CLS55 or CLS500?

[rockits]

My work XJ has gone now so looking for a replacement daily. Was looking at a Maserati QP V but the ideal would be a ZF Auto that is a little more than my ideal budget for a nice one. Also not sure about the variator issues they can suffer from.

Got my attention to a CLS55 or CLS500 as a better/viable alternative.

Any opinions on what to go for?

Is the the 55 that much better in the real world day to day compared to a 500? Are the running costs of a 55 that much more?

Your advice & opinions always appreciated

 

[AMGeed]

There is very little difference in the running costs between the two. The 500 is a perfectly adequate performance car, but not in the same league as the 55k.
Take a drive in both if you can and I think you'll find the shove in the back from the torque of the supercharged 55 is something you can't ignore.
I think if I had bought the 500 when looking for my E class I'd have always thought I had missed out on the better car and a real AMG.

 

[whitenemesis]

"Better" is a subjective thing ..

The 55 being an AMG is a very purposeful car. Suspension is much firmer than the 500, even when set to 'Comfort' (approx 30% stiffer). When driven slowly it feels like a naughty puppy straining at the leash.

Unless you go for the option of PP brakes the 55 shouldn't be any more expensive to service than the 500.

If something breaks though, be prepared for extra cost over the 500 parts. Plus potential delays as parts come from Germany.

Do you want an everyday conveyance or do you want a car that begs to be driven?

 

[Alex]

500.

Suffer for even thinking about comparing the two.

 

[tromppost]

Used 2007 Maserati Quattroporte V8 for sale in Chester | Pistonheads and enjoy

 

[C240Sport97]

Suspension is much firmer than the 500, even when set to 'Comfort' (approx 30% stiffer).

but on 18" wheels, still glides above bumps and potholes

 

[C240Sport97]

the main question is whether you want 2 or 4 exhaust pipes

 

[rockits]

I would like this car to be a comfortable everyday daily driver rather than a growling uncompromising monster of a car. The R129 SL500 I am using at the moment I guess will be the same or similar engine & gearbox to the CLS500?

The SL is nice and comfortable, plenty fast enough and interesting enough to drive as a daily. The proposed new car is replacing a 2011 Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel twin turbo with 275bhp and 6 speed ZF Auto. The Jag had that nice blend of being comfortable, fast enough and interesting enough. Just going to stay away from diesels now as much prefer having a more liner power deliver more than the boom and bust of the Jag.

Not sure how much difference there is between a 306bhp 5 speed CLS500 and the later 388bhp 7 speed auto? I guess I will have to drive both the CLS500 & CLS55 to see how different they are and what suits best.

 

[rockits]

Used 2007 Maserati Quattroporte V8 for sale in Chester | Pistonheads and enjoy

Don't do that to me! I have spoken to Richard Grace a few times have looked at that QP a few times on his site already!!

It is very much a heart and head one but as I already have a 4200 GT CC in the garage my head is swaying this one a little more

 

[rockits]

Anyone know what the service intervals are on a CLS500 and/or CLS55?

 

[def90cars]

Anyone know what the service intervals are on a CLS500 and/or CLS55?

I had a CLS55 - I think a strict 12 months or 12,000 miles if I remember correctly.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Used 2007 Maserati Quattroporte V8 for sale in Chester | Pistonheads and enjoy

That does look lovely

 

[Iceviolet]

I have a 2007 CLS 500 with the later engine and it is definitely the one to go for. I drove both cars before purchasing and the later engine is much more spritely and refined, I found the 306hp engine quite lazy. On long runs I have achieved over 30mpg which I don't think is too bad for the engine size.
Also on early cars, including all 55's, they are fitted with the SBC braking system, which has a finite life and will need replacing at some time, just something to look out for and budget for if not done by now as it will be getting on!

 

[rockits]

Seems weird that so many modern cars are still 12 month service intervals. The 2007 on Maserati GT was the first Maser with 2 year intervals and QP ZF Auto's are 2 year as well. My old 987 Boxster S was 2 year as well.

With modern synthetic oils and not silly mileage I don't see why they need a service every 12 months. I am only likely to do 6k miles in this daily driver I am looking for so ideally 2 years service intervals would make more sense. I guess if it is only a lube service with an indy you would only be looking at £200-£250.

Was ideally looking for a daily with 2 years service intervals and prior to March 2006 for the cheaper £290 car tax. I don't want much do I?! Just saves about £500 really in reduced servicing and car tax. Not a deal breaker but the demands on my cash from elsewhere and all

 

[steve333]

I owned a 388bhp cls500 for just under 3 years,loved the car,fabulous ride on 19"s and air suspension,averaged 23mpg during my ownership,servicing is annual or 15,500 miles,bags of power and a very comfortable and refined cruiser.

 

[C240Sport97]

I had a CLS55 - I think a strict 12 months or 12,000 miles if I remember correctly.

it's mileage based. usually 10k miles between services. you can get more or less than 10k miles depending on how the car is used or driven.

however, it will ask for a service if less than 10k miles 2 years or so after a service.

 

[nb_racing]

When did the 388bho engine get introduced?

They are totally different cars.

Like a Ford Focus 2.0 ghia is totally different to an RS.

One is a comfortable saloon car, the other is a performance orientated hooligan.

 

[rockits]

Sounds like maybe a later 388bhp engine with later 7 speed auto might be better.

Are the earlier CLS55's all 5 speed auto's and also earlier CLS500's 5 speeds? Then the 7 speed auto came in the change with the 388bhp engine 2006-on?

 

[Iceviolet]

Yes the 55 amg has the 5 speed, too much torque for 7 g tronic I believe.

 

[Suky Sangha]

I've driven both cars and both are lovely....however the cls 55 AMG is worlds apart from the 500. Much better drive, handling and smiles per miles Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK