Picking up CLS from dealer tomorrow - questions

[developer]

The instances of rust on 2007+ cars identified on here is minimal (and don't forget, this is a forum, where the worst of the problems are aired).

Fear not.

Enjoy .

 

[RAJ55]

Final 2 questions, thanks for bearing with me:
1) Should it have a spare wheel - there was none in the compartment in the boot.
2) What lead am I going to need to connect my ipod to the COMAND? Is there an aux socket in glovebox or something?

THANKS GUYS!

1. Yes it should, there should be a space saver under the boot floor and all the tools on the left
2. Theres is an aux input in the glovebox at the top

 

[corned]

curses, what am I letting myself in for!!?!

Perhaps I should get it waxoyled before winter. Has more of an air of something you'd do to a 1960's mini though.

Funny how other brands seem to be fine. Mum's 1995 Honda Civic still in the family without any dreaded rust.

Oh well, we will see what happends with this one. You don't see as much rust on very early 211's as you did on the 210's when they were the same age so maybe the problem is less severe.. maybe.

Sorry to put the wind up you. But because it's a Mercedes, you do need to go in with your eyes open.

I have never seen any CLS look anything other than spotless, so maybe the CLS bodyshell is simply better designed than the others I mentioned.

 

[bpsorrel]

In the three years I had my S211 it didn't show any signs of rust at all and so far my CLS is totally rust free. In fact, I've yet to see a rusty CLS anywhere. Is it possible MB put some extra effort into these cars - the build does seem very good, even compared to my 211...

 

[steve333]

In the three years I had my S211 it didn't show any signs of rust at all and so far my CLS is totally rust free. In fact, I've yet to see a rusty CLS anywhere. Is it possible MB put some extra effort into these cars - the build does seem very good, even compared to my 211...

I think your correct about mb maybe putting extra effort into the cls(it was a totally new body shape for mb at launch),owning a cls makes you look more at other cls's & i too can honestly say i've never seen one with any rust issues whatsoever 7 the oldest ones are 7+ years old now

 

[st4]

The instances of rust on 2007+ cars identified on here is minimal (and don't forget, this is a forum, where the worst of the problems are aired).

Fear not.

Enjoy .

By the very same logic, this being a forum, we also read about these cars at their best like my touring threads, your bursts of speed, BPsorells love of the CLS.

Doesn't sadly make the rust cases anything less than true and for every 211 owner on here, theres probably 1000 that are not, but theres enough on here to make a reasonable assumption that galvanised Mercedes can rust.

 

[C240Sport97]

no rust on my CLS

 

[trapperjohn]

Corned's next motor. CLS Estate/Touring then?

 

[W2--]

Final 2 questions, thanks for bearing with me:
1) Should it have a spare wheel - there was none in the compartment in the boot.
2) What lead am I going to need to connect my ipod to the COMAND? Is there an aux socket in glovebox or something?

THANKS GUYS!

1) There is a second floor underneath the boot floor and lift that up should review a spare wheel and tools.

2) And you need one of these to plug into the glovebox for your iThing/Mp3 etc.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-IPHONE-IPOD-USB-INTERFACE-LEADS-CABLES-COMPLETE-SET-/280888543159?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item41664307b7#ht_500wt_1287

 

[clk208]

Hi all,

Apologies for the belated update, I have been super busy – in part enjoying and learning about my new purchase. A few hiccups on collection day owing to my sales contact being off sick, I will bore you with this at a later date though. Very happy with the car, it has exceeded my expectations in all areas apart from MPG, which I kind of expected to be around the same as my CLK320 because although the CLS is heavier it has a more efficient engine. At the moment the CLS is actually 15%ish worse on fuel in comparable journeys going off computer vs computer readings although need to do a brim to brim run to substantiate.

Anyway, the good bits in brief:
- Lovely to drive, super solid and more power than I will need 99% of the time fromthe 292bhp V6.
- Super quiet at speed. Not that the CLK was noisy, but this is another level of quietness.
- Fantastic exhaust note, both in terms of a low throttle rumble and great noise when pushing on,almost V8 like sound.
- 7G seems to be a peach. I got on well with my 5sp but on the 7G I genuinely have no idea what gear it is in most of the time as it is so smooth.
- Lots of toys, keep discovering new things! Loving the SBC Hold feature at the moment.
- Giant turbine stylie AMG wheels suit the car really well and seem to look better every time I see them!
- Front and rear brake discs and pads all replaced within the last few months at a pretty high cost!
- Tyres are also nearly new
- Spark plugs changed at last service (see also bad bits)
- ATF not yet done but they agreed to throw in a free ATF change
- Car only had one owner, registered to a lady in Harrow. Hospitals and golf courses as POIs on the sat nav plus radio 4 in the memory. Pretty meaningless but at least it didn’t start out as a daily rental machine at Enterprise like a fair few will have.

