I am new to the forum and about to make an offer on a SLK55 AMG 2005, and where better to ask advice than here.
Initially i was looking at a Boxster S and came across a silver 55 2005 with 68000km. I knew immediately this was the car i wanted. I live in Dubai. The was imported from the US by the owner about 3 years ago. Its very clean, looks immaculate and sounds great.
The Mercedes dealership here no longer conducts mechanical inspection service for private used car sales - bummer.
I have never owned a Mercedes before so would like to know if there is anything particular I should be looking at or checking before I hand over my cash? I will be taking the car for a test drive laster this week.
These are just some of the things I would check but are in no way the gold standard in determining the driving-worthyness of a car:
1 - see if the seller has all the maintenance records on the car. If he or she has them, check if the major service intervals have been done.
2 - open the hood to see if any of the hoses are cracked or have a film of oil or oily substance on them.
3 - check the oil level in the car - if it has had regular oil changes, chances are the oil level is topped off. There are ways to fake regular oil changes though so take this with a grain of salt.
4 - check the heater and A/C controls - be sure they are working (make sure the AC works at max intensity)
5 - check and test the vario-roof
6 - check the wheels, rocker panels, and front splitter for road rash. The optimal car should not have any scrape damage in these areas.
7 - ask what customizations/add ons have been done on the car and verify them if applicable.
Check the interior trunk area for evidence of repairs. Alignment of panels critical for top operation. Road test the car to see how it "tracks" - does it pull to a specific direction and/or is there a vibration in the steering wheel and/or the seats?
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Other thoughts:
- Post the VIN # in the Datacard thread and someone will run you the Datacard - This shows all of the features the car had when it was built - then check this against what you see. It will also help you to know what to ask about.
- +1 on the service history.
- Find an independent shop that knows Mercedes and have them do the inspection. Ask the Service Advisor at the dealership if you have to. They shouldn't chafe if they refuse to do it. Surprising that they wouldn't do it even if you pay them. BTW you should expect to pay for this.
- Read through the AMG threads - I don't own one, but I'll bet there are some specific nuances on the V8's that you will want to know.
I have used the check lists and advice everyone provided and inspected the car inside and out. Also, took it out for a drive.
A few things found and came to light when chatting with the current owner:
- Next B service is due
- Car has not been used a lot and may have stood for extended periods
- Brakes pads all round due to be changed
- Oil seep found around left value cover gasket
- Oil seep found around the oil pan gasket
Otherwise vehicle looks and feel great.
I have contacted the agency about repair prices for the above.
search the local market I found a MB crew that have opened up shop in town...SilberArrows. They are a trio of AMG specialist that have opened up their own workshop.
I met them yesterday and will take the SLK in on monday for them to do a full mechanical inspection for me.
I am happy to get a professional to cast an eye over everything before i give away my cash.
The inspection by Silber Arrows is done with no major faults found. Brakes needs to be done, valvue cover oil leak to be repairs and engine mounts to be replaced.
Off set the repair cost against against the asking price and negotiated a final price - I am now the proud owner of an SLK 55 AMG
Will complete the tranfer of ownership and registration tonight.
Thanks to everyone for the great information and advice,
I too have 2005 SLK55; I've had it for 2 years and have enjoyed it immensely. I only wish we had more winding/curvy roads here in Florida. Congratulations and best wishes. Joe
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