Looking into purchasing a Mercedes.

[M113K]

Hi all,


New to the forum and Mercedes.


After years of owning large Vauxhall’s such as Carlton GSi, Senator 3.0 24v and lately Omega’s and I still have two 3.2 V6 Elite models. I feel like a change.


I’ve been looking into various brands and vehicles.. Such as Jaguar S Type R, XF SV8, XJR... Audi S5 V8, S6 V10... Lexus LS430, LS460, IS-F... Porsche Cayenne Turbo (955)... Jeep SRT8... Chrysler 300c SRT8... Vauxhall Monaro, VXR8... etc etc... Only diesel models I’ve considered also where the more newer 335d xDrive or 435d xDrive.. Although they are a bit over budget and I’d preferably not go down the diesel route as I’m looking for a weekend / summer car / long distance etc.. Looking at 5,000 miles a year maybe less. Anyway I have a diesel shed I use to go the the shops for the inevitable dents and scratches etc..


So far I’ve been to see / test drive. In no specific order just what happened to be relatively close distance wise to see: Porsche Cayenne Turbo (955) 2004, Mercedes E55 AMG W211 (2004), Jaguar S Type R (2003)...


I must admit the Cayenne Turbo did surprise me how well it handled. But I can’t see it being the best choice.


The S Type R again was a nice sounding engine, powerful and handled well. But the car itself I wasn’t keen on it. Plus they do seem to suffer from various problems more often than one would like. The one I went to see had just over 80,000 miles and it already had a transmission replacement!


Overall the E55 ticked most of the boxes. It’s my kinda car.


But overall I think the CLS55 would be the one to go for if going down the M113K route. Seen as they are all usually on a 2005 “55” plate. Most E55s tend to be around 2002-2004. And if I’m not mistaken more prone to rust? As I’m see I read somewhere that Mercedes started using galvanised metal from 2004 onwards.


The other (more sensible choice) would be the E500 or CLS500 with the newer 5.5 V8 with around 388 bhp. Say around 2008. This does mean the higher tax bracket but that’s not too much of a concern if I like the car.


Hopefully the knowledge from experienced Mercedes owners could help me choose / offer advice etc..


Many Thanks

 

[Craiglxviii]

Yes.

Do it

Do it.

Do itttttttttt.

 

[PovertySpec]

If you're prepared to get bummed for C£500 per year for tax you might as well go for a full fat AMG rather than the semi-skimmed 5L V8.

 

[M113K]

If you're prepared to get bummed for C£500 per year for tax you might as well go for a full fat AMG rather than the semi-skimmed 5L V8.

Presuming you mean the '63' 6.2 N/A V8 engine. As it wouldn't be £500 on the E55 AMG / CLS55 AMG as they'd be older than 2006 before the higher tax after 2006. Should be just over £300.

 

[PovertySpec]

If you can find a rust free version go for it. The ones I've looked at have all had rust.

 

[Srdl]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Sorry, I can’t offer any practical advice but I’ll echo what Craig said - “Go for it!”

 

[M113K]

If you can find a rust free version go for it. The ones I've looked at have all had rust.

Interesting. What years / models where they the rusty cars you viewed?

I'm aware Mercedes of the late 1990s early 2000s had rust issues. But thought they sorted this out around 2004 onwards. Read a post which may have been on Pistonheads that Mercedes used Galvanised metal from 2004> ..Which should slow the rusting process down I'd have thought. The E55 I viewed was on a '54' plate and had around 114,000 miles and was on the surface without looking too deep was rust free. It had other issues mainly why I did't consider buying it.

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

I have a rust free 2005 E55k, road tax is £315 p.a. As above, go for it.

Imho, a Porsche will have big service bills and a Jag is just a Jag.
The other is an AMG. : )


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[M113K]

Is there much differences over a E55 vs CLS55 ?

Same engine / transmission etc.. Both basically the same just with a different body and different interior from what I understand.

Any advantages / disadvantages from one to the other.

Unless I can find a nicely looked after E55 I’d probably go down the CLS55 they seem to be easier to come by.

First things first i’m looking to try either a E500 / CLS500 with the newer 5.5 V8 to see how I like it just so I can rule it out.

Head says E/CLS 500 , Heart says M113K E/CLS 55...

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Just a different body that you pay more for and only 4 seats.

 

[M113K]

When it comes to the E55 AMG / CLS55 AMG.

For those who are handy with a spanner. Where do people generally buy their parts from. Especially the more expensive parts. Such are anything AirMatic related, brakes, coil packs, steering components etc..

For example:

AUTODOC (Similar to ECP)
Do stock Arnott front and rear air struts and the air compressor pump.

Front strut: £560 - Rear Strut: £449 - Pump: £296

Is this about the going rate or are there other brands / places recommend to buy such parts. I can imagine going to a Mercedes Garage that isn’t an Indy would be quite expensive. Unfortunately as far as I’m aware there are no Indy’s around here (Gwynedd, North Wales) if I needed to go to one for whatever reason.

 

[A.J.]

Hi M113K, welcome to the forum.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Why do you want a CLS? A 63 or 55 AMG with Airmatic is a bit floaty, a friend of mine had a CLS63 (W219) and it’s handling was nowhere as nice as my CL.

If you want the full AMG experience, you should really look at something with ABC suspension......

 

[Craiglxviii]

For parts, MB Grangemouth offer significant discounts to forum members and there’s a wealth of experience on here as to help finding things.

 

[M113K]

I’m not all that keen on the CL tbh. I have been a passenger in a 2000 model nice car but not something I’d like to own personally... I’ve always liked the W211 E class and the unique look of the W219 CLS. I’d say I prefer the CLS interior but both cars suit me.

I’ve driven a 2004 “54” W211 E55 with AirMatic Suspension and even in comfort I found the ride firm enough and the handling more than good enough for the class. In setting 2 on the AirMatic it was more than I’d need for any spirited driving around these parts.

I’ve not been in a CLS with AirMatic as of yet but from what I’ve read apparently the CLS is even stiffer than the E class and I believe the facelift W211 later had revised handling characteristics?

 

[Craiglxviii]

Being a passenger in a CL is nothing as to driving one... I have one, I had a 211 (sports springs) and the R&H between them is in different universes.

 

[AMGeed]

Why do you want a CLS? A 63 or 55 AMG with Airmatic is a bit floaty, a friend of mine had a CLS63 (W219) and it’s handling was nowhere as nice as my CL.

Nothing floaty about the airmatic ride in an E55, especially in Sport 2 setting.

If you want the full wallet emptying experience, you should really look at something with ABC suspension......

FTFY[/QUOTE]

 

[AMGeed]

If you are considering either the E or CLS55, have a read of this thread to see the checklist when viewing.

https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/w211-e55-some-essential-questions.140603/

 

[M113K]

If you are considering either the E or CLS55, have a read of this thread to see the checklist when viewing.

https://forums.mbclub.co.uk/threads/w211-e55-some-essential-questions.140603/

Thanks AMGeed, Will do

 

[sonic]

Welcome. As a retired police driver I drove some great cars the Senator 24V being one.
Now having to pay for my fun its a E350CDI for me, but I still have the bike.
Good luck with your search, there is some great advice on here.