Running a CLS as everyday transport
Discussion
...and not beeing sure about a diesel or petrol version - about 7000 miles a year mainly short commuting 12 miles a day with the odd continental blast...
How do the running costs compare (apart from fuel costs)
Servicing, Insuring, resale value, reliability????
Looking at a 2006 or 2207 sample
what were the major changes with the facelift
is the three year warranty transferable???
Has anybody tried to buy from one of the major retailers like car giant - who do they compare (as they charge handling costs etc with the rest of the market???)
Are there any major pitfalls
Thanks
How do the running costs compare (apart from fuel costs)
Servicing, Insuring, resale value, reliability????
Looking at a 2006 or 2207 sample
what were the major changes with the facelift
is the three year warranty transferable???
Has anybody tried to buy from one of the major retailers like car giant - who do they compare (as they charge handling costs etc with the rest of the market???)
Are there any major pitfalls
Thanks
...by now I would have thought somebody would at least quote the search function (which I have used - information regarding mpg, some turbo issues and the ow great transport these cars provide is given but nothing regarding the overall running costs, servicing costs, real life insurance costs (apart from one is class 18 the other 20 - does often not make a difference...)
Anybody more info - please
Anybody more info - please
Don't know any answers yet, but I pick mine up on Saturday. I've gone for the diesel as I do 17k miles a year. Just love the looks, the boot is huge and the kids fit in the back (which they don't in the A5). I was going to go for a 2007-8 model but I found an ex demo 2009 one with the spec I want for a reasonable amount. They have taken a big hit over list price, I know they didn't pay list, but it wipes out the bulk of the first big chunk of depreciation.
cramorra said:
what were the major changes with the facelift
The new 2008 CLS sports a new grille, new rear apron with new LED tail lights and trapezoidal tailpipes, new side mirrors with arrow-shaped LED indicator lights and restyled alloy wheels (17 inch for CLS 280, 320 CDI and 350 CGI; 18 inch on CLS 500; 19 inch for CLS 63 AMG).cramorra said:
is the three year warranty transferable???
Yes - subject to servicing and milage.I've run a diesel from new in Sept 2006. In addition to the facelift listed above, Mercedes did up the torque (by 30 or 40 Nm I think) mid 06. Superb car, smooth and very sprightly (fabulous torque delivery). Not as practical as an E class - headroom in rear and boot capacity both less, and only 4 seats - but fine for me as my children still pretty young.
Mine has done 47,000 miles, is on its third set of rear tyres and second fronts. It's had two services, one minor, one intermediate (due another one in 1500 miles) and don't think I have spent more than £500 on both. No issues with the car, apart from one recall for the crankshaft pulley and one for a software upgrade, and a replacement rear armrest when thecupholder jammed. It had new wheels at the end of the warranty period due to corrosion.
I have never re-set the second trip meter and it has averaged 31.5 mpg since new, although (depressingly) the average speed is 29mph since new - it's my everyday car so spends a lot of time in traffic around town. On a run, if you hover around the low eighties on A roads and motorays it will get 40+.
Insurance is £472 with More Than (the benefit of just passing 50!). Depreciation has been costly, but feel if I keep it for another 18 months or so it won't have been out of proportion to the enjoyment it has provided, but daresay the new CLS, out next year, will dent values further.
In short I'd have another one - although with pressure mounting at home to get a dog, a return to an E class estate may be sensible next time!
Mine has done 47,000 miles, is on its third set of rear tyres and second fronts. It's had two services, one minor, one intermediate (due another one in 1500 miles) and don't think I have spent more than £500 on both. No issues with the car, apart from one recall for the crankshaft pulley and one for a software upgrade, and a replacement rear armrest when thecupholder jammed. It had new wheels at the end of the warranty period due to corrosion.
I have never re-set the second trip meter and it has averaged 31.5 mpg since new, although (depressingly) the average speed is 29mph since new - it's my everyday car so spends a lot of time in traffic around town. On a run, if you hover around the low eighties on A roads and motorays it will get 40+.
