Discussion
J4CKO said:
KungFuPanda said:
Four wheel drive counts for a lot in real world conditions though. My mate just had me off the line in his A5 3.0 tdi quattro. On paper both my S class and his A5 seem evenly matched. That is until I try and put my foot down and the traction control cuts in.
Good luck with the viewing of the Z. Let me know after the weekend if you want more info about the wheels. The weather has been terrible so I haven't had chance to clean or photograph them yet.
Zed has gone but going to stick with 18s and stick a full set of decent new tyres on, at the moment it has some Micelins on the back that are low and some "Mohawks" on the front that are brand new but if I need to change two, may as well do all four, I like how it rides and dont want to compromise itGood luck with the viewing of the Z. Let me know after the weekend if you want more info about the wheels. The weather has been terrible so I haven't had chance to clean or photograph them yet.
Enjoy the CLS in good health J4CKO!
If you're looking for some inspiration wheel wise take a look at the Stance SC-6 Alloys I ordered a set when I was in the states recently (as an early xmas present) after seeing this car in the flesh the wheels have great detail & most importantly they're strong having had Vertini alloys:
BUG4LIFE said:
Ah, so you went for a CLS 500! I saw your thread on the S-Type R and XJR. Both the Merc and STR are on my maybe list (together with a C55 and Audi S4)...so how did you decide on the CLS, was it just cos one came up first?
Bit of that, my son kept suggesting it and I have always loved the shape, did a bit of research and spotted one in Birmingham but by the time I had got my act together it had gone, I then decided to find the nearest CLS 500 in budget with the 388 bhp engine, up popped this one and to be honest the photos didnt grab me, wasnt keen on the grey leather in the pics and it wasnt grabbing me but I thought what the heck and went with my mate to see it, my mate is normally the worlds biggest sceptic but kept telling the dealer how nice it was 
anyway the dealer was very welcoming and accommodating and we went for a test drive, and that was that, got back made a low, but credible and honest offer which was accepted, a deposit was left on the understanding I would pick it up week hence, which I did.Its funny how pictures of cars dont always do them justice or hide horrors, this just seems a clean and tidy example, no dents, all we could fault it on was a scuff on the rear seats, I spoke to a few Jag sellers and they were saying that they had "some corrosion" where the alloy had powdered but Mercedes seem to have sorted their act out, no rust anywhere.
Plus, though I like jags I think this is perhaps less of a statement whilst still being a fine looking (to me) and comparatively rare car
Not saying its better than the Jags, just different and I managed to sell my 350Z for exactly the same price as I paid ofr this, even the missus seems fairly positive, but not interested enough to go anywhere in it yet !
KungFuPanda said:
J4CKO said:
KungFuPanda said:
Four wheel drive counts for a lot in real world conditions though. My mate just had me off the line in his A5 3.0 tdi quattro. On paper both my S class and his A5 seem evenly matched. That is until I try and put my foot down and the traction control cuts in.
Good luck with the viewing of the Z. Let me know after the weekend if you want more info about the wheels. The weather has been terrible so I haven't had chance to clean or photograph them yet.
Zed has gone but going to stick with 18s and stick a full set of decent new tyres on, at the moment it has some Micelins on the back that are low and some "Mohawks" on the front that are brand new but if I need to change two, may as well do all four, I like how it rides and dont want to compromise itGood luck with the viewing of the Z. Let me know after the weekend if you want more info about the wheels. The weather has been terrible so I haven't had chance to clean or photograph them yet.
Enjoy the CLS in good health J4CKO!
It looks ok on 18s, I like the big alloys but I like the OEM look and not having to worry too much about someone nicking them or kerbing them , a quick home refurb for 2 of mine will have it perfect, they are a fairly pleasant design, bad luck on the ones you bought being cracked, are you going to try and get your money back ?
