Advice needed.

[Big-T]

I signed up hoping for some sound advice from all you experts. I'm currently running two cars, a BMW e46 328ci as my daily and a 1991 Chevy Camaro Z28 with a huge list of mods. I'm looking to cut down to one car that will fulfil both roles being a good daily and still make me smile. I've always wanted to try a Mercedes after running 6 cylinder BMs for years.

So I've been looking at Clk 55 amg (w208) hard to find a good low mileage example so far. Or a 2003 and later top spec CL500 seems to be a huge variation in prices on these some going for 3k all the way up to 14k. From your experiences do you think either of these cars will fulfil that need? And anything I should know about either.



Many thanks


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[Big-T]

Nobody got any advice for me then?


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[Deleted member 37751]

Nobody got any advice for me then?

What's your potential budget?

The CL W215 is a sublime car but, as even the cheapest originally cost circa £100k, it's still got those same running costs.

A W208 CLK 55 on the other hand will cost you at the most half of what the CL will.

 

[AMGeed]

^As above, budget is all important. The CL in particular needs an inspection by someone who knows the model, as a poor one with hidden problems could be a total money pit.

 

[Big-T]

Budget is 7-8 with some money put aside for issues, I think a warranty will be a must.

I can't seem to find any great low mileage a W208's. I found one with 47k on the clocks last week for £7995 but it sold before I could view it.


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[AMGeed]

It will need to be a very comprehensive warranty to cover the issues that could affect a CL. The ABC suspension struts alone are around £1k a corner

If that scares you, the CLK would be a far better prospect to own.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Hi,

I had a '79/80 Camaro Berlinetta 350cu back in 1983 - and installed the Z-28 rear spoiler (cos it looked cool )

I now have a W215 CL500, the CL is of course miles superior, as the intervening years of design technology have improved cars by miles (though you can still light up the rears if you are a bit heavy footed)

The post 2003 cars have the wider command screen, and was one of the items I originally had on my wish list, however, I think that the overall car condition is what you should look at, and has it been looked after both cosmetically and mechanically.
I went for a 2001 (small command screen) as it was in great condition.

Can you look through service history?
Has the ABC fluid ever been changed? Has the system had any work done on it?
The system is a fairly well known quantity now, indies know their way around it, and there are companies now offering rebuilt parts at a fraction of new dealership prices.
(Pumps, struts and valve blocks) - quite a few people even rebuilding their own valve blocks as seal kits are available.
So it's not the millstone it once was. It provides a brilliant ride, comfy yet cutting out roll in corners, and smoothing out undulations.
Change the fluid every 2 years to keep it tip top condition.
When you test drive raise and lower the suspension a bunch of times to check it is ok, try to look at struts after, are they wet? , a humming groaning noise related to engine speed may be the pulsation damper (new one is £97, plus fresh oil, filters, and might as well do the PAS at same time)
Check for corrosion where C pillar meets rear wing as they can get dissimilar metal corrosion where alloy panel meets steel frame. Bottom of doors too.
Check all whistles and bells work.
When you first arrive is it sitting level. Tape measure from wheel centre to bottom of arch is a good guide.
Engines are very strong.
It is a great car, it makes me smile every time I get in, or see reflection in a shop window.
Beautiful shape, huge boot, rear seats are fine for adults, sound system is brilliant. (You can add DAB, and if it has television option, you can upgrade to digital free view easily - there are threads on "how to")
Hope this has been helpful.

 

[Big-T]

Hi,

I had a '79/80 Camaro Berlinetta 350cu back in 1983 - and installed the Z-28 rear spoiler (cos it looked cool )

I now have a W215 CL500, the CL is of course miles superior, as the intervening years of design technology have improved cars by miles (though you can still light up the rears if you are a bit heavy footed)

The post 2003 cars have the wider command screen, and was one of the items I originally had on my wish list, however, I think that the overall car condition is what you should look at, and has it been looked after both cosmetically and mechanically.
I went for a 2001 (small command screen) as it was in great condition.