Insurance is £472 with More Than (the benefit of just passing 50!). Depreciation has been costly, but feel if I keep it for another 18 months or so it won't have been out of proportion to the enjoyment it has provided, but daresay the new CLS, out next year, will dent values further.
In short I'd have another one - although with pressure mounting at home to get a dog, a return to an E class estate may be sensible next time!
I have owned a CLS 320CDI since September 2007, I really like it. It is incredibly comfortable and an effortless cruiser. I have the Brabus Powerkit which hikes the power/torque to 272bhp/590Nm which does make it fly. A gentle motorway cruise can see it hit 40+ mpg but around town and booting it gives low 30s.
The rear seats have plenty of legroom and headroom but it difficult for tall people to get in/out.
It seems to enjoy the rear tyres as I had to replace a set at 15K.
Servicing is reasonable, I pay £30 a month for a 3 year service plan - the car typically goes for 10-14K between services.
Warranty is transferable as is Mobilolife which gives you roadside assistance if the car has been maintained by MB.
I have had no problems apart from a rattle and some squeaky brakes all of which were fixed under warranty.
Insurance is modest, crica £400 a year.
The facelift details have been covered, purely cosmetic but it also included the white instrument surround from as per the E-Class.
I'd defo have another one, and I hope the next generation is a real looker - if you have the budget then the recent 'Grand Edition' is nice.
If you like the looks, then I would recommend going for it. But it is not a car to be chucked about.
The rear seats have plenty of legroom and headroom but it difficult for tall people to get in/out.
It seems to enjoy the rear tyres as I had to replace a set at 15K.
Servicing is reasonable, I pay £30 a month for a 3 year service plan - the car typically goes for 10-14K between services.
Warranty is transferable as is Mobilolife which gives you roadside assistance if the car has been maintained by MB.
I have had no problems apart from a rattle and some squeaky brakes all of which were fixed under warranty.
Insurance is modest, crica £400 a year.
The facelift details have been covered, purely cosmetic but it also included the white instrument surround from as per the E-Class.
I'd defo have another one, and I hope the next generation is a real looker - if you have the budget then the recent 'Grand Edition' is nice.
If you like the looks, then I would recommend going for it. But it is not a car to be chucked about.
Running around in a 2010 CLS Grand Edition at the mo. Funnily enough the power figures for it are identical to those quoted by Brabus above (272ps, 590NM)... wonder if theres any interplay there ?
My thoughts on it are that its kinda like the tardis in reverse.... huge on the outside and small on the inside... rear seat space is unacceptable for full size adults - the rear seats under-thigh support is way too short and the rear leg room inadequate.
The engine is incredibly refined... it never sounds like its working any harder, whether you are cruising or accelerating WOT.... allows for real press on driving without your passengers ever being aware of it !! The ride is just as an executive car should be, cossetting, unphased by anything the road can throw, and a total contrast to BMW's latest offerings which all, to a tee ride far worse, whether it be an X5 or a 335d.
One issue I have with the performance is the initial step-off... the car seems hesitant to react when i want to take-off hard.... a half sec delay or so but its pretty frustrating and must be software related. Engine lacks the punch of a 335d and I do miss that, but its usually adequate and makes for a refined motorway basher.
Am averaging around 27mpg.... tho a tight new engine and my lead-footedness may have something to do with it.
My thoughts on it are that its kinda like the tardis in reverse.... huge on the outside and small on the inside... rear seat space is unacceptable for full size adults - the rear seats under-thigh support is way too short and the rear leg room inadequate.
The engine is incredibly refined... it never sounds like its working any harder, whether you are cruising or accelerating WOT.... allows for real press on driving without your passengers ever being aware of it !! The ride is just as an executive car should be, cossetting, unphased by anything the road can throw, and a total contrast to BMW's latest offerings which all, to a tee ride far worse, whether it be an X5 or a 335d.
