Category: Mercedes Benz

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Mercedes SLK 55 AMG’s – Five Years, $11,000, and 60hp apart? Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kurz (compact).

2009 slk side2014 slk sideThe Mercedes SLK is the most diminutive of the Mercedes Benz drop tops and comes across as a nice little commuter convertible with a four or six cylinder motor, but stuffed with a snarling, hand-built, AMG 5.5 liter V-8 it becomes a far more formidable sports car – matching its snub nose revolver look. I so want the SLK55 AMG to have the 500hp supercharged V-8, and yet I guess smarter car guys than I have figured out that there are limits to how much oomph this little frame can hold.

The 2009 SLK55 AMG unicorn at $28,995, with only 49,000 miles, has depreciated just over 50 percent in 10 years. This five owner car doesn’t show as nicely as the two owner, far more modern and tighter 2014 SLK55 AMG with only 30,000 miles. The 2014 has also depreciated just over 50 percent from its $87,000 original price in only five years. Kind of fun to see the evolution from the second generation (R171) 2009 model and the third generation (R172) 2014 model. Both naturally aspirated 5.5 liter V-8’s, and yet horsepower jumps from 355 in the SOHC 2009 to 415 in the DOHC 2014. Both have AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC transmissions.

The 0-60 mph times drop from 4.9 seconds to 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 174mph. Interesting to see gas mileage go up from 14/22 in the 2009 to 19/28 in the 2014 despite the boost in horsepower and increase in curb weight by just over 100 pounds. The overall car length increased by two inches to 163 inches from 2009 to 2014, and yet the wheelbase and cockpit dimensions are unchanged.

The 2014 has racy nice carbon fiber interior and the 2009 looks clean but dated. I kind of dig the Air Scarf heated collar. Here’s an Automobile Magazine review of the 2009, and an Autoweek review of the 2014. The 2009 SLK55 can be found here at Dulles, Virginia and the 2014 here in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’d be looking for the MaxCare warranty for either one – not cheap to fix.

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Zombie Unicorns – Back From The Dead 2011 E63

IMG_0694This 2011 Mercedes E63 unicorn popped up in my search already bookmarked – meaning I had tagged it once before in my saved cars. Sure enough a good four months ago I recommended this to a reader but it disappeared from the web before he could see it. Not sure where it’s been and why, but it’s here in Illinois. 

I love a “cheap” E63, with the gnarly, handmade 6.3l, 518hp V-8, and actually bought one two years ago (see the whole sorry saga here). Unfortunately I love my V-12 S600, too, but at times I don’t love the bulk of my big car and think an E63 (or CL65?!) would be more practical. Wouldn’t own either one without MaxCare! This is a three owner Florida car with decent miles that’s made its way to Illinois. Enjoy.

2011 Mercedes E63 $32,998 54k Glencoe, ILL

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Quick Hit – Nice $26k CL550

Not a lotta Mercedes CL’s out there so this relatively cheap one caught my attention. The coupe version of the S-class is well appointed with AWD, heated steering wheel, night vision – all the necessary stuff for a luxury cruiser.It’s a five owner east coast car. It only has the 382hp V-8, though, but it’s $10,000 cheaper than this 2013 in Georgia – a nicer, more powerful car that started at $40k months ago and has inexplicably dropped to $36,998 and still not sold. Find the 2010 CL550 here in Frederick, Maryland.

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Quick Hit – Fastest (Rare) Wagon Ever? – 2018 Mercedes E63 S for $92k

E63CarMax had a Mercedes E63 wagon for sale last month for $70,000 or so that came and went so fast I couldn’t write about it.  This 2018 E63 S is a bit more pricey at $91,998 and fortunately (for me) it’s lingered for a week or so.  This wagon is spectacular on every level.  Twin turbo 4.0 liter V-8 pumps out 603hp, nine speed automatic, good for a 3 second 0-60 mph time and a 180mph top speed.  All wheel drive. Distronic auto cruise control.  Automated parking.  I could go on and on.

Only a couple of hundred make it to the US.  Here’s the gushing Car and Driver review.  Or the equally exceptional Jalopnik review.  Everybody loves this car.  It’s a single owner car, still under manufacturer warranty, so not sure I’d spring for MaxCare.  It sold for maybe $130-140,000 last year and is now available for $91,998 here in Los Angeles. 2018 E63S $91998 15k LA

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Quick Hits – Three Decent Mercedes S550’s – And Spyshot of Rare S550 Igloo!

2009 S550 34

CarMax usually has plenty of Mercedes S550’s that meet my unicorn standards ($35,000 or less, 60,000 miles or less) so I don’t cover them much.  But this low budget model, and two low priced, low mileage S550’s caught my eye.   I love the ride of the S600 I just bought, but not everyone wants a gas guzzling V-12.  These S550’s – especially the 2012 – will get you the luxury ride and still have plenty of oomph.  The 2009 S550 above is a bit of a bargain, although it did have a rear impact accident six years ago.  Find the 2009 model here in Tampa.  2010 SIDE

The 2009 S550 and this 2010 “only” have 382 hp, and that should be enough to cruise the interstates.  The 2010 is a bit pricey at $32,998, but it has a stupid low 12,000 miles – Continue reading “Quick Hits – Three Decent Mercedes S550’s – And Spyshot of Rare S550 Igloo!”

