What else can go wrong with high age / low mileage cars?

[kickin'fm]

Hi folks,

As most of your have probably read, I've been lucky enough to get my hands on a W209 CLK 55 AMG, 53 plate with 41k on the clock.

This now needs a new radiator, TC & gear box rebuild :-(

Mr Manek rightly called it that the rad had gone due to lack of use.

Is there anything else on the car I should be keeping an eye on / have inspected in your opinions?

Cheers
David

 

[Alps]

cats can also go due to short journeys and corrosion. anything rubber can perish over time (prob not on the w209 too new)anything lubricated can start squeeking etc for being left around a long time with no use... tbh 41k isnt that low so you should be fine.

 

[219]

I wouldn't have regarded something less than 10 years old as 'high-age' at all .

Once you are looking at 30 , 40 , 50 years and older then all sorts of issues arise if the vehicle has been out of use for a while : perishable items , corroded items , seized items , fluids that have turned to 'gloop' , 'vulcanised India rubber' insulation that has disintegrated .................

What I see above re the W209 sounds suspiciously like the well-documented 'Valeo problem' .

 

[zenman63]

We have a Boxster that was not used buy the last owner.
First thing it needed was tyres all round, they where like new when you first looked but when driven it would shake the hole car.
Turned out the tyres had flats on them from standing and had to buy new.

 

[The Boss]

if the wheels are and after fit, then the bushs and bearings can cause problems. Sticky engine components if the engine has not been regularly started. Charging problems as the alternator can stick.

The greese on the windows can also become sticky if stored in a chilly environment and not really used.

Bodywork wise, often if a car is rarely used, then on the odd occurance it is used, a bird decides to drop it like its hot, and in doing so, the owner may not notice it, then put it back into the garage, then 6 months later when he checks on the car, the dropping has corroded the bodywork etc etc..

it all depends on the kind of life it had.. i suppose

 

[killwilly]

Once you are looking at 30 , 40 , 50 years and older then all sorts of issues arise if the vehicle has been out of use for a while .

Wow, I thought Mercedes were good, but are they that good?

 

[kickin'fm]

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

From now on it will be getting TLC and will be properly pampered.

Is there any way that I can check the condition of the Cats?

Cheers
David

 

[Alps]

if they start rattling, take em out or get hi perf cats put in

no point worry abt things that "might" happen, just enjoy the car and worry abt it when it does!

 

[kickin'fm]

Thanks Alps! Much appreciated

Wonder if I can get a supercharger under the bonnet so I can keep up with you!

 

[Alps]

Thanks Alps! Much appreciated

Wonder if I can get a supercharger under the bonnet so I can keep up with you!

if a 55k engine can be fit under a c43 bonnet i cant see why it cant go under yours!

 

[219]

Wow, I thought Mercedes were good, but are they that good?

Absolutely , of the three I have parked outside the house just now , the youngest is 23 years old

My Ponton was built in 1957 , and I have owned it since 1982 - W105 219

I also had this 1963 W111 220S until recently , although it died from terminal rust , there are still plenty of roadworthy ones around

I also saw this W108 on the road not so long ago

There are LOTS of older Mercs still surviving , I know a couple of people with pre-war ones as well as loads of owners of 1950's , 1960's and 1970's models .