2002-CL55 AMG or-2000 CL600

[Philllios]

Hi, first time on here so please bare with me.
I,ve always wanted a big Merc and I,m now luckily in a position to buy one, albeit an older one. I really need a LHD model as it's coming down to Spain with me and have found the choice to be limited.
I,ve trawled around and found two, both with 60k miles. A 2002 CL55 AMG (£14k) and a 2000 CL600 (£11k) Could anyone pleae give me any thoughts/insights into these and any comments regarding ownership, potential moneypits, known faults etc. Appreciate any information. Thanks in advance. Phil

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

Clarkson found a 2002 CL600 for less than £7,000 on the weekend so you should be able to better the £11,000 you've found. The general advice on the forum is that the 600 is seen as a money pit and avoided, depends on how much you have for repairs and maintenance. The 55 is a very good engine and the supercharger sounds great IMHO.

[shine]

I would stay clear of anything with a V12 power unit, Many years ago i had an XJS V12, And a V12 lamborghini espada, They cost a fortune in fuel, Even in those days, The depreciation on any V12 unit unless they are a classic car will be staggering and you wont be able give them away when fuel is £2 a ltr........And hi welcome to the forum.

[Mic]

Hello and welcome......I yearn after a V12 but realistically the supercharged V8 is a cracking unit and has a reputation for being virtually indestructible......I would have the V8 if it is to be anything more than a ''toy''.

Mic

[prwales]

a CL500 ought to be powerfull enough and more plentiful surely?

[Philllios]

Thanks so far guys. I have had a look at CL500 as well, but again these are pretty scarce in the UK in LHD. The V12 I have my eye on is on ebay/pistonheads and supposedly been in Monaco since 2007 in a weathly persons garage so would hope its in A1 mint condition. I would only be using it for pleasure and would be surprised if I did more than 5000 miles a year. I understand what your saying about the 55AMG and would defintely go for one at the right price/history. Again the one I,ve seen is on ebay/pistonheads at £14 1/2k.

[AMGeed]

A 2002 CL55AMG will not be supercharged. 2003 saw the first Kompressor models, so you would be getting a 349BHP 55 engine, same as the C55.

[television]

The 600's are fantastic to drive, but owning one in this day and age is not cheap, as others you need the later CL55 to make it all worth while, this will do e 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds

[Cole@MBS]

The 12 is a great unit apart from the coil packs........

[Philllios]

Think I,m gonna pull my reigns in a bit and go for a 2000-2003 CL500. Would I be right in thinking a decent one for £5-£6k ??