Mercedes-Benz CL 5.5 CL500 - Buying Advice

D33_83

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Hi All,

Hope everyone is well,

Having owned mostly BMW's for the last 10 year's. I'm seriously considering getting a Mercedes CL, really love the style of the car.

I've been looking around for the last few months and have now found one that fits my budget, as it stands it's a 2007 with 43K on the clock with a FMBSH.

Having never owned or driven a Mercedes for that matter, what should i be looking out for on these cars and with this particular year & model.

In addition what features are classed as factory options on these cars, as this model has the following:

AMG body kit,
AMG 20 inch alloys.
Keyless Go
Harman Kardon System

Thanks all
 
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Craiglxviii

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Check the service history for ABC fluid flush and replace, ABC filter replace, in fact any work done on the ABC system. On this car it's the single most- likely- to- cause- monetary- pain issue you'll face.

ABC fluid & filter should be changed every 2 years/ 20k miles. If the fluid is anything other than dark green in colour it needs changing.
 

Craiglxviii

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Oh and 20" wheels, I'd avoid those!
 

Wighty

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W211/E320cdi/2009 and CLK200k 2009
Gearbox oil and filter change at 37,500 miles
 
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D33_83

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Thank you both, for the advice very much appreciated. I will make a note to check these things with the dealer.
 

silver CL55

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W216 CL500 2008. R230 SL350 2005
Thank you both, for the advice very much appreciated. I will make a note to check these things with the dealer.

I do not think these are dealer recommendations so if full MBSH they probably will not be done.
The chaps on the forum are keen on them, MB says the ABC is "sealed for life", no service recommended.
Your money, your choice.
I've not decided yet but, have not had mine done at 55k miles.
 

John Laidlaw

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More likely to show up on an Indy serviced car, agreed! MB in the US included a schedule for ABC fluid change which we never saw over here...
 

Submariner1

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As all the above.
Except I would describe clean ABC fluid as very light green when put on paper towel. Run it for a while Pull out dipstick, and check level and colour put on white paper , note engine off is the higher indentation.

If you have the later bottom return feed ABC reservoir, DO NOT OPEN the big cap. If you do you will **** the whole system, unless you suck out all the dirty oil, and do a complete abc fluid change immediately ... run it for 2 mins and the whole system is utterly wrecked!

The best mechanic I know said do not buy one in the effected engine range unless the fix was applied as a preventive measure very early in its life. Then he said, I wouldnt buy one in the affected range period! Why buy trouble. Pay more and get a later one, so much cheaper?

Check your engine number for 2 things:- I assume you will have an M273 engine.
1. The main timing gear sprockets (V8) were forged by the same company, but something in their heat hardening process was performed incorrectly so that the metal is too soft. It seems that not every shaft or sprocket was improperly forged. Maybe it was only the "Friday" parts, or maybe the one's forged in oven #8, or the ones forged by "Bob". Regardless, MB seem to know that some fail and some don't.
So we should say some of these parts in the affected range fail at a "normal" rate, where other fail "prematurely". Some incredibly prematurely, like under 30K miles.

Anyhow, it seems that MB cannot track which bad parts went into which engine, but they know that the problem was caught and corrected after M273 engine #30-088611. So, anything before that could have a bad part, but the ones after that do not.
This is expensive.

2. There is one other problem with early version of these engines. They got a bad supply of magnets for the camshaft sensors. This affects engines up to 30-193592 for the M273. Luckily, this is a very easy (even DIY) and fairly inexpensive (about $150 in parts) repair job.

Extracts above not my words.

IMO get a STAR check on it, check all struts are dry £1,100 a strut , make sure sound system and ac work. Check all switches, things like a door seat controller switch £500! ABC pumps at £1,100 ...

I was lucky no horribles, but I would always get a good Indy to really check it over.

Personally I would overpay for a "sorted" car. I.e. All problems fixed properly.
Eg You could buy one for say £12,000 and spend £8,000 even £10,000 in a heart beat getting it right.
Or buy the same year one all sorted for £15,000 to £16,000.
You do the maths.
The cheap route is the expensive route.

I think they are fantastic , and fab VFM, but repair bills are based on a car costing £98,000.
So to the original owner a £4K bill is nothing.
 
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D33_83

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As all the above.
Except I would describe clean ABC fluid as very light green when put on paper towel. Run it for a while Pull out dipstick, and check level and colour put on white paper , note engine off is the higher indentation.

If you have the later bottom return feed ABC reservoir, DO NOT OPEN the big cap. If you do you will **** the whole system, unless you suck out all the dirty oil, and do a complete abc fluid change immediately ... run it for 2 mins and the whole system is utterly wrecked!

The best mechanic I know said do not buy one in the effected engine range unless the fix was applied as a preventive measure very early in its life. Then he said, I wouldnt buy one in the affected range period! Why buy trouble. Pay more and get a later one, so much cheaper?

Check your engine number for 2 things:- I assume you will have an M273 engine.
1. The main timing gear sprockets (V8) were forged by the same company, but something in their heat hardening process was performed incorrectly so that the metal is too soft. It seems that not every shaft or sprocket was improperly forged. Maybe it was only the "Friday" parts, or maybe the one's forged in oven #8, or the ones forged by "Bob". Regardless, MB seem to know that some fail and some don't.
So we should say some of these parts in the affected range fail at a "normal" rate, where other fail "prematurely". Some incredibly prematurely, like under 30K miles.

Anyhow, it seems that MB cannot track which bad parts went into which engine, but they know that the problem was caught and corrected after M273 engine #30-088611. So, anything before that could have a bad part, but the ones after that do not.
This is expensive.

