CLS W219 buying tips

[mickl]

I'm looking to buy a CLS 320CDI, probably a 2006-7 model, maybe 08 if I stretch the budget a bit. I want something comfy to do motorway miles in and not particularly keen on the equivalent E Class.

Just wondering if there's anything in particular to look out for in these?

I believe, correct me if I'm wrong, there was a facelift in 2008/58 model year? What were the changes. I notice the cream dials and the grille changes but anything else? Was there anything mechanical?

Also, I've read a few forums where the manifold was mentioned. Is there an issue with this as is it specific to this model or engine?

Cheers for any advice.

 

[ras8963]

Personally I would recommend the usual used car purchase checks, get a well maintained one with history and reasonable miles they are a great car.....a few things though...
The 08 model facelift also included a command update to NTG2.5 this is a big improvement on that previously fitted.....it is relatively easy to recognise just looking at the head unit.

Colours.....that would be "Black or Silver Sir"...you might think....if you are not bothered fine but if you search you will find other colours do exist....

Equipment......varies enormously, search out your preferences before you start searching an individual car....
Enjoy the hunt.
ATB

 

[tromppost]

not all having parking sensors, a must if you cannot park like me !!

 

[KennyN]

Facelifted CLS (08-10) had a three spoke wheel , different front grill , different nav unit (if fitted) which can be spotted instantly by the SD card slot above the screen , different instrument cluster colour (from black to white) , a few styling tweeks IFIRC and I think by 08 the DPF filter may have been standard on the diesel CLS which can be an expensive inconvenience if it needs replaced.

As with any second-hand car purchase, just look for the best specked , lowest mileage , best history and most affordable one out there.

Things that are a must - FSH , Parktronic as it is a big old bus with limited visibility.

Things that are nice to have - HK audio , memory pack for the seating , Nav , linguatronic , 18" or larger alloys as they fill the arches better.

Kenny

 

[Silver CL55]

All good advice, I have one more tip........

Buy a 55 not an oil burner!

 

[C240Sport97]

Facelifted CLS (08-10) had a three spoke wheel , different front grill , different nav unit (if fitted) which can be spotted instantly by the SD card slot above the screen , different instrument cluster colour (from black to white) , a few styling tweeks IFIRC and I think by 08 the DPF filter may have been standard on the diesel CLS which can be an expensive inconvenience if it needs replaced.

facelift also had
(a) different wing mirrors, more rectangular and less ovoid like (pre facelift)
(b) full LED rear lights

 

[MWCLS]

I purchased my CLS Aug 12, older car than what I was looking for, but with one previous owner 75 years old in a mansion in stow on the wold garaged all its life and still is, fmdsh and no expense spared ticking the option lists, factoring what I got it for it was a real steal, I couldn't walk away, plus I love the colour combo. I had another 5k to play but happy with what I have, after seeing some of the poverty sh!t and colour combos out there.

 

[b1g1an]

not all having parking sensors, a must if you cannot park like me !!

Nothing to do with driver skills, these are an absolute must on the CLS as the rear window is next to useless and you can't see the rear in the door mirrors because of the way the rear nips in, the front isn't a lot better because the dash is very high and the bonnet drops away.

Beware of many Grand Editions which look decent spec thanks to their standard nav and xenons etc but many didn't get any option boxes ticked which means you'll be missing the parking sensors that just about every other car will have.

It is ridiculously expensive to add them afterwards.

 

[Abb]

nothing to do with driver skills, these are an absolute must on the cls as the rear window is next to useless and you can't see the rear in the door mirrors because of the way the rear nips in, the front isn't a lot better because the dash is very high and the bonnet drops away. Beware of many grand editions which look decent spec thanks to their standard nav and xenons etc but many didn't get any option boxes ticked which means you'll be missing the parking sensors that just about every other car will have. It is ridiculously expensive to add them afterwards.

+1!!

 

[Stig2082]

I bought a 58 plate a few years back which was the facelift and generally love it. Personally I really like the updated rear LED lights, and rectangular exhaust tips etc. but is cosmetic rather than essential. I managed to get a very 'loaded' one and when looking second hand you can hang on for a well specced one with things like full sat nav, electric memory heated seats etc. Is also worth looking out for air-matic suspension which I also have and is great for the ride if you are on 19" wheels and can be adjusted - though can also be expensive if it goes wrong. So far I think it has been the most reliable car i have ever owned (now done 74k miles) with very little needing fixing over 20k of usage. Main issue has been both front ball joints needing doing and you can tell when they are going as there is a creaking sound when you turn. Otherwise has been wear and tear, though shouldn't underestimate as a new set of tyres which is best part of £800-900 and obv discs and brakes are not cheap. And if you are that way inclined you can fit a Brabus chip for a bit more omph which is effectively what the 'Grand Edition' has.

Hope you find a good one and enjoy it!

 

[MWCLS]

You can retro fit the facelift led rears, which I probably will do, about £900.00. I'm not a fan of the facelift door mirrors don't seem to flow with the sleek lines of the cls. Huge choice out there, lots of diesels, every car will sell no matter the spec or colour ...price being the factor.