Time to swap my CLS 350 Shooting Brake for a CLS 63 Shooting Brake. Advice?

[Technoholic]

Ive just heard so many scare stories about the V10

 

[theworkerb]

Ok so here's my current thoughts.

After a brief flirt with the RS6, I'm 99% sure I'm ruling it out. Everytime I look at it all I see is bland and plastic. And given I'm spending most time inside, I want to have the feeling of luxury and being comfortable rather than feeling bad every time I look at the dash, which knowing me, I will do.

IN terms of the CLS, my main concern was putting the power down, but realistically, how many standing starts at full throttle am I going to do. In gear acceleration is probably more important and that feeling of torque, and my understanding is that when the wheels aren't losing traction, the Mercedes will give me more of that feeling.

My only other option is a Panamera Turbo S of the first gen facelift variety. I haven't ruled this out yet but something is putting me off and I can't put my finger on it. I don't LOVE the front end but could live with it, but I think the CLS still wins.

The Jag doesn't really suit me, my brother in law has an F Type R and I would have that, but that's probably one of the only ones I'd have right now.

So that leaves me with the CLS AMG S which I should be able to find in budget if I'm patient, or the W212 E63. Similar interiors it seems, but although It adds to practicality, I prefer the swooping lines of the back of the CLS more than the rear of the E. I would definitely have a W213 E but they aren't in budget and I would quite like to experience the 5.5

What are your thoughts on my conclusions and have I missed anything?!

If you really want the SB I would wait. I was happy with either the E or the SB hence why I was happy when my car came up for sale. You have a healthy budget and the way I would look at it is that I can get a very nice W212 E63 and have £10-12k left over. I love my E and a recent mess about with my mate in his E46 M3 (not the quickest car in the world I know) just showed how well this V8 biturbo really moves.

 

[unimog]

Yeah, that particular car has had about 6k spent on it recently so all the majors are done, and its a later car so the cooling problems are not prevalent. Keep a couple of grand in the bank and make sure you know where all the fuel stations are on the route to your relatives in Germany and it will be a lot of fun (don't think fuel tank, more rather fuel thimble.....)

The electrical niggles plagued all that generation and they are not to expensive to diagnose at a specialist.

 

[Technoholic]

Yeah, that particular car has had about 6k spent on it recently so all the majors are done, and its a later car so the cooling problems are not prevalent. Keep a couple of grand in the bank and make sure you know where all the fuel stations are on the route to your relatives in Germany and it will be a lot of fun (don't think fuel tank, more rather fuel thimble.....)

The electrical niggles plagued all that generation and they are not to expensive to diagnose at a specialist.

I get the appeal, it’s a hell of a lot of car for the money.

If you really want the SB I would wait. I was happy with either the E or the SB hence why I was happy when my car came up for sale. You have a healthy budget and the way I would look at it is that I can get a very nice W212 E63 and have £10-12k left over. I love my E and a recent mess about with my mate in his E46 M3 (not the quickest car in the world I know) just showed how well this V8 biturbo really moves.

You say 10-12k leftover, I say 10-12k towards a nice 2 seater of some sort!

 

[theworkerb]

I get the appeal, it’s a hell of a lot of car for the money.



You say 10-12k leftover, I say 10-12k towards a nice 2 seater of some sort!

Leftover for a 2 seater

One thing to bear in mind, I think the rear folding seats is an optional extra, I don't have folding seats and it has left me in a slight pickle at times so something to make note of if you will be carrying longer items etc

 

[Technoholic]

Am I missing something or is this a bargain considering it’s an S?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202009163817390

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Ok so here's my current thoughts.

After a brief flirt with the RS6, I'm 99% sure I'm ruling it out. Everytime I look at it all I see is bland and plastic. And given I'm spending most time inside, I want to have the feeling of luxury and being comfortable rather than feeling bad every time I look at the dash, which knowing me, I will do.

IN terms of the CLS, my main concern was putting the power down, but realistically, how many standing starts at full throttle am I going to do. In gear acceleration is probably more important and that feeling of torque, and my understanding is that when the wheels aren't losing traction, the Mercedes will give me more of that feeling.

My only other option is a Panamera Turbo S of the first gen facelift variety. I haven't ruled this out yet but something is putting me off and I can't put my finger on it. I don't LOVE the front end but could live with it, but I think the CLS still wins.

