Advice for Buying a CLS

[Poolie]

Hi

I'm looking at buying another CLS 320 CDI (I had one last year but it had gearbox problems and had to go but like a girlfriend you didn't want to split up with, I think about it all the time and how I loved driving it so am looking to bite the bullet again!) which I'm potentially viewing/buying tomorrow but would like a bit of advice please...

It's probably worth me pointing out I'm no mechanic, anyway my questions are....

1) I know there is a fault with the boot in that it can only be opened with the spare key. This I aren't too fussed about as it won't be used a great deal, that said, has anyone come across this before and/or do you think it would be a pain to sort?

2) It's low mileage (under 95k) but has been around since 2006 so at what point would you say the timing/cam belt would need doing if no evidence it has been done already or does it have a chain? If it is a chain, what is the expected life span please?

3) Am I right in saying that as it's a 2006 there won't be a DPF to worry about?

4) Anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance

 

[DSK]

I hope your viewing is a positive one but, as no two used cars are the same, don’t rush to buy and settle for one that isn’t right for you.

As for cam chain, I would forget about it unless, it makes a distinct rattle. Be grateful these don’t have stop/start. Try and find one that’s been driven less and serviced more.

I have a 2007 and no idea if it has a dpf. I’ve never seen it behave like my s350 does when doing a regen. But, I always take it the long way round for short trips and give it a weekly clear out on the motorway, only use shell vpower, and on a bi-monthly basis throw a bottle of forte diesel injector cleaner in. Mine runs well and achieves mpg that others don’t seem to.

The boot issues sounds like an easy job for an independent. I don’t like electrics and stay clear of them.

Only other thing I’d say is, get under it as they are seriously low slung and careless owners will easily catch the underneath. They are heavy on brakes and suspension so check the brake ls are judder free and that the steering is accurate and positive.

Good tyres would be a bonus as the 320 is heavy and torquey enough to overwhelm poor rubber.

Mine is lovely but, having learnt more about these, I’d say keep an eye out for corrosion, especially underneath such as brake pipes, springs etc.

Avoid air suspension as the conventional setup works very well.


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[Poolie]

I hope your viewing is a positive one but, as no two used cars are the same, don’t rush to buy and settle for one that isn’t right for you.

As for cam chain, I would forget about it unless, it makes a distinct rattle. Be great full these don’t have stop/start. Try and find one that’s been driven less and serviced more.

I have a 2007 and no idea if it has a dpf. I’ve never seen it behave like my s350 does when doing a regen. But, I always take it the way way round for short trips and give it a weekly clear out on the motorway, only use shell vpower, and on a bi-monthly basis throw a bottle of forte diesel injector cleaner in. Mine runs well and achieves mpg that others don’t seem to.

The boot issues sounds like an easy job for an independent. I don’t like electrics and stay clear of them.

Only other thing I’d say is, get under it as they are seriously low slung and careless owners will easily catch the underneath. They are heavy on brakes and suspension so check the brake ls are judder free and that the steering is accurate and positive.

Good tyres would be a bonus as the 320 is heavy and torquey enough to overwhelm poor rubber.

Mine is lovely but, having learnt more about these, I’d say keep an eye out for corrosion, especially underneath such as brake pipes, springs etc.

Avoid air suspension as the conventional setup works very well.


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Thank you for the tips

 

[DSK]

Oh I forgot to add, factory xenon’s are a must!!!

The standard halogens are so bad, anyone involved in the process of designing, testing and signing them off needs to be punished using the brazen bull, and that’s me still being kind to them!


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[Wighty]

Probably no dpf , check the exhaust tips . (Clean inside means dpf )
2006 will that have SBC braking (£1k repair )
Yes it’s chain , probably run to very high mileage with no issues .
Oil cooler seals leak possible £1k repair ish .
Turbo & actuator could be an issue . Maybe take a scanning tool with you .
Engine mounts will be due soon if not already done .

 

[Wighty]

Is it a V6 or IL6 engine ? If the latter ignore most of what I said .

 

[Wighty]

There should have been a gearbox service at 37500k . It’s due another now if you buy it , budget £250-300

 

[Blobcat]

Is it a V6 or IL6 engine ? If the latter ignore most of what I said .

They never put the IL6 in the CLS only the V6