2. There is one other problem with early version of these engines. They got a bad supply of magnets for the camshaft sensors. This affects engines up to 30-193592 for the M273. Luckily, this is a very easy (even DIY) and fairly inexpensive (about $150 in parts) repair job.

Extracts above not my words.

IMO get a STAR check on it, check all struts are dry £1,100 a strut , make sure sound system and ac work. Check all switches, things like a door seat controller switch £500! ABC pumps at £1,100 ...

I was lucky no horribles, but I would always get a good Indy to really check it over.

Personally I would overpay for a "sorted" car. I.e. All problems fixed properly.
Eg You could buy one for say £12,000 and spend £8,000 even £10,000 in a heart beat getting it right.
Or buy the same year one all sorted for £15,000 to £16,000.
You do the maths.
The cheap route is the expensive route.

I think they are fantastic , and fab VFM, but repair bills are based on a car costing £98,000.
So to the original owner a £4K bill is nothing.





Submariner1,

Thanks for the detailed reply and points, as the car I'm looking at is just north of the higher figure you mentioned. I am definitely going to seek the advice and expertise of an indy before i commit to any purchase.

Can anyone recommend anyone in the Norwich area, as this is were the car is located. I found a company that can do mobile visit and checks but they quoting circa £500 to inspect the car.

Is this a reasonable price for a Mercedes Indy ?

Thanks again
 

Submariner1

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Submariner1,

Thanks for the detailed reply and points, as the car I'm looking at is just north of the higher figure you mentioned. I am definitely going to seek the advice and expertise of an indy before i commit to any purchase.

Can anyone recommend anyone in the Norwich area, as this is were the car is located. I found a company that can do mobile visit and checks but they quoting circa £500 to inspect the car.

Is this a reasonable price for a Mercedes Indy ?

Thanks again
Imo exceedingly high.
Sounds like the type of co that walk around the car, open the bonnet, , kick the tyres and give you a big bill.
The main dealer would be cheaper.
One Indy said they could look it over for £70. Obviously if they found some thing horrible you may want them to go further. But thn I would walk or get the owner to pay to look into it.

I would have thought 2 hours was sufficent for someone who knows these cars, and has a ramp.
In selecting one, I would innocently ask what mileage should the abc fluid be changed. If they say " at least every 40,000 miles but ideally at 22k then they understsnd.
If they say MB say its not neccesarry ... find a different one.

I would be happy to speak with you after 3.00 pm today. Pm me.
Yes I am A novice, but have owned 8 V8 mercs from new, so know what they should be like.
And I have learnt a hell of a lot bringing this one up to spec. Plus all the info I got from this site.

That should give you enough to decide should I pay to check this one out, or walk.

But I do not know enough to help you make the final decision .
 

Craiglxviii

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RAC charge £150... I know where my money would go.

Or put your sensible head on, how much would it cost you to go to Norwich and back? Probably slightly less than £500.....

This forum can give you an extensive list of things to look for on a 216.
 

John Laidlaw

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Unit 9, Langley Road Trading Estate
Chedgrave
Norwich, Norfolk NR14 6HD
UK

Independant Mercedes Specialist - Simon Knights and Mark Walkin-Smith

01508 522995

Have been recommended on the other side before - like Craig though I'd be tempted by an RAC combined with a personal visit after getting as much background as possible on here, there's plenty experience...
 

houseboss2

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CL500 09/09 (2010 my M273 Engine) Now completed 40K Palladium/Black

Submariner1

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CL500 2009 5.5
RAC charge £150... I know where my money would go.

Or put your sensible head on, how much would it cost you to go to Norwich and back? Probably slightly less than £500.....

This forum can give you an extensive list of things to look for on a 216.
Out of interest, do the rac give any warranty/insurance on their assessment?

They used to be utterly hopeless like the AA, but last week they took over Mobilo. All engineers includi g the Mercedes engineers were moved under the RAC hat. I wonder if you could ask for one of their MB trained mechanics to do the assessment.?
 

television

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2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
I have now had mine some 7 years now, with mine it has all the following.

I bought it at 37k miles, now 70k
Distronic
Night vision
Harmon Karmon through out and good
Early one have 2 battery
2 batteries
Television
Dynamic comfort seats
Glass roof
Rear blind.

I change the 20" wheels as not a good ride, and changed them to 18". I just use Red ceramic pads back and front.
DSC01415_zpsroih9djc.jpg

DSC01390_zpspatengjy.jpg

DSC01246_zps5lgvxhuf.jpg
DSC00967_zps0c47414f.jpg

DSC00965_zps8565ea27.jpg
 
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D33_83

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Thanks all, the amount of advice given and received in such a short space of time is overwhelming, compared to the other " forums ".

Submariner, thanks for the personal offer of help, i will drop you a PM shortly with my contact details.

On a separate note is it OK to post the link to the car i'm looking at here ?

Thanks again
 

television

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If you have seen one please pop the picture up for all of us to see.
 

BernardB

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As you're in the Norwich area you're in luck as probably the best indy in the country is just a 30-odd mile drive down the A140 in Stowmarket - Alex Crow (alexcrowltd.co.uk).

Alex looks after several CLs including mine, and there's nothing he doesn't know about these cars. In addition to his expertise his prices are very reasonable.

I live near Norwich too and if you'd like to have a face-to-face chat some time I would be very happy to meet.
 
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D33_83

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1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg 6.jpg 7.jpg 9.jpg
 

Submariner1

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Looks pretty clean.
Also check if its got a rear view camera. Nice feature. They are lovely in full flight. But remember they are pretty BIG. So its nice when reversing in tight spaces etc.
The wife thinks its an ESSENTIAL EXTRA, lol. :)
 


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