Bad bits
- MPG slightly disappointing as mentioned but not really an issue as this car won’t do huge miles annually.
- Only noticed this after buying of course, but on the spark plug change service printout it said they couldn’t remove plug 4!! Why on earth the owner didn’t insist on it being sorted on a car under warranty is beyond me. Is this likely to be an issue or can they be persuaded out with suitable time and effort? covered under AU warranty?
- No manual provided – I dowloaded one from the US site. Anyone have a PDF of the UK manual?

More comprehensive thoughts after I have done some more journeys, but so far so good! Will post a pic later this eve.

 

[st4]

Ah its a petrol. Is it an M272 engine?

Do some reading up on M272 timing gear issues if it is and prepare to recitify, which it can be easily, with some upgraded gear.

 

[clk208]

Cheers ***. Yes I had read about that. Mine is a lateish one registered dec 2007 so I should be in the clear hopefully

 

[st4]

Cheers ***. Yes I had read about that. Mine is a lateish one registered dec 2007 so I should be in the clear hopefully

Hmm.

There is a list of serial numbers (I'd to be honest start a thread on Benz world and ask for the list of the serial numbers that the issues affect, there will be a range within that means shed alert, and beyond this means you don't have shed alert)....

Worth sorting out the hassle now, rather than later with a bill thats thousands.

 

[st13phil]

Hmm.

There is a list of serial numbers

According to a thread on MBWorld the issue affects the M272 (350) engine up to Serial #468993. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past that number.

 

[clk208]

Cheers guys. I don't have the paperwork with me at the moment, unless I can get the engine# from the VIN or it is stamped on the engine somewhere?

Here is a quick snap I took this evening anyway - needs a clean but not bad after several days driving in all weather!

 

[clk208]

According to a thread on MBWorld the issue affects the M272 (350) engine up to Serial #468993. The material for the balance shaft sprocket and the timing chain guide wheel (idler) was modified on engines past that number.

Excellent news, I have got the datacard for my car and the engine serial number is 512*** so well after the updated timing gear. I figured it would be as some early 2007 models were past this number and mine was registered late Dec 2007. Good to know it should be good for big mileages, even if at 40k currently it is going to take a while to even hit six figures with my current usage!

 

[bpsorrel]

Cheers guys. I don't have the paperwork with me at the moment, unless I can get the engine# from the VIN or it is stamped on the engine somewhere?

Here is a quick snap I took this evening anyway - needs a clean but not bad after several days driving in all weather!

Wow! Looks like the same place (and car!) I took mine the day I collected it!

 

[trapperjohn]

- Only noticed this after buying of course, but on the spark plug change service printout it said they couldn’t remove plug 4!! Why on earth the owner didn’t insist on it being sorted on a car under warranty is beyond me. Is this likely to be an issue or can they be persuaded out with suitable time and effort? covered under AU warranty?

Thank you for the interesting an informative write up. That machine looks really good. And I'm glad you are enjoying it.

The No 4 Spark Plug issue I cant really help on but as you say the previous owner should have insisted it was sorted. Or (I wonder) was it on a lease type deal and the "higher/driver" didn't spot the note when he picked it up. Or just thought "Chuck it" Not bothered, wont be mine come lease end.

CHEERS
John

 

[clk208]

Wow! Looks like the same place (and car!) I took mine the day I collected it!

Haha coincidence or what! I think there is something more sinister going on - these beautiful barges demand to be driven to, and photographed in scenic locations. Mine was in rainy/chilly but lovely Lancashire.

- Only noticed this after buying of course, but on the spark plug change service printout it said they couldn’t remove plug 4!! Why on earth the owner didn’t insist on it being sorted on a car under warranty is beyond me. Is this likely to be an issue or can they be persuaded out with suitable time and effort? covered under AU warranty?

Thank you for the interesting an informative write up. That machine looks really good. And I'm glad you are enjoying it.

The No 4 Spark Plug issue I cant really help on but as you say the previous owner should have insisted it was sorted. Or (I wonder) was it on a lease type deal and the "higher/driver" didn't spot the note when he picked it up. Or just thought "Chuck it" Not bothered, wont be mine come lease end.

CHEERS
John

Thanks John - yes, after a few days of buyer's remorse (there was really not much need to switch from the CLK and in theory I do have other more pressing spending priorities) I am starting to enjoy it, a really good machine indeed. I'll have to get down to the next local GTG at the Dog or wherever.

Exactly what I was thinking on the spark plug issue - it's going to be one of the two scenarios. Lady owner (or at least registered keeper) so perhaps not as mechanically minded/bothered?!

It may have been a case of:

Dealer "we can go ahead with the removal madam but if the sparkplug snaps we will need to keep the car in the workshop for x days whilst it is repaired"

Madam "that simply will not do, I cannot be seen shoe shopping/lunching/whatever in this courtesy A-Class. Leave the rogue sparkplug where it is and get my CLS back to me right away"