Older CL63 AMG or newer CL500 4.7 Bluetech

[Bornblue]

Placed an order last week for a 2007 CL63AMG and after the dealer sent the car away for servicing and checking over the repairs bill was exceeding £8000 and the dealer pulled the plug on the deal. I thought that was fair enough as a less reputable dealer would have tried to do as little of the repairs as possible and I would have been left with the bill.

Having test driven the CL63 I have definitely got the CL bug and I am going to buy one as soon as I find the right car.

Been looking at newer CLs circa 2012 4.7L twin turbo, and can pick one of these up for the same or less than the 2007 AMG model.

Looking at the performance figures of the 2 cars there is not that much to choose between them. I am thinking the fuel costs will be a good bit lower on the newer car and the cost of some of the parts will be lower as well.

What do other forum members suggest I should buy?

 

[Gbrowncls55]

I would definitely go for the later twin turbo. Lots of lovely torque to drive on compared to the 63, better looking front wings, and if 400 bhp is not enough, easily remapped to nigh on 500 with even more torque. I expect it will also ride a good bit more comfortably than a 63 which given these cars are hardly pants on fire driving machines is another benefit. Actually considering one myself .

 

[John]

Given the choice, I would go for the CL500 BlueEfficency (I did!).

I like the CL63 but I prefer the facelift look (I prefer a regular slushy to the MCT-7 in the 63).

As you say, there isn't a lot in it and the CL500 4.7 pulls like a train relentlessly and is very-well setup car in that respect.

As for fuel costs being a good bit lower - don't bet on it!

Coming from a c600BHP E55K to a 2013 CL500, it's not a huge difference (which included a mix of a more-efficient car and I removed a lot of the weight from my right foot).

I think E55K was doing 16/17mpg and the CL 24mpg.

At the end of the day, they are big heavy V8 automatics.

I think if you are looking at a large stylish coupe, Mercedes do them best at a reasonable price.

There's not much else in that bracket (direct competitor of them is the Maserati Granturismo but that's a different car altogether). I guess the Bentley Continental GT is in there too...

Have you got a budget in mind?

 

[Bornblue]

Given the choice, I would go for the CL500 BlueEfficency (I did!).

I like the CL63 but I prefer the facelift look (I prefer a regular slushy to the MCT-7 in the 63).

As you say, there isn't a lot in it and the CL500 4.7 pulls like a train relentlessly and is very-well setup car in that respect.

As for fuel costs being a good bit lower - don't bet on it!

Coming from a c600BHP E55K to a 2013 CL500, it's not a huge difference (which included a mix of a more-efficient car and I removed a lot of the weight from my right foot).

I think E55K was doing 16/17mpg and the CL 24mpg.

At the end of the day, they are big heavy V8 automatics.

I think if you are looking at a large stylish coupe, Mercedes do them best at a reasonable price.

There's not much else in that bracket (direct competitor of them is the Maserati Granturismo but that's a different car altogether). I guess the Bentley Continental GT is in there too...

Have you got a budget in mind?

Thanks for the input. Definitely warming to the newer car. Budget of £18k or so.

I work close to home these days and don't do a lot of miles. I have always loved the CL styling but always held back from buying one for fear on annoying customers. No longer have the same contact with customers and frankly less concerned about what they might think.

As you say there's really nothing else like it available in the price range.

 

[John]

You aren't far out on the budget...

You were right on the parts prices though - normally AMG-specific parts have an AMG "hike" on them. The brakes are technically different (two piece floaters) so are pricey. The CL500 has regular cheap brakes (although they don't take kindly to fast braking for long!). They are more than good enough for standard / moderate-progress driving though. Most of the other things will not be a million miles apart.

I too really love the CL styling. The frameless pillarless doors are stunning. I really wanted a 560SEC WB but that was out of my league cost-wise and I nearly bought a regular one from a member off here but I had concerns about spares given the age of the car (I believe they produce spares again now). However, I wasn't sure as a daily proposition. The CL was the next best thing but up to date, hopefully more reliable and safer etc. So a nod to the SEC.

