CL Tappett problem at low revs

[jaseb]

Hi All,

Looking to buy a CL and the chap I am looking to buy off has been relatively up front and has said that the car (which has done 100k miles) has a noisey tappett at low rev's but this does not affect the performance in any way.

It cannot be heard inside the car and is only noticeable when stood next to it, he advises that he has been to a merc specialist and they've advised that it is nothing to worry about.:???:

The thing is the car looks stunning, but I do not want to buy a "shed" if the engine is shot. There is a brake warning light on too, but he has said it is only PADS and he will replace them prior to any sale if I am overly concerned.

The niggly thing in the back of my mind though is that he has only owned the car three months and already spent £700 having it serviced and all the breather pipes were replaced at the same time due to wear.

Can I ask what anyone thinks, are these common problems?

If the tappets are noisey, what is likely to be wrong and any associated costs to rectify?

thanks.....jaseb

 

[jibcl500]

You dont mention if the CL is a W140 or W215. If its a W140 then there was an issue with the oil ways that feed the tappets, made from plastic and they crack, block or break with age, MB released a new part for this.
You should be able to see the pads through the wheel, if the lining is less than about 5mm then the sensor will wear and show a light on the dash orthe sensor wire has been snagged and shows the same fault.
jib

 

[television]

As Jib we do need to know what CL as they are very different cars

 

[jaseb]

Ok, sorry guys - was not aware of this.

It is the CL600 i.e. "the flagship" ;-) it is the V12 with auto valve shut off therefore I was wondering whether it is anything to do with that? Does it sound as if the valves are shot, if so how much are we looking at.

I haven't bought the car yet but should I steer well clear anyway?

Thanks for your help with this one chaps.

 

[television]

Ok, sorry guys - was not aware of this.

It is the CL600 i.e. "the flagship" ;-) it is the V12 with auto valve shut off therefore I was wondering whether it is anything to do with that? Does it sound as if the valves are shot, if so how much are we looking at.

I haven't bought the car yet but should I steer well clear anyway?

Thanks for your help with this one chaps.

We still need too know the model a 140 or 215 as so far it all means nothing without that info

 

[jibcl500]

What year is the car in question?

Sounds like W215, should it be the w140 S600 coop then personally buy the 500 instead, performance isnt that different but servicing the 600 will be expensive and the 600 V12 wasnt that good an engine.

jib

 

[jaseb]

Is the CL a W140 or W215?

The car's year of manufacture was 2000 as per the DVLA which, given that it is the CL600 V12 - this makes it the third generation W215.

The third generation CL W215-chassis coupé of 2000 to 2006 is based on the 1999-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600 and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. The limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG was sold in 2001 only.

Engine Spec CL600 W215

From 1999 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars feature a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 500 hp (370 kW) bi-turbo V12 was introduced.

The Car that I am looking at is 367 BHP therefore, is the engine with Active Cylinder Control.

Does this give you any more ideas as to what the potential problem might be and approx cost to rectify?

Thanks for your help with this one chaps....;-)

 

[television]

The bill to strip the top end and rectify the tap will not come cheap, they can be an expensive car to own.
You could ask an indie how much to do the valve gear in terms of labour

 

[jaseb]

Thanks Malcom, that is why I am suspicious about this one - as previously mentioned the guy has only owned the car since Sept-08 and is looking to sell already.

He has already spent £700 on a service and had the breather pipes replaced that were worn. I would have thought that he would have had any concerning noises looked at during the service and an indicative cost given then, wouldn't we all do that?

He may be a trader as he describes himself as a "car nut" - he wants a Range Rover or X5 4.5is next on the back of the sale but, not sure if I want to be the one to part with my cash for his CL600.

What do you think?

Also forgive my ignorance - is an indie a technician?

Jase

 

[jibcl500]

I assume the fault was identified by Mercedes or a specialist, personaly I would walk away, theres plenty of W215 about and for not much money either, assuming he waits £10,000 for it and the repair could cost £2000 would he be happy to sell for £8000, I think not.

You could chance your arm and turn up with £6000 in cash and another £2000 tucked away, its not going to sell in a hurry and if your the only punter with cash he might take it..

Another quicky, sometimes a craked or blowing exhaust manifold can sound like tappets or other mechanical noise, might be worth spending some cash on a private inspection from a specialist !!!

jib

 

[television]

Later cars have the 137 engine with the variable valve timing,
these can be noisy, listen a to see if the noise is at the front or back, where as the earlier 215 car used the 275 engine with variable valve timing

 

[r129co]

Did you have a good holiday JIB ...you sound on the ball again!
Or did you really just spend a week in your shed?

 

[jibcl500]

Carl

Yes thanks, sent you an email but it bounced back!!!

jib

 

[jberks]

online diagnosis is always going to be difficult and it's too expensive a chance to take, so if you say where you are, someone should be able to direct you to a local Mercedes specialist garage (indie) that can give the car a proper once over and quote for any work that may need doing.
The 3 month ownership may be innocent but I'd be extremely cautious as this can could be a major money pit. I'd also be concerned as to whether the tappet is really a distraction and there's actually something more serious wrong with it. After all, if he's 'Honest' you're more likely to trust him...

 

[television]

I see that I posted with a mistake

Later cars have the 137 engine with the variable valve timing,
these can be noisy, listen a to see if the noise is at the front or back, where as the earlier 215 car used the 275 engine without variable valve timing