Mercedes SLK World banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

About to buy SLK55 AMG 2005

7K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  ggd245 
#1 ·
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.

Many thanks....Stephen
 
#2 ·
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.

Hope this helps you!
 
#6 ·
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?
 
#4 ·
Stephen,

Welcome to SLKWorld.com: The #1 Mercedes-Benz SLK Forum from Valrico, Florida!

Please update your location/vehicle (model and year) in your profile as it helps the members answer your questions which usually are based on that information.
‘Usercp’ at the top left of page, then ‘edit your details’ on the left side, ‘additional information’ near the bottom, edit your ‘location’ and ‘vehicle’. And it only takes about 30 seconds to do!

You might want to post an introduction in the ‘New members introduce yourself here’ section, if you haven’t already.

used car and new delivery checklists

http://www.slkworld.com/124287-post5.html



Some tips to make your visit here more enjoyable:

If you haven’t, please use the 'search' feature at the top right of the page for your questions as they have probably been asked before. Remember, ‘Search’ is your friend.
In addition, if you haven’t, please post your question in the appropriate discussion forum for a quicker response and only once. Be patient and a knowledgeable member or guest will address your question.
If you wish to become PM (Private Message)- capable, you need 15 posts. To get those 15 posts quickly, just go to the ‘New members introduce yourself here’ section and welcome enough new members to obtain your needed posts to PM.
New members and guests should be aware that the 'New Posts' link next to the 'Search' link top right of the info bar is a great way to see all of the posts you have missed since you were on the forum last. Remember to click 'mark forums read' under ‘quick links’ when you leave.
Also vote or enter our Ride of the Month competition: ROTM Submissions & Voting - Mercedes Benz SLK World Forum

Thank you,
Jeff
Moderator/Founding Member
 
#5 ·
Stephen,
Welcome to the club !

Start here - there are at least three checklists referenced in this thread.

http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r171-general-discussion/11432-test-drive-checklist.html

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.

Best Wishes
 
#7 ·
Welcome from southern California.
 
#9 ·
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.

Next is to make a descision and an offer
 
#11 ·
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.
 
#12 ·
Good luck on your pending purchase.....
 
#13 ·
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,

Stephen
 
#14 ·
Congratulations & welcome to the Forum.

You'd better start practicing grinning :biglaugh:.

Otherwise your face is going to hurt for the next week at least !
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stephen_dxb
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top