would be reasonably well worn. Buy cheaper and replace anything that needs doing makes sense I guess.

Mileage on MOT history check definitely seems a little unusual but the current owner has it garaged and SORN citing lack of use as the reason it is for sale. Certainly true enough by the mileage records!

Not sure if a CLS55 or E55 or QP as a daily driver would give me more smiles more often as wouldn't drive the E55 Estate too often unless it became the daily driver as well.

 

[Will]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Not sure what other bits of spec are looked as essentials or nice to have on these. Not bothered about things like keyless go or massaging/cooled seats. Heated seats are essential in my book but I guess the standard E55 spec will have these.

Anyone have a link to a post or URL for standard specs on an E55? It is a hard one to price as it looks decent enough but hard to work out how much the mileage devalues the car. I am guessing the suspension may be fairly original and worn at 150k. However even at 80/90/100k it would be reasonably well worn. Buy cheaper and replace anything that needs doing makes sense I guess.

Mileage on MOT history check definitely seems a little unusual but the current owner has it garaged and SORN citing lack of use as the reason it is for sale. Certainly true enough by the mileage records!

Not sure if a CLS55 or E55 or QP as a daily driver would give me more smiles more often as wouldn't drive the E55 Estate too often unless it became the daily driver as well.

Heated seats are standard.

Keyless go to me is a pretty useful feature - would really miss it if I'm honest. Massage seats are nice on long journeys and the dynamic/vented seats are a nice gimmick!

Other nice options - powered tailgate, heated rear seats, integrated sun blinds for the rear side windows (great if you have kids!)

Harman Kardon sounds pretty good for a 10+ year old system IMHO. iPod interface might be handy, CD changer is neat (hides away under the COMAND unit)

Telephone pre-wire and cradle/interface is useful if you need Bluetooth/hands free (with Viseeo etc)

Some people like Distronic? TPMS? Even cup holders were extra!

I'd be surprised if the suspension was original at 150k. My silver E55K had all new struts and a new compressor and relay (all at main dealer) somewhere between 80-90k from memory, likewise my black E55K had both front and rear replaced at just over 100k by the previous owner. It seems a common issue and not related to mileage as such but more an age/wear/tear thing on these cars. At least there's no coil springs to break!

 

[Pau1]

I might sell my cls55 next year (maybe) .
Obsidian black with black leather ,everything
sorted now all the pumps done ect , fsh & 75k miles .

Andrew, I could well be interested if you do finally decided to sell, I see that you've got most things sorted out on her now. Lovely looking car.