W216 Cl63 v CL500 4.7 twin turbo
Discussion
IM giving some thoughts to my next car and have always loved the W216 CL so im trying to decide between the Cl63 and the later Cl500 with the twin turbo 4.7 engine.
The pro's for the later 4.7 car are
easily remappable to about 530hp
newer car (was the command info system updated since the early models??? )
lower running costs than the AMG in terms of servicing and consumables
The seats dont look as 'sporty' as the AMG models
The pros for the CL63 6.3 are
Better seats
Its an AMG
Better looking bumpers, wheels on the AMG package
There is that nagging worry about the head bolt issue with the early 6.3 engines.
Has anyone been in the same predicament or driven both cars? I cant do this yet unfortunately as these cars are quite rare here in Ireland.
The pro's for the later 4.7 car are
easily remappable to about 530hp
newer car (was the command info system updated since the early models??? )
lower running costs than the AMG in terms of servicing and consumables
The seats dont look as 'sporty' as the AMG models
The pros for the CL63 6.3 are
Better seats
Its an AMG
Better looking bumpers, wheels on the AMG package
There is that nagging worry about the head bolt issue with the early 6.3 engines.
Has anyone been in the same predicament or driven both cars? I cant do this yet unfortunately as these cars are quite rare here in Ireland.
It’s hard to look beyond the CL63 AMG.
All W216s are fine cars but the AMGs just layer on that extra edge to the already luxurious GT/coupe platform.
It’s not like debating between a 991 Turbo or a GT3, if you see what I mean.
The AMG has better (looking, too) wheels, altered body kit so it looks youthful but on point, AMG logos everywhere including the car matts, seats with the leather detailing option, lowered suspension and more importantly better brakes.
You could tune a 500/550 of course, but it’s still not really the same, and in a drag, the AMG would probably still butcher it with the torque on offer. Additionally the AMG has the MCT dual-clutch compared to a standard 7-speed auto.
I don’t think it’s a contest really. The AMG is a superb car and also makes the Continental and DB9 look weak in comparison. It’s the best of that era’s breed of super coupes. Excepting the ‘65 AMG of course!
Good luck.
All W216s are fine cars but the AMGs just layer on that extra edge to the already luxurious GT/coupe platform.
It’s not like debating between a 991 Turbo or a GT3, if you see what I mean.
The AMG has better (looking, too) wheels, altered body kit so it looks youthful but on point, AMG logos everywhere including the car matts, seats with the leather detailing option, lowered suspension and more importantly better brakes.
You could tune a 500/550 of course, but it’s still not really the same, and in a drag, the AMG would probably still butcher it with the torque on offer. Additionally the AMG has the MCT dual-clutch compared to a standard 7-speed auto.
I don’t think it’s a contest really. The AMG is a superb car and also makes the Continental and DB9 look weak in comparison. It’s the best of that era’s breed of super coupes. Excepting the ‘65 AMG of course!
Good luck.
I've just bought a 4.7 Bi Turbo.
Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
I had a good hard look at a few full monty AMG's but found the additional running costs to be not worth it and for the same money it would have been a fair few years older with the miles to match and the 4.7 is not exactly slow.
Came to the conclusion that any CL is never going to be a sports car, it's all about the pace and grace. A luxurious GT, and the extra's you get with the AMG don't really add much to that if anything they detract. Externally if you get a later model there's very little in it visually anyway apart from the twin tip exhausts and the wheels are slightly different.
Went out for my fist proper play a few nights back and with everything switched into sport mode she can certainly pick her skirts up and at no point in time did I think "i wish I had more power". Mind you I live in the SE so there's little opportunity to really gun it anyway. Then when I've had my fun all back into comfort mode and enjoy the waft which is better in the lowly model and where in reality it'll spend most of it's time anyway.
To say I'm delighted with it is an understatement. I cannot think of another car that gives so much bang for your buck. So good luck finding one which ever way you go as they're a rare beast.
Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
I had a good hard look at a few full monty AMG's but found the additional running costs to be not worth it and for the same money it would have been a fair few years older with the miles to match and the 4.7 is not exactly slow.
Came to the conclusion that any CL is never going to be a sports car, it's all about the pace and grace. A luxurious GT, and the extra's you get with the AMG don't really add much to that if anything they detract. Externally if you get a later model there's very little in it visually anyway apart from the twin tip exhausts and the wheels are slightly different.
