Mercedes CL500 - Advice

[Johnny 89]

Hi Folks, I haven't posted here in ages. However, I'm looking at a Merc CL500 this week and wondering if anyone has experience? It's a 2002 car, low mileage.

[nobrakes]

Just buy it and keep us posted!

[BlueMR2]

Check everything electric.

Twice.

[trevalvole]

BlueMR2 said:

Check everything electric.

Twice.

Then check the ABC suspension.

Check when the automatic transmission fluid was changed. Take the engine cover off and look for rocker cover breather oil leaks (not a massive amount to fix). Go under the car and see if there is any evidence of leaks from the main seal (loads to fix). Check the exhaust and catalysts look ok and haven't been messed with (on my Merc one of the catalysts had been removed from its container and the container welded up).

Unless it is so cheap that you won't lose much by scrapping it, then get it checked over by a specialist, as this could well be a case of spend £2k on it, then £5k to fix it. You may find that a facelifted one is better - the facelifted versions of W220 S-class, and presumably the W215 CL, had more reliable electronics IIRC.

[paul_c123]

Is this the one with the ABC (hydraulic suspension)? If so, do a little research on the repair costs - its many times more than Merc air suspension parts etc - and check if its in good condition and/or hopefully, its actually been replaced recently at a previous owner's expense. Other than that, as above check the electrics, but also check thoroughly for underbody corrosion because its an old Merc of a certain age.

With that age, its impossible to say things are starting to wear out, or they already have and should have been replaced by now etc but they are wonderful cars when they're working properly.

[alabbasi]

Rust
Abc
Electrical

They are the same as the s class for the era so whatever the problems are with the s class will apply , except airmatic as it's abc which only some s class have. Look on YouTube for a billion reviews and buyer guides

[ZX10R NIN]

Personally if you're looking at one of these, I'd probably recommend going for a CLK500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507144...

Depending on your budget this CLK500 Sport could be a great buy if it's the 5.5:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/376419156530?_skw=clk+5...

[AddyT.]

I would advise joining an MB owners forum before buying to get some advice. I did this before buying my E Coupe a few weeks ago. Really great advice and very helpful owners and there's always someone who knows the answer to your question. Also would recommend contacting a local recommended independent for advice before buying. I am a member of mercedesclub.org.uk - would recommend posting on there before buying anything

[ptevo]

Had a 600 bhp CL65 05 PLATE from 12 months old. £165,000 new.... I paid £79k one year old - a portence ?

Fine for first eight years £1000 a year servicing.....

Until - then the gearbox went £6k,

Suspension ditto cost or perhaps £8k

and then white froth in oil filler cap (Head Gasket) even more than £8k ...all in one year.

Sold for £19,000 nine years old !

Deep pockets needed hence.

[alabbasi]

I have two spare 1000nm gearboxes, but you'll have to come to Texas to get them :-)

Edited by alabbasi on Friday 1st August 04:43

[Wills2]

ptevo said:

Had a 600 bhp CL65 05 PLATE from 12 months old. £165,000 new.... I paid £79k one year old - a portence ?

Fine for first eight years £1000 a year servicing.....

Until - then the gearbox went £6k,

Suspension ditto cost or perhaps £8k

and then white froth in oil filler cap (Head Gasket) even more than £8k ...all in one year.

Sold for £19,000 nine years old !

Deep pockets needed hence.

That's a £950 a month on average or near enough over the 8 years you had it, there is probably a sweet spot on these cars to enter and exit not that I have ever found that point on any car I've owned apart from a couple of new M3s that I bought right by chance.

[alabbasi]

Now that the newest of these is 20 years old. I don't think depreciation is a concern. There are lots of bad ones around, but when they're scrapped, the nicer ones will appreciate.