W216 advice

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RZ1

Original Poster:

4,369 posts

211 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
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I’m thinking of buying a Mercedes CL and looking for advice, my budget means I can either buy an early 2007 ish CL63 or instead go for a 2010 ish CL500.

Heart is saying go for the CL63 as I’ve never owned an AMG before, I won’t be doing many miles, but just want some general advice.

Also trying to find a decent review of what the rear is like, i have a 6 year old and 2 year old so want to know how tight it is in the rear with car seats. Granted I won’t have the kids in the car that often, as I have the main car for that.

How dated is the tech, eg the main screen, do thy come with DAB radio for me to get LBC?


Phil Dicky

7,162 posts

268 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
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No DAB unless you go for a facelift, from 2011 I think, they have daytime running lights instead of the fog lights of the earlier models. A later 4.7 has more or less the performance of a 63, minus the running costs. But I fully understand the desire for an AMG. As for children in the back this will be a pain and will become tiresome if they are in and out a lot. A CLS might fit the bill better children wise.

RZ1

Original Poster:

4,369 posts

211 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
The kids will probably be in it maybe one weekend a month, most of the time will use the main car for the kids.

Phil Dicky

7,162 posts

268 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
RZ1 said:
The kids will probably be in it maybe one weekend a month, most of the time will use the main car for the kids.
My vote would be a 2011 plus 4.7 then smile

Harry H

3,493 posts

161 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
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I have a 2013 4.7 and there's plenty of room in the back even for adults. It's a big car.

RZ1

Original Poster:

4,369 posts

211 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
Thanks both

Doesn’t seem to be that many for sale on either auto trader or piston heads.
Need to see if I can sign up to an owners club and see if any owners are selling.

Harry H

3,493 posts

161 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
RZ1 said:
Thanks both

Doesn’t seem to be that many for sale on either auto trader or piston heads.
Need to see if I can sign up to an owners club and see if any owners are selling.
Took me about six months to find mine in the right colour combo with Adaptive Cruise and I don't regret it for a day even after 2 yrs of ownership. Can't think of another car on the market that gives so much bang for one's buck. In my book 99% of a Conti GT for a 3rd of the price and half the running costs.

I too considered the AMG but the 4.7 is plenty fast enough and a touch softer which I think suits the car better. It's no sports car, more of a continent crushing GT.

Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 20th October 10:51

RZ1

Original Poster:

4,369 posts

211 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
The AMG is an itch i want to scratch, but i think im better off waiting until i can afford an E63 Estate, instead i think im going to try to find a decent specced 4.7.

Any particular extras that are a must, i like the idea of massage and cooling seats, but are things like the night vision and adaptive cruise a must?

trevalvole

1,220 posts

38 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
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I recall mention of head bolt problems on early 6.2 engines.

Penguinracer

1,693 posts

211 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
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I bought a CL600 in Tanzanite blue - 50,000 miles.
I sent the ECU to Kleemann in Denmark for remapping to 650 bhp / 750 lb/ft and fitted a Quaife ATB diff.

I'm an advocate of V12's as they add another dimension of refinement, torque and class.
A V12 has primary, secondary & tertiary balance - nothing with less cylinders has this refinement.
Where I grew up a V8 was the car your Mum took down to the supermarket so that configuration has
no prestige to me.

Harry H

3,493 posts

161 months

Wednesday 20th October 2021
quotequote all
RZ1 said:
The AMG is an itch i want to scratch, but i think im better off waiting until i can afford an E63 Estate, instead i think im going to try to find a decent specced 4.7.

Any particular extras that are a must, i like the idea of massage and cooling seats, but are things like the night vision and adaptive cruise a must?
For me it was Adaptive cruise. I wouldn't buy a car without it on our congested motorways. Had massage seats in my previous car and whilst a novelty at first they didn't get used much, would have been used more by the Mrs if they had a washing machine mode. Ive got cooled seats, used them once. Heated more often. Heated wheel is nice but not essential. Head up display, never had it and don't feel I've missed out. Mines got the split screen entertainment package no TV just CD's. Never used it. Also got a 40GB drive for music but I've just plugged an iPod in the glove box adaptor. Night vision another gimmick in my book, the headlights are awesome. As is heating ventilation.

There's so many gadgets on CL's and most dealers don't know what they've got/ haven't so you have to be careful. Mine was listed with just normal cruise control but a photo of the steering wheel told me otherwise. You need to do some sleuthing.

Most things are standard though. The MMI is Ok if a little dated but most of what you would expect is there. The phone is slow to connect when you first set off which is a bit of a pain if the Mrs suddenly calls to pick up some bread whilst you're out and can take a few minutes. Sat Nav was probably excellent in its day but now I use my phone and Waze.



Edited by Harry H on Wednesday 20th October 12:00