Went out for my fist proper play a few nights back and with everything switched into sport mode she can certainly pick her skirts up and at no point in time did I think "i wish I had more power". Mind you I live in the SE so there's little opportunity to really gun it anyway. Then when I've had my fun all back into comfort mode and enjoy the waft which is better in the lowly model and where in reality it'll spend most of it's time anyway.
To say I'm delighted with it is an understatement. I cannot think of another car that gives so much bang for your buck. So good luck finding one which ever way you go as they're a rare beast.
Edited by Harry H on Monday 1st April 13:12
Harry H said:
I've just bought a 4.7 Bi Turbo.
Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
I had a good hard look at a few full monty AMG's but found the additional running costs to be not worth it and for the same money it would have been a fair few years older with the miles to match and the 4.7 is not exactly slow.
Came to the conclusion that any CL is never going to be a sports car, it's all about the pace and grace. A luxurious GT, and the extra's you get with the AMG don't really add much to that if anything they detract. Externally if you get a later model there's very little in it visually anyway apart from the twin tip exhausts and the wheels are slightly different.
Went out for my fist proper play a few nights back and with everything switched into sport mode she can certainly pick her skirts up and at no point in time did I think "i wish I had more power". Mind you I live in the SE so there's little opportunity to really gun it anyway. Then when I've had my fun all back into comfort mode and enjoy the waft which is better in the lowly model and where in reality it'll spend most of it's time anyway.
To say I'm delighted with it is an understatement. I cannot think of another car that gives so much bang for your buck. So good luck finding one which ever way you go as they're a rare beast.
Some very good points you make - I can't help wondering whether I would have that nagging feeling that I should have gone for the AMG.Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
I had a good hard look at a few full monty AMG's but found the additional running costs to be not worth it and for the same money it would have been a fair few years older with the miles to match and the 4.7 is not exactly slow.
Came to the conclusion that any CL is never going to be a sports car, it's all about the pace and grace. A luxurious GT, and the extra's you get with the AMG don't really add much to that if anything they detract. Externally if you get a later model there's very little in it visually anyway apart from the twin tip exhausts and the wheels are slightly different.
Went out for my fist proper play a few nights back and with everything switched into sport mode she can certainly pick her skirts up and at no point in time did I think "i wish I had more power". Mind you I live in the SE so there's little opportunity to really gun it anyway. Then when I've had my fun all back into comfort mode and enjoy the waft which is better in the lowly model and where in reality it'll spend most of it's time anyway.
To say I'm delighted with it is an understatement. I cannot think of another car that gives so much bang for your buck. So good luck finding one which ever way you go as they're a rare beast.
Edited by Harry H on Monday 1st April 13:12
Perhaps I should stop looking at the CL500 as the "poor" relation because in reality its far from being that - especially with the later bi-turbo engine which probably gives the best all round balance of performance economy and running costs
Andy665 said:
Some very good points you make - I can't help wondering whether I would have that nagging feeling that I should have gone for the AMG.
Perhaps I should stop looking at the CL500 as the "poor" relation because in reality its far from being that - especially with the later bi-turbo engine which probably gives the best all round balance of performance economy and running costs
When I started it was the AMG, just because. But in the end I came to the same conclusion as you. The same age milage car is going to be at least £10k more for the AMG plus all the fuel, parts, servicing costs. They look pretty well identical assuming you get one with a sports pack which most of the later cars are anyway and in the final reality when and how often would I exploit that extra performance over and above what is already a very fast car. Very rarely I would imagine. Yet the rest of the time the 'poor relation" is better at the waft and with it's blue efficiency engine surprisingly economical.Perhaps I should stop looking at the CL500 as the "poor" relation because in reality its far from being that - especially with the later bi-turbo engine which probably gives the best all round balance of performance economy and running costs
I totally understand those already saying get the AMG but which ever model you go for they're all bloody fine motor cars and beyond fantastic value at the moment.
Edited by Harry H on Monday 1st April 13:45
Harry H said:
I've just bought a 4.7 Bi Turbo.
Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
Out of interest, what was the spec you were after and/ or deemed necessary?Took ages to find one in good nick as there aren't many about. Then it had to be the right colour combo with the right extras.
Edited by Harry H on Monday 1st April 13:12
Croutons said:
Out of interest, what was the spec you were after and/ or deemed necessary?
Wanted black with a cream interior. Would have settled for Silver with Black interior but definitely not black on black20" AMG wheels
Cooled/heated seats
And most importantly Distronic (radar) Cruise. I've had it in my Audi A8 and for those long M1 slogs I do occasionally it's bloody brilliant. Never had it before but now wouldn't have a car without it.
