Still looking for CL500

[houseboss2]

Hello all out there

I am still looking for a good CL500 and have recorded all cars advertised since July to date (approx. 75 not inc. cl63 etc.)

Colour Preference: Tenorite Grey, Flint Grey or Palladium Silver

Interior Preference: Sahara/Cashmere Grey/Basalt Grey Sahara/Black

Options in order of Preference:

AMG Option Package
Rear Camera
Heated/Ventilated seats
Distronic Plus Cruise
Dynamic Multi Contour Seats
DAB and Split View Screen
Nightvision
Black Ash Trim
Ambient Lighting
Fridge
Rear Blind

Missed out on one recently, due to me taking too much notice of the weather forecast and putting a fairly long journey off for 2 days. As is my usual luck the car was sold earlier on the day I had rearranged to travel. All my own fault and I will not make that mistake again. I have to accept that despite many of these cars hanging around for many months, the good value ones go reasonably quickly.

I am still keeping the spread sheet which shows Year - Mileage - Dealer - Asking Price - Revised Asking Price. This analysis definitely helps me determine cars that should interest me.

Unfortunately these are relatively few due to 55% being Obsidian Black about
30% being a version of silver (Usually Iridium) and every time I think this is the one, there it is BLACK INTERIOR.

I am hoping that I can buy one within the MB Approved system as they offer very good terms and the cars should have had all diagnostics and they have to back up warranties etc. I know that cars they are not certain of, get traded or sent to the auction block.

It also seems that on occasion their asking price is actually less than the normal dealer price.

I will keep looking and also monitor this thread. If any of you out there become aware of anything that may be of interest, it would be great for my nerdish other self to follow up.

Thanking you in advance


Michael in hope

 

[television]

I do agree that the MB dealer prices are often lower than from other traders.

I also see the the prices are still holding firm. I missed a 2011 with everything possible by ½ hour being sold by a Mercedes dealer for £32k and that was nearly 2½ years ago, it was black with a beige leather and 32k miles.

I have never seen another one anywhere near that price since.

 

[houseboss2]

Hello Television

Last week I saw a late 2010 4.7 Blue Efficiency with 43000 by a Volvo dealership for £26500??

It was not on Autotrader 3 days later. No sure what happened or if someone got a fantastic deal.

Michael

Michael

 

[Lexman8]

Looking at your Options list, I wouldn't get hung up about ventilated seats. I think it's fair to say that most of us who have them are ambivalent towards them. Personally, I never use them as they make almost no difference. Perhaps later ones are more effective.

One thing that would be a must-have on my list is Keyless Go (or is it in the AMG pack anyway?)

 

[television]

Pirated seat do allow the leather to stretch more, I have the exclusive nappa (not vented) and the seat hold up very well. Its true what lexman says, they are micky mouse fans 25mm.

 

[houseboss2]

Thank you for the real world advice re the ventilated seats.

I have had no experience of same and I can see that the perforations will allow the leather to stretch further.

This is why on some photographs of interiors there are extensive folds, especially on the drivers seat.

Tips like this show the benefit of having a forum like this.

Any opinions about other options that are more toys than benefit. This can only save me money in the long run.

Michael

 

[Rotorhead500]

Everything I've read about night vision in cars suggests it's a bit gimmicky. To me, you're either driving on night view, or you're not (and it's not a system designed for sole reference). Glancing in & out is fine for speedo, fuel... etc, but the chances of you seeing somebody/something at a glance inside is minimal.

Personally, I'd also ditch the fridge... But that's just me!

 

[houseboss2]

I agree that Nightvision is likely to be a come on for the affluent owner.

Its one of those things that seems to be desirable, but turns out to be not used by the driver. Even on You Tube the experts deem it to be more dangerous than useful.

Fortunately some of these options do not increase the cars value but perhaps make them more desirable than cars without.

I must get my head straight and not keep looking for the perfect car.

My new byword is COMPROMISE

mICHAEL

 

[television]

Night Vision, I have tried it, I have it but no, I will never use it.

Distronic = wonderful and a must
Comfort seats do feel better to sit in, as for the dynamic part, you can keep that for the last thing I need is a seat backrest poking me in the side on every corner.
Harmon sound is lovely if you enjoy tour music.
Keyless go is a must for me, never have to think about a key, more useful when your hands are full.
I enjoy the 18" wheels, and the ride that they give, if you are more interested in what the car looks like, go 19" or 20" and have a rotten drive instead.

