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Best model to experience a Mercedes V8 engine?

M

Mertz33

Member
Joined
May 28, 2019
Messages
40
Location
London
Car
CLK280 Coupé
Hi all,

Got my 2007 CLK280 little over a year ago and I really enjoy driving it -
Worked a bit on it in the first 2-3 months, full service tensioner/belt/plugs etc, wheels and new tyres, front arms, did a few improvements on the brakes, and replaced the electroplate + new transmission oil... but since then it's been running really well and I'm just kicking myself for not getting the v8 engine in the first place (the 3 litre v6 was already more than what I was looking for when I got it but now I'm interested in the v8)

I've looked at CLK500 since I'm already familiar with it and the CL500 (really like the interior of the C215).. what would you say?
And will it make a huge difference over the v6?

Cheers
 
Mertz33 said:
Hi all,

Got my 2007 CLK280 little over a year ago and I really enjoy driving it -
Worked a bit on it in the first 2-3 months, full service tensioner/belt/plugs etc, wheels and new tyres, front arms, did a few improvements on the brakes, and replaced the electroplate + new transmission oil... but since then it's been running really well and I'm just kicking myself for not getting the v8 engine in the first place (the 3 litre v6 was already more than what I was looking for when I got it but now I'm interested in the v8)

I've looked at CLK500 since I'm already familiar with it and the CL500 (really like the interior of the C215).. what would you say?
And will it make a huge difference over the v6?

Cheers
Click to expand...
Some V8 modes are spotty in nature, whereas others are refined by design. The CLK 500 and CL 500 are both fine cars and firmly in the refined category.

If a refined V8 is what you’re looking for then the CL 500 must be the ultimate, however the running costs will almost certainly be greater than the CLK.

Other refined V8 modes from that era are the SL and S class, both regarded to be amongst the very best cars in the world, so worth considering too.

Best get a few test drives lined up to work out which you like best, and whether the cost of changing and running the new car is justified by the experience.
 
I just had exactly the same ambition and bought a CL500, I did search for a CLS500 to avoid the ABC but just so few around in my budget anyway. SL500 was too small and S500, ML500 too big!
How is it?
It's great but if you are looking for that raw V8 feeling and tone it's extremely muted and ultra refined. I honestly don't think most could tell its a V8 from the inside.
My budget solution was to delete the secondary cats, still far from brash or uncivilised but open a window and grin on the gas.20210308_174117.jpg
 
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What any of the V8's give over the V6's is low-down torque which improves the whole impression of effortlessness.

As others have said, the 5.0 and 5.5's are very quiet compared to the AMG versions although you always know you're behind a V8 when you rev it out.
 
All Mercedes v8s sound great, but you have to remember it’s a luxury car maker so the note is muted, and the focus is on effortless progress. Their ability to grab the front horizon and Chuck it into the rear view mirror is still amazing.

But if it’s loud pipes and unbelievable acceleration you want, then see what AMG engine models fall into your budget / requirements.
 
I guess the experience is also model-dependant. You'd hardly hear the engine at all in a CL500. E's and CLS's are also v quiet.

The 4.3 engine was a more dominant factor in my C43's.

And road tests of the E500 coupe suggest they turned the noise up on the 5.5 in that compared to the saloon and estate. But then again it's really a C Class underneath.

C63 is obviously the balls-out option.
 
I'm a long term fan of the MB V8 - for the luxury rather than the noise.. Theoretically I should have liked the CLK500 because, externally, it's so elegant, but I was unimpressed by the interior and general feel.

If coupe's your thing, the CL500 (W215) is a bargain as long as you buy carefully. Massively discounted because people are scared of maintenance, mpg and tax. Negotiate carefully because they're very slow to sell.

Non-AMG models are discreet and not loud, but there are modified 500's out there with noisy exhausts (Quad / or cat deleted) selling for the same kind of money. That's the obvious path to take. Swopping exhaust systems is an expensive process if it's just for your own benefit - a new quad exhaust could be worth as much as the car.

You could just buy an AMG - but you'd be putting nearly twice as much money on the table for a 55 compared to a 500. You'd get most of it back when you sell, but the risk is that previous owners will have been "a little enthusiastic" in their use.

