Convince me that a CL500 is a bad choice
Discussion
I'm having itchy feet again and fancy a change of car. Im currently driving a Z4 3.0 and did settle on changing it for some sort of 4x4 but then browsing the PH classifieds i came across the CL. Id never really taken much notice of them until i saw the price you can pick them up for! Would i be heading for financial ruin (budget of £8-£9k) if i was to purchase one of these?
Anyone on here owned one?
Ive read many online reviews but a lot of them seem to contradict one another, one will rate it pretty highly then another rate it low.
Talk to me guys.....
Anyone on here owned one?
Ive read many online reviews but a lot of them seem to contradict one another, one will rate it pretty highly then another rate it low.
Talk to me guys.....
Which one?
The W215 (2000-2006) - the more svelte and smaller coupe that gave way to the current model?
or
The C140 - the monolithic two door version of the, bulletproof, Dictator's favourite...
Consensus tends to view that the C140 has legendary build quality with phenomenal comfort levels. It will have things like electric seats in the rear, which makes you realise that it was a super-coupe for it's time.
The W215, to most, and I'm biased, is a better looking car, if not M-Bs finest design, with pretty much every option that carmakers offered in the early 2000s and then some. And in AMG format, is thunderously quick.
The W215 (2000-2006) - the more svelte and smaller coupe that gave way to the current model?
or
The C140 - the monolithic two door version of the, bulletproof, Dictator's favourite...
Consensus tends to view that the C140 has legendary build quality with phenomenal comfort levels. It will have things like electric seats in the rear, which makes you realise that it was a super-coupe for it's time.
The W215, to most, and I'm biased, is a better looking car, if not M-Bs finest design, with pretty much every option that carmakers offered in the early 2000s and then some. And in AMG format, is thunderously quick.
...ceteris paribus...
I don't know your car history, apart from your mention of a 3.0 Z4 - great car, played with the 2.5 and a 3.0 - so don't want to presume you'll be unware that for some there's a real gulf when going from a relatively compact sports car, to a large GT. It's not so much the dimensions, more the different sensations when devouring something like the M1. Going from the M3 to the '55 AMG, I tangibly notice how much more of the road I'm occupying compared to 90% of the rest of the population, and jaunting across Europe, the X5 is no match when getting the job done.
Different world
I don't know your car history, apart from your mention of a 3.0 Z4 - great car, played with the 2.5 and a 3.0 - so don't want to presume you'll be unware that for some there's a real gulf when going from a relatively compact sports car, to a large GT. It's not so much the dimensions, more the different sensations when devouring something like the M1. Going from the M3 to the '55 AMG, I tangibly notice how much more of the road I'm occupying compared to 90% of the rest of the population, and jaunting across Europe, the X5 is no match when getting the job done.
Different world
I've got the W215 CL600 V12 biturbo which, in my view, is an absolutely fantastic car. Incredibly quick and extremely comfortable with all the bells and whistles you would expect on a car that cost c.£100k new.
What you have to remember though is that running cost and repairs on these cars can bring a tear to a glass eye.
Since I've owned mine, the vacuum/pressure pump that closes the doors has gone as did a high pressure hose on the ABC and as you would expect, parts are expensive.
ABC faults are a common problem as is rust. If you can put up with the odd big bill then I'd say go for it.. incredible value for money in a stunning looking car.
What you have to remember though is that running cost and repairs on these cars can bring a tear to a glass eye.
Since I've owned mine, the vacuum/pressure pump that closes the doors has gone as did a high pressure hose on the ABC and as you would expect, parts are expensive.
ABC faults are a common problem as is rust. If you can put up with the odd big bill then I'd say go for it.. incredible value for money in a stunning looking car.
I've recently paid £12k for a CL500 2006 41k miles as a daily driver
Fsh from mb and great documented history, it's solid cheap reliable, drives like a new car and is very very comfy
Compared to an AMG it's slow but fast enough to be a commuter / shopper and a recent trip to London was a no sweat experience.
Lovely interior and great build quality in my late car, really pleased - buy with history and you shoud be ok.
