Purchasing a CL600 Bi-Turbo or SL500

[martyp87]

Hi, are you buying the car unseen?. Not sure what you mean about the command, I think they all come with TV, DVD, MP3CD, PHONE, VOICE COMMAND, SATNAV. radio is Analogue but works well. Nothing in the glovebox. If you wish to know anything specific, as said drop me a PM.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using MBClub UK

Hi, I have saw pics of the car and it looks good and after speaking with the dealer it sounds a good one. There is always the risk of flying down there for sod all but with the history and from what I've heard it sounds perfect. The last car I bought from down South required a major clean up to get to my standards and it looked better than new when done so I know what my detailing skills can and can't do in the appearance respect.

Regarding the radio/COMAND on the CLK there is a little 3.5mm jack in the glove box to run a headphone type cable to the iPhone to play music. If these have MP3 CD/DVD that is fine with me!

Thanks for the offer, I will certainly give you a message if I think of anything specific but ill trail around MBworld where these seem more common to get up to speed so to speak.

 

[wywywywy]

The COMAND powers up and works - nav/radio etc, but no sound comes out from the BOSE amp?

Any ideas if this just needs a trip to MB to reset or if it could be more sinister? Wanting to call him back today to put a deposit down on her.

EDIT: Just searched google and a thread on MBWorld came up, looks like it just needs to be reset at the dealer with DAS test equipment - should knock some money off as that will likely cost £100.

If it's like the W221 S-Class, I don't think that's the case. The amp needs to be replaced at £1000+.

Let us know though!

 

[martyp87]

If it's like the W221 S-Class, I don't think that's the case. The amp needs to be replaced at £1000+.

Let us know though!

It did work perfectly prior to removing the battery so fingers crossed it will just need to be reset at the dealer and after reading the thread on MBWorld I assume that will do it. I will pop into one on the way home to confirm that however!

 

[C43AMG]

Where are you buying it from ? Depending where that is maybe someone could go and have a look at it, even one of the forum indies could check it out.

 

[MPG]

I've been driving a V12 TT for the past six months and happy to share my experience. Performance is clearly pretty much at the top of the list & is shattering no matter what speed or what gear you're in. Personally I prefer the turbine like whooossh of the V12 to the rumble of the supercharged V8. If it's bragging rights you're after, it is also quicker owing to 100NM more torque being delivered 1k RPM lower than its supercharged brother. That said, it's pretty much academic as both offer more than enough performance.
In terms of costs, mine has averaged just shy of 18mpg over 2k miles. It had some work to the ABC & replacement coil packs just before I bought it and since then, I've fitted a new set of tyres, air con condenser, radiator, water pump & idler pulley. Hopefully, that's the last of the big bills for now!

Regarding the COMAND system, as you probably know, the pre-facelift cars didn't have a widescreen unit. There are however, two widescreen units - the first was introduced in late 02 & the newer one in mid 03 if memory serves me. The newer one can be identified by the arrow buttons & OK button in the bottom right instead of the older units rotary switch. It also doesn't have a CD slot above it - when you push eject the screen slides up or down an inch to allow you to insert a DVD or cassette.

Buy it, be pragmatic about the odd big bill & enjoy it !

 

[martyp87]

Just outside of Heathrow is where it is based, going to book the flight down today. Got pics and it looks a stunner so happy to 'risk' it. Will be popping into a dealer after purchase to get a once over and fix the radio, any probs and I can go back to the dealer.

Thanks for your input MPG. The V12TT has more appeal than the 55k due to the cost reduction and simplicity in converting it to a 600+hp monster. A day at the 1/4 mile strip is one of my first planned drives.

I might keep my CLK for driving to work and back, we'll see. It's only a 5 mile trip and the CLK gets 20MPG at the most, I can see the CL returning 12? Don't know how these cars fair with constant short journeys but I imagine it heats up very quickly.

