CLS 55 AMG '05/'06 - Dos & Don'ts?

[GeeT]

Hello all,

I've searched the forum and found a good amount of information already, however I wanted to ask the question just in case... And to say Hi obviously!

So, Hi

I'm currently searching for a sub £11k CLS 55 AMG. It seems I'll be looking at an '05 or' 06 for that price?

I'm wondering does anyone have any advice on what to look out for apart from the normal FSH / maintenance on these models?

I currently have a very modified Lexus IS250 but looking for more power and luxury... Which I think the CLS shall give in droves!

Any thoughts / advice / red flags would be great! For instance, I can see there's an '05 model for £9k on Auototrader.... Seems way too cheap for that model....

Cheers

G

 

[Jeff666]

Probably worth posting the link to the vehicle in autotrader. Get some specific feedback and the car may be known...

J.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I recently spent months looking for a decent CLS55, though I was being very fussy on spec, one thing I did notice all the really sensible low mileage ones are still fetching very good money.
Try to get as late a car as possible but before March (23rd I think) otherwise you will be paying nearly £500 a year road tax.
Try to avoid to avoid aftermarket wheels IMO and tuned cars UNLESS they are enthusiastic owners and know the cars well eg. members of clubs and forums such as these.
Engines have a tendency to leak oil from the top covers not a deal stopper but a reason to negotiate on price, they can appear to be a bit "whiney" from the front of the engine a small amount can be normal but if excessive could be the power steering pump or Supercharger pulley, idler, tensioner, belt issue.
Make sure the gearbox and airmatic suspension operates correctly and the car drives nicely. Check tyres have worn evenly as that could indicate suspension wear.
Personally think you might have to increase your budget by a grand or two to get a really good one.
I ended up buying a low mileage unloved one which I knew I would have to spent a bit on, thread on mine is here if you are interested, bought it day before new years eve.
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=139717

 

[GeeT]

Thanks for the info. Really appreciated.

Funnily enough I had read your thread Andy. A great read and helpful.

The one on Autotrader is here:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201503021369178

I will keep my eye out for the issues mentioned. I am happy to take my time to find something just right...but whatever it is it shall be the 55 AMG!

 

[keefysher]

Thanks for the info. Really appreciated.

Funnily enough I had read your thread Andy. A great read and helpful.

The one on Autotrader is here:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201503021369178

I will keep my eye out for the issues mentioned. I am happy to take my time to find something just right...but whatever it is it shall be the 55 AMG!

You would have thought the owner would have washed it, hoovered the inside and dusted the instrument binnacle. If they haven't bothered with that minimal effort, what else have they not bothered with?

 

[bigasotonuk]

I'm sure that one was for sale before when I was looking as I seem to recognise one of the pics, shame the pics aren't any better though.
The best colour combo in my opinion but then I'm bias , and it has the Dynamic front seat option.
It does seem very cheap, some might say too cheap, do make sure you get an HPI, and scrutinise the history. A car of this age should have a service book rather than electronic history. Mine didn't have a service book though the owner had taken the time to get various prints from MB proving the history and every trip it had made into a dealer.

 

[GeeT]

Yes, it does say something about the seller...possibly!

My Lexus is black on black and I ideally want to get the same for the CLS.

The thing that has also has put me off is that the Reg in one of the pictures comes back as a Ford Focus C-Max!

 

[SL63 Mark]

Yes, it does say something about the seller...possibly!

My Lexus is black on black and I ideally want to get the same for the CLS.

The thing that has also has put me off is that the Reg in one of the pictures comes back as a Ford Focus C-Max!

That reg needs checking out, maybe innocent explanation, maybe not. If the car checks out, it may be a good buy, I think it looks good in black, really shows off the lines. The engine is a big pussy cat, I've owned my 55 for three years now, no probs whatsoever, exclellent choice. Needs checking professionally by a Merc specialist.

 

[AMGeed]

That car looks very unloved. Tired seats and dirty interior would make me question how well looked after this car is.
I'd want proof, along with dyno printout of the claimed 585 bhp.

I fancy that car is cheap for a reason.