Think about a CLS63 AMG...

[Adamccc]

Hi guys,

I'm rather new to MB/AMG after being a devote Audi S/RS head for years but after looking at new CLA45's there seems to be a great deal of fantastic metal you can get on the used market for the same price as a new one of these.

So I've found a gorgeous CLA63 AMG (2011 5.5 BiTurbo) with low mileage (< 10k) that comes in budget. I know it's going to be a more expensive car to run but I think it's worth it, I checked with MB and they said a full service would be about £500 which is what I pay currently for mine, prices seem similar on discs/pads/fluids etc etc.

I tried to search the forum for this same question but couldn't find anything, Just wanted to know if there was anything I should look out for, any known issues and costs relating to them?

Cheers

 

[DannyHall]

CLS63 would be one hell of a machine.

I was in a similar situation maybe with similar budgets?

CLA45 just seemed a more logical choice for me without kids i didn't need the space of a bigger saloon.

What's the interior like on the CLS? Ultimately for me it came down to the technology and updated interior in the CLA that swung it for me, that paired with the exclusive package with the leather dash was a deal breaker.

Completely different leagues in terms of performance and being my first high powered car it seemed logical to not go in too deep.

Looking forward to seeing other peoples comments.

 

[st13phil]

The CLS and E-Class 5.5 BiTurbo's are great cars to drive and own.

A 2011 car should have had the plugs changed this year (every 4 years) which is an expensive job at a main dealer. It will need a transmission oil change at 37k miles (once only). Other than that the expensive service items are front disks if it has the composite disks (£'s ludicrous at a main dealer, £1500+ at an indie) and brake pads you already know about.

As an early example it may suffer timing chain rattle on startup from cold (search for M157 rattle on startup and you'll find the thread about my experience with that) which was fixed under warranty on my car. Find out if your target car is in the affected engine number range - it's a safe bet that it is - and also whether or not the fix has been done. If not, find out if MB will do it for free on a goodwill basis as it's a big labour bill (at least a day's work) if they won't.

 

[Adamccc]

CLS63 would be one hell of a machine.

I was in a similar situation maybe with similar budgets?

CLA45 just seemed a more logical choice for me without kids i didn't need the space of a bigger saloon.

What's the interior like on the CLS? Ultimately for me it came down to the technology and updated interior in the CLA that swung it for me, that paired with the exclusive package with the leather dash was a deal breaker.

Completely different leagues in terms of performance and being my first high powered car it seemed logical to not go in too deep.

Looking forward to seeing other peoples comments.

Yeah the CLA is a very nice car and I'd much more happy with one of those than going back to a hatchback (A45). I don't have kids either but I'd don't think I can hold the misses off much longer!

Interior is extremely nice, comfy and luxurious but lacking any kind of sportiness like the CLA or even the RS5, RS6 etc with there bucket style seats (CLS's seats are still very supportive though).

My TTRS is at 430hp and a decent bit lighter than the A45 so was a little disappointed with performance but heard you can get some amazing figures with a simple map and filter - but I think 560hp will do nicely

The CLS and E-Class 5.5 BiTurbo's are great cars to drive and own.

A 2011 car should have had the plugs cha...

Thanks mate, that really helps - have been told that torque converters in GB can be an issue if driven hard, heard anything on that?

 

[Abb]

Hi Adam and welcome to the forum. Can you clarify are you looking at the CLS63 (as per your heading), CLA 63 or CLA 45 which your make reference to. Just so the people in the know will be able to advise you better. I am guessing its the CLS 63 as I am dont think the make the CLA in 63 form??
Whichever you choose, the AMG is a soundtrack you wont regret choosing!

 

[Adamccc]

Hi,

Yes it's a used CLS63 that I'm looking at rather than going for a brand new CLA45

Cheers

 

[Abb]

Nice, very nice! If yo need any further info other than what you find on here, it may be worth giving Acid at MSL a call, he is a guru with all things Mercedes especially when it comes to tuning & performance!

 

[developer]

Hi,

Yes it's a used CLS63 that I'm looking at rather than going for a brand new CLA45

Cheers

CLS is a different animal completely - quick, classy, prestigious.

It would be my choice over a CLA.

 

[st13phil]

have been told that torque converters in GB can be an issue if driven hard, heard anything on that?

It has the MCT transmission that uses a wet multi-plate startup clutch rather than a torque converter. I'm not aware of any problems with them, and other members here (e.g. daveenty) are running 700+ bhp / 1200Nm tuned versions of the same drivetrain.

If I understand it, you're torn between a new CLA45 or a used CLS63?

All I can say is that as good as the CLA45 is, the CLS63 is in a different league wrt comfort and refinement (and straight-line performance). If you want a "B-road warrior" though, then go the 4wd CLA45 route.

 

[Grovsie31]

5.5 Bi turbo v8. Whats not to like if you can afford it. CLA wouldn't get a look in for me.

 

[DannyHall]

As much as i love my CLA

The difference in cars is huge, it's one end of the spectrum to the other.

I have to be honest, if i saw a CLS63 it would be a real head turner and after looking at photos on the internet the interior is almost better than the exterior.

The fact you're looking at models 3 years old with similar prices to the CLA list price is representative of the difference between cars.

Can you not organise to have the cars from Mercedes for a few days?
I know it's completely different but my girlfriend has just got a new Audi and got the option to take a couple of models away for a day or two to test, obviously not at the same time.

Hope you enjoy whatever you buy!

 

[pete harrison]

5.5 Bi turbo v8. Whats not to like if you can afford it. CLA wouldn't get a look in for me.

V8 v 4 cylinder = no competition at all.

I have an E63 and its combination of power and refinement makes it a great car, the only downer being a slightly hesitant pick up from stopped and the brakes occasionally feel a little underwhelming.

Having driven my Corsa for the past couple of weeks I am really looking forward to the drive to Bristol tomorrow - obviously in the E63.

 

[Riverside Red]

Must be a CL63 the interior on a "vanilla" CLS is leagues ahead of an A class, add the V8 and it's no competition.

RR

 

[BenzedUP]

CLS63 AMG, I was so close to buying one this year, it's an incredible car, looks the part and drives amazing.

CLA45 is an A45 saloon - nice car but not in the same league, sorry.

 

[Adamccc]

Thanks for the advise fellas, it's not so much which is better as obviously a 560hp roaring V8 is no competition against an A Class, it was more about getting info as to not wanting to jump into a CLS blind and ending up with £££££'s worth of issues to deal with etc.

Must be a CL63 the interior on a "vanilla" CLS is leagues ahead of an A class, add the V8 and it's no competition.

Agree with the engine but with being a younger guy (25) it seems Mercedes are aiming the A and even C Class AMG's at me with the much sportier and modern interior that I really like - I guess the CLS will be much more comfy but whether that's what appeals to me in a 500hp+ car is a different story

 

[DannyHall]

Where are you based?

That's my 45 interior, with COMAND and the Leather package

 

[Adamccc]

Thanks for all your help guys, after lots of thinking, I pick her up tomorrow...

 

[Nitro]

That looks amazing!
Good choice, way better than any CLA45

 

[DannyHall]

Fantastic! Looks gorgeous! Glad you're happy with it!

 

[RJ C63]

Nice!