Hi - Potential CLS Owner

[hibbs]

I've been looking around this forum for a while and thought it was about time I introduced myself. After a lot of thought, I am on the lookout my first MB. Having been through various BMW and Audi's, I am looking at a CLS (W219).

My current A6 goes at the end of June and quite looking forward to it. Much as I fancy the AMG, I suspect my head will win over the heart and I will be driving a 350!

Is there any key pieces of buying advice for the CLS that i should know about?

 

[Neil H]

Welcome!
I'm sorry that I can't advise you on 219, I have only has the 218 (the current model are you sure it's the 2009 and earlier one you want?) but there are many 219 officialdos on the forum who swear by them.

Good luck with the switch, you should find the Merc more comfortable than Audi!

 

[Neil H]

My apologies for the typos above. Apparently my IPad knows best?! Damn spell check!

 

[shrimo]

it took me ages to find mine, i did look at the 350 grand edition and was nearly sold on finding one. however the noise of a V8 petrol (500 not 55) won me over but i got lucky and found it with the AMG performance pack on it (and the black wood dash IMHO the best option) even though the MPG is absolutely shocking i wouldn't give it up for the world. The comfort is second to none and i'm comparing it to the GF's old mans ML350 (fully loaded) of which i thought was like a mega comfy sofa on wheels. Once driving it you couldn't feel safer and more in control, its as quiet as a mouse and thats with me having a foot constantly made of lead.

If you can find one, get it with the performance pack/AMG style, mine is on an 05 plate and i personally think its not aged at all, came with 54k on the clock and cost me 8750.

Hope this helps you make your mind up.

 

[Rotorhead500]

Great cars. As a place to cover miles, they really excel. And nice looking too (in my opinion, of course!)

 

[hibbs]

Thanks for all the comments. It is the 2009 one and earlier that I'm looking at. My company A6 has reached the end of its lease and decided to go it alone!!

I do love the idea of the big petrols but the fuel economy is the bit that I suspect will put me off. The only other thing I'm not sure about is the wood trim, but I guess it can be changed / covered perhaps?

Are there any big faults I should look out for when viewing? I've not heard of anything major, but better ask!

 

[television]

I can get up to 30 with ease from both of my 273 engined cars, both 5500cc

 

[hibbs]

I can get up to 30 with ease from both of my 273 engined cars, both 5500cc

That's a surprise from such a big car. Could I ask whether that's the average and what sort of driving you do (motorway, town etc).?

I drive about 10 miles to work (all downhill!!) along a dual carriageway but I do drive about 12k per year. I accept a 5.5 petrol won't be cheap to run, but I can't help thinking if I don't buy a big petrol car soon, I never will!! Although I will admit to having a heavy right foot, especially when there's a nice noise as a reward!!

 

[Neil H]

I think you might be better trying both 219 and 218. Coming out of a new A6 there may be things missing from a 6 year old + car that you take for granted.
As an example of cost (you didn't mention budget) my 218 350CDi went back with 56k on the clock at £21,000. Heck of a lot of car for not much.

I prefer the bum on the 219 though, it does look great from the back, not sure you'll have much joy on the wood, piano black is about the only non-grained wood I've seen on CLS and funnily enough I have specced it on both of mine

 

[PovertySpec]

Are there any big faults I should look out for when viewing?

Not a fault but it may be a factor; the 07/8/9 CLS does only have 2 seats in the rear.

 

[SQ_W211]

I have had 320CDI engine in E class and now have CLS55 AMG (much more powerfull than 500 mentioned here) and I do 10 miles drive everyday with stop start traffic in most of it and i have only seen a drop of around 6mpg on average from my 320cdi so don't think 350cdi will give you 30MPG around town.

I did have 50mpg MAX from my 320CDI with very steady drive on motorway for 70 miles and same distance covered in CLS AMG only managed 31mpg at steady 50mph so there is a difference in 2 cars but not much around town. Oh and when you rev that engine and the exhaust note does put a smile on your face EVERYTIME!!

 

[hibbs]

Thanks for all the advice. Stepping backwards to a 6 year old car could be an issue. Budget is about £12k which I know puts me firmly in 219 territory

 

[SQ_W211]

12k should see you a tidy low mileage sorted example. hold out for the one with most options and fewer issues. CLS's are rarer cars and mostly owned by careful owners so should get a decent one for that price

 

[Royston59]

>>>>>..and you get a special welcome to the Celebrated CLS owners club......full of happy people...


Choose wisely.

ATB

 

[clk200]

We have an immaculate one in stock at the moment:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201501160223327

I know it's a little over budget, but I'm sure we can offer a club discount....

 

[hibbs]

Hi. Thanks for all the advice. The one above looks a nice car. I'm in Sheffield and have 2 months before I need a car (can manage a bit longer) so it could be a little early.

 

[ThinkPad]

I can only say positive things about the CLS.
Will be selling mine in the next 2-3 months, as I have purchased the ML to replace. If you are interested of course let me know. It is fully loaded, black with light interior. Reference the wood, mine has a unique colour, which looks fantastic. (Cannot remember what it is called).

When looking out for them, make sure you get the facelift, it has many updates and looks more modern. It also has the updated nav with the memory card slot.

 

[hibbs]

Hi. That sounds like an option. I'd be interested to know more about it. I can't seem to see the messaging section in here!

Went to see one yesterday, but only got to sit inside it. I admit to being pleasantly surprised as the CLS seems a nice place to be - somehow the pictures don't do it justice.

Planning to organise a test drive so I can get a feel for them.

 

[Rotorhead500]

I can't seem to see the messaging section in here.

Click on Thinkpad's name above, that'll take you to his profile.

Then hit send message.

 

[ThinkPad]

Did try to PM but not able to.

Reference my CLS. Off the top of my head spec is below. Sure I will miss something but:

It is 3 litre diesel. 58 plate.
Obsidian black
Beige interior
Greenish-grey wood which looks fantastic
Memory seats
Xenons
Nav COMAND
Voice control linguatronic
Heated seats
Folding mirrors

And it is the facelift model. I can send you pics if you provide an email address.

It is in fantastic condition. Being religiously serviced on schedule. New brakes last month. Both the discs and pads. Genuine merc. 4 new tyres recently too. Very fussy with my car and give it everything it needs when it needs it.

It is reliable and smooth. No funny knocks or sounds.

69k miles. I believe owners is 3 but will need to check.

I think you are a distance away. I'm just outside London. I would advise you to go and see a few and if you think the cls is the one for you and you cannot find one locally then we can talk!

Whatever you decide to do. Good luck! They are fantastic cars!!!

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