CL 500 (W216) Experiences

[AdriaanB]

Hi all,

to fulfil our needs for a long distance cruiser / non-classic all-weather car, I was curious to learn your experiences with the CL500 (or other CL models) post 2007. I always liked the clean and stylish look of the car, and they're now within my budget (around 15k) with not too many miles on them (CL500 that is).

Additionally, many of these cars still seem to come well serviced and in neat shape, as they probably have not fallen in the hands of people who can't run them properly or who extensively modify them (which seems a higher risk with the previous W215 generation).

I'm aware that the ABC system can be a bit of a headache, but I would be curious to learn your ownership experiences. Plan is to use the car on weekend, and for 2-3 long distance holidays a year. MPG/insurance/road tax not an issue fortunately. However, reliability is key, i.e. that it starts and drive. I can appreciate the odd electric niggle (given their complexity), but rather not be surprise by engine troubles, gearboxes blowing up, or wheels falling off when on holiday

Cheers, Adriaan

[dkatwa]

Hi
I just bought a 2002 CL 500 with 94k miles. I have an after market warranty for some peace of mind....I was told that these types of cars need to be driven to remain in good condition.
If you can get a good after market warranty, then that would be my choice.....
Warranty wise/ Direct could not cover my car as it is over 12 years old
Good luck with the hunt

[Doppelkupplung]

Simple, book it in for inspdction with Mercedes. I think it's around 150. Ask them to have a good look underneath. Engine mounts, exhaust, suspension etc Have a thorough play inside and make sure everything works (takes a while). They are not cheap to run but for what you get with current prices its a no brainier. Loving my cl500 :-)

[ZX10R NIN]

The ABC isn't the problem it was in the previous generation the cars are pretty reliable but they do need regular use.

[AdriaanB]

Thanks all so far! I think the car will on average be used 1-2 a week for c. 2hrs drive, so I think that should work to keep everything running as is? Again, my main issue with the car would be it failing to drive, as this would be our only non-vintage car (so hopefully the highest start-and-go factor).

[simonpieman]

I've just bought a CL500 W216, 2009 with 35k on the clock. It is extremely refined – quiet, smooth and luxurious. Some might say boring. You can drive it hard if you wish, using sport or manual mode and changing gears with the flappy paddle gear shifters, but you have to concentrate hard to hear the engine note to work out when to shift.

I thought my previous car (BMW 645) was luxurious but this is a whole new level of refinement. Strange thing is that it makes you want to drive slowly. What’s the point in rushing, when you can arrive silently, with imposing presence? Could just be that I'm getting older.

Anyhow, the best bits are:

• huge chrome handles on shoulder of front seats for lifting seats forward to access rear seats. These handles are what sold the car to me. They ooze luxury.
• Big indicator stalk that ticks loudly when engaged. Old fashioned reassuring feel to it.
• Art deco clock
• Boot that opens AND closes from within the cabin.
• Air suspension – soft cushioned feel to it.
• Massive armchair seats.
• 20 inch AMG wheels
• headlights that point in the direction of turn – pointless but fun.

I’d never heard of the CL500 until 2 weeks before buying it. Having off loaded my beloved BMW 645 after it incurred a significant transmission fault, I set the search parameters on autotrader to any make/any model, up to 60,000 miles, up to £20k, less than 10 years old, bigger than 5 litres and no slower than the BMW. Boom, up popped the Merc CL500. It is the most amount of car you can get, within the stated price range.

In one week we looked at 6 cars but had to drive all the way to Newcastle (from Birmingham) to find the right one.

It terms of trouble free motoring, my car is Merc Approved Used so comes with 1 year's Merc warranty. Further, it comes with 2 free Mercedes services. In addition, before buying I tracked down the previous owner via google and linked-in and he confirmed that the car gave him no troubles and that I’d have a lot of fun with it. Not much more I can do to limit the risk of motoring problems (apart from getting a ford mondeo).

Upon delivery, we immediately started the process of detailing the car - clay bar, machine polish and wax coat x 5; plus internal leather shampoo and hide feed. The car is immaculate.

The car is so refined. It is a stark contrast to my other vehicle – a medium wheel base medium height Transit. The Transit is a much more involved drive; and possibly more fun. That said, according to my youngest son, the CL500 is a better overall package than a DB9, which we owned a while back.

Simon

[dkatwa]

Lovely car Simonpieman...

I bought my car on Saturday and spent Sunday cleaning it inside/ outside. I thought of using a claybar and using proper polish but, to be honest, it would have made no difference to my car because of the silver colour...in fact, it would hide scratches so polishing it, in my view, would not make it look any better. I used Showroom Shine, so that should provide a degree of protection again tree sap, bird droppings etc.

[DanL]

simonpieman said:

I thought my previous car (BMW 645) was luxurious but this is a whole new level of refinement. Strange thing is that it makes you want to drive slowly. What’s the point in rushing, when you can arrive silently, with imposing presence? Could just be that I'm getting older.