J4CKO said:
BUG4LIFE said:
Ah, so you went for a CLS 500! I saw your thread on the S-Type R and XJR. Both the Merc and STR are on my maybe list (together with a C55 and Audi S4)...so how did you decide on the CLS, was it just cos one came up first?
Bit of that, my son kept suggesting it and I have always loved the shape, did a bit of research and spotted one in Birmingham but by the time I had got my act together it had gone, I then decided to find the nearest CLS 500 in budget with the 388 bhp engine, up popped this one and to be honest the photos didnt grab me, wasnt keen on the grey leather in the pics and it wasnt grabbing me but I thought what the heck and went with my mate to see it, my mate is normally the worlds biggest sceptic but kept telling the dealer how nice it was anyway the dealer was very welcoming and accommodating and we went for a test drive, and that was that, got back made a low, but credible and honest offer which was accepted, a deposit was left on the understanding I would pick it up week hence, which I did.Its funny how pictures of cars dont always do them justice or hide horrors, this just seems a clean and tidy example, no dents, all we could fault it on was a scuff on the rear seats, I spoke to a few Jag sellers and they were saying that they had "some corrosion" where the alloy had powdered but Mercedes seem to have sorted their act out, no rust anywhere.
Plus, though I like jags I think this is perhaps less of a statement whilst still being a fine looking (to me) and comparatively rare car
Not saying its better than the Jags, just different and I managed to sell my 350Z for exactly the same price as I paid ofr this, even the missus seems fairly positive, but not interested enough to go anywhere in it yet !
First gen CLS is lovely and is amazing value. Try and go for the facelift 2008 onwards. Telltale clues are newer steering wheel and square tailpipes. I know what you mean by being designed to waft rather than all out POWERRRR!!!
I've got a 2008 S320 CDI, and it has totally changed my driving habits. I seem to gently waft everywhere in my armchair of a car. Just today, I drove my bosses CL63 AMG which is the same car inside but with masses more power. I didn't think it suited the car as the power was just unusable in damp conditions. Maybe it would have been difficult when using it as a grand tourer as it's designed to be.
J4CKO, I might have to chalk up the wheels to experience. Seller isn't answering the phone and I'll be buggered if I'm driving from Manc to Colchester again.
I've got a 2008 S320 CDI, and it has totally changed my driving habits. I seem to gently waft everywhere in my armchair of a car. Just today, I drove my bosses CL63 AMG which is the same car inside but with masses more power. I didn't think it suited the car as the power was just unusable in damp conditions. Maybe it would have been difficult when using it as a grand tourer as it's designed to be.
J4CKO, I might have to chalk up the wheels to experience. Seller isn't answering the phone and I'll be buggered if I'm driving from Manc to Colchester again.
BUG4LIFE said:
J4CKO said:
BUG4LIFE said:
Ah, so you went for a CLS 500! I saw your thread on the S-Type R and XJR. Both the Merc and STR are on my maybe list (together with a C55 and Audi S4)...so how did you decide on the CLS, was it just cos one came up first?
Bit of that, my son kept suggesting it and I have always loved the shape, did a bit of research and spotted one in Birmingham but by the time I had got my act together it had gone, I then decided to find the nearest CLS 500 in budget with the 388 bhp engine, up popped this one and to be honest the photos didnt grab me, wasnt keen on the grey leather in the pics and it wasnt grabbing me but I thought what the heck and went with my mate to see it, my mate is normally the worlds biggest sceptic but kept telling the dealer how nice it was anyway the dealer was very welcoming and accommodating and we went for a test drive, and that was that, got back made a low, but credible and honest offer which was accepted, a deposit was left on the understanding I would pick it up week hence, which I did.Its funny how pictures of cars dont always do them justice or hide horrors, this just seems a clean and tidy example, no dents, all we could fault it on was a scuff on the rear seats, I spoke to a few Jag sellers and they were saying that they had "some corrosion" where the alloy had powdered but Mercedes seem to have sorted their act out, no rust anywhere.
