2009 CLS 350 CDI - what to look for?

[AmitG]

Sorry for starting a new thread. There are a few relevant ones in the forum but I wanted to avoid bumping something that was years old or hijacking someone else's discussion.

I've been offered one of these. It's rather strong money, so it needs to be good. But I know very little about them. I believe it's a 3.0 V6 diesel auto and is loosely based on the E class.

I've had a look at it and it looks tidy. Consistent with the mileage. No obvious issues.

What should I be looking for during an inspection? What are the weak spots? What should I check during a test drive?

The (independent) dealer has no service book but has instead offered something called a "digital history" which claims to come from Mercedes' own records. Is this plausible or could it be a load of BS to cover up a lack of service history? In the past I have always had a service book with stamps.

Thanks in advance.

[developer]

Mercedes do use a digital service history, kept on their database. The engines are strong, the gearboxes (7 speed) smooth.

Great cars, though that service history is important.

MB don't always release it without proof of ownership, but a friendly dealer might help.

[AmitG]

Thanks developer The lack of service book was making me suspicious.

[AmitG]

The transmission service comment has caught my eye. This car has done well in excess of that mileage but doesn't appear to have it. That is very useful information, thanks.

I will also see if I can get a look at the engine underneath the cover.

One more question. I believe that this model has frameless doors and the glass drops down slightly before you open the door. Are there any problems in cold weather with the glass getting stuck to seals etc.? I have had cars where the electric windows got stuck when it was very frosty outside.

Update to follow.

[AmitG]

Well I saw it.

Good things:

• Excellent bodywork
• Excellent interior
• Low mileage for year

Bad things:

• Very poor service history. No service book, only printouts from the digital history, which is fine (as per above), but it looked as though it had only had 1 proper service in its life - the only other entry was the owner going to a Merc dealer, asking them to change the oil and having them make a list of all the things that needed doing. At this money I needed a proper MBSH.
• Some kerb damage from alloys. Dealer originally offered to refurb within the price, but then started to backtrack, even though we hadn't agreed a price yet.
• The engine bay had been steam-cleaned, but fortunately it didn't extend to under the engine cover, so I took a look. There were a few traces of what might be fuel leaks around the injectors, and some stains lower down that may or may not be significant. It could all be minor stuff but I didn't feel confident about it.

I walked, but I am intrigued, and might look for another one...they do look rather lovely, don't they?