The hard bit was identifying exactly what the car had from the dealers advert as most of them don't seem to know what's on the car. eg some dealers listed a car with Speedtronic cruise but when looking at the dash photo you can see the lever that controls the distance for Distronic and visa versa. I saw standard 19" rims listed as 20" and so forth. You need to be a bit of an expert pretty quick.
As standard the cars pretty well stacked. Mine's got a few other extras like Front Seat Entertainment, and a Cooled Glove Box but the Mrs won't remember how to use the remote and I don't like sandwiches cooled or warm. Oh, and the upgraded sound system which is loads better than the Bose in the Audi. The heated steering wheel will be nice next winter.
TV would have been good but not essential.
Edited by Harry H on Tuesday 2nd April 12:31
Harry H said:
Wanted black with a cream interior. Would have settled for Silver with Black interior but definitely not black on black
20" AMG wheels
Cooled/heated seats
And most importantly Distronic (radar) Cruise. I've had it in my Audi A8 and for those long M1 slogs I do occasionally it's bloody brilliant. Never had it before but now wouldn't have a car without it.
The hard bit was identifying exactly what the car had from the dealers advert as most of them don't seem to know what's on the car. eg some dealers listed a car with Speedtronic cruise but when looking at the dash photo you can see the lever that controls the distance for Distronic and visa versa. I saw standard 19" rims listed as 20" and so forth. You need to be a bit of an expert pretty quick.
As standard the cars pretty well stacked. Mine's got a few other extras like Front Seat Entertainment, and a Cooled Glove Box but the Mrs won't remember how to use the remote and I don't like sandwiches cooled or warm. Oh, and the upgraded sound system which is loads better than the Bose in the Audi. The heated steering wheel will be nice next winter.
TV would have been good but not essential.
Whatever version I buy it needs to have the 20" alloys, dynamic seats and colour wise either black with cream or grey / silver with black. If its not a CL63 then it needs to have the AMG styling pack too20" AMG wheels
Cooled/heated seats
And most importantly Distronic (radar) Cruise. I've had it in my Audi A8 and for those long M1 slogs I do occasionally it's bloody brilliant. Never had it before but now wouldn't have a car without it.
The hard bit was identifying exactly what the car had from the dealers advert as most of them don't seem to know what's on the car. eg some dealers listed a car with Speedtronic cruise but when looking at the dash photo you can see the lever that controls the distance for Distronic and visa versa. I saw standard 19" rims listed as 20" and so forth. You need to be a bit of an expert pretty quick.
As standard the cars pretty well stacked. Mine's got a few other extras like Front Seat Entertainment, and a Cooled Glove Box but the Mrs won't remember how to use the remote and I don't like sandwiches cooled or warm. Oh, and the upgraded sound system which is loads better than the Bose in the Audi. The heated steering wheel will be nice next winter.
TV would have been good but not essential.
Edited by Harry H on Tuesday 2nd April 12:31
Andy665 said:
Whatever version I buy it needs to have the 20" alloys, dynamic seats and colour wise either black with cream or grey / silver with black. If its not a CL63 then it needs to have the AMG styling pack too
I think you'll struggle to find a 500 with the dynamic seats. In my 6 months of searching I only saw 1 with the Designo seats (sp). Looked lovely but was a bit high on the milage for me and a couple of grand over priced. Sold in a couple of days mind so right for someone. Black and black is too boring for me too. Theres one on ebay with a bit of a different interior to most on the market at the minute but it has a good chunk of depreciation to go yet.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-500-4-...
3gAAOSwufFcauiF
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-500-4-...
3gAAOSwufFcauiFPaddymcc said:
Black and black is too boring for me too. Theres one on ebay with a bit of a different interior to most on the market at the minute but it has a good chunk of depreciation to go yet.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-500-4-...3gAAOSwufFcauiF
Not a fan of white personally but do like the seats. Would worry that the drivers bolster is a bit worn for 37000 miles ?? and agree with you the price is a little high. According to the listing it hasn't got DAB radio. Another dealer not knowing what he's selling maybe. I thought all 4.7's had DAB but maybe wronghttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-500-4-...
3gAAOSwufFcauiFFrom your photo it also looks like the lever for Distronic is there as well.
Edited by Harry H on Tuesday 2nd April 16:04
Harry H said:
Not a fan of white personally but do like the seats. Would worry that the drivers bolster is a bit worn for 37000 miles ?? and agree with you the price is a little high. According to the listing it hasn't got DAB radio. Another dealer not knowing what he's selling maybe. I thought all 4.7's had DAB but maybe wrong
From your photo it also looks like the lever for Distronic is there as well.