The pre-facelift CLs were certainly off my list, the interior just looked too outdated. Mine has the new style COMAND, had a look on COMAND.com and it looks like I can fit a Denson iPod w/BT kit and DAB radio for £650 which is pretty decent.

I'll just need to live with the odd big bill, it maybe hard to swallow but I'm sure as I get a massage on the way home, she'll make up for it!


Here's two pics, I will of course post a heck of a lot more in the detailing section sometime soon!

 

[bennybelmont]

Bought my 2003 CL600 Bi-Turbo about 2 weeks ago, you'll love it, probably not the running costs but then if you were bothered about that you'd probably buy a small run around?! It's an awsome machine, mine needs some slight work doing to it too but the sheer torque and driving experience is amazing! Ps didn't know about soft ECU reset going to give that a go ; )

 

[MPG]

Lovely looking car - knew I recognised it - its the one from Oceanlink. I would've looked at it myself but I just didn't fancy a silver one. Just as a heads up, don't know what they've told you, but it was up for sale with them when I was looking last September.

 

[C43AMG]

If you need to get your Comand sorted let me know, mind you I would insist on the seller fixing it before you buy it ? . I have a name at Brooklands, not a million miles from Heathrow. He looks after my S-Class

 

[martyp87]

MPG, I've sent you a PM.

Peter, many thanks, I've had a look at the map and the Ascot dealer is closer to where I'm collecting the car from so I will nip up there. Going to get the car plugged into STAR too, just to be safe!

 

[martyp87]

After a little more communication and information from the dealer (previous MoT), I have to pass on this. Flights booked too but only £110 lost I suppose...

On the phone he said, 69k miles, no leaks and its spot on. MoT states, 72k miles and a "oil leak" which I assume will be ABC related. Dealer doesn't have time for me to get the car checked by MB etc, so that's that over and done with.

Truly gutted, even upto £12k which is my max budget there is only one other CL600, '03 private seller which again I wouldn't risk buying, rather buy from a dealer for come backs if it is dodgy.

Search continues. Not sure about buying a car with ABC, it does put me off with the repair bills.

Found a very nice looking CLK55 '03 with 55k miles for £9.5k which having owned a CLK know there isn't much to go wrong and the *cough* BMW 650i *cough* has crawled back in too, saw a stunning '06 with 52k for under £12k.

 

[V12]

The CL is the top of the food chain and it's a massive step up from a CLK. Going from one to the other pretty much feels like going from a RR phantom to a corsa.

The 6 series is a great car but that again feels a step up from a clk but several steps down from a CL.

It is a VERY special car and especially with the bi turbo under the bonnet it is an exceptional motoring experience!

 

[Alex]

After a little more communication and information from the dealer (previous MoT), I have to pass on this. Flights booked too but only £110 lost I suppose...

On the phone he said, 69k miles, no leaks and its spot on. MoT states, 72k miles and a "oil leak" which I assume will be ABC related. Dealer doesn't have time for me to get the car checked by MB etc, so that's that over and done with.

Truly gutted, even upto £12k which is my max budget there is only one other CL600, '03 private seller which again I wouldn't risk buying, rather buy from a dealer for come backs if it is dodgy.

Search continues. Not sure about buying a car with ABC, it does put me off with the repair bills.

Found a very nice looking CLK55 '03 with 55k miles for £9.5k which having owned a CLK know there isn't much to go wrong and the *cough* BMW 650i *cough* has crawled back in too, saw a stunning '06 with 52k for under £12k.

Be prepared that any ABC car on the market today will have leaks. It's a matter of finding an example that's better than the others. The good news is leaks should be easy to spot once the car is on a hoist.