Interesting. I've got a 650 and I'm thinking of changing to something else - a CL500 had crossed my mind, although they're rather long cars!

I like the effortless pace of the 650, but I'm not overly keen on the way I feel compelled to nail it on straights - maybe the more relaxed Merc is the answer I'm looking for!

[AdriaanB]

Thanks Simonpieman, that's very helpful (and a very nice car indeed). If I understand correctly, you bought yours from a Mercedes dealership?

[simonpieman]

Yes that's right. I bought it off Mercedes Newcastle. I was probably one of their lower value customers yet they have been impeccable.

[J4CKO]

DanL said:

simonpieman said:

I thought my previous car (BMW 645) was luxurious but this is a whole new level of refinement. Strange thing is that it makes you want to drive slowly. What’s the point in rushing, when you can arrive silently, with imposing presence? Could just be that I'm getting older.

Interesting. I've got a 650 and I'm thinking of changing to something else - a CL500 had crossed my mind, although they're rather long cars!

I like the effortless pace of the 650, but I'm not overly keen on the way I feel compelled to nail it on straights - maybe the more relaxed Merc is the answer I'm looking for!

The lowest power option is still 388 bhp and they shift probably as well as the 650i, my CLS has that engine and you do tend to amble about, then have occasions to hoof it and it goes very well.

I did read that the CL's and S Classes are a level above in terms of build and quality than say my CLS is that the case ?

[speedster986]

I went from BMW 645Ci (with transmission fault as well - natch!) to a 2007 W216 CL500 I love it for all the same reasons as Simon. In fact mine looks very similar. My rear parking sensor plays up but otherwise it is immense. Feels far faster than the BMW but ultimately not as involving but still great fun.

[simonpieman]

Kieran, I see you have the AMG body styling. Very nice. From the picture, it looks like you were out with a super car club. If so, how was yours received?

Last night we went for a spirited drive in the merc. Once you get into the higher rev range, it really does shift. Kept pace with my wife's 911 996. In a straight line, that is. Not so much on the corners! Tremendous fun.

This week we bought a Mercedes Bluetooth telephone module, allowing integration with smartphones and operation via the Comand system. All works, but only for phone. This doesn't achieve music integration. We bought it second hand off eBay for £100 rather than buying a new one for £300. Happy with that.

The v5 document has arrived from DVLA during the week, so we can put the personal plate on this weekend.

Next job is to learn how the voice recognition system works.

And then in due course, I'll be looking at an aftermarket iPod jack. Anybody got any tips?

[speedster986]

That picture was from the recent Pistonheads Sunday Service at Mercedes Benz World. I think most thought my car spoiled a nice photo opportunity!

[sjc]

At risk of resurrecting an old thread, having given up the hunt for a suitably priced XJR that hasn't got a " future classic" tax on it, I'm looking at these now. For circa 15K for a decent mileage CL500 example they seem ridiculous value ( 100K car running cost aside), so any pointers to the troublesome areas on the W216 would be appreciated.

[simonpieman]

21 months on and mine has had no problems at all. The only spend has been some new tyres. Lovely car.

[sjc]

Thanks for that, I'm looking further and further in to these.
There's a couple that particularly interest me, one is decent spec and history it appears,has more miles but a lot less money but I can't quite work out the seller.
The other is close to me a dealer with a great rep but top top money with a lovely spec and only 40K miles but circa 6K more.. that's a lot of bork fund.

[ZX10R NIN]

These would be ones I'd investigate further.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

My uncle has just changed his 5.5 CL500 for a newer BiTurbo 500 & my dad is now on his second CL63 both never even looked at another car & I do live to borrow my dads 63

[sjc]

ZX10R NIN said:

These would be ones I'd investigate further.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

My uncle has just changed his 5.5 CL500 for a newer BiTurbo 500 & my dad is now on his second CL63 both never even looked at another car & I do live to borrow my dads 63

Been in touch with one of them already ta.
A couple of other black ones I’m getting details on as well.

[Classy6]

sjc said:

At risk of resurrecting an old thread, having given up the hunt for a suitably priced XJR that hasn't got a " future classic" tax on it, I'm looking at these now. For circa 15K for a decent mileage CL500 example they seem ridiculous value ( 100K car running cost aside), so any pointers to the troublesome areas on the W216 would be appreciated.

Fantastic cars and genuinely ridiculous value for money these days, considering cost new at purchase.

Don't really remember any particular issues with them either, petrol 500's were good as gold and most earlier issues sorted on the engine. Only thing I would be checking on them at this age is just that everything actually works electrically as there's a good amount of gadgets on these cars - everything from the seats/lumber to the cd changer. Other than that, drive it from cold and take particular note to how well the gearbox drives, play about with it manually switching up/down gears etc. Then check it's service history and get a feel for how well it's been maintained.