The Jag doesn't really suit me, my brother in law has an F Type R and I would have that, but that's probably one of the only ones I'd have right now.

So that leaves me with the CLS AMG S which I should be able to find in budget if I'm patient, or the W212 E63. Similar interiors it seems, but although It adds to practicality, I prefer the swooping lines of the back of the CLS more than the rear of the E. I would definitely have a W213 E but they aren't in budget and I would quite like to experience the 5.5

What are your thoughts on my conclusions and have I missed anything?!

There are definitely suitable alternatives to the CLS AMG but every time the alternatives are given to you, you end up back at the CLS!

Even if it turns out to not be what you wanted, you need to get one out of your system (either way!)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

There are definitely suitable alternatives to the CLS AMG but every time the alternatives are given to you, you end up back at the CLS!

Even if it turns out to not be what you wanted, you need to get one out of your system (either way!)

+1 Agreed

 

[Technoholic]

There are definitely suitable alternatives to the CLS AMG but every time the alternatives are given to you, you end up back at the CLS!

Even if it turns out to not be what you wanted, you need to get one out of your system (either way!)

yeah I think you're probably right!

 

[Abb]

Although I don't share the love for the SB (yes yes I know I am in the minority on this one ) but reading all your posts, I think you will regret purchasing anything else.

I too think you should hold out for the right one to come along

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

IN terms of the CLS, my main concern was putting the power down, but realistically, how many standing starts at full throttle am I going to do. In gear acceleration is probably more important and that feeling of torque, and my understanding is that when the wheels aren't losing traction, the Mercedes will give me more of that feeling.

Agreed, I can't remember ever needing to accelerate so hard from standstill that getting the power down is an issue - perhaps helped by having the right tyres for the situation/season - apart from junctions on fast roads in slippery conditions. The CLS 63 AMG will have plenty of power but people manage with RWD and more power. Test driving one will make it an easy decision to buy - or not to buy.

 

[tbourner]

Agreed, I can't remember ever needing to accelerate so hard from standstill that getting the power down is an issue

From a standstill!?! I've spun the wheels up at 60 on a few occasions (admittedly in winter with gritted roads or cold and wet).

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

From a standstill!?! I've spun the wheels up at 60 on a few occasions (admittedly in winter with gritted roads or cold and wet).

Out of necessity because you needed to accelerate that hard in the interests of safety, or because you wanted to?

 

[tbourner]

Out of necessity because you needed to accelerate that hard in the interests of safety, or because you wanted to?

Definitely just for "the lolz".

 

[Lennox]

Am I missing something or is this a bargain considering it’s an S?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202009163817390

I've been watching that one. Love it. Proper S as well.

Here what circa £10k could get you, you lucky BD!!!!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202009214024272?atmobcid=soc3

Or if you want traction and a V8...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202006300699368?atmobcid=soc3

 

[cp3377]

yeah I think you're probably right!

That’s a healthy budget which will bag you a good one. If you do I‘d be really interested in how a 63S compares to your old 350 on a day-to-day basis, especially the ride quality, or if the sound and velocity of 577 horses pales that into insignificance...

 

[AMGeed]

It seems pretty obvious you have your heart set on a CLS SB,
Don't settle for anything less or you will come to regret it .

It may take a while to find one, but will be worth the wait.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Definitely just for "the lolz".

That's a bit different, isn't the whole points of doing it for the fun of it that you want a little excitement.

Not aimed @tbourner - if someone needs a 600PS AWD/4WD to drive safely, then they are not driving safely.

For what it's worth I favour AWD/4WD for family transport, RWD for fun times, and FWD when I have little alternative.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It seems pretty obvious you have your heart set on a CLS SB,
Don't settle for anything less or you will come to regret it .

It may take a while to find one, but will be worth the wait.

I couldn't agree more. Assuming that it doesn't present an unnecessary risk, life is too short to to deliberate over what you really want, or regret decisions of the past. Get in one, drive one, and get it bought if it's the right car for you.

 

[Technoholic]

That's a bit different, isn't the whole points of doing it for the fun of it that you want a little excitement.

Not aimed @tbourner - if someone needs a 600PS AWD/4WD to drive safely, then they are not driving safely.

For what it's worth I favour AWD/4WD for family transport, RWD for fun times, and FWD when I have little alternative.

so are you saying you wouldn't consider the CLS safe as a family wagon? Because that's going to be my main use