CL 55 Purchase

[lawtoni]

Hi All,

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer me, I about to dip my toe into the world of Merc ownership for the very first time!

I am viewing this car tomorrow

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Is there any general advice about what to look out for with these cars?
Any thoughts on that car in particular- it doesn't appear to have dynamic seats, and no mention of command. Is this a real downer?

The owner has already disclosed an intermittent fault with the stereo- a crackling, cured by restarting the ignition! Could this be expensive?


I think I've decided that the 55 is a more sensible choice over the 63, more frugal too obviously, I have a TVR for weekends so this would be for long journeys and for my wife.

Thanks again and please don't pull any punches regarding the possible choice!

Paul

[vilus]

Despite the long list of the 'massive spec', all the items are pretty much standard on this model. It has the base wheels and no body extras. The price is reasonable enough but I would get a FULL HPI check, and if possible get it to a Mercedes Indeppendent Specialist and get the car plugged into the STAR diagnostic system to check for error codes. The crackling stereo could be a loose speaker wire. If not then it could be expensive. The stereo is part of a fibre optic system including the sat nav, telephone, CD, and amplifiers.

[daveenty]

You are aware that it's a CL500 and not a CL55? In other words, not an AMG (a non AMG engine)?

Still respectable enough, but I think I'd be tempted by the full fat version with a lot more toys... As stated above, most of the stuff listed here is pretty standard, even poverty spec on a CL which was, at the time, the flagship.

The stereo could be an expensive fix, though as it's not COMAND may be worth upgrading anyway. More expense.

[slippery]

Lovely car. No CL55 in this shape though, just a 63 and a 65. The 500 5.5 still goes very well though.

[lawtoni]

gosh this is getting complicated!
<aybe not the great car i had envisaged
thanks so much for your input on this

So can someone please explain what the difference is between the cl500 and cl55 or amg vs non amg?

Also what is command and the implications of the alternative.

thank-you!

[slippery]

Oh I can assure you it's still a great car, it's just not an AMG, in the same way that a 650i is not an M6. You won't buy an AMG car of that shape at that price point. The 500 is still a very quick car, the AMGs are serious territory with seats, suspension, brakes and an exhaust bark to match. Go and look at it. From what you've said you're after, it should be perfect.

[anonymous-user]

Body text of the advert says the price is £20,995, headline says its £18,500. Two things... One the price drop suggests the vendor is having trouble selling it, two £18.5k is way to high at that age and mileage.

Do your research, far better to be had at that price.

[The Noise]

Please forgive me if I sound patronising, but it looks like you need some help.

The AMG version of this (or any really) model is the sport/performance orientated range topper of the CL. In this generation it was the CL63 AMG with the 6.2 n/a engine. However there is also the V12, but that is much rarer. The one you are looking at is the base model non AMG CL. The previous generation AMG version was the CL55 AMG with a Supercharged 5.5l engine.

It has to be said that the AMG CL models were never really that focused and were still aimed at being great GT cruisers so if you did get into a full blown AMG you won't loose much if any of the refinement. They just have more power speed and IMHO look so much better. You would also get a better sped with the AMG models, but the base models were always pretty well specced any way.

In my experience the running costs are going to depend on the condition you buy and your driving style. If you were to buy either the AMG or non AMG they are not going to be hugely different. The exception to that will possibly be hard consumables such as brakes etc. but for the extra performance, for me anyway, I think it is well worth it.

Be wary of cars with electrical problems as these cars are basically complicated networked computer systems controlling EVERY aspect of the vehicle and having a MB backed warrantee is worth it's weight in gold.

If you go into ownership with your eyes open, it will be a pleasure to keep and enjoy.

[lawtoni]

You Guys are superstars.

Thanks for the education on this, on the back of your knowledge I have decided against this car as I am looking for a car with as many toys as poss for once in my life.

If a non AMG engine car purports to have the AMG spec, can it really be the case, or are there some features that only come with a true AMG?

Many thanks!

[The Noise]

An AMG model is an AMG model. There are others that have AMG bits added on, but these bits are generally cosmetic and only go skin deep. The full fat AMGs have different engines, suspension, brakes, transmission software (sometimes different gearboxes depending on model), exhaust, etc... After you go AMG you never go back, and nothing non-AMG will ever do! AMG engineer the cars completely differently to the standard model, but on CLs they are still great GT cars, but with much more response and power. Definitely worth the extra layout IMHO. The only problem will be how far will your budget stretch...!

Here are some examples, both sold but great examples to study up on. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANY CARS TO YOU as you have to go and drive them and take a view on whether they are what you are looking for. MAKE SURE ALL THE ELECTRICS ARE WORKING and that everything is in good order.

Here is a CL63 AMG and an older generation CL55 AMG:

CL63 AMG
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

CL55 AMG
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Good luck and enjoy!

Edited by The Noise on Thursday 22 August 10:20

[slippery]

Good summary The Noise.

[matc]

MercScot said:

Body text of the advert says the price is £20,995, headline says its £18,500. Two things... One the price drop suggests the vendor is having trouble selling it, two £18.5k is way to high at that age and mileage.

Do your research, far better to be had at that price.

I just had a look at what else was available at that money as I thought it looked incredible value at £18,500 and apart from one on A-Trader with similar miles, there's nothing else out there to suggest the price is 'way high'?

I can't believe how cheap these are nowadays, amazing value.

[vilus]

Here is a link to a thread on a Mercedes forum, with the C216 CL500 being discussed by owners and prospective buyers. May be of interest..


http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t...