Which Merc should I buy?
Discussion
Hi folks,
I am in a bit of a quandary right now - I want to buy a quick Merc, something comfy, reliable and that sounds nice.
I am narrowing down the list to the following, and would like to know if anyone has any views on any of these:
- CLK 500
- CL 500
- C 32
- CLS 500
In reality, I have about £5k to spend, so that is going to stick me into something from an 02-07 plate. I can stretch to more than this, but really would prefer not to.
Any thoughts or points on these cars, good or bad?
Cheers,
Andy
I am in a bit of a quandary right now - I want to buy a quick Merc, something comfy, reliable and that sounds nice.
I am narrowing down the list to the following, and would like to know if anyone has any views on any of these:
- CLK 500
- CL 500
- C 32
- CLS 500
In reality, I have about £5k to spend, so that is going to stick me into something from an 02-07 plate. I can stretch to more than this, but really would prefer not to.
Any thoughts or points on these cars, good or bad?
Cheers,
Andy
If you haven't already done so do a bit of research on the suspension systems of the Merc V8's.
You could easily spend another £5k getting it sorted when it goes wrong unless you find a car that has had this work done recently.
On that basis I would go with the C32 if you can get one for £5k.
You could easily spend another £5k getting it sorted when it goes wrong unless you find a car that has had this work done recently.
On that basis I would go with the C32 if you can get one for £5k.
Real world performance you are right, the difference between the SL350 and 500 is about 0.5 sec to 60 which can give you bragging rights but in reality means nothing.
The 320 CDi probably has as much mid range performance as the V8 anyway, and remapping as you say is an option. The downside is you don't get the V8 noise. The V6 petrol sounds pretty good though.
Good luck anyway.
The 320 CDi probably has as much mid range performance as the V8 anyway, and remapping as you say is an option. The downside is you don't get the V8 noise. The V6 petrol sounds pretty good though.
Good luck anyway.
Only the w215 CL500 had ABC suspension.
The CLS500 and has Airmatic suspension.
The C32 AMG and CLK500 have standard steel coil spring suspension.
The 500s all share the m113 V8. The C32 has a super-charged m112 V6.
None of these systems is in anyway hideously prone to failure. All of these systems will require maintenance and replacement parts sooner or later. Steel coils and shock absorbers are relatively inexpensive. Airmatic struts are quite expensive. ABC struts more so. The difficulty is that non-specialists don't know how to diagnose and fix these cars. The other difficulty is pig-ignorant owners run these cars into the ground.
ABC gives an amazingly flat and comfortable ride. Airmatic is pretty impressive in the ride department, too.
The m113 petrol V8 is extraordinarily reliable and is a world away in refinement terms from the V6 diesel. If you're even considering the V6 diesel option, especially the re-mapped V6 diesel option, then the virtues of the V8 will be lost on you. Those virtues have nothing to do with the numbers.
The CLS500 and has Airmatic suspension.
The C32 AMG and CLK500 have standard steel coil spring suspension.
The 500s all share the m113 V8. The C32 has a super-charged m112 V6.
None of these systems is in anyway hideously prone to failure. All of these systems will require maintenance and replacement parts sooner or later. Steel coils and shock absorbers are relatively inexpensive. Airmatic struts are quite expensive. ABC struts more so. The difficulty is that non-specialists don't know how to diagnose and fix these cars. The other difficulty is pig-ignorant owners run these cars into the ground.
ABC gives an amazingly flat and comfortable ride. Airmatic is pretty impressive in the ride department, too.
The m113 petrol V8 is extraordinarily reliable and is a world away in refinement terms from the V6 diesel. If you're even considering the V6 diesel option, especially the re-mapped V6 diesel option, then the virtues of the V8 will be lost on you. Those virtues have nothing to do with the numbers.
Thank you for the information 
I have never owned a V8 and has been something I have wanted for many years so in knowing there are options, I am already looking at either the CLK or CLS - seen some nice ones for sale!
Not always knowing how cars have been looked after does worry me so only going for FSH and just reading about the costs of suspension problems, will probably stick with these choices
I have never owned a V8 and has been something I have wanted for many years so in knowing there are options, I am already looking at either the CLK or CLS - seen some nice ones for sale!
Not always knowing how cars have been looked after does worry me so only going for FSH and just reading about the costs of suspension problems, will probably stick with these choices
I have a CLS 500, the airmatic recently played up, new pump, £104, £20 to get the codes read to confirm and an hour to fit it, it can be expensive but with a bit of research, not that bad, ABC is better but potentially a lot more of a liability.
Aim to get the later 5.5 V8 if you can, it has more power and doesn't have the sensotronic brake control, sbc, which can be problematic.
Aim to get the later 5.5 V8 if you can, it has more power and doesn't have the sensotronic brake control, sbc, which can be problematic.
As R129 has said, CLKs weren't burdened with ABC.
The main issues with Mercs of the period that you've quoted is rust. You're right in the middle of the time when poor paint/prep caused big rust issues.
Personally I'd look for a higher mileage later car - trade age off against mileage - the V8s are very reliable and can do big mileages. A later car - 07 onwards is going to be far more resistant to rust. As long as the car has evidence of money being consistently spent on it - brakes, servicing etc then you'll be OK.
The main issues with Mercs of the period that you've quoted is rust. You're right in the middle of the time when poor paint/prep caused big rust issues.
Personally I'd look for a higher mileage later car - trade age off against mileage - the V8s are very reliable and can do big mileages. A later car - 07 onwards is going to be far more resistant to rust. As long as the car has evidence of money being consistently spent on it - brakes, servicing etc then you'll be OK.
If your budget can stretch I'm happy to discount my car even further. See link. Oh and no ABC on the E class's but they do have airmatic suspension. Most of mine recently being replaced.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Gee21 said:
If your budget can stretch I'm happy to discount my car even further. See link. Oh and no ABC on the E class's but they do have airmatic suspension. Most of mine recently being replaced.
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Thank you but that is quite a lot above my budget.https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
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