Discussion
Would this be a bit of a brave pill purchase? I've always loved amg mercs and am currently in a W219 CLS 320CDI for commuting my 19k miles a year and absolutely love the thing.
I don't spend my money on much else and looking for a bit of a toy for my days off, so have 10-12k to spend.
I did initially look at E46 M3's as I love this shape 3 series and have always fancied one in M3 guise at some point just most seembconvwrtable aty budget, but I've also wanted to scratch the V8 itch too which has led me to all sorts from XKR's, XJR's and then down the AMG Merc Road.
I genuinely enjoy driving my current CLS, it's super comfy, has the grunt and I love the looks.
I appreciate the 55 AMG will be a different animal completely in terms of performance and maintenance, either way whatever I decide to purchase will be used sparingly as its a toy and also have one eye on keeping it long term.
I don't spend my money on much else and looking for a bit of a toy for my days off, so have 10-12k to spend.
I did initially look at E46 M3's as I love this shape 3 series and have always fancied one in M3 guise at some point just most seembconvwrtable aty budget, but I've also wanted to scratch the V8 itch too which has led me to all sorts from XKR's, XJR's and then down the AMG Merc Road.
I genuinely enjoy driving my current CLS, it's super comfy, has the grunt and I love the looks.
I appreciate the 55 AMG will be a different animal completely in terms of performance and maintenance, either way whatever I decide to purchase will be used sparingly as its a toy and also have one eye on keeping it long term.
Upsides:
- AFAIK the M113K V8 is fairly hardy, doesn't have many major common issues, the odd oil leak being perhaps the most common. One of the most robust German performance engines.
- Awesome performance & decently controlled chassis
- Likely towards the bottom of its value curve
- AMG is top of the range model so you get really nice soft nappa leather etc
- ULEZ compliant so could use it for trips into low emission zones instead of the diesel
Downsides:
- Air suspension is high maintenance at this age
- SBC brakes can pack up & have limited lifespan
- Gearbox can become abrupt from cold
- General risk of rust (but no different to your existing W219)
Personally if I was looking for a toy, I would go for something smaller, lighter and more agile, probably manual, as it would be more fun. I'd also look for more of a contrast from the daily, as that's more interesting.
If you want a V8, you could just about get into an SLK55 like https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209290... , might make more of a contrast and more of an 'experience' of driving than an E-class based car. Or you could sacrifice the V8 and get a Boxster.
However that's entirely personal, if you want another CLS then no real reason not to I don't think.
- AFAIK the M113K V8 is fairly hardy, doesn't have many major common issues, the odd oil leak being perhaps the most common. One of the most robust German performance engines.
- Awesome performance & decently controlled chassis
- Likely towards the bottom of its value curve
- AMG is top of the range model so you get really nice soft nappa leather etc
- ULEZ compliant so could use it for trips into low emission zones instead of the diesel
Downsides:
- Air suspension is high maintenance at this age
- SBC brakes can pack up & have limited lifespan
- Gearbox can become abrupt from cold
- General risk of rust (but no different to your existing W219)
Personally if I was looking for a toy, I would go for something smaller, lighter and more agile, probably manual, as it would be more fun. I'd also look for more of a contrast from the daily, as that's more interesting.
If you want a V8, you could just about get into an SLK55 like https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209290... , might make more of a contrast and more of an 'experience' of driving than an E-class based car. Or you could sacrifice the V8 and get a Boxster.
However that's entirely personal, if you want another CLS then no real reason not to I don't think.
The CLS55 isn't a brave pill but due to it's age some preventative maintenance, so I'd be planning on doing the following:
Supercharger oil change (it's super rare to find this has been changed as most main dealers think it uses the same oil as the engine!
Gearbox Fluid & Filter change with a gearbox reset.
Diff Oil change
The SBC used to be a big deal but can now sorted for sensible money
They're a good car & if you get a good one, a little fettling & you'll have a great one.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...
Supercharger oil change (it's super rare to find this has been changed as most main dealers think it uses the same oil as the engine!
Gearbox Fluid & Filter change with a gearbox reset.
Diff Oil change
The SBC used to be a big deal but can now sorted for sensible money
They're a good car & if you get a good one, a little fettling & you'll have a great one.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...
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