Mercedes CL500
Discussion
As some of you know, I've owned an S Class Merc for a couple of years now and overall it's been awesome. It's not been cheap to run but far from cripplingly bad, it's one of the nicest driving experiences I've had covering long drives amazingly well.
Sadly the proposed ULEZ means my S isn't compliant, so I'm moving that car on and went on the hunt for a compliant car. I didn't want to lose the comfort of my S but don't quite need it's practicality anyway.
I went on the hunt for a CL, basically a two door S Class. It's a funny market with these cars, early C216 models (07) are quite cheap, even with low mileage but most of the ones I'd seen didn't really have many options. Later models (09/10) are more expensive regardless of more miles and then there's a fairly big jump for super low mileage or facelifted models.
In short(ish), I settled on this. It's a 2010 CL500 with 93k on the clock, a full service history and a number of rather nice options, including AMG styling. It has a 5.5 V8 and makes just over 380bhp, not huge power but it goes well for it's size.
I haven't got the car yet but the deal is done as I managed to get a gearbox service and free delivery included in the price.
It's got some lovely features as well. A light grey leather interior and heated/cooled seats and dark wood trim including on the steering wheel. It has soft close doors and boot and night view assist which is novel if not a bit unnecessary.
Must say it feels like quite a special car, my S is lovely but despite not being a full bore AMG, feels very much like my CLS63. Roll on next week!
Sadly the proposed ULEZ means my S isn't compliant, so I'm moving that car on and went on the hunt for a compliant car. I didn't want to lose the comfort of my S but don't quite need it's practicality anyway.
I went on the hunt for a CL, basically a two door S Class. It's a funny market with these cars, early C216 models (07) are quite cheap, even with low mileage but most of the ones I'd seen didn't really have many options. Later models (09/10) are more expensive regardless of more miles and then there's a fairly big jump for super low mileage or facelifted models.
In short(ish), I settled on this. It's a 2010 CL500 with 93k on the clock, a full service history and a number of rather nice options, including AMG styling. It has a 5.5 V8 and makes just over 380bhp, not huge power but it goes well for it's size.
I haven't got the car yet but the deal is done as I managed to get a gearbox service and free delivery included in the price.
It's got some lovely features as well. A light grey leather interior and heated/cooled seats and dark wood trim including on the steering wheel. It has soft close doors and boot and night view assist which is novel if not a bit unnecessary.
Must say it feels like quite a special car, my S is lovely but despite not being a full bore AMG, feels very much like my CLS63. Roll on next week!
Thank you.
Yes it should be interesting. Fuel wise more obviously but as far as the engine goes there’s no DPF or EGR valve for sorry about. ABC suspension can be expensive though so we’ll see.
It’s not averaged huge mileage at 7-8k a year but it has been used and I hope in turn issues ironed out as it’s gone along. By contrast my S Class had done 900 miles in the previous year, I did that in about 5-6 weeks and exposed a few faults that were covered by the warranty.
The one thing about this over my particular S is that by being a V8 and if I’m honest a slightly more special car, it’ll be even more worth maintaining.
Yes it should be interesting. Fuel wise more obviously but as far as the engine goes there’s no DPF or EGR valve for sorry about. ABC suspension can be expensive though so we’ll see.
It’s not averaged huge mileage at 7-8k a year but it has been used and I hope in turn issues ironed out as it’s gone along. By contrast my S Class had done 900 miles in the previous year, I did that in about 5-6 weeks and exposed a few faults that were covered by the warranty.
The one thing about this over my particular S is that by being a V8 and if I’m honest a slightly more special car, it’ll be even more worth maintaining.
Thanks all.
Considering this is the, 'baby' engined version of the car it still feels very special. From the test drive, it certainly felt like a very comfortable, quiet and as refined as my S Class. The seating position and the styling feels like my CLS63 so it's a really nice combination.
I'm hoping for no ruinous bills but then again it was what, £80 or £90k? Anything that needs fixing will be expensive as it was on my S Class but for what I paid for it, I still consider the running costs being a bargain.
Hopefully it should be dropped off to me on Thursday.
Considering this is the, 'baby' engined version of the car it still feels very special. From the test drive, it certainly felt like a very comfortable, quiet and as refined as my S Class. The seating position and the styling feels like my CLS63 so it's a really nice combination.
I'm hoping for no ruinous bills but then again it was what, £80 or £90k? Anything that needs fixing will be expensive as it was on my S Class but for what I paid for it, I still consider the running costs being a bargain.
Hopefully it should be dropped off to me on Thursday.
Really nice - hope it treats you well.
I considered one in 2020 but found the same issue as you where early models had higher mileage and later ones were quite expensive. Perhaps the thinking is the 4l is cheaper to run than the 5.5?
