Car swap V2 - who wants a CLS63 AMG for March & April?
Discussion
Before I sound completely insane, or worse, dodgy, I have done this before and in the process made the acquaintance of some great people, one of whom took my CLS63 and lent me his L405 Rangie for a ski season. My counterparty was an absolute gentleman, a real car enthusiast and a pleasure to get to know. Thread is linked below - all 18 pages. It's a really nice read, actually! We insured each others' cars on our own insurance, evidenced that, and signed an agreement to say that if something went catastrophically wrong, we would make up the shortfall if insurance refused replacement. So it helped to swap cars of roughly equal value.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
So, lightly reworded text from the old thread below:
Mods, I hope that GG is the right place for this. It is not an advertisement, nor a transaction, but an appeal/offer to the PH collective!
My local friends and I have run an informal car club for many years - by having each other as named drivers on our stuff. It has worked well as no-one is especially uptight about the odd ding or scratch, and everyone is responsible and trusted. So over the years I have regularly driven others' fun cars, and they have mine. I am thus very relaxed about loaning my stuff to the right folk.
However, the car club is leaving me hanging ragain, as the one thing we lack is a 4x4. This was the case in 2018, and nothing has changed. In fact, the only addition has been an old Maserati and a Nissan Leaf, so all weather is not a function of the arrangement.
I am heading to the mountains of France with Lady F and our two small daughters for two longer trips this year, returning at the end of April. For which I need something capable in the snow, comfortable, and relatively luxurious (or at least modern).
So here goes - I need a PHer, preferably SE based (for logistics, rather than anything else), who has a 4x4 vehicle that I can have from the third week of February, to the end of April. It will need winter capable tyres fitted, please (all season are fine). And you will need to be happy with me fitting Isofix car seats into it. Leather seats preferable as, whilst we do not allow the kids to eat in the car, if there is some sort of car sickness issue, I'd like to be able to do a decent clean up. We'll fit seat covers anyway, as I'd want to protect the seats.
In return, you get my 2012, 62,000 mile, fully loaded Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. Chris Harris' old car, in fact, so plenty of reviews available on here. It is an awesome machine, and I absolutely love it, but it has drawbacks for mountain life - 557bhp twin turbo V8 driving the rear wheels is simply no good up there if the weather gets bad. Also, these performance cars (RS6 included) do not readily take snow chains due to lack of wheelarch gap: and frankly if you need snow chains, you need front wheel drive at a very minimum. Not that chains would make any difference to this old school muscle car of an estate.
The car remains in beautiful condition, but since the last time I did this with a PHer, has had new discs and pads and a new clutch so is in top mechanical condition. It leads a pampered life as we have a Nissan Leaf for runabout duties. The Merc is used on long trips only. It has been faultlessly reliable in my 5.5 years of ownership. It had one issue where it would occasionally stall and be a bit shunty at low speeds - but this turned out to be nothing more than the wet clutch being at the end of its life, which I replaced!
The only thing I ask is no trackdays in it, please. It used to live that life in Chris Harris' care, so can take it - but I'd rather that it didn't have that life again. By the same token, I won't take your 4x4 off-roading!
So, chaps - who's game? Anyone? I don't need a Range Rover (although I will admit, it was lovely to have one last time), but a dicey old Toyota Hilux pickup won't really do. And it would be good if you don't have any criminal convictions, or addictions to Class A drugs.
Not renting the house out this time, and already have friends living in it whilst we are away, so sadly can't throw it into the package!
So this is my car, on offer. Badly kerbed wheels aside (grrr - but geo/alignment is fine, it's just high London kerbs taking a toll), it is lovely. It has all the toys, including self-park (which if we used more would have saved the wheels), distronic radar cruise, extended leather, heated/cooled memory seats - oh, and a 5.5 litre, twin turbo, 557bhp AMG V8 which sounds like an artillery barrage on start-up, and like rolling thunder under load.
In Chris Harris' possession when new:
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/mercedes...
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/cls63-am...
And the day back in 2019 that I collected it back from the PHer and gentleman...
20190524_121226 by baconrashers, on Flickr
...who had lent me this, and collected it back on the same day as we met at a motor museum for a pleasant morning of car related nerdery!
20190524_121217 by baconrashers, on Flickr
So, anyone? Don't make me rent a Toyota RAV4 from Geneva airport. I can't take it.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
So, lightly reworded text from the old thread below:
Mods, I hope that GG is the right place for this. It is not an advertisement, nor a transaction, but an appeal/offer to the PH collective!
My local friends and I have run an informal car club for many years - by having each other as named drivers on our stuff. It has worked well as no-one is especially uptight about the odd ding or scratch, and everyone is responsible and trusted. So over the years I have regularly driven others' fun cars, and they have mine. I am thus very relaxed about loaning my stuff to the right folk.
