Potential CLS or CL 500 purchase
Discussion
Gents, I have used the pistonheads forums a number of times prior to a purchase and always found the advice invaluable, when purchasing big Jags and BMWs previously. So here we go again! I am considering the purchase of a low mileage CL 500 or CLS500 (am already a merc fan and have a low mileage R129 320 SL) sub 50k miles 2005 - 2008 and quite a wide budget. condition is the important thing to me. I intend to use as my main car doing approx 8k miles a year using it 3 or 4 times a week, so not daily. I'm happy to face into the fuel/servicing costs and also an element of maintenance associated with cars of this age and type. My main concern is reliability and avoidance of any exposure to horrific repair bills. So am interested in any experience of people running these types of vehicle, points to watch prior to purchase, or if I should play safe and go for a diesel CLS or can I buy with confidence? Any advice gratefully received, in the meantime will carry on searching the forum. Thanks
Mark
Mark
It's only worth running a big engined Mercedes if you have a good warranty. My dad had a 2007 CL from new, as soon as the warranty ran out it kept going wrong and was running up four figure bills on a regular basis. His new one (which he has had nearly two years now) is currently off the road (2 weeks so far) waiting for Mercedes Germany and the Mercedes dealer to decide what is wrong, the car or their diagnostic machinery.
orbtar said:
It's only worth running a big engined Mercedes if you have a good warranty. My dad had a 2007 CL from new, as soon as the warranty ran out it kept going wrong and was running up four figure bills on a regular basis. His new one (which he has had nearly two years now) is currently off the road (2 weeks so far) waiting for Mercedes Germany and the Mercedes dealer to decide what is wrong, the car or their diagnostic machinery.
My ML 500 has had over £5,000 worth of warranty claims in 18 months.MB Warranty is vital. When these things go, it is always expensive and complicated.
I have had both CL and CLS AMGs and they are totally different animals. I can't really speak for 500s as I felt that they were only really cooking versions of the bog standard offerings. AMGs look and go so much better!
FWIW:
CL is a much more luxurious place to be than the CLS. The CLS is maybe a little more driver focused as opposed to the CL being more comfort orientated. Do you need the extra doors? Rear space is surprisingly similar (slightly better in the CLS), but the CL is much more plush. The CL in my eyes has more of a presence because of the coupe body, low and wide stance. I guess a simple way to look at it is CL based on S class and their owners needs, CLS based on E Class and their owners needs.
No real alternatives. You have to go up market to the likes of Bentley for the CL and the CLS was in a niche of its own until recently.
If you can, go for the AMG.
Hope that helps!
EDIT: In my experiences, MB service has been awful on many levels. When I had problems with bullet proof MB warranty in place it was still a struggle to get the problems sorted. Diagnosis was also farcical. When these things go wrong be prepared. The most reliable one was the 320CDI Brabus. The least reliable was the CLS63. The one I miss the most is the CLS63...
I have had both CL and CLS AMGs and they are totally different animals. I can't really speak for 500s as I felt that they were only really cooking versions of the bog standard offerings. AMGs look and go so much better!
FWIW:
CL is a much more luxurious place to be than the CLS. The CLS is maybe a little more driver focused as opposed to the CL being more comfort orientated. Do you need the extra doors? Rear space is surprisingly similar (slightly better in the CLS), but the CL is much more plush. The CL in my eyes has more of a presence because of the coupe body, low and wide stance. I guess a simple way to look at it is CL based on S class and their owners needs, CLS based on E Class and their owners needs.
No real alternatives. You have to go up market to the likes of Bentley for the CL and the CLS was in a niche of its own until recently.
If you can, go for the AMG.
Hope that helps!
EDIT: In my experiences, MB service has been awful on many levels. When I had problems with bullet proof MB warranty in place it was still a struggle to get the problems sorted. Diagnosis was also farcical. When these things go wrong be prepared. The most reliable one was the 320CDI Brabus. The least reliable was the CLS63. The one I miss the most is the CLS63...
Edited by The Noise on Friday 15th November 11:46
Thanks for the last couple, really useful. Ive always bought high spec older cars. 7series, CLK55, M5, etc and the only mishap was on a 54 plate range rover vogue with 70k on it when the gear box went. Rear doors are not essential and i want to strike the balance between luxury and performance with out the frustration of constant visits to the garage and ridiculous expense (a bit of expense comes with the territory!) CLS 63 is off the list then....
I shouldn't say this as it is tempting fate but my 07 CLS63 has been virtually faultless over 18 months of ownership - a minor electrical fault fixed in 10 mins and a severed brake wear sensor cable. Depreciation also seems to have slowed down significantly on the AMG CLS. I bought privately from someone who had to sell and non-franchise dealer prices for the same now are still higher than I paid. The AMG CLS is also going to be future classic, the 500 isn't.
I do not know of any suggestions that the AMG is any less reliable than the 500. If you are thinking of a 5.5 500, pay the little bit extra for a 55 or 63 AMG. Otherwise, every time you see an AMG version you'll feel a pang of regret. If you are content with a 5.0, however, then the purchase cost saving on a 500 with AMG body kit (half the AMG price) is probably worth it if you don't want the AMG.
CL is a nice alternative but quite a large car. On the plus side, it's still a current model, at least for now. However, unless you can go AMG, it does seem to be for older gentlemen. I would like the AMG version but it is £10k more than a CLS63 now; it was >£15k more expensive last year and I couldn't justify the extra.
I do not know of any suggestions that the AMG is any less reliable than the 500. If you are thinking of a 5.5 500, pay the little bit extra for a 55 or 63 AMG. Otherwise, every time you see an AMG version you'll feel a pang of regret. If you are content with a 5.0, however, then the purchase cost saving on a 500 with AMG body kit (half the AMG price) is probably worth it if you don't want the AMG.
CL is a nice alternative but quite a large car. On the plus side, it's still a current model, at least for now. However, unless you can go AMG, it does seem to be for older gentlemen. I would like the AMG version but it is £10k more than a CLS63 now; it was >£15k more expensive last year and I couldn't justify the extra.
I've done 10k, the car is almost on 50k. No sign, apart from parking sensor change, of anything other than servicing with 2 previous owners. Certainly on original discs (plenty of wear left). Presumably the pads have been changed. Brakes are an issue on 63 CLS and CL (and E) as front composite discs are very expensive (up to £2k with pads). However, aftermarket options can be found at fraction of price.
Servicing is not significantly more than 500 but, seemingly, it should be done every 12 months even if there is mileage is still left on the computer.
The one major downside is the £490 road tax. I think it would be the same for 5.5 CLS 500s and all current model CLs.
Insurance is not expensive for me (I'm in my early 50s) but it could be crippling for younger drivers with a history of claims.
Servicing is not significantly more than 500 but, seemingly, it should be done every 12 months even if there is mileage is still left on the computer.
The one major downside is the £490 road tax. I think it would be the same for 5.5 CLS 500s and all current model CLs.
Insurance is not expensive for me (I'm in my early 50s) but it could be crippling for younger drivers with a history of claims.
slippery said:
orbtar said:
It's only worth running a big engined Mercedes if you have a good warranty. My dad had a 2007 CL from new, as soon as the warranty ran out it kept going wrong and was running up four figure bills on a regular basis. His new one (which he has had nearly two years now) is currently off the road (2 weeks so far) waiting for Mercedes Germany and the Mercedes dealer to decide what is wrong, the car or their diagnostic machinery.
My ML 500 has had over £5,000 worth of warranty claims in 18 months.Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff