XKR 4.2 Buying Advice/Gearbox Noise

[ryan77]

I'm considering buying a 2004 XKR Convertible at auction that has covered nearly 100k. The car looks to be in good condition but I can't help but think that it sounds a little noisy when started up and I'm told it could be a gearbox noise. I thought this fairly unlikely as I understand the XKR has a Mercedes gearbox which is meant to be bombproof!

Can any owners/enthusiasts give me any buyer's advice? I am wondering how long the supercharger lasts and whether it is possible it could be on the way out at 100k. Any advice on what to look for mechanically would be appreciated. I have put the gearbox through Park, Drive and Reverse and there doesn't seem to be any clonks. Incidentially I was looking at an S type Diesel a few weeks ago and with 120k that one clonked into Drive so I left it alone.

Thanks in advance

[P700DEE]

An 04 will have the ZF 6 speed box, pretty reliable. The 04 will have a 4.2 with metal tensioners and there are few build issues. That said 100K is about when I would replace said tensioners as PM Superchargers rarely ever fail but can get noisey, not an issue unless you do not like the noise. 100K miles is not a problem for XKs, suspension issues occur usually before that mileage and the cars prefer miles to rest. Join the xkec for the best forum/club

[ryan77]

Many thanks for the reply, I greatly appreciate your advice. It sounds as though the XKR 4.2 is fairly reliable, I guess that many issues such as the suspension will already have been attended to. I thought it is fairly unlikely that there will be any major gearbox issues, I read somewhere that it is recommended to change the transmission fluid even though it is meant to be a sealed unit.

The car doesn't have an MoT though so I'm trying to allow at least £1000 to reflect this as even items such as pads and discs are likely to cost a fair bit!

I've just joined the XKEC site, many thanks again

[ryan77]

The only other quick question is I noticed a squeaking noise as the car was driven through, almost as though the brake pads were rubbing. Is this likely to be the pads or caused by something more serious?

Thanks again