However, the car club is leaving me hanging ragain, as the one thing we lack is a 4x4. This was the case in 2018, and nothing has changed. In fact, the only addition has been an old Maserati and a Nissan Leaf, so all weather is not a function of the arrangement.
I am heading to the mountains of France with Lady F and our two small daughters for two longer trips this year, returning at the end of April. For which I need something capable in the snow, comfortable, and relatively luxurious (or at least modern).
So here goes - I need a PHer, preferably SE based (for logistics, rather than anything else), who has a 4x4 vehicle that I can have from the third week of February, to the end of April. It will need winter capable tyres fitted, please (all season are fine). And you will need to be happy with me fitting Isofix car seats into it. Leather seats preferable as, whilst we do not allow the kids to eat in the car, if there is some sort of car sickness issue, I'd like to be able to do a decent clean up. We'll fit seat covers anyway, as I'd want to protect the seats.
In return, you get my 2012, 62,000 mile, fully loaded Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. Chris Harris' old car, in fact, so plenty of reviews available on here. It is an awesome machine, and I absolutely love it, but it has drawbacks for mountain life - 557bhp twin turbo V8 driving the rear wheels is simply no good up there if the weather gets bad. Also, these performance cars (RS6 included) do not readily take snow chains due to lack of wheelarch gap: and frankly if you need snow chains, you need front wheel drive at a very minimum. Not that chains would make any difference to this old school muscle car of an estate.
The car remains in beautiful condition, but since the last time I did this with a PHer, has had new discs and pads and a new clutch so is in top mechanical condition. It leads a pampered life as we have a Nissan Leaf for runabout duties. The Merc is used on long trips only. It has been faultlessly reliable in my 5.5 years of ownership. It had one issue where it would occasionally stall and be a bit shunty at low speeds - but this turned out to be nothing more than the wet clutch being at the end of its life, which I replaced!
The only thing I ask is no trackdays in it, please. It used to live that life in Chris Harris' care, so can take it - but I'd rather that it didn't have that life again. By the same token, I won't take your 4x4 off-roading!
So, chaps - who's game? Anyone? I don't need a Range Rover (although I will admit, it was lovely to have one last time), but a dicey old Toyota Hilux pickup won't really do. And it would be good if you don't have any criminal convictions, or addictions to Class A drugs.
Not renting the house out this time, and already have friends living in it whilst we are away, so sadly can't throw it into the package!
So this is my car, on offer. Badly kerbed wheels aside (grrr - but geo/alignment is fine, it's just high London kerbs taking a toll), it is lovely. It has all the toys, including self-park (which if we used more would have saved the wheels), distronic radar cruise, extended leather, heated/cooled memory seats - oh, and a 5.5 litre, twin turbo, 557bhp AMG V8 which sounds like an artillery barrage on start-up, and like rolling thunder under load.
In Chris Harris' possession when new:
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/mercedes...
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-fleet/cls63-am...
And the day back in 2019 that I collected it back from the PHer and gentleman...
20190524_121226 by baconrashers, on Flickr...who had lent me this, and collected it back on the same day as we met at a motor museum for a pleasant morning of car related nerdery!
20190524_121217 by baconrashers, on FlickrSo, anyone? Don't make me rent a Toyota RAV4 from Geneva airport. I can't take it.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Saturday 15th January 12:44
If you fancy meeting halfway, I would swap you my volvo xc90 for that period, as I'm not using it tow the caravan at all until june, so no need for 4x4.
All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
SitCet said:
Could I ask how much the wet clutch replacement cost? Think I've got the same 7g+ gearbox and it's got similar symptoms.
Not as bad as you may think, about 800 quid fitted. Thanks all for responses. Mulling over! Rather hoping that so eone a bit closer decides they want my car as with 2 kids, getting away is a pain. Then again, road trip to meet someone half way for a good country pub lunch is also a big draw...
eltax91 said:
Similar age, but nowhere near as valuable, Discovery 4 sdv6 available here if you like. It’s about to be shod with new rubber so you can even choose your all seasons if you like. 
Leicestershire, FYI
Hi Eltax, Leicestershire is very doable and a Disco 4 would be perfect as it's a big fella and I have a bit of a love for LR products. Has it been reliable? Leicestershire, FYI
Also the tyre thing is a great bonus. Would be great to have some new treads with a winter rating before the trip, just in case.
Front runner!
Edited by Harry Flashman on Sunday 16th January 14:58
Nicks90 said:
If you fancy meeting halfway, I would swap you my volvo xc90 for that period, as I'm not using it tow the caravan at all until june, so no need for 4x4.
