2000 CL500

[gep]

Hi,

Does anyone know what exactly i should look for in a used CL500, year 2000/1? How would i check that the suspension is working as it should? How complex is basic maintenance, i have a friend who works in a land rover dealership so obviously i want to take advantage!

All i've found so far is possible corrosion on the C pillar. Also looking at XK8's and there isnt enough room to list the issues!

Sorry for the all the questions

Thanks, Grant

Edited by gep on Wednesday 17th January 20:54

[iluvmercs]

Hi Grant!

A 2000 CL500 would be the C215 model CL. These are very complex cars! Full of electrics, making basic maintenance difficult if you're looking at doing it yourself. Some things apparently require software only available to Mercedes Dealers and Specialists.

You should get the car fully checked over by the AA/RAC/Dealer/decent mechanic.

Corrosion shouldn't be an issue. If there is any, Mercs of this era are covered by 30 year bodywork warranties, and this should be honoured by dealers. Alloys are not covered by this.

Mileage shouldn't matter too much, so long as there's a full service history.

Good luck with your search!

Darren

[tonylal]

Mechanically these are pretty sound...it's the electrics that are the pain, and the collapsing suspension. Fair to say that 99 and 2000 cars were the worst, you might get lucky - but I would look for a 2001 car. The engine goes for ever with regular servicing and oil. But I would get a Merc specialist to run a diagnostic and look at the electrics.
Lot of car for the money - Lot of expense when it goes wrong. But you only live once..

[gep]

Hi

hmmm... collapsing suspension & electrical gremlins ring a bell (rangie owner here!)

Would you wait a while before buying? I was thinking once the new model arrives it might push the used prices down a lot

Cheers!

[tonylal]

If time is on your side find a 51 plate as the oldest example. Fewer issues for sure, good luck.

[Big T]

I just bought one and they are great cars, I searched for a while to get used to what specs were out there for the money and most of the sub £18K ones you see advertised are pretty low spec'd but that's funny to say considering standard spec is great!

I saw some dogs even though mileage was around the 70k mark and a few examples that had stuff not working. You should check everything works and this can take some time when you are not used to where everything is and how it should work. I have found that they are not built inside as great as they were but this is common with Merc's built at that time. I bought mine from a stealer and the only things that need putting right is the rear blind (mine has privacy glass so not fussed) and one of the vanity mirror flaps (dodgy build quality).

Car drives like a dream and fairly economical, 1200 miles averaging 21mpg.

Get one with a very good spec, mine is a 2000 model with 59k miles and has the following options;

TV
Sat Nav (cr@p even with the firmware upgrade)
Phone
Linguatronic
Keyless Go
Wooden Steering Wheel
Cooling Seats
Distronic
Pneumatic Rear HeadRests
Rear Blind
Bose Sound Upgrade
Leather Upper Dash

Insurance was pretty cheap and with upgrading a few bits like alloys (I put 20" Brabus's on) and facelift mirror indicator lenses for example, they look the nuts and incredible value for money.

Let me know if you need to know anything else and I'll try and help out. I've found lots of info on these cars including some COMAND tricks for the TV & Sat-Nav.

T

Edited by Big T on Saturday 20th January 18:06

[gep]

Great info, cheers

No serious issues, just a matter of checking everything works then