Cannot think of anything else, they are wonderful to drive, on the pre 1011 cars the ABC is coupled to the gearbox mode, some of us wish that it was not.

 

[Lexman8]

Personally, I'd also ditch the fridge... But that's just me!

Yep, the centre box between the seats is cooled anyway.

 

[Lexman8]

I enjoy the 18" wheels, and the ride that they give, if you are more interested in what the car looks like, go 19" or 20" and have a rotten drive instead.

Yup, agreed.

 

[JonnyCJ]

Hi chaps - think I've finally found a CL500 W216 that almost ticks my boxes ! One thing I've realised in my search, is that you will never get the perfect spec. Price isn't even the over riding factor, it's getting the spec you'll be happy with at a price you're happy with that isn't sold.

Funnily enough when chatting to the seller he remembered you Michael ! He was talking about a keen buyer and I said I know who that will be and it turns out is was !

Seems your spec and mine were pretty much the same.

Anyway, it doesn't have keyless, but has distronic, rear view camera, blind spot assist, phone prep, AMG pack (a must !), 19's and a perfect MBSH.

Also, the interior is dark rather than light, but I can live with it.

I shall report back as things progress. ,

Jonny

 

[television]

Sounds good to me, distronic is the best bit and a must have, good luck they are wonderful cars.

 

[houseboss2]

Hello JonnyCJ

Sounds like you and I are both looking for the same car??

I have in fact purchased one two days ago as a Mercedes Approved. I am quite content with this as I get 12 months unconditional warranty plus MOT contribution if required,
together with other benefits.

Like you I have had to compromise on the interior colour which is Black, however the car was in such immaculate condition for the year (9/09), build date 7/09 and 27000
miles one owner. After the initial test drive I still thought about it and knew I was unlikely to find one as good and bit the bullet.

I am collecting it tomorrow. They have a system where a specialist is attending and providing me with a 2 hour induction course regarding the numerous electronic options, after presenting me with it under wraps in the showroom. I am literally taking the bus to the showroom prior to this taking place.

The sacrifice I am making is no keyless go, ventilated seats or night vision. After reading through the manual for the last two days, there are so many things I have not come across, even in this forum.

I equate it with learning windows software from scratch. It will seem very daunting at first but after testing in real time, things become automatic eventually.

I am so glad that the chase is over. My wife is fed up with me dominating the computer
refreshing all the usual vehicle sites, checking every CL500 that emerges at least twice a day.

And so tomorrow is the big day and I hope everything goes well. It won't be for lack of trying on my part. I travelled 246 miles door to door to check it out.

Will let you know how the induction went and the journey back.


Michael

PS
I think I know the car you are talking about, it looks very good, well worth a viewing.

 

[JonnyCJ]

Thanks Michael - well done on your purchase and very envious of the induction experience !

Yep, it's probably the same car you're talking about. It's 240 miles away, but can't wait to drive it back ! I can see me spending a few lunch hours out of the office going through the options in the handbook. I've had a few AMG Mercs over the years so familiar with a lot of options, but this is a new level !

 

[houseboss2]

I notice that you have a Maserati Quatroporte V.

If you have a look at my first thread you will see this is one of the cars I spent a lot of time researching.

A friend of mine bought one and I was able to test it first hand. A fabulous looking car but like the Bentley GT, I felt at the mercy of the few specialists available and also the
unrealistic cost of parts when compared to other luxury cars eg. MB, BMW, Jaguar etc.

I still like the interiors but I now prefer comfort, they are more sports like than the CL500. I also like the minimalism of Mercedes. MB must also think the same as the interior design did not alter between 2007 to 2014.

Michael

 

[television]

Ventilated seats and night vision are not worth having

 

[JonnyCJ]

Think it has ventilated seats and night vision, will come in handy when it comes to selling. More goodies = higher price (well it does in my book !)

 

[television]

I tried my Night Vision last night in the mist, and I could not see any benefit at all, it is not in real time so your cannot drive on that alone.

 

[JonnyCJ]

Managed to acquire a WL216 rear view mirror with garage door opener for the princely sum of £80

Will pop that on when I get the car and get my local Indie to STAR it in.