All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
Very, very tempting. These are so comfortable...where are you, for logistical planning? All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
Slow said:
I would offer you my L405 but I think insurance on a 27 year old in a CLS63 might be a pain.
Also I am in the north of Scotland!
A shame as I think insurance would be horrid for you. But my car would be amazing on your roads, it would have been nice to know it was being used as intended in truly great roads. Also I am in the north of Scotland!
Getting the swap done may be a bit logistically extreme though!
I really appreciate the offer and would have loved another L405, frankly. Superb cars.
Harry Flashman said:
Slow said:
I would offer you my L405 but I think insurance on a 27 year old in a CLS63 might be a pain.
Also I am in the north of Scotland!
A shame as I think insurance would be horrid for you. But my car would be amazing on your roads, it would have been nice to know it was being used as intended in truly great roads. Also I am in the north of Scotland!
Getting the swap done may be a bit logistically extreme though!
I really appreciate the offer and would have loved another L405, frankly. Superb cars.
Logistically im about 10ish hours from London so a bit far haha.
A shame Slow - that is lovely!
Actually not surprised on the insurance, on reflection. The CLS isn't that bad as they are rare and a bit under the radar. My quotes for an RS6 was nearly three times the premium here in London as for the '63. One if the many reasons I chose the Merc over the Audi, actually - running costs are better.
Of course, if I had bought the Audi, this thread would not be necessary...! But then life would be poorer, too.
Thank you for the offer. You ever find yourself in London, let me buy you a pint.
Actually not surprised on the insurance, on reflection. The CLS isn't that bad as they are rare and a bit under the radar. My quotes for an RS6 was nearly three times the premium here in London as for the '63. One if the many reasons I chose the Merc over the Audi, actually - running costs are better.
Of course, if I had bought the Audi, this thread would not be necessary...! But then life would be poorer, too.
Thank you for the offer. You ever find yourself in London, let me buy you a pint.
Edited by Harry Flashman on Tuesday 18th January 23:01
Spleen - for sure, that could work! Tempted by a fast Merc for the spring?
I note from your profile that it's spent a bit of time at LR getting fixed. Sorted now?
Life is too short for me being murdered by Lady F in a French layby as we wait for recovery...
I note from your profile that it's spent a bit of time at LR getting fixed. Sorted now?
Life is too short for me being murdered by Lady F in a French layby as we wait for recovery...
Edited by Harry Flashman on Sunday 16th January 15:40
I am as it goes, may just have to convince Mrs Spleen as she has an absolute loathing of AMGs (long and very boring story) but that was a while ago when she formed that opinion. We have a Springer though, not sure if you would be happy with a dag being ferried around in that rather lovely car?
Spleen said:
I am as it goes, may just have to convince Mrs Spleen as she has an absolute loathing of AMGs (long and very boring story) but that was a while ago when she formed that opinion. We have a Springer though, not sure if you would be happy with a dag being ferried around in that rather lovely car?
So to answer your points, as I'm sure others have similar questions:MY CLS wants for nothing mechanically, is maintained and kept regardless of cost, but it is a family estate car and is used as such. No issues with a Springer in the back (lovely dogs, by the way - we are moving towards a working cocker next year). See pic below - to anyone worried about borrowing my car, know that I use it as an estate car should be used. It gets cleaned afterwards, but it's still a practical Merc as well as a monster performance car. It also has a load tray in the boot, over the light carpet, for this reason.
As for wives not liking AMGs, this one is like any E-class when pottering. Refined, easy to drive, comfortable and effortless. They are very unlike the older 6.2 NAs, which are raw and a more truculent. This one hides the fact that it's a complete thug until you decide to use it like one. The only reason Mrs Flash doesn't like it in London is its size, not its performance.
Biggest problem for wives will be that this car is low. You sit low, the driving position is sports car like, with (very comfortable) sports seats and legs straight ahead of you type driving position. And visibility is thus not as good. An E63 AMG or RS6 feel very different, as these are built on more practical estate car bodies than the CLS.
Anyway, Springer in the boot? No problem:
IMG_20200802_182220 by baconrashers, on FlickrEdited by Harry Flashman on Sunday 16th January 16:10
Nicks90 said:
If you fancy meeting halfway, I would swap you my volvo xc90 for that period, as I'm not using it tow the caravan at all until june, so no need for 4x4.
All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
Hi Nick, in the process of sending message to the folks who are up for a swap (except for Slow - sadly whilst that L405 is great, he's a bit too far away!) - but your profile doesn't allow e-mails! If you'd like to consider, let me know via my profile.All I will be using a motor for will be driving over the m62 to work once a week.
I'm in Yorkshire but as said above, would be willing to meet halfway.
Very best,
HF.
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