Mercedes CLS Buying Advice

[jcelee]

I'm very keen on looking at the Merecedes CLS (used, preferably sub-£20k) having ruled out the Jaguar XF on the grounds it simply wasn't comfy or luxurious enough.

I only do around 7k miles per year largely commuting with a mix of urban, B and A roads so I'm thinking the V8 warble & simplicity of a petrol engine may well outweigh the fuel economy with added complexity/issues of the diesel. Trouble is, the diesels are so much more common and therefore probably in practice cheaper.

1. Just how reliable or otherwise is the CDI 320 engine?
2. Just how reliable or otherwise is the 500 V8 engine (early version)?
3. What should I look out for / how troublesome is the 7G box?
4. Is the air suspension troublesome / expensive to maintain on the V8?
5. What sort of ballpark budget do you set aside for annual maintenance?

Many thanks!

Jon

[jcelee]

Thanks very much guys, really appreciated.
I think a newer 320CDI will be the more sensible proposition with a little warranty remaining for peace of mind, certainly come resale time... I love the standard looks and am looking for the best possible ride so will probably buy a car on 17s rather than bling bling 20" AMGs!

Now to firm up a reasonable offer on my Golf GTI, the Mercs certainly seem to be depreciating much faster so no desperate hurry - but an itch to scratch!