However, bear in mind they are not the most practical cars. It's a big car and they have a reversing camera, but sometimes in parking spaces with the long doors it can be tricky - not to mention the size and moving it around. I could do it but it was a fair bit of effort.

My steed:

 

[Bornblue]

You aren't far out on the budget...

You were right on the parts prices though - normally AMG-specific parts have an AMG "hike" on them. The brakes are technically different (two piece floaters) so are pricey. The CL500 has regular cheap brakes (although they don't take kindly to fast braking for long!). They are more than good enough for standard / moderate-progress driving though. Most of the other things will not be a million miles apart.

I too really love the CL styling. The frameless pillarless doors are stunning. I really wanted a 560SEC WB but that was out of my league cost-wise and I nearly bought a regular one from a member off here but I had concerns about spares given the age of the car (I believe they produce spares again now). However, I wasn't sure as a daily proposition. The CL was the next best thing but up to date, hopefully more reliable and safer etc. So a nod to the SEC.

However, bear in mind they are not the most practical cars. It's a big car and they have a reversing camera, but sometimes in parking spaces with the long doors it can be tricky - not to mention the size and moving it around. I could do it but it was a fair bit of effort.

My steed:

View attachment 86819 View attachment 86820

Nice car John. That would do me nicely. The size of it doesn't bother me. My current car is a S Class 350 and I manage fine with that.

I am quite fortunate in that I have quite a bit of space in a warehouse I use for work. A couple of years ago I installed a 2 post car lift and can easily do a lot of work on my cars myself. Oil changes, brakes etc are much easier when you can lift the car off the ground.

Biggest problem about buying one of these cars is that they are quite scarce. I live near Glasgow and they are hardly ever available up here. Guess I will need to make some trips south if i want to take it further.

Seen this car in autotrader:
Saved Adverts

Is the mileage too high?

Is it worth a 450 mile round trip to look at it?

Lots of very good reviews on the dealer so they seem very reputable.

 

[John]

That one has been for sale for nearly a year.

At first glance that sound a bit scary but the market for these cars is not fast flowing. One really is waiting for "that buyer" as there isn't a flurry - partly for the reasons I mention above (btw when I refer to moving it around, I mean moving it around in tight spaces etc. On the open road it is fine). It's much easier in a W222 with a 360 camera!

However, if you turn it around, it means prices aren't nuts and you can drive something exclusive around without breaking the bank. I would venture not many have £20k to put into one of these.

They feel like they are built from granite so are well screwed together and more reliable than the predecessor (W215).

It really comes down to how well it has been looked after and the history. They can have some expensive issues so I would advocate a thorough inspection by an independent unless you are mechanically minded and comfortable with your own appraisal.

 

[Bornblue]

That one has been for sale for nearly a year.

At first glance that sound a bit scary but the market for these cars is not fast flowing. One really is waiting for "that buyer" as there isn't a flurry - partly for the reasons I mention above (btw when I refer to moving it around, I mean moving it around in tight spaces etc. On the open road it is fine). It's much easier in a W222 with a 360 camera!

However, if you turn it around, it means prices aren't nuts and you can drive something exclusive around without breaking the bank. I would venture not many have £20k to put into one of these.

They feel like they are built from granite so are well screwed together and more reliable than the predecessor (W215).

It really comes down to how well it has been looked after and the history. They can have some expensive issues so I would advocate a thorough inspection by an independent unless you are mechanically minded and comfortable with your own appraisal.

If it's been up for sale for nearly a year that might explain the lower price. Maybe I will contact dealer and get the history details.
Do you know of anyone round the York area who would be able to carry out a thorough inspection. Or do I organise a normal RAC inspection?
Very aware of some of the expensive issues, especially the suspension system. Is there anything else that is expensive to put right I should know about?

 

[John]

I think the mileage will contribute given the sort of mileage other ones have been on. That's certainly the highest mileage facelift CL I've seen in the last year I think. The rest are normally up to around 50k or below.

These cars can take massive mileage if they are serviced and looked after though.

I don't know of any major weak spots. ABC can be problematic but very reliable on my car apart from a pulsation damper done under warranty (not a big deal).

I used to "exercise" mine sometimes changing it through the modes and "raising car" and dropping it (if it can do this fairly promptly without issue, it should be OK).