Don't be put off by the potential bills. ABC, like any other hydraulic system, requires regular maintenance and is often beyond the scope of interest or awareness of most owners. Mercedes is partly to blame for this. Typical Mercedes dealer will just present you with an estimate of what needs replacing without bothering to try and fix things. Due to initially expensive technology (F1 uses hydraulics as an example), most components are pretty expensive and not thought to be serviceable. In reality though, it's not at all difficult to understand how ABC works and how to look after it "on the cheap". There are at least 2 companies in the world that professionally refurbish ABC parts - one in America, another in Germany. Both offer rebuilt units with very similar lifespan to new and at a very reasonable cost. One member here ordered and installed German struts, all good so far. Others have successfully fixed valve blocks and replaced hoses with hydraulic shop made ones at a fraction of their original cost. Finally, not everything on the car needs doing at once. Things like valve blocks are only responsible for keeping the car level when it's stationary with engine off and can be fixed after everything else is done. They are a DIY job so any competent DIYer or mechanic should be able to do it. Good luck with your search.

 

[m2287]

I agree, when I was looking at cl's 4 years ago, all of them needed something doing. In the end I went for one which I got the best feeling about. It needed a fair bit doing but i got a massive bargain and it hasn't been to bad over the last 4 years.

 

[Alex]

OP, just so you know what you're missing on if you're not going with a CL, here's an old but good article about one.

In a nutshell, the 600 is arguably the best car all round, compared to Bentley GT, DB9 and Scaglietti F1.

2005 Aston Martin DB9 vs. Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1, M-B CL600 - Comparison Tests

 

[C43AMG]

If the oil leek was ABC related it would of specified oil leak Strut which ever one it was.

 

[martyp87]

Thanks for the input and moral support. I just can't justify buying a car which has a leak and could cost a lot to fix, the dealer was not willing to reduce the price or even look at getting it fixed.

I know there probably isn't a better or more powerful car out there than the CL and that's what initially pulled me in and got me interested on owning one. The problem is, there are currently 2 on AutoTrader, one is a potential nightmare and the other one is a private seller which would come with no comeback.

CL55's are all pretty much high mileage upto £12k which is my max budget and the CL500 doesn't have the same appeal.

Looking at my options, the CLK55 is a 2003 although not many miles it might/probably will have rust.

On the dark side I can get a 650Ci fully loaded with 52k and its an 06. Yes, it may only be 370hp and 0-60 in 5.2 rather than 4.8 but it doesn't have rust or suspension issues... Sad to say, the BM is looking favourable...

 

[bennybelmont]

Real shame! You only live once don't keep thinking "what if" thats how i get by with mine and as ALx says it won't all go wrong in one go, just enjoy it when it is working and budget for when things do go wrong bit like my uncle who has an alfa 147 gta great car but about as reliable as a plumbers estimate!

 

[Alex]

Thanks for the input and moral support. I just can't justify buying a car which has a leak and could cost a lot to fix, the dealer was not willing to reduce the price or even look at getting it fixed.

I know there probably isn't a better or more powerful car out there than the CL and that's what initially pulled me in and got me interested on owning one. The problem is, there are currently 2 on AutoTrader, one is a potential nightmare and the other one is a private seller which would come with no comeback.

CL55's are all pretty much high mileage upto £12k which is my max budget and the CL500 doesn't have the same appeal.

Looking at my options, the CLK55 is a 2003 although not many miles it might/probably will have rust.

On the dark side I can get a 650Ci fully loaded with 52k and its an 06. Yes, it may only be 370hp and 0-60 in 5.2 rather than 4.8 but it doesn't have rust or suspension issues... Sad to say, the BM is looking favourable...

Buying a £100K+ car at the top of your budget is never a good thing, so I would say you're right in walking away from it. Both me and Peter and quite possibly other CL owners here spent weeks and sometimes months looking for the right example of a car. I was after a 65 but spotted a very nice 55 and jumped on it. I was pleasantly surprised that I only had one front hose weeping, everything else was dry and held well. I immediately changed the hose, flushed the fluid and that was it. Why I'm saying you this is because it's worth doing your homework and familiarise yourself with all things that make CL such a special and desired car (ABC and V12 being best part of it).

 

[bennybelmont]

Was your front hose that was weeping at the front under the radiator as mine has started to weep getting changed asap?