Any car ive been interested in thus far i just request the VIN from the seller and stick it through a decoder to find out the proper specification.From your photo it also looks like the lever for Distronic is there as well.
Edited by Harry H on Tuesday 2nd April 16:04
Bought my 2013 last Oct. with 37k miles and all the important options.
I absolutely love this car (one of many) superb value and it would seem priced haven’t dropped in this time though I expected it too.
I looked at some really tatty examples before finding this. I’d concentrate of condition and history over colour tbh. They’re too rare to be fussy
I absolutely love this car (one of many) superb value and it would seem priced haven’t dropped in this time though I expected it too.
I looked at some really tatty examples before finding this. I’d concentrate of condition and history over colour tbh. They’re too rare to be fussy
vpr said:
Bought my 2013 last Oct. with 37k miles and all the important options.
I absolutely love this car (one of many) superb value and it would seem priced haven’t dropped in this time though I expected it too.
I looked at some really tatty examples before finding this. I’d concentrate of condition and history over colour tbh. They’re too rare to be fussy
thats a great colour! kind of looks like BMW Silverstone III absolutely love this car (one of many) superb value and it would seem priced haven’t dropped in this time though I expected it too.
I looked at some really tatty examples before finding this. I’d concentrate of condition and history over colour tbh. They’re too rare to be fussy
I agree with vpr there is something about the 63 that is not available on the 500 the noise, it can be quite addictive.
It’s not about 95% of the time the 500 is just as good, it’s about the driving experience/expectations. I bought my 63 just over 2 years ago as a one owner full service history and 21k miles with all the options it looked brand new and have never regretted my purchase. Running costs are about the same except for fuel, although I do get 25/26 on a run but only 15/18 around town, but then I don’t do many miles in town driving, and don’t forget the fuel cost on any car is the least costly item, this car is all about the open road.. servicing is pretty much the same and when I got quotes for insurance the 63 was £50 pa cheaper than the 500. I just love my 63. If you can find a good one you will not be disappointed. I also think that the 63 is not far off increasing in value so get one now, after all there are only around 93 in the UK it’s a very rare car.
Here is a pic.
It’s not about 95% of the time the 500 is just as good, it’s about the driving experience/expectations. I bought my 63 just over 2 years ago as a one owner full service history and 21k miles with all the options it looked brand new and have never regretted my purchase. Running costs are about the same except for fuel, although I do get 25/26 on a run but only 15/18 around town, but then I don’t do many miles in town driving, and don’t forget the fuel cost on any car is the least costly item, this car is all about the open road.. servicing is pretty much the same and when I got quotes for insurance the 63 was £50 pa cheaper than the 500. I just love my 63. If you can find a good one you will not be disappointed. I also think that the 63 is not far off increasing in value so get one now, after all there are only around 93 in the UK it’s a very rare car.
Here is a pic.
thepanays said:
I agree with vpr there is something about the 63 that is not available on the 500 the noise, it can be quite addictive.
It’s not about 95% of the time the 500 is just as good, it’s about the driving experience/expectations. I bought my 63 just over 2 years ago as a one owner full service history and 21k miles with all the options it looked brand new and have never regretted my purchase. Running costs are about the same except for fuel, although I do get 25/26 on a run but only 15/18 around town, but then I don’t do many miles in town driving, and don’t forget the fuel cost on any car is the least costly item, this car is all about the open road.. servicing is pretty much the same and when I got quotes for insurance the 63 was £50 pa cheaper than the 500. I just love my 63. If you can find a good one you will not be disappointed. I also think that the 63 is not far off increasing in value so get one now, after all there are only around 93 in the UK it’s a very rare car.
Here is a pic.
Is that all, 95? Didn’t realise that. It’s not about 95% of the time the 500 is just as good, it’s about the driving experience/expectations. I bought my 63 just over 2 years ago as a one owner full service history and 21k miles with all the options it looked brand new and have never regretted my purchase. Running costs are about the same except for fuel, although I do get 25/26 on a run but only 15/18 around town, but then I don’t do many miles in town driving, and don’t forget the fuel cost on any car is the least costly item, this car is all about the open road.. servicing is pretty much the same and when I got quotes for insurance the 63 was £50 pa cheaper than the 500. I just love my 63. If you can find a good one you will not be disappointed. I also think that the 63 is not far off increasing in value so get one now, after all there are only around 93 in the UK it’s a very rare car.
Here is a pic.
Definitely one for the future. I had expected mine to fall more than it had
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