As for inspections - MB were offering inspections on used cars they weren't selling at some point. You are not far from MB York there. Don't know if they still do.

I'm not sure if there are any independents local to there. Certainly the RAC//AA are probably not worth pursuing because they are expert in regular cars and not this kind of car. I've heard stories of them asking the buyer for advice because they just don't know cars like this that well. They can obviously do basic checks but I would not rely on them when buying this sort of car.

Not sure I know of any other Achilles heals on them. The 7g can stuff it's torque converter after a few hundred thousand miles but the facelifts use 7g+ which is a refined version of the gearbox.

 

[renault12ts]

You aren't far out on the budget...

You were right on the parts prices though - normally AMG-specific parts have an AMG "hike" on them. The brakes are technically different (two piece floaters) so are pricey. The CL500 has regular cheap brakes (although they don't take kindly to fast braking for long!). They are more than good enough for standard / moderate-progress driving though. Most of the other things will not be a million miles apart.

I too really love the CL styling. The frameless pillarless doors are stunning. I really wanted a 560SEC WB but that was out of my league cost-wise and I nearly bought a regular one from a member off here but I had concerns about spares given the age of the car (I believe they produce spares again now). However, I wasn't sure as a daily proposition. The CL was the next best thing but up to date, hopefully more reliable and safer etc. So a nod to the SEC.

However, bear in mind they are not the most practical cars. It's a big car and they have a reversing camera, but sometimes in parking spaces with the long doors it can be tricky - not to mention the size and moving it around. I could do it but it was a fair bit of effort.

My steed:

View attachment 86819 View attachment 86820

Wow...didn't realise the doors opened so wide, they didn't keep the system from the 215 where they move forward as they open...and not wide at all.

 

[John]

Wow...didn't realise the doors opened so wide, they didn't keep the system from the 215 where they move forward as they open...and not wide at all.

No don't think so. Nightmare getting out the thing in a tight car park.

@OP - if you have plenty of space at work etc. and you are used to an S350, you should be fine! The CL is the same size as a SWB W221.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

View attachment 86820

Perfect for Cyclist Tennis.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

To the OP:

If you haven’t already owned an AMG, buy one and get it out of your system otherwise it will probably nag you over time.

There is nothing at all wrong with a CL500 - far from it, they’re a great car - but nothing quite tingles you quite like an AMG...

 

[John]

Perfect for Cyclist Tennis.

They weigh about a ton as well so would be good for that!

 

[jdrrco]

If it's been up for sale for nearly a year that might explain the lower price. Maybe I will contact dealer and get the history details.
Do you know of anyone round the York area who would be able to carry out a thorough inspection. Or do I organise a normal RAC inspection?
Very aware of some of the expensive issues, especially the suspension system. Is there anything else that is expensive to put right I should know about?

Hammerton Cars, Green Hammerton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8EQ. I used to use them for my MBs when I was up that way. Very knowledgeable and friendly. No hesitation in recommending them (unless they've sold up in the last 6 years).

 

[Bornblue]

Hammerton Cars, Green Hammerton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8EQ. I used to use them for my MBs when I was up that way. Very knowledgeable and friendly. No hesitation in recommending them (unless they've sold up in the last 6 years).

Very helpful. Thank you.

 

[Bornblue]

No don't think so. Nightmare getting out the thing in a tight car park.

@OP - if you have plenty of space at work etc. and you are used to an S350, you should be fine! The CL is the same size as a SWB W221.

Its a W220 I've got. Plenty of space at work and home. I suppose I would just need to a bit selective when parking in car parks.

 

[John]

Its a W220 I've got. Plenty of space at work and home. I suppose I would just need to a bit selective when parking in car parks.

That's what I had to do. Just be a bit selective with which spaces. I am fortunate I don't often have to park in public car parks but it's normally do-able if you persist.

 

[C43AMG]

Just came back from a 2000 mile road trip in the CL. Amazing, as I have said many, many times the perfect Grand Toure and as mentioned above if you have the AMG itch you should really scratch it

 

[Bornblue]

Went and looked at 3 CLs early last week and I am now proud owner of a 2013 CL500. Delighted with my new car.