Plus, though I like jags I think this is perhaps less of a statement whilst still being a fine looking (to me) and comparatively rare car
Not saying its better than the Jags, just different and I managed to sell my 350Z for exactly the same price as I paid ofr this, even the missus seems fairly positive, but not interested enough to go anywhere in it yet !
Comfort, change to Sport on both and the car tightens up its responses nicely, not exactly bristling but usefully more taught and it can be hustled more agressively than you would think.
It is fairly rapid, when you catch it right it feels really fast, I gave it a squirt earlier and it still pulls hard at high speed, the AMG ones must be just plain daft, the 55 has another 80 or so horsepower and a load more torque, must be an exercise in restraint reigning that lot in.
Not sure on an exhaust, not sure it would suit the car, would have to be subtle.
Just done 350 miles in it, averaged 28 mpg and it behaved itself.
KungFuPanda said:
First gen CLS is lovely and is amazing value. Try and go for the facelift 2008 onwards. Telltale clues are newer steering wheel and square tailpipes. I know what you mean by being designed to waft rather than all out POWERRRR!!!
I've got a 2008 S320 CDI, and it has totally changed my driving habits. I seem to gently waft everywhere in my armchair of a car. Just today, I drove my bosses CL63 AMG which is the same car inside but with masses more power. I didn't think it suited the car as the power was just unusable in damp conditions. Maybe it would have been difficult when using it as a grand tourer as it's designed to be.
J4CKO, I might have to chalk up the wheels to experience. Seller isn't answering the phone and I'll be buggered if I'm driving from Manc to Colchester again.
Shame about the wheels, can you not advertise them as needing a repair ?I've got a 2008 S320 CDI, and it has totally changed my driving habits. I seem to gently waft everywhere in my armchair of a car. Just today, I drove my bosses CL63 AMG which is the same car inside but with masses more power. I didn't think it suited the car as the power was just unusable in damp conditions. Maybe it would have been difficult when using it as a grand tourer as it's designed to be.
J4CKO, I might have to chalk up the wheels to experience. Seller isn't answering the phone and I'll be buggered if I'm driving from Manc to Colchester again.
I agree on wafting, I sometimes feel like I have to give it some stick seeing as I am paying for it, not bothered about going that fast, you sort of get there and wonder why you did, very easy to be going way way faster than you should, even in a non AMG one, that said, would like to try an AMG variant but I am quite happy with this non AMG, especially when guys at work ask if yours is an AMG like theirs, i.e. a C220 "AMG Line", nice enough car but they seem to think having a badge makes it superior, its a nice car but they miss the point of the two and a bit times more power, they marvel at the £500 VED and late teens mpg and wonder how i can afford to run something like that but miss the point I am not paying £340 a month,
vanordinaire said:
I've got registration number CLS 55Y on an old bike if you buy a 5.5l and fancy a private plate for it?
I've kept the bike/registration for years hoping that one day I'd get a CLS for myself but it doesn't look like it now. Shame, they are nice cars.
You have a PM, I wouldn't mind that plate!I've kept the bike/registration for years hoping that one day I'd get a CLS for myself but it doesn't look like it now. Shame, they are nice cars.
BUG4LIFE said:
I do really like the shape of the first gen CLS [the new one is far to generic] so would love a 388 version myself. The only thing that puts me off is that [I guess] it's designed to be a car to waft in, as appose to being raw and sporty in any way? Would a C55 or Jag STR just be more exciting?! I know it depends on your needs and I guess you were after a bit of waftyness [is that a word] - would a fruity exhaust add a bit of character?
Raw and sporty? I bought my C55 because it is not raw not sporty. But then my other car is a modified Boxster but I couldn't even call that raw either. I guess it all depends on your perception and comparative basis. If you want a fruity exhaust all you need is a secondary cat delete and a x-pipe and job done. My Boxster has sports cats and manifolds and a modified exhaust. Inside it sounds much louder than my C55 but the C55 from the outside is way louder. edc said:
BUG4LIFE said:
I do really like the shape of the first gen CLS [the new one is far to generic] so would love a 388 version myself. The only thing that puts me off is that [I guess] it's designed to be a car to waft in, as appose to being raw and sporty in any way? Would a C55 or Jag STR just be more exciting?! I know it depends on your needs and I guess you were after a bit of waftyness [is that a word] - would a fruity exhaust add a bit of character?
