Looking to buy a C55/CLK55/E55k/E63/CLS55/CLS63/SL55 - Advice/Comments? - Which One?!

[rockits]

Yes, that's the later version W211; the speaker grille is mesh.

I actually contemplated buying that car myself but I think it could be cheaper due to the mileage, it's a big plus to have every single extra but a car with 112k miles on is still a car with 112k miles on for ten bags (if you know what I mean).

Having said that, if I'd have followed through with a purchase of an E55, that one would have been the first on my list; it's got the two real biggies of spec; Distronic and panoramic roof.

I think you are right that it needs to be cheaper and it does look to me like the later model with mesh grille. I do 2-3k miles per year and will be keeping this for many years so as long as it is cheap enough it makes good sense.

A lower miler with less spec at top money make far less sense for me. It is also the closest one to me however a used car dealer in Wembley is a slight concern!

 

[Ginger55k]

I think you are right that it needs to be cheaper and it does look to me like the later model with mesh grille. I do 2-3k miles per year and will be keeping this for many years so as long as it is cheap enough it makes good sense.

A lower miler with less spec at top money make far less sense for me. It is also the closest one to me however a used car dealer in Wembley is a slight concern!

That's exactly how I use mine and intend keeping as a weekender for as long as I can, if everything is as described the mileage would not worry me at all, just double check the service history make sure the larger service items have been done, even though they state full merc history, it is recommended that gearbox servicing is every 40k, mileage is close that could be a bargaining point, same with plugs.

 

[rockits]

That's exactly how I use mine and intend keeping as a weekender for as long as I can, if everything is as described the mileage would not worry me at all, just double check the service history make sure the larger service items have been done, even though they state full merc history, it is recommended that gearbox servicing is every 40k, mileage is close that could be a bargaining point, same with plugs.

I'll see what I can do. Dropped them a message but not had a reply yet. Will call tomorrow if not. I have a gut feeling it would not be the cleanest of deals. There are plenty of wide and shady businesses in Wembley in my experience I have a bad feeling about this one. However worth a punt if cheap enough. It only books trade at £8k at that mileage so needs to move south a fair bit for me.

 

[Ginger55k]

Just checked the service booklet for your information on top of normal oil and filter change:

change poly-v-belt every 2 years or 35k miles
air cleaner element every 2 years or 35k miles
combination filter every 2 years or 35k miles
dust filter every 2 years or 35k miles
activated charcoal every 2 years or 35k miles
brake fluid every 2 years
panorama roof service every 3 years
spark plugs every 4 years or 60k miles

Hope this helps if you get to chat with the dealer and your discussing a deal.

 

[rockits]

Just checked the service booklet for your information on top of normal oil and filter change:

change poly-v-belt every 2 years or 35k miles
air cleaner element every 2 years or 35k miles
combination filter every 2 years or 35k miles
dust filter every 2 years or 35k miles
activated charcoal every 2 years or 35k miles
brake fluid every 2 years
panorama roof service every 3 years
spark plugs every 4 years or 60k miles

Hope this helps if you get to chat with the dealer and your discussing a deal.

I think I had better speak to the bank manager first! Scarey when you list it all like that Its only money right?!

 

[Ginger55k]

Most of the list would be standard on any car, however having had all the big stuff done and for the mileage i do its not far off normal servicing and gives me peace of mind that this important work on such a powerfull car has been done.

Check the airmatic raises the car and no leaks, this is the most worrying aspect of the car as its expensive to fix, if they are local get there before they get in on a morning and see if the car is sitting correctly.

 

[Ginger55k]

Just to clarify the car should be at its correct height when off, what i meant was the raise button test when the engine is running this should lift the whole car up, when turned off the car returns to its factory height.

 

[Ginger55k]

If you look in my album and check the photo of the back end, if it looks like that then walk away, unless it has a lowering module fitted

 

[Oli]

63 discs around £1600, 55 £400 ish, to be honest the 55 costs not much more than servicing my oil burner, have had all the big jobs done discs pads, gearbox service new plugs, the bill came to a lot less than just the discs for the 63.

Use a great indie though and not dealer.

I agree, gearbox service, Brake fluid change and spark plug change arn't the end of the World cost wise, and servicing isn't that bad on them.

 

[Mavster]

In reality the CLS body is just 10cm longer, 5cm wider and 2cm lower, but I agree with you they look a lot bigger. The issue for me, being 6'2" was the roofline which sweeps down towards the windscreen and it felt claustrophobic even with the seat low down, and I whacked my head getting in and out of the one I drove a couple of times. The E55 feels a lot more compact. Everytime I see a CLS on the road I think how much bigger they look. Definitely more road presence, but I prefer the stealth of my E55.

The CLS is more sporty feeling inside, the dash is more special. It also looks like a Coupe and is low on the outside. My CLS makes my Missus' Cooper S look high when parked together.

I would try both, I have owned pre and post facelift E class and honestly prefer the CLS, and it feels more current. I am also 6'6" tall, and headroom in the front is a little tight (my seat is on lowest setting, my car has a sunroof also) but I don't bang my head on anything when getting out. I had no headroom restrictions in the E class even with a Pano roof.

 

[rockits]

If you look in my album and check the photo of the back end, if it looks like that then walk away, unless it has a lowering module fitted

Thanks very much for the info. Just looked at your picture in the gallery....wow that is low! Is your lowered or was that at a time when the suspension was knackered?

