mkiv_tdi

Hey guys,

I was looking at a one owner '05 E55 at a local dealer MB in August and it was quickly sold before I had the time to move on it and check it out.

About three weeks ago, it pops up again on my Autotrader alert. At the same dealership with a few thousand more miles on it.

So I called two Monday's ago to find out if it was available to be seen since it was just listed on their website. Sales manager said it just came in, and I could come see it whenever.

I called back that Wednesday to schedule to go see it on Friday. The saleswoman said that it was "no longer available", and then tried to get me to come in for some year end specials for other MB's. I politely declined.

The Sales manager called me back this Monday and told me that it certainly was for sale, so I asked what the story with the car was. Apparently the guy that bought it from them was having issues, and the dealer said they bought it back from him. I asked why, and he stated that off the top of his head, he remembered "sever engine damage" and they had to repair the engine.

Today I get a follow up email from the sales manager stating that:

Please see attached for information pertaining to our ‘’Outstanding’’ E55!!!

I was incorrect with the statement of a replacement engine. The vehicle had an internal coolant leak that took a lot of time and money to resolve.

As well as an invoice for the repairs. I've attached it here.


Thoughts as to what the issue might have been, based on some of the context I've provided.

Thanks!

novae500

possible head gasket replaced?

sexyxe

How do bearings hold up after getting coolant into them for a few thousand miles?

uraberg

you could go figure out where all the part numbers go, but i would walk away from this one.

cnterline

Danger Will Robinson Danger lol

Rocman8

basically looks like they just did valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing/cooler seals, front and rear main seals, possibly oil pan reseal. doesn't seem like a big deal as long as they fixed everything correctly.

SterlingE55

There are Sooo many clean E55s out there to not have to deal with one that might have issues. A Houston member just put his up for sale.

3BNick

Front timing cover perhaps?

novae500

mkiv, what price point are you looking to buy? and location?

Smalone01

Looks like you would be ahead of the game having all of the mostly common leaks fixed before you bought it.

mkiv_tdi

18K - 23K depending on options and such. CT

mkiv_tdi

For those curious, it was a "headgasket job".

here's the car in question...

http://www.newcountrymercedes.com/ne...3d90ed9996.htm


Thoughts? Worth pursuing?

GregMB

Depending on your time frame, I can offer you a newer car (2006) with fewer miles (56,000)....and no crazy stories about massive engine failures.

It will be pushing the upper boundary of your stated budget, but it's in NH and will be going on the market in the next few months.

Something to think about....



-G

SheriffDep

From one member to another, what this guy said , BUY HIS if you really want one.

The one the Dealer has out in Cali, unless they are in the teens in price I would walk away. Yes things might be fixed perfectly and the motor might be solid now, but is it worth saving 2-4k to find out. Not in reality. They will hide those issues from the new buyer, and they won't know till down the road. You on the other hand either have a large bargaining chip with them, or can make the decision to walk. You are in a good position. They do know its come back once to them, and they don't want it back again. They also likely know it might take a bit to sell it and when they do they probably won't make a profit. So they might take a bit of a loss and drop that price considerably for you also. Offer a check or cash for 16k and see what they say. Don't let them complain about cost of repairs and they have too much in it. Explain to them that it might sit or come back again but with you it would be gone today knowing what work was done. If it sits they loose floorplan money each month too. So that eats their profit. I would bet at 20k they are at a loss. Probably had 16 in it originally, then sold for whatever then had to have these repairs. Also, the title has an additional owner now that it was returned, reality 2 new owners, that guy and now the dealer. So use all this to your advantage and walk if they don't bite. Hope all this helps

Worth the wait

OP, don't even for one second consider buying that car!
A used AMG that has an issue like a head gasket repair done while in the possession of a used car dealer is a recipe for disaster.

Plenty of great rides out there.
Spend a few days/weeks educating yourself about our platform through this forum...it is a gold mine of info.

Good luck and congrats on your future beast!