On cost of ownership, just do the sums on the amount of use you'll give it. Most owners don't do that many miles - depreciation or maintenance is the more important cost.
 
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I think it comes down to what you're looking to get out of owning a Mercedes V8.

At the two extremes are effortless refinement (S-Class or CL) and refinement with drama & excitement (pretty much any AMG model).

Once you decide when you want to be on that continuum, the choices will be narrowed.
 
Hi,
By looking at youre suggestions I have made an assumption on the budget additionally if you go for an SL, CL, S etc, they can be very expensive to maintain and I am not talking about the engine.
I would go with the CLK 500, or for a bit more money you could also scratch an itch for an AMG as well as a V8 theme tune by looking at a CLK or C55 AMG.
I have a CLS55 for 5-6 years and the money I have spent on it has been totally insane I love it but if i had known how much of a bottomless pit it was going to be I would of bought myself CLK 55 (Probably a convertible), super simple to maintain, in all aspects, super reliable and proven M113 V8, and you will be enjoying the V8 burble rather than wondering what will be the next 4 figure bill.
 
andy27168 said:
Hi,
By looking at youre suggestions I have made an assumption on the budget additionally if you go for an SL, CL, S etc, they can be very expensive to maintain and I am not talking about the engine.
I would go with the CLK 500, or for a bit more money you could also scratch an itch for an AMG as well as a V8 theme tune by looking at a CLK or C55 AMG.
I have a CLS55 for 5-6 years and the money I have spent on it has been totally insane I love it but if i had known how much of a bottomless pit it was going to be I would of bought myself CLK 55 (Probably a convertible), super simple to maintain, in all aspects, super reliable and proven M113 V8, and you will be enjoying the V8 burble rather than wondering what will be the next 4 figure bill.
Click to expand...
I have had my CLS55 for 3 years. What were the causes of your money pit?
 
So many to choose from. A G63 with the 5.5 litre twin-turbo and the side exhausts is fun. And an SL55 or the SL63 6.2 with the roof down also sound thunderous and amazing. Pretty sure any Merc V8 is a wonderful experience though. Certainly loved mine. Let‘s hope the current 4-litres hang around for a while
 
Teego said:
I have had my CLS55 for 3 years. What were the causes of your money pit?
Click to expand...
I have had the car since December 2015, third owner from new MY 2006, 2005 Registered, bought with 69k miles, now has 102k miles on it.
It had MB History but was missing two services and had been serviced by Merc-Care.
I bought it and despite not requiring a service yet, I took it to PCS for a thorough check over and service, and has been serviced by PCS ever since.
I know somethings would be classed as reasonable to expect to have to replace/repair in the time frame I have had it, and some items possibly could have been left but I like things 110% correct, I dare say I have forgotten something.
Below is a list of parts issues I have had to address since buying it
All four front ball joints.
Engine mounts.
Gearbox Mount.
Charge Cooler Pump.
Both Front Airmatic Struts (failed at different times over approx three years).
Suspension Air Compressor (twice at different times).
Airmatic Relay (twice at different times).
SBC Pump.
Front Discs/Pads.
Rear Discs Pads.
Engine Water Pump.
Serpentine Belt.
Charger Belt (Twice).
Header Tank.
Rear Main Oil Seal.
Oil seals in the Oil filter housing for the Water/Oil Cooler.
Supercharger (Complete).
Supercharger Pulley.
Numerous engine pulleys.
Charger Belt Tensioner
Serpentine Belt Tensioner
Propshaft Rubber doughnut.
Secondary Air Injection Pump.
Air Valve (something to do with the Secondary Air Injection.
Gearbox Rebuild.
TV Tuner.
Rocker Cover Gasket replacement.
Spark Plug replacement (has been carried out twice now once when I bought it and second time in the first lockdown carried out by myself).
Spark plug leads.
Drivers side electric window switch pack.
Drivers side door window regulator.
Engine Cover (Due to the badge being missing).
One Fog Light.
Front Battery (Twice).
Rear Battery (Twice).
All eight electrical connector bodies for the Coil Packs.
 
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