This might not a mercedes specialist that lemon squad sent out, so some items can be missing
seat heaters working? known issue to stop working - not mentioned in the report, could be missed
valve cover gaskets leaking? - yes per report
rear main engine seal leaking? - not mentioned
It's a 16 year old used car with nearly 80k miles.
If you want a perfect example you're not going to find it for $22k.
Valve covers noted are an issue, as are rear main seals on any M113 car. Former much cheaper to repair obviously. The miss or perceived miss may be due to failing motor/trans mounts...does it have any kind of service history to delineate whether or not the plugs/coils have been changed? Coils rarely fail on these. The remotes can have the shells replaced cheaply, and I'd much rather the floormat take the abuse than the carpet. Love the Mars Red, 2-tone interior, and the fact that they have a TON of pictures. Very thorough.
$22k is a decent price as these cars continue to appreciate, but if you aren't comfortable with the items listed of concern, try negotiating. It can't hurt.
"failing motor/trans mounts" this isn't engine or transmission failure right...? sounded kind of serious...
The carfax report I have linked above is all the history there is.
Valve cover gaskets known issue.
Mine were done when I bought circa 40k miles and went again recently circa 80K miles.
Mixed use but I 'enjoy' the car
I'd certainly like that fixed. Cost for me at Indy was circa $200 I think.
RMS he could not inspect (might show on annual inspection cert if it has one and is publicly viewable).
That may be engine out jobbie as I recall. Mine has slight weep and is noted every year on service but deemed insufficient to warrant attending to. When it does get done I will do engine mounts at same time (which could be source of steering wheel vibration).
Sorting turn signal in both mirrors is home doable with care from what others have previously done.
Door insert sagging. Glue is known to fail.
Misfire? Plugs? If so, price 16 as two per cylinder, so not cheap.
I can't even guess if price is ok as not my market (in UK).
I'd ask for more off price but consider settling for seals and plugs if it was a car that I desired.
Impossible to be certain from distance, but at least you have a clearer view now.
Engine mounts are made of rubber and steel designed to absorb the impact of the vibration that a rotating assembly inside an engine will generate. Transmission mounts also perform the same function, which is to secure the transmission in place within the frame of the vehicle.
I have done basic servicing on most of my cars from Mini’s, Alvis, Triumphs, Jags and Fords etc but when I acquired the MB I reckoned it was time to hand over these messy jobs to the experts. Basic things like oil change and plugs replacement became clouded with stories of twin sumps...
Also there are some threads already regaring changing Sparkplugs for the r171 I wanted to share my experience. Overall it was easier than expected but pretty time consuming because you need to change 16 plugs. Most important besides taking your time is having the right tools. The special 17mm...
It'll be about $2k to ship the car from CA to HI.
Don's white SLK is out of my budget range.
I think I'll contact @Racerstev and see how we might proceed...perhaps find an escrow company?
I called Racerstev directly. We need a mutual solution on how funds can be transferred if this were to happen, me being in HI and him in PA. I was thinking an escrow service, but we don't have banks that have branches in both states, plus we both never used an escrow company for vehicle sales, so he wasn't comfortable with the idea. He wanted a wire or cashier's check, which is understandable but I wasn't comfortable with that.
I do have a coworker that lives 10 minutes away from Racerstev, but if it's going to take a month for the car to be shipped to HI, I don't know how that's going to work........like when does my coworker hand over the check, for example.
Deciding to buy car out of state and have it shipped to you is common. Online listings make long distance car buying easy. Learn how and what it costs.
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It is a 16-year-old used car with 80k, 5k per year. The report is in line with miles and age. An MB dealer serviced it. In early years regular miles were driven, and in later years low usage.
I would plan on having $1,000 set aside for unseen repairs and full service when delivered.
How ironic! I contacted this dealership before it was detailed and the bumper needed paint fixing. It was owned by a doctor in Palm Springs per the sales guy. Always serviced by MB dealer and a single owner. Not a bad price as there are only 2 Red SLK55 AMG's for sale in the country.
Just beware of Marrs Red. I have a red 2011 GLK that has the clear coat flaking. From what i read there was a class action lawsuit for this problem.
Steve
Hiya, i know im late to the party...
but did just acquire a 2006 SLK55 AMG 56,000 miles last january...I think the price is great...BUT ..beware, it is an older car and things do need to be taken care of...i am still working my way through tiny problems... you will need a good merc mechanic...and you will have to be resourceful yourself on solving problems. They just never end, lol, this websight solves everything! 🥰 (for instance, i woke up to a dead battery. after much research on my part..think i found it..bad connection to rear original tweeters. that amp had to go. im not using those tweeters.)
Shipping...mine cost $1750, i think, from pittsburg, PA to south florida.
You can get the vehicle's MB work history for anything that was done thru them...not sure they will show it to you, i got mine from a close friend who works at a MB dealership.
Car is totally worth it!
Best wishes in your endeavor! Michele
This would have been a car of interest to me when I was looking 18 months ago. Hopefully the service book reflects the Carfax Service as there are rear diff and trans services involved. Also brake fluid changes. Even stainless lines can rot.
Being a California car rear sub frame should not be an issue.
Valve cover leak are not a worry. How about the life left in the brake rotors and pads. Big ticket item if you have to change them.
Driver side seat bolster wear is a Benz thing but there are dyes available that are easy to work with.
if the seats are torn different story. Delaminating door panels are to be expected. A good upholstery shop can help there.
The points about engine mounts, seat heaters coils etc are all good and my guess is plugs are origina.
As to price each market is different. The car I bought in 2021 is a 2009 SLK55 AMG P30 option and one of 290 built and one of 19 imported into Canada.
it had 45000 mi (72000 km) on it, two owner car with good service history. Few dings here and there too but nothing serious. I paid $28000 CDN ($21000 US at today’s rate of exchange) tax in off the lot.
You should assess what it will take to out this car “right” for you before agreeing on price.
Good luck!
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