Potentially buying 2009 CLS 320 CDI

[CLSnewbie]

I’ve got the same gearbox and engine on 133k with no issues to speak of …. (Possibly helped by excessive servicing though )

Can I ask what year? This model is a 2009

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks! How ofter are you servicing?

Every 35-40k miles on the gearbox .

 

[W1ghty]

Can I ask what year? This model is a 2009

Same 2009 .

 

[CLSnewbie]

Every 35-40k miles on the gearbox .

Again that's something I would need to check on previous paperwork , TBH any used car whatever the model input in for a service on engine and gearbox. So any engine issues at all?

 

[W1ghty]

Again that's something I would need to check on previous paperwork , TBH any used car whatever the model input in for a service on engine and gearbox. So any engine issues at all?

Only glow plugs which I change every 40k ish (£50 diy ) .
Exhaust Back pressure sensor
Cleaned out the turbo actuator 3-4 times and sprayed cleaner into the turbo .
I have a resistor which bypasses the inlet port motor .
Cleaned the egr valve a few times .
My car doesn‘t have a dpf which keeps things simple .
Nothing else to speak of

 

[CLSnewbie]

Only glow plugs which I change every 40k ish (£50 diy ) .
Exhaust Back pressure sensor
Cleaned out the turbo actuator 3-4 times and sprayed cleaner into the turbo .
I have a resistor which bypasses the inlet port motor .
Cleaned the egr valve a few times .
My car doesn‘t have a dpf which keeps things simple .
Nothing else to speak of

So does this model not have a dpf as standard? Or have you removed yours?

 

[Smiley]

DPF was not standard; you are better without it.
Maybe not for me to say but I had always assumed that the logic for borrowing money to buy a car was that it enabled you to buy a newer better more reliable car with minimal repair bills which would then justify the (potentially high) interest charges. In your situation I would either be buying something cheaper for cash or borrowing a bit more and getting something newer / more reliable. If you need to borrow money to buy a 5/6k car then you are not going to be overjoyed by the £1k bills that these cars can land you with quite easily. Just a thought; tell me to mind my own business if you like.

 

[W1ghty]

So does this model not have a dpf as standard? Or have you removed yours?

Yep , not standard .

 

[ALFAitalia]

DPFs have been fitted to diesel cars as standard since 2009, when the Euro 5 exhaust emissions legislation was brought in....so that car must have just missed it.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Again that's something I would need to check on previous paperwork , TBH any used car whatever the model input in for a service on engine and gearbox. So any engine issues at all?

It would be very very unusual for a car to have had the transmission fluid changed multiple times in it’s life time, even once is a rarity, so don’t be too concerned if there’s no trace of a transmission service in the service book or associated invoices.

 

[CLSnewbie]

DPF was not standard; you are better without it.
Maybe not for me to say but I had always assumed that the logic for borrowing money to buy a car was that it enabled you to buy a newer better more reliable car with minimal repair bills which would then justify the (potentially high) interest charges. In your situation I would either be buying something cheaper for cash or borrowing a bit more and getting something newer / more reliable. If you need to borrow money to buy a 5/6k car then you are not going to be overjoyed by the £1k bills that these cars can land you with quite easily. Just a thought; tell me to mind my own business if you like.

Thanks for the update and perfectly fine for you to comment . I normally buy cars for cash from 2k to 3k majority Japanese and have had some great cars for minimal outlay. Was never one for finance but bit the bullet and can have up to 10k. I've have never bought your more high end motors such as Merc or Audi in 20 years of driving so thinking why not give it a go you are only here once. Not a fan of the C class styling but the CLS I do like, and for me this car is an entry into Merc's but I appreciate the honest responses from the members on this forum. I have been on many sites checking reviews and keeping an open mind , overall there are mostly positive , but as a few members on here have testified when certain parts go it is costly. The other option as you pointed out is buying a newer car but of course it won't have the fun of driving the CLS....my other potential vehicle on the hit list is a Honda Legend , seen one locally going for 4k...again expensive driving with tax and the potential for expensive bills.

 

[Smiley]

We've had lots of different cars (including multiple cars at one time) from the Germans and Japanese including Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, VW, Volvo and Nissan. The nicest to drive are the MBs and BMWs by some margin; they are also the most expensive to own by some margin. The easiest cars to own are the petrol automatic transmission Japanese cars. Very very little ever goes wrong. If you are on a budget then the Japs are the ones to own. A 2009 MB is almost definitely going to give you a big bill within 2 years, an equivalent (petrol) Lexus/Toypta or Honda is unlikely to give you any repair bill. But not as nice to drive.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I think that depends on what you mean by "nicest". I think a German car will handle better in many cases......but if you are after a really comfy, well built car that wafts you along in real comfort and one that's been set up for the ring road rather than the Nürburgring you will struggle to beat Lexus saloon .....pity they dont make the old 400 anymore....so smooth you could balance a coin on it edge on the running engine without it falling over.
Pity hat they are a bit bland looking and have a so so image. " Lexus.....the German Mercedes!! ....Alan Partridge!! The replacements were better....but lacked a certain something for me.
Cant argue about Japanese's car reliability .....no amount of abuse seem to kill a Honda or Toyota!!

 

[Smart320]

Can confirm my wife’s 20 year old Toyota Rav Auto ( 2 L Petrol ) seems bombproof, MOT this year no advisories, ultra reliable and is actually quite nice to drive both in traffic and on the motorway cheap motoring compared with my previous MB

 

[philnewmerc]

Reasons to buy:
Beautiful car.
OK mpg.
You might get lucky and have zero issues so sometimes its worth gambling, I definitely do.

Reasons not to buy:
Traders selling 15 yo cars are nearly always lying ******* and the warranty will be worthless.
Loads of private sellers at that price.
Diesel cars save fuel but tend to need more servicing/repairs.
I'd suggest petrol is more sensible buy.

 

[Mactech]

I'm not able to comment on the a 2009 CLS as of today's date. But back in that year I bought a 2k miles old one which I kept entirely trouble free for 2 years and 30k miles.
I have been lucky enough to own or use many great cars, but this one still rates in my top 3....out of about 70!

CLSSs

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[mercmancdi]

Had 2 of them great car , lovely place to sit makes you feel good and feels so well built compared to the e classes I owned , one of mine had 144000 mls on it before I bought it drove it 2 yrs only had to put a stat in it. Other was less mls but still over 12 yrs old great car.even today I prefer the older model to the newer one , they were way ahead of there time that’s why today even the older model looks modern. Love them.

 

[ALFAitalia]

I think the older 219 looks MUCH older and dated than the later 218....also much older tech being based on the 211 rather than the 212 the 218 is based on. I also think the interior is better screwed together on the 218. But the real thing I could not live with is the very strangely styled 219 headlights..... nothing looks right about them to my eyes. But beauty's in the eyes..... and all that!