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Buying a 2005 C55, what to look for?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 491
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From: Florida
Don't have a Mercedes right now...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
So I went to the MB dealership for a pre-purchase inspection, which was great advice by the way. The exterior looked pretty good, minus chipping on one rim. Under the hood/car, the dealer found some substantial problems listed here (parts/labor on pricing):
1) Motor Mounts & Tranny Mounts: $1,357.38
2) Rear Diff Reseal: $1,588.47
3) Right Valve Cover Gasket Leaking: $570.74
4) Rear Main Seal: $2,274.87
5) Poly V-Belt: $237.51
6) Brake 50% (Front Rotors Scored): $1,275.69
7) Spark Plugs: $1,570.75
8) Nav Disc Update: $249.99
9) Left/Right Marker Bulbs: $50.36
(Parts Total: $2,701.62 Grand Total: $8,925.77)
The first four listed problems are covered under the Fidelity Warranty. #5, the Poly V-Belt will be covered at the seller's costs. I'm going to try and negotiate part of the brakes and/or spark plugs, in reducing the asking price of $16,000. What price should I ask for in total, given the problems above? Is it still worth it to buy this car?
1) Motor Mounts & Tranny Mounts: $1,357.38
2) Rear Diff Reseal: $1,588.47
3) Right Valve Cover Gasket Leaking: $570.74
4) Rear Main Seal: $2,274.87
5) Poly V-Belt: $237.51
6) Brake 50% (Front Rotors Scored): $1,275.69
7) Spark Plugs: $1,570.75
8) Nav Disc Update: $249.99
9) Left/Right Marker Bulbs: $50.36
(Parts Total: $2,701.62 Grand Total: $8,925.77)
The first four listed problems are covered under the Fidelity Warranty. #5, the Poly V-Belt will be covered at the seller's costs. I'm going to try and negotiate part of the brakes and/or spark plugs, in reducing the asking price of $16,000. What price should I ask for in total, given the problems above? Is it still worth it to buy this car?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
2005 C55 AMG, 2017 AMG C63
So the seller won't budge off the $16,000 asking price, even given the repairs needed. In the forum's honest opinion, would you still buy this car for $16,000? Again the brakes and spark plugs are the only items not covered by warranty. (I'm sure I can find a Nav disc for less than $250.) How much would an indie charge for spark plugs and rotors? I'm supposed to close the deal on Monday, so I just want to make sure I'm getting the best deal possible!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 293
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From: Middle of IL in a corn field
2006 C55 AMG White/Ash
The dealer is being a dealer on those prices. I fixed my right side valve cover for $7 worth of MB correct sealer (it's the upper covers that leaks where the sealant gave up after years of heat cycling) and you can buy a Contitech serpentine belt for $30. Just those two items is a swing of $772. You can change the belt in like five minutes with nothing more than a 17mm socket and a breaker bar. Brake rotors are only $125 each for drilled correct ones, just look on RM European.com or germanautoparts.com. The ONLY thing that would truely be pricey is the rear main, if it really is bad. Personally, if I was selling a 64k miles C55 and asking only $16k, I would tell you to go find a nicer one for less money, this car must not be for you.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 8
I am a service adviser for MB, and unless their hourly labor rate is >$200/hr they are taking you for quite a ride.
I know dealers are more expensive but damn, most of that stuff we would charge about half.
$16k for a 69k mile C55 is a deal. I miss mine every day.
As far as the rotors being scored, unless they are vibrating when braking of squealing non stop any scoring or any grooving is completely normal.
Here's what I would charge $1000.00 for 3 motor mounts, $700.00 for Valve cover gaskets (both), $1600.00 for the rear main, $950 for rear diff side seals.
My experience with both the rear main and rear diff is neither are probably nothing more than a seep and hardly worth fixing unless you are **** as hell.
I know dealers are more expensive but damn, most of that stuff we would charge about half.
$16k for a 69k mile C55 is a deal. I miss mine every day.
As far as the rotors being scored, unless they are vibrating when braking of squealing non stop any scoring or any grooving is completely normal.
Here's what I would charge $1000.00 for 3 motor mounts, $700.00 for Valve cover gaskets (both), $1600.00 for the rear main, $950 for rear diff side seals.
My experience with both the rear main and rear diff is neither are probably nothing more than a seep and hardly worth fixing unless you are **** as hell.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Washington, DC
2005 C55 AMG, 2010 VW GTI (Stage 1)
Def too much for brake rotors... Just got mine done a few months back, genuine OEM rotors and pads, and it was less than half what they quoted you (not from stealership).
However, still a STEAL of a price, especially with some warranty on there as well. C55's even with that kind of mileage go for $20k or more in our area. If I had some extra cash around I could probably arbitrage it and sell high over here, haha
However, still a STEAL of a price, especially with some warranty on there as well. C55's even with that kind of mileage go for $20k or more in our area. If I had some extra cash around I could probably arbitrage it and sell high over here, haha
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
2005 C55 AMG, 2017 AMG C63
Def too much for brake rotors... Just got mine done a few months back, genuine OEM rotors and pads, and it was less than half what they quoted you (not from stealership).
However, still a STEAL of a price, especially with some warranty on there as well. C55's even with that kind of mileage go for $20k or more in our area. If I had some extra cash around I could probably arbitrage it and sell high over here, haha
However, still a STEAL of a price, especially with some warranty on there as well. C55's even with that kind of mileage go for $20k or more in our area. If I had some extra cash around I could probably arbitrage it and sell high over here, haha
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 537
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From: Washington, DC
2005 C55 AMG, 2010 VW GTI (Stage 1)
We actually had a benz meet today: https://mbworld.org/forums/events-ga...-dc-md-va.html If you PM me your contact info I'll add to our list and keep you updated about whenever we host meets, new car unveilings, etc.
