Is a CL (W215) a BIG MISTAKE about to happen?

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mbzclk

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Joined
Nov 12, 2008
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Location
London
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An AMG
I love these things...:devil:

Now I have seen them for around 8.5K with FSH...

I am looking at the 2003 facelift version (less faults/no rust??? - Is that true? Or shall I get a 01/02 pre-facelift)

However how bad are these? OK I know about ABC is that the only big issue?

Looking on ECP etc most parts seem like they are a decent price.

Have seen one with LPG fitted, now that may be an idea too?

Currently running a 230K and get 20 around town and 30 on a run, I drive it quite hard so that's prob why so low.

Most of these are fully loaded with all options and look superb.

Talk me out of one, or tell me to go for it and what to look out for....

Costs me around £80 (60L) to tank the 230K and I get about 280-320 per tank.

What can I expect from the CL500.

Or shall I look at a W209 CLK320/320CDI/500

Any other ideas? Also love the CLS! However they cost double of the CL. (CLS320/320CDI/350/500)

Thoughts etc...
 
I was once told by a Ferrari mechanic, if you can't afford a decent one, you definately can't afford a cheap one.

This applies to cars like the CL which were top of the range deep pocket cars when new, when a few years old and out of warranty you have to expect to be spedning money keeping it going.

Although at least you're looking at the most sensible money pit - the CL500

A CL600 is basically a second mortgage.....

Look at the CLK or buy a much newer CL and get a decent warranty with it.
 
CL's are the best coupe loads of extras its your choice, I get 400 miles per tank
how come you only get 320 ?
 
Mostly drive it around town, so maybe that's why? :doh:

However I do think it may need something looking at, however when I have asked most say it's fine and it's my agressive driving style. :devil:

So I am looking at a later 2003 CL (With FSH) hopefully no rust issues there - main worry is about electrics and ABC.

I do think a CLS/CLK 500 maybe a good idea... :rock:

The CL just looks amazing not even thinking about a 600. Will a AA Warranty / Warranty Direct do the job?
 
i do 350 miles in my s600 but for £100 tank so extra £20 notes on you.
Best thing is get one where its had abc work done to it before you buy. buying a 70k-100k mile car thats got not abc paperwork says to me its gonner be failing on the next owner.
 
So if I got something with 70/80K with FSH and ABC already being sorted. I maybe onto a good one? :dk:

How about LPG, any ideas regarding that? I would not pay to have it done myself as I only do 12k per annum.

However if its already been done - bonus right?
 
How about LPG, any ideas regarding that? I would not pay to have it done myself as I only do 12k per annum.

However if its already been done - bonus right?

I'm not a big believer in LPG on a Mercedes engine.

Theres a lot of tinkering happened during fitting and it's not my cup of tea.

If you are seriously worried about mpg, buy a CLK320 CDi.
 
I cope OK with the CLK at the moment fine, ofcourse if I can get better why not? Hence the LPG question.

The CL is in a different league however, if they did a CL 350 CDI without ABC, I would have it in a heartbeat, but then it would not have that magic carpet ride and smooth power on tap. :devil:

Dilema!! :wallbash:

So the other option too is to get a CLS 320 CDI as I prefer that over the CLK.

Not to keen on the W209, just feels to similar to the CLK 208 I have....
 
I cope OK with the CLK at the moment fine, ofcourse if I can get better why not? Hence the LPG question.

The CL is in a different league however, if they did a CL 350 CDI without ABC, I would have it in a heartbeat, but then it would not have that magic carpet ride and smooth power on tap. :devil:

Dilema!! :wallbash:

So the other option too is to get a CLS 320 CDI as I prefer that over the CLK.

Not to keen on the W209, just feels to similar to the CLK 208 I have....

You must have a very flexible budget, no?

I must admit that I absolutely love the CLS, it's probably my favourite Mercedes.
 
If you can drop £1k on a single repair at the drop of a hat then the CL is what you want. As a rule most repair work goes into thousands very quickly and the repair work will almost certainly be frequent. HTH.
 
Not to keen on the W209, just feels to similar to the CLK 208 I have....

I have had both a W208 and I currently have a W209, both 3.2s with AMG rims,

They are quite different, the W209 has a more `quality` feel over the W208, I felt the interior plastics to be a bit plasticy, the W209 has a much better dash, its very classy, its also a true pillarless coupe and has the seatbelt butlers! Mine is in black with mildly tinted windows and AMG rims, it looks like a mini CL without the huge repair bills, I had a W220 once, simply colassal repair bills! (W220 and W215 are the same cars with different bodies)
 
Ive just sold my 2004 cl600 and the guy who has bought it got a very good warranty from Warranties Direct @£750 per year I think .I had a warranty on mine and used it for the ABC nearside front valve which came to about £1400 I think .Other than a stereo amp failing on one side the car was fantastic .Get a good one and you should be OK .But as said you only live once !!!!
 
Only buy a CL if you have deep pockets. They just cant be run on a shoestring.
 
Me too! Can't wait 'till september! :D
 
W215 CL= BIG BILLS as has been said. Part of this is economies of scale. Many lesser MB cars share many components with their mass produced saloon/estate siblings- this helps to keep the prices of parts/repairs down. You are heading towards Porsche, Ferrari, Aston territory where if you have to ask the price of a repair ---you can't afford it.
 
If you have been in a W215 CL or driven one and have fallen for the looks, the comfort and the sheer luxury and equipment, then I can understand the relatively low purchase price is very tempting. the choice of the model (CL500, 600, 55, or even 65) depends on your preference for power and speed. If you decide to go for one, the advice I would give is to take your time and look for a car with the following must-have's:
- post sept 2003 so it comes with upgraded DVD Comand (NTG1)
- below 60k mileage (ideally below 50k) so you get best mechanical warrantee cover and mercedes paint warrantee cover.
- full service history at the right intervals, and including all service part replacements at right intervals (eg plugs, oils and fluids, etc). Not necessarily by mercedes, but good knowledgable indies.
- key-less Go!
The nice to have's include distronic, linguatrinic, rear camera, Alcantara headlining, any designo trim, upgraded alloys, adaptive seats, the list goes on! (and does get sillier, such as rear blinds and drinks cooler).
Once you found the car, then you must:
- get it checked over by one of the specialists (find them here on the forum)
- get the best warrantee you can get to cover full wear and tear items. There is at least one company that does this. You may pay up to £1000 per year but it will be worth it.
 
I defiantly agree with the above. I took 18 months before i found my CL.

I not sure they did a rear view camera though. I have my warranty with Warranty Direct, who have been very good .
 

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