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Quick Hit – First Gen Mercedes CLS63 AMG for $26,998 – Raucous 507hp Sedan

2010 CLS63The last year for the first generation Mercedes CLS (W219) was 2010, and with that the first generation CLS63 AMG.  The design was so fresh when it came on line in 2004 and critics thought it was dated six years later.  I loved it then and love it now, but only 2,135 CLS’ were sold in the US in 2010.  Gotta believe not many of those were the $121,000 AMG models – makes it a bit rare.

The base CLS had a 380 hp V-8, and the CLS63 here is powered by a massive, naturally aspirated 6.3 liter, 507 hp V-8.  This unicorn has auto cruise control, adjustable suspension, heating and cooling seats, and really cool race car pedals!  Find this two-owner, low mileage car here in Irvine, CA.  It’s not transferable, but some dealerships (like the one near me at Dulles) have special authorities and can get it moved.  2010 CLS 63 $26,998 34k Irvine CA

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My Third Unicorn – Finally Scored an S600!

S600 sideHere’s the reason I haven’t blogged recently.  Been stalking another car.  Only took me a year plus to stop rueing the S600 I passed up in order to buy Etta, my 911 unicorn.  To do that, I had to buy an S600.  Here’s the story of the 2008 Mercedes S600 that I transferred in from Nevada in December only to have my local CarMax dealer decline to sell it due to a dying transmission.  Was pretty pissed, but two weeks ago this 2010 S600 with 45,000 miles surfaced in Lancaster, PA – two hours north of me, and although it was $8,000 more it is nicer (the 2010 model is a facelift refresh with a few more electronic gizmos) and it is now mine.

The 2010 Mercedes S600 sold for about $160,000 new, and I picked it up for less than a quarter of that with a five-year MaxCare warranty good for 125,000 miles.  The V-12 beast has 510 hp, 612 ft-lbs of torque, and rips a mid-four second 0-60 mph run.  Here’s a review of the 2010 S-class, including the S600 in Car and Driver from back then.

My initial thoughts after a 300 mile run to North Carolina last weekend – the most comfortable 300 mile sprint I’ve ever made – are simple.  The car rides like a spa, on living room furniture, in a bank vault, on a bullet train.  Five feet of leg room is plenty.  Continue reading “My Third Unicorn – Finally Scored an S600!”

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Quick Update – My Mercedes S600 Sequel (Part III?)

As I wrote here, the bargain 2008 Mercedes S600 I transferred in from the West Coast went missing – first incorrectly told the car was accidentally sold in Ohio (an honest mistake – CarMax goofed and shipped an Audi S6 in from the same dealer for me, and that car was relayed to Ohio and sold) then advised the S600 had a failing transmission and would not be sold at all.  I was skeptical.  Thought for sure a CarMax employee pulled it from inventory for personal purchase.  At $22,998 it was a steal.  But I have confirmed the car was sold to a wholesaler and is out there somewhere.  So a faithful blog reader (who is a far better sniper than I – he also found the first S600) scored me another one in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  It’s new (2010), nicer, but more expensive at $30,998.  I think I’m in.  CarMax transferred it to my local Dulle dealer…..and maybe a hiccup already.  The ABS light is on, so they sent it to a Mercedes dealer who needs two weeks to fix.  CarMax assures me it will be mine when it returns.  I’ll be watching.  Hoping to make up for the first one I passed on in 2017 – although pleased that a blog reader bought it!2010 S600 $30,998 46000 Lancaster

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Quick Hits – Three Old School Merc Unicorns; Cheap E550/S550/SL550

Here’s three cheap 11 year old Mercedes unicorns, all different rides although powered by the same 5.5l 382 hp powerplant, and all in their own way be a hoot to own and drive.  Reliable E550 family sedan, JR Ewing SL550 drop top, and a luxobarge S550 each for the price of a Honda.  And with MaxCare, no high unexpected repair bills.  What’s not to like?   Check them out below.

Sorry only one outside shot of the SL550 on the CarMax page so far, so the interior will have to do.  But this is a hard top convertible loaded with seats that heat, cool, massage, and serve up cappuccino.   Great Bose stereo (used to own a Merc with one!) and the sport package.   This Car and Driver review from 2007 called the car “Very entertaining for a car so aloof in the city.”  Driven about 5,000 miles yearly this car is just getting broken in, and seems like a decent ride for $22k.  Find this 2008 Mercedes SL550 here in Tacoma.  If the link is broken the car is sold, on hold, or being transferred.  2008 SL550 $21,998 54k Tacoma

Continue reading “Quick Hits – Three Old School Merc Unicorns; Cheap E550/S550/SL550”

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S600 Update – Not Accidentally Sold After All…..

…..but still not mine.  After days of busting chops, CarMax tells me the 2008 Mercedes S600 V-12 was not accidentally sold in Ohio, but was deemed not sellable to customers due to a really bad transmission.  I found it on the Dulles lot last week.  I have asked a number of times why CarMax went ahead and completed a Virginia State inspection (see sticker below) after the car was deemed not sellable, but no response.  They tell me it’s going to a wholeseller.  Asked for documentation confirming it went, but no response.  Until I verify that, I’m still suspicious this car is going to a CarMax insider.  It was a bargain at $22,998 and 44,000 miles.  They refunded my $899 transfer fee and have offered to ship another car from anywhere for free.  No S600 has been that cheap – and there have only been three – in the two years I’ve tracked CarMax.  Will be hard to match.  And if I see this S600 sold to an individual and not a wholeseller I’m going to flip out on them!  And I will know where this car goes.

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