Don't know if this will help ....
I bought a 2003 CL600 W215 TT a year ago. Only 50K miles now with full MBSH. I paid 8K, so had a reserve of €4K. Had quite a few niggles, as the car had had little recent use.
Wing mirrors needed sorting (easy fix), indicator erratic (now sorted). some spots of paint blistering (will live with), occasional flat battery (my fault!) Needed 4 new tyres - to be put on soon!
Pros: awesome performance, luxurious cabin and room for 4 six-footers. averaging 27mpg! Great road presence, yet classy. Easy to park for its size. Gives a great feeling of capability. Servicing is not bad here in France. Once on the move, feels unbeatable.
Cons: the niggles ....... aircon sometimes won't come on for about 10-15 mins on very hot days - just when you want it to. Occasionally the engine check light comes on and the codes show one bank misfiring - perhaps plugs, coil pack or control module. Fuel pump is noisy - always has been! Some what feels like axle tramp under hard acceleration - could be prop bearing, could just be well-worn tyres!
I don't have an Indie near me, so the niggles will need sorting gradually. Coil packs & plugs will cost just over £2000 if needs be. Bodywork about £500. Gearbox oil needs changing on these at around 60K and I've had that done at the recent service, as a precaution (it's the same box as in my XKR).
Overall? Absolutely brilliant - am keeping it. Wife loves it (hates the XKR) but is becoming frustrated about the aircon niggles.
Interestingly, the petrolheads over here are unanimous that the shape is the best Merc ever and is a classic in waiting.
I have 2 other cars, so the niggles don't concern me on a daily basis.
I'm looking for a classic investment, however, and the discussion about the Jag V12s is interesting, as I fancy an XJ12 or Daimler Double Six. Like my XKR, they get through suspension bushes and sometimes components at a fair rate, but I've become addicted to the lazy power and sound of a V12. The Jag series III are not too bad - the series II is the one to avoid, from my research.
Willson reckons the early '90s 500sl is a sleeper and there are a couple of apparent good ones out there at the moment, so another V8 may be a possibility and less of a liability.
Back to topic ........ go for the twin-turbo V12, 2003 onwards. Have a reserve budget as things can and do go wrong - I haven't mentioned the suspension yet - and be phlegmatic about niggles on what is a truly awesome car.
You're getting a £110K car for under £10K ........ but with the same maintenance costs.
Everyone should own a V12 at some time in their life!
Good luck with whatever decision you go for.
Stuart