Re air suspension, hopefully it doesn’t break, but if it does, a lot of the BMW crew swear by this company:
https://nagengast.pl/en/about/?wmc-currency=EUR
I considered one in 2020 but found the same issue as you where early models had higher mileage and later ones were quite expensive. Perhaps the thinking is the 4l is cheaper to run than the 5.5?
Re air suspension, hopefully it doesn’t break, but if it does, a lot of the BMW crew swear by this company:
https://nagengast.pl/en/about/?wmc-currency=EUR
salmanorguk said:
Really nice - hope it treats you well.
I considered one in 2020 but found the same issue as you where early models had higher mileage and later ones were quite expensive. Perhaps the thinking is the 4l is cheaper to run than the 5.5?
Re air suspension, hopefully it doesn’t break, but if it does, a lot of the BMW crew swear by this company:
https://nagengast.pl/en/about/?wmc-currency=EUR
It's definitely a different market to what I've been used to with cars. Older or higher mileage cheaper but with these it seems you'll get older/low mileage for less than a slightly older higher mileage. Then super low miles jumps up but a lot and then you're in the realms of the 4.7 turbos. I considered one in 2020 but found the same issue as you where early models had higher mileage and later ones were quite expensive. Perhaps the thinking is the 4l is cheaper to run than the 5.5?
Re air suspension, hopefully it doesn’t break, but if it does, a lot of the BMW crew swear by this company:
https://nagengast.pl/en/about/?wmc-currency=EUR
I think the newer 4.7 is better on fuel and I suspect with the extra power and a turbo, has a lot more punch so probably feels and is a lot quicker.
That's a really helpful link mate, I've added that to my favourites just in case haha. Thank you.
I've been running a later 4.7tt for the last 3 years and still love it. A special car and very refined. Bang for buck they're a bargain at the moment. 95% of a Bentley Continental/ DB9 for 30% of the outlay and running costs. I even get low 30's MPG if gentle.
Mines had a few little age/milage related issues but you get that with any car and so far none of the bills have been eye watering. Luckily found myself a great little independent Mercedes garage for the messy stuff.
I have a nose round Autotrader occasionally and nothing comes close that isn't 3 times the price so it's a keeper for a while yet as I still get that buzz every time I use it. Shades on, get those pillar less side windows down so you can hear the V8 and you feel like a king.
Mines had a few little age/milage related issues but you get that with any car and so far none of the bills have been eye watering. Luckily found myself a great little independent Mercedes garage for the messy stuff.
I have a nose round Autotrader occasionally and nothing comes close that isn't 3 times the price so it's a keeper for a while yet as I still get that buzz every time I use it. Shades on, get those pillar less side windows down so you can hear the V8 and you feel like a king.
Harry H said:
I've been running a later 4.7tt for the last 3 years and still love it. A special car and very refined. Bang for buck they're a bargain at the moment. 95% of a Bentley Continental/ DB9 for 30% of the outlay and running costs. I even get low 30's MPG if gentle.
Mines had a few little age/mileage related issues but you get that with any car and so far none of the bills have been eye watering. Luckily found myself a great little independent Mercedes garage for the messy stuff.
I have a nose round Autotrader occasionally and nothing comes close that isn't 3 times the price so it's a keeper for a while yet as I still get that buzz every time I use it. Shades on, get those pillar less side windows down so you can hear the V8 and you feel like a king.
They do seem to be somewhat of a bargain, they suffer from that thing all big Mercs do and that's vast depreciation. But if you're prepared to run one, they can be very much worth it. You're still getting that driving experience.Mines had a few little age/mileage related issues but you get that with any car and so far none of the bills have been eye watering. Luckily found myself a great little independent Mercedes garage for the messy stuff.
I have a nose round Autotrader occasionally and nothing comes close that isn't 3 times the price so it's a keeper for a while yet as I still get that buzz every time I use it. Shades on, get those pillar less side windows down so you can hear the V8 and you feel like a king.
The thing I've found with a lot of cars is that you either spend a fair chunk on something with very low miles or get something closer to 'average' mileage and bag a bargain. There was about a £4k jump going from this model to the 4.7 or if you happened to find a CL with exceptionally low miles.
J4CKO said:
Lovely, same engine as my CLS500, never found that short of poke, suppose the CL is a bit heavier but should be plenty and S class rather than E based so next level refinement.
Oddly despite being the same power and the CL I would imagine heavier the 0-60 times are almost the same. Can't help thinking a re-map may make them that bit more potent. Penguinracer said:
I'm running a 2007 51,000 mile CL600 with a Kleemann remap (650 bhp / 750 lb/ft) & a Quaife diff.
Just had to put in a new Ignition voltage transformer & coil pack - but it's an occasional use car.
They are magnificent & elegant - and rarer than Bentley Continental GT's.
I did look at the 600s but as this is a half daily car I couldn't really warrant it. They do look good I must admit, there was an early one for about £13k which seems insane for what they offer. That said I still have my CLS63 tucked away so that can remain the minter and I'm not as OCD with this. Which means I still am haha Just had to put in a new Ignition voltage transformer & coil pack - but it's an occasional use car.