One issue I have with the performance is the initial step-off... the car seems hesitant to react when i want to take-off hard.... a half sec delay or so but its pretty frustrating and must be software related. Engine lacks the punch of a 335d and I do miss that, but its usually adequate and makes for a refined motorway basher.
Am averaging around 27mpg.... tho a tight new engine and my lead-footedness may have something to do with it.
ZeroH said:
Running around in a 2010 CLS Grand Edition at the mo. Funnily enough the power figures for it are identical to those quoted by Brabus above (272ps, 590NM)... wonder if theres any interplay there ?
I've had one of these for a couple of months as well, the 'interplay' is exactly that, MB are fitting the Brabus chip to the Grand Editions at the port. I've enjoyed mine but found it a bit too boring compared with the E-Coupe's I've been running, but it's not really the sort of car to get in and chuck around I guess!I sold one to a friend of mine recently and he was so impressed with it he got rid of his Maser GT-S! He's been brave and had the Designo Matt Grey paint as well, it looks stunning!
Wacky Racer said:
Mrs WR bought a new 320Cdi a couple of years back, very refined and fast, bit cramped in the back, but she found the car a bit big, and the auto box a bit boring, so traded it in for a new Cooper S chili
The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
You do see women driving them quite a bit, but they must be a pain in supermarket and multi-story car parks, unless you've got the mind-set that you just don't care about getting the sides dented.The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
Deva Link said:
Wacky Racer said:
Mrs WR bought a new 320Cdi a couple of years back, very refined and fast, bit cramped in the back, but she found the car a bit big, and the auto box a bit boring, so traded it in for a new Cooper S chili
The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
You do see women driving them quite a bit, but they must be a pain in supermarket and multi-story car parks, unless you've got the mind-set that you just don't care about getting the sides dented.The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
as men these days have to use supermarkets and multistories too....???
SimNugget said:
I have owned a CLS 320CDI since September 2007, I really like it. It is incredibly comfortable and an effortless cruiser. I have the Brabus Powerkit which hikes the power/torque to 272bhp/590Nm which does make it fly. A gentle motorway cruise can see it hit 40+ mpg but around town and booting it gives low 30s.
so the insurance did take the modification not too serious, thenHow much does the brabus chip retail for and how much is fitting
Do other gizmos (traction control, ASR) need re-programming, too???
Does the chip up the rev range (I test drove a 320, had huge power over a rel. small rev band - 1200 to 3800 poss???
Thanks
cramorra said:
Deva Link said:
Wacky Racer said:
Mrs WR bought a new 320Cdi a couple of years back, very refined and fast, bit cramped in the back, but she found the car a bit big, and the auto box a bit boring, so traded it in for a new Cooper S chili
The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
You do see women driving them quite a bit, but they must be a pain in supermarket and multi-story car parks, unless you've got the mind-set that you just don't care about getting the sides dented.The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
cramorra said:
as men these days have to use supermarkets and multistories too....???
...not REAL men. 
Deva Link said:
cramorra said:
Deva Link said:
Wacky Racer said:
Mrs WR bought a new 320Cdi a couple of years back, very refined and fast, bit cramped in the back, but she found the car a bit big, and the auto box a bit boring, so traded it in for a new Cooper S chili
The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
You do see women driving them quite a bit, but they must be a pain in supermarket and multi-story car parks, unless you've got the mind-set that you just don't care about getting the sides dented.The CLS is a lovely everyday car, highly recommended....
OK - agreed
cramorra said:
as men these days have to use supermarkets and multistories too....???
...not REAL men. 
, on the other hand today I was out in the TIV.....
Deva Link said:
ZeroH said:
One issue I have with the performance is the initial step-off... the car seems hesitant to react when i want to take-off hard.... a half sec delay or so but its pretty frustrating and must be software related.
Does it do that even with the autobox in Sport mode?Continue to be impressed by the cars ride comfort... think i've been exposed to too many BMW's !
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