Can you look through service history?
Has the ABC fluid ever been changed? Has the system had any work done on it?
The system is a fairly well known quantity now, indies know their way around it, and there are companies now offering rebuilt parts at a fraction of new dealership prices.
(Pumps, struts and valve blocks) - quite a few people even rebuilding their own valve blocks as seal kits are available.
So it's not the millstone it once was. It provides a brilliant ride, comfy yet cutting out roll in corners, and smoothing out undulations.
Change the fluid every 2 years to keep it tip top condition.
When you test drive raise and lower the suspension a bunch of times to check it is ok, try to look at struts after, are they wet? , a humming groaning noise related to engine speed may be the pulsation damper (new one is £97, plus fresh oil, filters, and might as well do the PAS at same time)
Check for corrosion where C pillar meets rear wing as they can get dissimilar metal corrosion where alloy panel meets steel frame. Bottom of doors too.
Check all whistles and bells work.
When you first arrive is it sitting level. Tape measure from wheel centre to bottom of arch is a good guide.
Engines are very strong.
It is a great car, it makes me smile every time I get in, or see reflection in a shop window.
Beautiful shape, huge boot, rear seats are fine for adults, sound system is brilliant. (You can add DAB, and if it has television option, you can upgrade to digital free view easily - there are threads on "how to")
Hope this has been helpful.

Thank you very much for all the info! I also had a 79/80 Camaro before I got the full fat 91 Z28. Glad to hear the CL provides the smile factor, I've seen a few already but none ticked all the boxes. I'm hoping to view a low mileage high spec 2003 model this week which looks the nuts!

 

[def90cars]

I would recommend a CLK500

Much less than a CLK55 and certainly like to find a nice lower mileage one in budget.

I think about 300bhp versus 360bhp???

 

[Mr Kripling]

If you're thinking of a C215, this thread gives you an indication of what may be in store for you!

 

[Ditch]

Gave me a chuckle that one.

However, it reiterates a bit of advice I was given years ago (and yes there will always be exceptions)

That is , the older and more complex a vehicle is you are contemplating be prepared by having either a full and available bank account or plenty of time to tackle those jobs yourself.

Personally I would suggest a combo of both

 

[Big-T]

I would recommend a CLK500

Much less than a CLK55 and certainly like to find a nice lower mileage one in budget.

I think about 300bhp versus 360bhp???

I've looked at a few CLK500's unfortunately not many around of the spec and mileage I'm after, plus I prefer the more muscular look of the W208 55 AMG. But I will keep my eyes peeled as they will fit the bill.

 

[Big-T]

If you're thinking of a C215, this thread gives you an indication of what may be in store for you!

Yikes, even with a specialist inspection it was still a lemon. I'll have to be very vigilant if I go with a C215.

 

[Mr Kripling]

To be honest, I wouldn't describe that CL as a lemon. The primary issues with it were the corroded brake lines and the leaking ABC strut. The former is something that most CLs of that age will suffer (mine included) and the latter is something that can strike any ABC-equipped car. If you don't think you could handle a couple of four figure bills a year, a CL probably isn't for you!

 

[Big-T]

To be honest, I wouldn't describe that CL as a lemon. The primary issues with it were the corroded brake lines and the leaking ABC strut. The former is something that most CLs of that age will suffer (mine included) and the latter is something that can strike any ABC-equipped car. If you don't think you could handle a couple of four figure bills a year, a CL probably isn't for you!

Did they continue the ABC system after this era CL and S class?
Ive spent thousands regularly on the Camaro getting parts from the US costs a fortune with customs etc.

 

[toffee-pie]

Yikes, even with a specialist inspection it was still a lemon. I'll have to be very vigilant if I go with a C215.

exactly, I have funds to run a 55K but not prepared to throw those funds on a car that was mis-sold to me in the first place.

FWIW The seller came to my work place fairly sharpish one morning and gave me a full refund in minutes, plus £300 towards work i carried out.

So, yes you need to be vigilant.

 

[toffee-pie]

To be honest, I wouldn't describe that CL as a lemon. The primary issues with it were the corroded brake lines and the leaking ABC strut. The former is something that most CLs of that age will suffer (mine included) and the latter is something that can strike any ABC-equipped car. If you don't think you could handle a couple of four figure bills a year, a CL probably isn't for you!

a few more dodge bits that that.

When buying a car like that its best to buy private from an enthusiast, someone who has wrapped it up in wool and looked after it, and has provenance of its history.

 

[Mr Kripling]

a few more dodge bits that that.

When buying a car like that its best to buy private from an enthusiast, someone who has wrapped it up in wool and looked after it, and has provenance of its history.

Or to have it inspected at an independent garage before you buy it.

 

[Mr Kripling]

Did they continue the ABC system after this era CL and S class?

Yes, ABC has been available for every S, CL and SL since.

From what I understand, the reliability of the system has improved from the first generation although issues like accumulator failure are still possible. With the exception of the valve blocks, however, the parts are not compatible across models.

 

[toffee-pie]

Or to have it inspected at an independent garage before you buy it.

clearly not this one

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