CL circa 2007

[Squidward]

I've been looking at older CL's which I gather can have big problems with the ABC system.

Does the newer shape (2007 ish onwards) have the same issues with the suspension? No doubt there will be other expensive issues to replace it if it doesn't have similar problems.

I love the E55 / E63 and am very tempted by a local D3 S8, though I keep coming back to the CL's. I don't like 2 door cars as the doors are so big, but I just love the look of the CL.

Trying to convince myself that a CL500 would do, though the CL63 does look that much better

Also need to get my post count up so I can reply to one of the Classifieds if needed!

 

[John]

The C216 is a lot more reliable when it comes to ABC I understand.

I had a noise on mine a few weeks after I got it. Turned out to be a pulsation damper which was replaced under warranty.

Since then, it's been fine although the car is a 63 plate.

It is a big car. I had an E55K before and despite the extra "only" 7cm and 20cm longer, you do notice the difference in slow tight moving about.

I also like the D3 S8 although not enough to buy one in the end. The ones I looked at of those and also the A8 4.2 TDI just seem to be overpriced to me - considering the newest one you can get is the turn of the last decade.

As for CL500 vs CL63 - this is a personal decision.

I got rid of my E55 because I used the performance (it was modified too) against other fast cars / exotica and I got to a stage where I felt my licence didn't have long for this world - which would be very inconvenient.

So I deliberately went for a slower car knowing I wouldn't modify it and I haven't.

It is not slow and has plenty of performance - way more than one "needs" but the CL63 is probably in a different league. I think the CL65 would be the ultimate but these are rare and would command a big premium. I would go for a CL63 and mod it to the max if I were able to trust myself.

 

[Squidward]

Sounds like the CL63 would be too quick for me in the real world. Salesman took me out in a C63 when my E250 was going back to tempt me - amazing how those things are legal. I'd get addicted to being pushed back into the seat and lose my licence in a couple of weeks.

The CL500 would be a big step up from my old E250 (2013) in any case. Quickest two cars I had previous to that was an old Saab 9000 Carlsson 2.3, and an Audi A8 4.2 (D2).

 

[John]

Should have said 7cm wider each side - the CL500 is 14cm wider than my previous car.

My CL500 does a 0-62 in 4.9s. This is seriously quick considering the size of the car and the size of the engine. However, the twin turbos do sterling work and really move the car on. Plenty enough to get you in trouble but it doesn't shove you into the seat like my previous car did (around 580 > 600 BHP).

BUT, and this is the biggest difference over the AMGs, it doesn't "want" to go fast. It is happy being driven at a sedate pace and is actually a very relaxed drive indeed. You don't feel that urge you do in the C and E AMGs. I've never been in a CL63/CL65 so I can't comment but I would guess they are just faster versions of how the CL500 feels to me.

My CL will happily leave behind your E250, Saab and Audi no question - despite "only" being 435BHP and 2050KG. When I have pushed it just to see - those turbos just keep giving. I have to hand it to MB, they've made an amazing set of V8 engines on these.

But, you are looking at pre-facelift and non-BlueEfficiency model which means the N/A 388BHP 5.5 unit. I would imagine it will still pull away but less easily!

Still no slouch but a noticeable difference in output - I'd try one but if you would rather the quicker model, you'd have to stretch to a 2010 facelift and you are into early BlueEfficiency models then.

 

[Jakdor]

I'm about to upgrade from my E320 v6 to the CL 500 C216 - no longer have the real need for an estate - I've driven both the SL 600 and the CL 600 and can say, without a doubt, they are both totally mental.... very smooth, very very swift, extraordinarily POWERFUL and just keep pushing all the way past 150mph but in absolute and total silence... would I have one? yes if I had a very deep pocket...they go wrong and are VERY expensive to fix and put fuel in... Why am i going for the C216 500? because I think it's about as sorted as it can get before it went to the Sclass coupe. it has huge power and ability, is reasonably economic, not as shouty as a Bentley and isn't so 'stupid' as the bigger brothers. Mate has a C63...yes it's fast but it's loud and brash and hard and very very vulgar.... Roads here and in Europe don't need a 63 or 65 - the 500 is more than perfectly adequate .... but then I'm an old fart......

 

[John]

Even the 500 will get you way beyond 150mph in any case although I've not tried that yet!

I deliberately didn't want the AMG as I couldn't justify the additional parts costs given I knew how I would be driving it (leisurely) to keep my licence.

I also wanted a 7g+ transmission as I was disappointed with the MCT-7 I drove.

I'd consider a 65 but they are so rare and I wanted a facelift model so even rarer.

The 500 is a peach and doesn't feel like the poor brother.

I don't really like the S Coupe so this is the last of the big coupes I would want for now. In that category, it was either this or a 560SEC!

Have you found one yet?

 

[clk320x]

Even the 500 will get you way beyond 150mph in any case although I've not tried that yet!

I deliberately didn't want the AMG as I couldn't justify the additional parts costs given I knew how I would be driving it (leisurely) to keep my licence.

I also wanted a 7g+ transmission as I was disappointed with the MCT-7 I drove.

I'd consider a 65 but they are so rare and I wanted a facelift model so even rarer.

The 500 is a peach and doesn't feel like the poor brother.

I don't really like the S Coupe so this is the last of the big coupes I would want for now. In that category, it was either this or a 560SEC!

Have you found one yet?

Are you sure you don't like the S coupe

 

[Red C220]

New S500 Coupe's are down into the £60'sK already.

It looks like they've revived the 560 name - new models of non AMG Coupes are being badged S560

 

[John]

Are you sure you don't like the S coupe

Well, I don't like the bonnet arrangement or the whole back but the rest of it is quite nice I guess.

I wouldn't say it was a pretty car though.

 

[clk320x]

Well, I don't like the bonnet arrangement or the whole back but the rest of it is quite nice I guess.

I wouldn't say it was a pretty car though.

I think your car looks better also

 

[John]

I think your car looks better also

I certainly prefer the shape of mine. I didn't like the lights or the back much to start with but I've warmed to them in the time since.

Maybe I will warm more to the S Coupe in time but I don't like the "every coupe gets these style of lights" corporate shyte.

I prefer cars to be individual but share a similar hint of design, a bit like the W211 and siblings and facelifted W212 and siblings.

 

[Red C220]

I like the new model coupe a great deal. The 500 (or 560 as it is now) is the pick for me.

 

[oldguy57]

I like the new model coupe a great deal. The 500 (or 560 as it is now) is the pick for me.

Have to agree - and the piccie above doesn't really do it justice.

 

[C43AMG]

I'm agree with you John, seen quite a few S-Coupes in London, the side view looks like a two door CLS, never been a fan of those waves ( Which most Mercedes have now, since they introduced them on the CLS, all those years ago !!) the 216 is the last Mercedes Grand Tourer. Grand is a good word for the 216 The S-Coupe doesn't look Grand.