Fsh from mb and great documented history, it's solid cheap reliable, drives like a new car and is very very comfy
Compared to an AMG it's slow but fast enough to be a commuter / shopper and a recent trip to London was a no sweat experience.
Lovely interior and great build quality in my late car, really pleased - buy with history and you shoud be ok.
DSLiverpool said:
I've recently paid £12k for a CL500 2006 41k miles as a daily driver
Fsh from mb and great documented history, it's solid cheap reliable, drives like a new car and is very very comfy
Compared to an AMG it's slow but fast enough to be a commuter / shopper and a recent trip to London was a no sweat experience.
Lovely interior and great build quality in my late car, really pleased - buy with history and you shoud be ok.
DS - notice you have/had an SL55 too? Fsh from mb and great documented history, it's solid cheap reliable, drives like a new car and is very very comfy
Compared to an AMG it's slow but fast enough to be a commuter / shopper and a recent trip to London was a no sweat experience.
Lovely interior and great build quality in my late car, really pleased - buy with history and you shoud be ok.
Curious to know how you'd rate the two, CL vs SL, in terms of long journey comfort, options etc?
tigerkoi said:
DS - notice you have/had an SL55 too?
Curious to know how you'd rate the two, CL vs SL, in terms of long journey comfort, options etc?
Hi I'm a big fan of the SC55 engine hence the SL but I've had it in a CLS as well, it makes a car, the CL is a wheezy 5.0 not the later 5.5 and there is no comparison engine wise. SL is comfy enough on a run but the CL is in another league it's sooo lovely on any surface and any road even slightly twisty Curious to know how you'd rate the two, CL vs SL, in terms of long journey comfort, options etc?
however it feels slow hence the comment above.The SL is very comfy as well, handles better but is a lot lower to get in and out of, the interior is snug compared to the CL but still similar, it would be easy to interchange but I couldn't use the SL as. Daily
As a daily driver I'm too precious with the SL to run it daily on short runs etc but the CL is fine on sny journey, it's clever doors open forward and out meaning its easier in car parks and the 7g box is seem less. It's relaxed engine makes commuting easier much less urgent but my model does not have sbc brake hold like the l which surprised me at the first set of lights. Add double glazing and IMHO good looks in black with 5 spokes and it's a good package.
Can you tell I'm a cl500 fan
Edited as I see you have a CL already
Edited by DSLiverpool on Friday 8th June 18:39
Thanks for all the replies guys. Ive spent most of today avoiding doing what i get paid to do and just browsing the CL classifieds, i now want one even more!
Why are the prices so low? Is it simply to do with the 'gas guzzling' nature of the car? At the moment im averaging 26mpg. Prior to the Z4 i had a Supra which averaged high teens mpg. So lower than average mpg i can live with. As much as i love the Z4 i feel like a cripple coming out of it after a long drive (im 30, so shouldnt feel like a cripple!) and long for something more comforting hence the CL.
Why are the prices so low? Is it simply to do with the 'gas guzzling' nature of the car? At the moment im averaging 26mpg. Prior to the Z4 i had a Supra which averaged high teens mpg. So lower than average mpg i can live with. As much as i love the Z4 i feel like a cripple coming out of it after a long drive (im 30, so shouldnt feel like a cripple!) and long for something more comforting hence the CL.
I love the idea of these as a cruiser, but would certainly go for the latest car I could. The 5.5 500 is a significant step up from the 5.0 and the 55 and 600 bi-turbo are truly epic.
As for the C140. I love those too, but only those in the know really appreciate them. Everyone else will just think you couldn't afford anything newer. If that doesn't bother you and you like the look of them, buy one. Engineering like that will probably never be seen again!
As for the C140. I love those too, but only those in the know really appreciate them. Everyone else will just think you couldn't afford anything newer. If that doesn't bother you and you like the look of them, buy one. Engineering like that will probably never be seen again!
Rushmore said:
Slippery - while that might be generally true, it then depends on the condition of the car. A pristine C140 (maybe even as a totaly pointless CL600 with badges) in as-new condition, regularly valeted, might look quite cool.
You and I would find it cool. My wife who has no idea of such things would describe it as an old piece of s
t! 
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