What can you tell me about the CL420?

[420SE]

I rarely see these and found this on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-MERCEDES...53QQihZ012QQcategoryZ9855QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They look like lovely cars with every extra imaginable!

Any idea on:
1. Reliability issues?
2. Performance figures?
3. MPG (or should that be GPM? )

Also, is the CL a model above the SL or no?

Just curious

 

[sportyreptile]

Have a look at this thread

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28933

as they are the coupe version of the W140. A 500 would probably be the prefered engine over a 420, both are V8's so would be roughly the same cost to maintain and fuel but the 500 has more punch to it. Although there does seem to be more 420's for sale at the moment.....odd, because MB made more 500's than 420's.

On the CL, also check the seatbelt butlers work, that they present the belt and then retract when the belt is clicked in.
Also, check that the windows drop a little when the doors are unlocked, it's a feature to stop the glass catching on the door rubbers when the doors are opened. The door rubbers are important on these cars because of the pillarless and framless glass design, very cool looking but you need good condition door rubbers to seal them correctly.

Other than that, as per the W140.

They are great cars, my next one will be a CL, probably a 500.

 

[420SE]

thanks for that, some very useful links.

what i am confused about is whether the CL is above the SL? the CL to me is just a s door S class......so is it on par with an SL of that period or above it???

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Define 'above it'.

As with today, the CL is the flagship model with the SL 2nd, but you cant really compare them.

The SL is a roadster, the CL is a luxury coupe.

 

[420SE]

AH, I see. So the CL is the flagship......I take it the SL is the sportier car with better handling? Is the SL also quicker?

 

[stats007]

Define flagship?

The S-class must be the 'flagship' saloon if we're not including Maybach, the CL the flagship coupe and the SL the flagship sports convertible. Not sure you can compare any of them really.

Put an SL of the same spec as a CL on a track and the SL will be faster - lower centre of gravity - lighter, generally firmer suspension settings - lower cd etc.