The New E55k Estate

[Red C220]

MB don't quote towing weights for the E55; I've no idea why. There is a towbar fitted, but I have no plans to use it.

I have a feeling the reason for that is that AMG models are not type approved for towing. MB chose not to do that.

 

[E55BOF]

My feeling too, the issue in reality is what is and isn't classed as acceptable on a 12 year old vehicle?

Quite so.

The margin that the dealer may or may not have in it is wholly irrelevant unless it's described as "restored" or in perfect working order.

It is relevant insofar as it will affect whether or not the dealer will choose to have it back rather than pay out, I think. I'm talking real world here...

I think in this day and age a second hand car dealer is the last thing I'd choose to be.

I'd agree with that. I'd rather eat razor blades...

I really must learn how to break up quotes so I can answer individual points.

 

[Major774]

On the bright side... Once sorted... you will have a smile for years to come.

I bought my W211 E55 2 years ago with a few faults and surprises along the way... I have thrown in a few £'000s knowing that this is a long term car. Now the issues are sorted... All I do is fill up and drive

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I think in this day and age a second hand car dealer is the last thing I'd choose to be. To that end I take my hat off to Jay.

Even though my commercial vehicle company is/was B2B, I used to through the odd cheap part exchange on eBay auction and my business partner always used to laugh because I must have been a glutton for punishment because I used to get 100000% more headache from Joe Public than we did turning over 100's of vans a year, seriously.

Good on the likes of Jay and Simal at Synergy for being the good guys and doing it day in day out.

 

[Major774]

I am in the same situation with my new utility vehicle.

2003 Honda Accord Tourer Type S, the boot space is huge.

Already thrown in a few £'00s, parts are so much cheaper compared to the Mercedes lol

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I really must learn how to break up quotes so I can answer individual points.

Copy and paste the first part of the quote in brackets [] and then put [/QUOTE] at the end.

Ad infinitum.

 

[jonnyboy]

Whilst I appreciate there are problems with the car, some of them I agree you should be looking to the dealer for a bit of a contribution for, you have bought a ten year old car. You already know the type of car and it's common faults seeing as you already own one. Did you not consider that, rather than trusting a dealer who's primary reason for being in business is to maximise profit and minimise outlay, that a pre-purchase inspection would have been worthy? Or did you just think "hey, it's a dealer, the car will be as new" ????
I probably wouldn't be a critical of the way this thread has gone, but as you have mentioned rusty wheelarches and tailgate, and poor alloys, it doesn't help your case in my mind. Did you not bother inspecting the car????????
Some people crack me up.....

 

[E55BOF]

Jonnyboy, you're easily cracked up.....

The car was in Liverpool; I was in Beaconsfield. I had a long chat with the dealer on the phone, and on the basis of what he said I went up to collect the car. The dealer was somewhat economical with the truth; I was expecting that. I was expecting to have to pay for some bodywork, quite possibly wheel refurb, and some service items - like new brakes on the front. It's the sheer volume of those 'some service items' that is the problem.

"Or did you just think "hey, it's a dealer, the car will be as new" ????" Don't be silly. If you read my post #16 again, carefully, you will find that the basic point you make is already covered.


I can, I think, reasonably expect at the very least the engine mounting, the brake fluid change, and the steering pump to be covered either by the warranty, or by the dealer. Other than that, we'll see. I'm not looking to screw him into the ground, and so far at least he's not looking to do the same to me...

 

[E55BOF]

And there's (STILL) more.... I forgot to mention these next two. The instrument cluster went t**s-up, as did the parkimg sensors, but I sorted those myself. The Tiptronic change is not functioning correctly; I'm hoping for an answer to my thread on it to give me a clue...

Please God, nothing else crops up. Doomed; Doomed; It's aaaall Dooooomed...

 

[V12]

This thread is a good reality check for the forum.

Nearly every 10 year old+ car will be like this one in my experience.

Whether it's bought from a dealer or a private individual, 9 times out of 10 there will be a list as long as your arm of things that could be improved or things that need to be remedied.

As for engine oil weeping onto the exhaust manifold and being a potential fire risk...I think you've got more chance of winning the lottery to be honest.

 

[merc85]

i know of 2 Volvo's that caught fire as oil got onto the exhaust manifolds, but they were turbocharged.

Whats the advantage of buying a used car from a dealer?

 

[BTB 500]

MB don't quote towing weights for the E55; I've no idea why. There is a towbar fitted, but I have no plans to use it.

If that specific model isn't type-approved for towing it's illegal to drive it with a towbar fitted (whether you tow anything or not). Check the car's VIN plate to see if there's a maximum train weight specified - that will only be given if its approved to tow.

 

[E55BOF]

i know of 2 Volvo's that caught fire as oil got onto the exhaust manifolds, but they were turbocharged.

Whats the advantage of buying a used car from a dealer?

You have some comeback if things go wrong, despite the naysayers on here. And yes, V12, I am confident my lottery numbers will come up on Saturday....

 

[E55BOF]

If that specific model isn't type-approved for towing it's illegal to drive it with a towbar fitted (whether you tow anything or not). Check the car's VIN plate to see if there's a maximum train weight specified - that will only be given if its approved to tow.

Perhaps fortunately, then, it's a detachable towbar, and it is detached at present. While I have the car it will stay that way.

 

[HB]

If that specific model isn't type-approved for towing it's illegal to drive it with a towbar fitted (whether you tow anything or not). Check the car's VIN plate to see if there's a maximum train weight specified - that will only be given if its approved to tow.

I fitted a tow bar to the back of the E63, ask Druk.

 

[Druk]

I fitted a tow bar to the back of the E63, ask Druk.

Beautiful job and the cut-out in the rear skirt looks factory with the stainless edging.

 

[E55BOF]

As I understand it, that's not the problem; the problem is that if MB haven't certified the specific model for towing, your insurance will be voided if you tow with it. If you have an accident, your insurer is likely to try to avoid liability.

 

[MD5]

I know they are in a different league, but my 04 E500 estate is factory fitted with a towbar.

 

[AMGeed]

I know they are in a different league, but my 04 E500 estate is factory fitted with a towbar.

I think it's only AMG models this affects.

 

[BTB 500]

As mentioned if there isn't a maximum 'gross train weight' (total weight of car plus trailer) given on the VIN plate then it's actually illegal (under the construction & use regs) to have a towbar fitted to it ... not just a potential problem with insurance.

Of course the chance of getting caught and then prosecuted would be pretty slight. But it would be a possible get-out for an insurance company if the car was inspected after an accident. I guess it could void any warranty too.