They are magnificent & elegant - and rarer than Bentley Continental GT's.
I'd be loath to daily or half daily the 600 - as with all complex cars, you've got to stay on top them & fix small things as they break, do preventative maintenance & change the fluids more often than the the rather lax factory recommendation (they're trying to use low maintenance as a selling point at the expense of ultimate longevity).
Penguinracer said:
I'd be loath to daily or half daily the 600 - as with all complex cars, you've got to stay on top them & fix small things as they break, do preventative maintenance & change the fluids more often than the the rather lax factory recommendation (they're trying to use low maintenance as a selling point at the expense of ultimate longevity).
I think staying on top of stuff is key with many cars, all the more so with older highly complex cars. Sadly I think many a high end car falls into the 'cheap' bracket and finds it's way into the hands of people who want to run them on the cheap. MarkJS said:
I’ve always had a soft spot for these and that looks lovely. Look forward to further reports (and pictures).
Thank you, I'm hoping the car will be with me tomorrow or Friday so I can do some updates then. Well the car arrived today and very pleased with it I am too.
First stop was to brim the tank with some V-Power, despite having about a third of a tank it still took £140 worth.
I've not had a lot of chance to attack the car in the detailing sense but that didn't stop me spending an hour or so giving the leather a good clean. Some Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner and a Colourlock Leather Brush to get the grime out. Considering the leather actually looked clean, I managed to lift a hell of a lot off the seats and door cards.
I hit all the plastics with Chemical Guys Inner Clean
With the seats being perforated it's hard to capture the surface but the seats came up brilliantly. Bit of stretch on the leather but excellent condition!
Aircooled seats are very nice I must admit.
The Night View Assist is novel, not sure it's necessary but it's quite cool.
Dying to clean up the outside but one step at a time haha
As the car comes with the AMG package, it appears to have come with the badge to match. I'm a bit of a stickler for AMG badges on non-AMGs so I'm in two minds as to take it off or not! haha
Already been in touch with my leather repair guy. I want the centre arm rest and the palm rest repainted. The arm rest is ok but even after a good clean it's not as tidy as the seats. The palm rest, dial pad cover thingy has clearly had a sweaty palm rest on it as it really looks crap and it's the surface that's lost it's coating. Those two bits will get the interior pretty mint though.
Wheel refurb later in the year should set it off nicely, so just detail it and drive it. Oh and fuel it! haha
First stop was to brim the tank with some V-Power, despite having about a third of a tank it still took £140 worth.
I've not had a lot of chance to attack the car in the detailing sense but that didn't stop me spending an hour or so giving the leather a good clean. Some Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Cleaner and a Colourlock Leather Brush to get the grime out. Considering the leather actually looked clean, I managed to lift a hell of a lot off the seats and door cards.
I hit all the plastics with Chemical Guys Inner Clean
With the seats being perforated it's hard to capture the surface but the seats came up brilliantly. Bit of stretch on the leather but excellent condition!
Aircooled seats are very nice I must admit.
The Night View Assist is novel, not sure it's necessary but it's quite cool.
Dying to clean up the outside but one step at a time haha
As the car comes with the AMG package, it appears to have come with the badge to match. I'm a bit of a stickler for AMG badges on non-AMGs so I'm in two minds as to take it off or not! haha
Already been in touch with my leather repair guy. I want the centre arm rest and the palm rest repainted. The arm rest is ok but even after a good clean it's not as tidy as the seats. The palm rest, dial pad cover thingy has clearly had a sweaty palm rest on it as it really looks crap and it's the surface that's lost it's coating. Those two bits will get the interior pretty mint though.
Wheel refurb later in the year should set it off nicely, so just detail it and drive it. Oh and fuel it! haha
This was mine in 2018
Paid £12k for it with 60k miles on. 59 reg.
I think they’re still worth that now.
I do miss it. But it had a recurring problem with the hifi amp( common fault). I had it repaired twice.
A couple of other bits and somehow it took the shine off.
Fancy another though.
Yours looks lovely in silver
milu said:
This was mine in 2018
Paid £12k for it with 60k miles on. 59 reg.
I think they’re still worth that now.
I do miss it. But it had a recurring problem with the hifi amp( common fault). I had it repaired twice.
A couple of other bits and somehow it took the shine off.
Fancy another though.
Yours looks lovely in silver
I had the amp on my S Class repaired by a guy I found on Facebook who gives a 2 year warranty on them so if needs be I know a good place but seems amps on these and the S Class of the same era were a bit crap. Positioned badly apparently.
I hadn't realise that the boot and footwells were near identical on the S and CL so bootliner swapped over!
Swapped my rubber mats over as well. Ok so not as aesthetically pleasing but very practical and I'm going to bung the OEM mats in the washing machine haha
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