Tips on buying 2005 '55' 209 CLK280

[albswaple]

Hi,

I am going to view with the intention of buying the car in the link below on Saturday. However although I know a little bit about cars I generally always take someone that is more knowledgable with me but this time no one is available.

Can any one give me some tips on things to look for and things to ask so that I don't become unstuck once purchased.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...-classified/on/page/1/price-to/7000?logcode=p

Any help would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks

Albert.

 

[Halcyon Days]

The obvious things are:
Check everything works (Roof, A/C and all of that stuff)
Check through the menu on the dash to see when and what the next service is - it says in the ad that it has a full service history, the age / milage suggests that the last one would have been a big service (plugs etc) so check the service book.
Check the handling / steering / brakes. all should "feel" right.. no thumps, squeaks or rattles. it should feel tight and planted.
check history for cam replacement - I think that one is in the area for the dodgy M272 engine? don't let it put you off, but go in with eyes wide open.
There shouldn't be any rust...
ummm.. that's about all I can think of! Good luck

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Double, Triple check all the electrics work, the windows have a softclose function where they dip when you open/close them.

 

[jazzyglobe]

Where are you located? Perhaps there may be someone on here who could help you inspect the car?

 

[Ted]

Good points
Facelift, decent price from a dealer, looks like it has a Bose sound system
Bad points
Low spec but price reflect this. These are lovely cars imho and you will miss the toys.

Do everything that the others have said. Check the roof works smoothly and quietly no creaks or bangs. Check it again. Now check it one last time to be sure.
Check there is no clicking from behind the dash when first switched on. This can get expensive.
Tyres aren't cheap check they have plenty of meat
Make sure the service history is up to date and complete. The m272 can have issues - search the forum. The engine should run as sweet as a nut.
The gearbox and drive should impress you. Anything else and there may be something wrong.

Good luck!!

 

[albswaple]

Thanks for all the advice it's much appreciated.

In relation to the cam belt I thought these were chain driven?

Apart from heated seats and command what toys is this missing?

Is this a good buy based on the advert or should I wait for a better one / spend more money?

Thanks.

 

[Ted]

Really needs heated seats, comand (although this is debatable) parking sensors, xenons are a good add on.
AMG sport adds a lot to the looks and comfort too.
My honest opinion is it is a good price for a good reason. These are cracking cars and I think that spending a bit more on one with a few more toys would be worthwhile.
Keep with the facelift.

 

[Halcyon Days]

...In relation to the cam belt I thought these were chain driven?

Not cam belt. The actual cam.... well.. Actually, the Balance Shaft Gear.
Wiki link

 

[dan-mb]

They are great cars enjoy! i have the old V6 version of the engine you are looking at in my CLK and a V6 in the CLK is a good partnership.
Check the electrics, electrics and check the electrics again...
As it is from a dealer see if they will throw in a warranty as well for peace of mind.

 

[albswaple]

The car comes with a 3 months parts and labour warranty as standard. Which is peace of mind and as its from a garage it gives me a lil more sense of security maybe its me being naive. My friend has a command system that he has gave me and I will only be doing around 100 miles a week in the car on average so unsure if I will miss the other toys?? In relation to the cam change is there anything I should look out for or is it just a matter of if it hasn't been changed it may or may not be an issue? If so can this be rectified before and how much roughly am I looking at either way. Many many thanks for the help so far it is hugely appreciated. This is my first Mercedes so I apologise for the mountain of questions. I haven't been too lucky in cars of late. Haha.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

The car comes with a 3 months parts and labour warranty as standard.

They have to offer 6 months by law under trading standards

 

[rifiki]

My CLK is an Avantgarde and I love it. Forget all the fancy extras, more to go wrong. Non working electric seats, I believe, is a MOT failure.

 

[Halcyon Days]

If it's only you driving it, then you don't really 'need' electric seats ;-)
Don't worry about the balancer shaft issue. less than 10% of the engines were effected. It might go, it might not. Chances are, it would have gone by now.

Go take it for a test drive! if it puts a smile on your face, you should grab it

(the car, not your face...)

 

[albswaple]

Bought the car on the advert today got it £6100 which i feel was a very good price everything is good on the car and has a harmon kardon sound system which was a nice bonus.

Thanks to everyone for there help and advice, I'm sure i will be needed plenty more in the future.

Thanks.

Alb

 

[Ted]

Good stuff!!
Post pics. Lots of pics!!!!