CL500 (C215) Possible Inheritance
Discussion
Hi all,
I will cut a really long story short but I am after some advice from the professionals
I have the option of being given / inheriting a 2002 CL500 from a close family member who has just bought a S500 S-Class coupe
My question is will this car ruin me financially. As it is coming from someone who can afford to fix it at any cost to me who is alot less favourable financially
It has done 84,000 miles and a full MBSH no expense ever spared and had a new ABC pump 5000 miles ago.
I borrowed the car last weekend and did not want to give it back but part of me just feels its the type of car that would stop you sleeping at night worrying incase the worst was to happen.
It would be my daily driver as i only do a 20 mile round trip to work everyday. I currently have a 530D M-Sport and i would probably alternate cars every other day. To keep them both turning over.
Any owners opinions on maintenance would be greatly appreciated.
I will cut a really long story short but I am after some advice from the professionals
I have the option of being given / inheriting a 2002 CL500 from a close family member who has just bought a S500 S-Class coupe
My question is will this car ruin me financially. As it is coming from someone who can afford to fix it at any cost to me who is alot less favourable financially
It has done 84,000 miles and a full MBSH no expense ever spared and had a new ABC pump 5000 miles ago.
I borrowed the car last weekend and did not want to give it back but part of me just feels its the type of car that would stop you sleeping at night worrying incase the worst was to happen.
It would be my daily driver as i only do a 20 mile round trip to work everyday. I currently have a 530D M-Sport and i would probably alternate cars every other day. To keep them both turning over.
Any owners opinions on maintenance would be greatly appreciated.
Learn to do some stuff yourself and it will be a nice ownership experience. Get geom checks done to preserve tyres, get used to the fuel bills, don't worry to much about longevity, as mine is fine with 182k, albeit I'm selling it, but had it over 6 years, and it all works well, under rated cars. Check the ABC fluid lines, mine were renewed at the back, which is a full suspension out job, also rear brake lines, other hoses can be required, just ask for feedback on them particularly when in for something or you look at them.
Hopefully, most of the potentially expensive things will have already happened under your relative's watch.
The engine and gearbox are both pretty reliable but don't skimp on the fluid changes. The gearbox might have had its fluid changed at 45,000 miles but there's no harm in having it done anyway (circa £180 at an independent).
I think a 2002 C215 might be more prone to rust than some of later ones so I'd have it inspected to see whether it's lurking in any hidden areas. Either way, no harm in getting the underbody sealed for around £200.
The biggest area of concern will always be the ABC system. Having the pump replaced removes one of the most costly jobs but there's still plenty that can go wrong. Check the colour of the ABC fluid - if it's green and clear then that's a good sign. Brown and black are cause for concern. If either of the latter, have it changed. Also consider having the accumulators replaced. There are four in the system but the most significant are the front and rear ones which keep the system pressure high when there's sudden demand and the pump can't keep up. They're about £150 and you can replace them yourself (although the rear one can be a pain to get out).
Check that the suspension struts don't have any dampness or "misting" on them. If they're clonking or leaking heavily expect to pay around £800 per strut for reconditioned ones from MB.
There are probably a few more things that I've missed out but personally, given how little CL500s are worth, I think you should cross your fingers and have a go!
The engine and gearbox are both pretty reliable but don't skimp on the fluid changes. The gearbox might have had its fluid changed at 45,000 miles but there's no harm in having it done anyway (circa £180 at an independent).
I think a 2002 C215 might be more prone to rust than some of later ones so I'd have it inspected to see whether it's lurking in any hidden areas. Either way, no harm in getting the underbody sealed for around £200.
The biggest area of concern will always be the ABC system. Having the pump replaced removes one of the most costly jobs but there's still plenty that can go wrong. Check the colour of the ABC fluid - if it's green and clear then that's a good sign. Brown and black are cause for concern. If either of the latter, have it changed. Also consider having the accumulators replaced. There are four in the system but the most significant are the front and rear ones which keep the system pressure high when there's sudden demand and the pump can't keep up. They're about £150 and you can replace them yourself (although the rear one can be a pain to get out).
Check that the suspension struts don't have any dampness or "misting" on them. If they're clonking or leaking heavily expect to pay around £800 per strut for reconditioned ones from MB.
There are probably a few more things that I've missed out but personally, given how little CL500s are worth, I think you should cross your fingers and have a go!
Thanks for your responses guys.
Fuel costs are no real concern unless i was planning a long tour of the UK or france but i would just factor that into the overall cost of a holiday. Will definitely make a note to have the Geometry checked good call i forgot about stuff like that.
I have some spare money in my "car account" so will definetly get the Trans fluid done.
Good to hear there is one running ar nearly 200k miles that instills some confidence that they do last.
I think i will pop over and grab the mountain of paperwork for the car and just go through it all and check what was done and when.
I have pretty much already said i will take the car this weekend so am very excited to get it on my driveway and i will definitely start doing some work myself as i know it will save a fortune.
Fuel costs are no real concern unless i was planning a long tour of the UK or france but i would just factor that into the overall cost of a holiday. Will definitely make a note to have the Geometry checked good call i forgot about stuff like that.
I have some spare money in my "car account" so will definetly get the Trans fluid done.
Good to hear there is one running ar nearly 200k miles that instills some confidence that they do last.
I think i will pop over and grab the mountain of paperwork for the car and just go through it all and check what was done and when.
I have pretty much already said i will take the car this weekend so am very excited to get it on my driveway and i will definitely start doing some work myself as i know it will save a fortune.
ComputerMan23 said:
Thanks for your responses guys.
Fuel costs are no real concern unless i was planning a long tour of the UK or france but i would just factor that into the overall cost of a holiday.
This. I just went to Scotland and back in my E500. It cost me about £45 more in fuel than it would have done in an equivalent diesel. Which is just over 6% of the total cost of the trip when I factor in accomodation and spending money. Fuel costs are no real concern unless i was planning a long tour of the UK or france but i would just factor that into the overall cost of a holiday.
Negligable. 6% tax to drive CL500 from one end of the county to the other? Every time!
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