CSL 350 CGI or CLS 500

[WOODYTHEWISE]

CLS 350 CGI or CLS 500?
A friend of mine as asked me, to ask on his behalf what the learned people of this excellent forum think about the CLS.
He has two in mind, one a 2009 CGI with 50k miles and a 2008 CLS 500 with a similar mileage. He does a low mileage so fuel consumption is not a worry. Most comments on the forum are about oil burners. Are there any known problems with the petrol units?. Both cars are similar in price. The 500 is more or less standard. The 350 is what he termed as fully loaded. He tends to keep his cars for long periods. How does the CLS go on with the old tin worm?.
Thank you in advance for your comments.

 

[jaymanek]

The v6 is affected by the balancer shaft issue but very likely that it will be newer than the engines affected.

I think the v8 is the far superior engine, quiet, smooth, powerful and no real known problems.

 

[blue gnome123]

the 2008 CLS 500 will be the 388bhp 5.5l. I've driven them in e-coupe and s-class. Fantastic engines - lovely combination of torque and revs - if you can live with the thirst.

 

[Smatt]

Personally, I would seriously consider the fully loaded one, or if I really wanted the bigger engine, I would wait until a 500 came along that was fully loaded.
The 350 will still be a nice powerful and relatively smooth unit. Being a CGI it is more economical & powerful than a non-CGI 350.
The options are likely to be used regularly and will make the car more versatile and enjoyable & keep one satisfied for longer.
Retrofitting options is possible, but is difficult, time consuming and very expensive compared to buying them already on the car

 

[LTD]

John

Call me stupid but YOUR car is the one he should be buying.

I know if I had the spare cash, it would be on my driveway.

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

This is very true Steven, he was tempted but his Mrs insists on a four door