Raw and sporty? I bought my C55 because it is not raw not sporty. But then my other car is a modified Boxster but I couldn't even call that raw either. I guess it all depends on your perception and comparative basis. If you want a fruity exhaust all you need is a secondary cat delete and a x-pipe and job done. My Boxster has sports cats and manifolds and a modified exhaust. Inside it sounds much louder than my C55 but the C55 from the outside is way louder. I haven't spent any meaningful time in your comparison cars so can't really comment but C55 feels positively luxurious compared to an E90 BMW M Sport I had a few years ago.
It's no Range Rover for sure and I've had a couple of those. It's probably quite similar in ride to an E39 M5 perhaps maybe a bit stiffer? I had some time in one but it was a couple of years ago to be fresh in mind.
It's no Range Rover for sure and I've had a couple of those. It's probably quite similar in ride to an E39 M5 perhaps maybe a bit stiffer? I had some time in one but it was a couple of years ago to be fresh in mind.
Patrick Bateman said:
J4CKO, how was the 350Z roadster? Are they still good fun to take for a thrash or do they become more of a cruiser with the folding roof added?
I did enjoy it, still plenty of Z spirit in the roadster, more so with a fruity exhaust and the roof down, puts me in mind of a modernised japanese big Healey.Ok, it is heavy for a sports car but it can be hustled, not delicate in anyway but satisfying in a gruff way, Merc is so totally different but am enjoying wafting, sometimes forget its got almost 400 bhp.
Replaced the two expansion plugs that were seeping oil onto the hot exhaust and causing a stink, seems to have cured the hot, oily waft and only cost me £14.
Hopefully will get chance to change the front pads over the holidays.
The suspension seems to hold pressure ok which is good.
Am settling in to ownership, fuel consumption is bad but doesnt seem to be costing me any more to run than the 350Z, not doing that many miles and 99p a litre or not much more helps.
Will get the tracking done as it has a slight pull to the left I notice on the motorway, the place that did the tyres looked at the tracking with the gauges, said its a bit out but they didnt want to upset it, whats the point of doing it then if you are scared of actually adjusting the track rod ends ? will take it back to them and tell them to adjust it this time.
Hopefully will get chance to change the front pads over the holidays.
The suspension seems to hold pressure ok which is good.
Am settling in to ownership, fuel consumption is bad but doesnt seem to be costing me any more to run than the 350Z, not doing that many miles and 99p a litre or not much more helps.
Will get the tracking done as it has a slight pull to the left I notice on the motorway, the place that did the tyres looked at the tracking with the gauges, said its a bit out but they didnt want to upset it, whats the point of doing it then if you are scared of actually adjusting the track rod ends ? will take it back to them and tell them to adjust it this time.
Just had a new set of wheels and tyres fitted to the S class and I'm suffering from the same problem. Car is drifting to the left ever so slightly. It was fine when I had the original set on. Will take it to a place with a Hunter 4 wheel alignment rig in the New Year.
A poor pic of the new wheels...
A poor pic of the new wheels...
KungFuPanda said:
Just had a new set of wheels and tyres fitted to the S class and I'm suffering from the same problem. Car is drifting to the left ever so slightly. It was fine when I had the original set on. Will take it to a place with a Hunter 4 wheel alignment rig in the New Year.
A poor pic of the new wheels...
That is a very smart looking motor, and the wheels really suit it, look forward to a few more shots of it.A poor pic of the new wheels...
The dog doesnt like V8 power, I gave it a bit of throttle and he jumped from the passenger footwell onto my sons lap.
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