 

[Ginger55k]

Thanks very much for the info. Just looked at your picture in the gallery....wow that is low! Is your lowered or was that at a time when the suspension was knackered?

Yes its at maximum lowered setting using a renntech lowering module, about a 2" drop from standard ride height, turn it off car returns to normal ride heights, if you get to see the car your interested in as i said before dealer arrives and it looks slammed as in photo walk away, or any corner that looks a lot lower, the reason i mentioned it was a dodgy dealer may know it leaks slowly and will start the car to raise it before your planned visit.

A bad leak and it would drop like a stone when left with the engine off, or you could hear the compressor running trying to keep the air pressure up.

Hope this helps, am sure the car your interested in will be fine.

 

[rockits]

Yes its at maximum lowered setting using a renntech lowering module, about a 2" drop from standard ride height, turn it off car returns to normal ride heights, if you get to see the car your interested in as i said before dealer arrives and it looks slammed as in photo walk away, or any corner that looks a lot lower, the reason i mentioned it was a dodgy dealer may know it leaks slowly and will start the car to raise it before your planned visit.

A bad leak and it would drop like a stone when left with the engine off, or you could hear the compressor running trying to keep the air pressure up.

Hope this helps, am sure the car your interested in will be fine.

Thanks again. Does it look about right in pic 8? Engine is off at that point but as you say I will only be able to really tell on seeing the car when it is has been left for some time with the engine off. Although is local it is local as in about 30 mins away rather than hours way but might see if I can get across at some point really early one morning before traffic kicks in.

I have my brother trying to do a deal on the car and the price has moved a fair bit south as a trade sale but not quite enough yet to make it a tempting option. Unless the price is where I think it should be there are others that will be better options at slightly more cash.

 

[Ginger55k]

Looks ok in pic 8, car looks like its sitting correctly in all pictures, however engines probably running as they move car about, my advice if you get the car offered at the right price turn up first thing in the morning unannounced and have a look.

Again am sure there is nothing to worry about, only mentioned it in an earlier post as its an expensive fix.

Good luck.
Ginger

 

[DSLiverpool]

Ive had a CLS55 and a SL55 and a CL500 recently and the supercharged engine is pretty special BUT it will cost you so have an honest word about affordability, in the REAL WORLD a 5 litre normal MB is plenty fast enough (but I am nearly 50 so it may be old fart syndrome kicking in)

 

[Aitch55]

Ive had a CLS55 and a SL55 and a CL500 recently and the supercharged engine is pretty special BUT it will cost you so have an honest word about affordability, in the REAL WORLD a 5 litre normal MB is plenty fast enough (but I am nearly 50 so it may be old fart syndrome kicking in)

You're just a kid. The SL55's for proper old gits who weren't good enough to die young

 

[rockits]

Ive had a CLS55 and a SL55 and a CL500 recently and the supercharged engine is pretty special BUT it will cost you so have an honest word about affordability, in the REAL WORLD a 5 litre normal MB is plenty fast enough (but I am nearly 50 so it may be old fart syndrome kicking in)

I'm not and old fart yet although the wife and kids might sometimes disagree! Every time I compromise on anything it always winds me up and ends up costing more in the long term. A 500 is for someone who is happy to compromise. I compromised on the TT last year and compromised on the Boxster this year. I will have dropped a bit of cash on both so going to make the right decision this time The TT and Boxster felt much slower than the old SL60 even though in the real world they probably aren;t much different. The SL60 always was a bit of an occasion and brought the smiles. I am sure an E55 will do the same.

My missus will be please...the comment has already been made of not liking the idea of two big mercs on the drive

You only live once

 

[b1g1an]

Ive had a CLS55 and a SL55 and a CL500 recently and the supercharged engine is pretty special BUT it will cost you so have an honest word about affordability, in the REAL WORLD a 5 litre normal MB is plenty fast enough (but I am nearly 50 so it may be old fart syndrome kicking in)

Why would a 55 be a lot more expensive to run, not much thirstier, insurance is much the same as are parts and servicing, the big bills apply to all versions, and although neither are an investment the AMGs are still sort after whereas a.n.other big petrol engined car is not so should recoup more of the purchase price and be easier to sell come the time.

Don't think your measure of 'enough' is age related either, my CLS 55 was my 50th birthday present but I am a big kid as the missus likes to remind me too often.

 

[Ginger55k]

I am an old fart on reaching 50 the itch needed scratching (AMG itch that is), as in a previous post the beast costs no more than the oil burner..

alright insurance, petrol, some service items.

old fart in a merc who up top is still 18, downstairs well thats why i have an AMG

 

[jimmyca69]

It is indeed...just dropped the guy a mail. Think I would rather spend a smidge more on a later car though.

What do you think of your SLK55?

Just an FYI - I went to look at this car, sound car - although at time it had some rust on arches but this was back in Dec so may have got these sorted - but main issue for me was although it says 1 previous owner it has had more as was taken to Ireland.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/141393-plate-transfers-o.html

In the end the uncertainty of selling it on and also fact it was early version meant I left it and then ended up buying my 54 plate one. Of the 5 I went to see 4 were pre-04 and I bought the first 54 plate. Having done all the research it seemed the better buy even though ultimately would cost more initially.

Had it 7 months and it is very much worth it. All the advise so far is spot on - given your budget you should get a post-04 e55k with sub 90k miles and FMBSH.