Help buying CL 500 W216

Anthonydevz

New Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2017
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Location
London
Your Mercedes
Cl 500 w216
Hi guys, I have been reading up loads on this forum regarding the CL 500 I have finally come of my driving ban and my license is clean after 5 years so I can afford the insurance now. My budget is not high I will finance the whole thing £13k.

I am considering getting a car now for 2017, the options are a cl 500 or a Range Rover sport.

This is the lovely beast that has come on the market that has caught my eye from what I can see it has all the optional extras (I can see amg styling, adaptive lights and night vision, I want a push button start but how do you know if the car is keyless go, ive read on here that you can buy the push button after) I would have loved a cream interior as I think this adds the luxury but hey can't get everything.

CL 500
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612280862921

Range sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512039182808

The only other CL that came close was a 2009 cat C one while back that was £12k

I am a little worried about costs and how much fuel will cost me living in london and maintenance. All my friends are advising me to go for a newer car like a A5 2012 etc as they are newer lower millage and fuel efficient less likely to go wrong more parts etc etc :roll: :roll:
Or am I digging myself a huge grave here?

I am also confused on the whole Bluetooth thing and need help on that, can I connect my iPhone 6s+ I love my music so need an amazing sound system, I have read issues on iPhones connecting and making calls. I'd like my phone to run through the car as more convenient.

Thanks guys
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
If you're worried about fuel costs then why would you consider a 4+ litre V8 engined 2-ton car..? ;)

Hello and welcome. Malcolm Television and Bemba are your 216 guys, they can advise you on all technical and practical aspects.
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
That 216 has the distronic as well, looks like a nice car. It has other things too.
 

Submariner1

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2016
Messages
4,689
Reaction score
787
Location
Windsor Berkshire
Your Mercedes
CL500 2009 5.5
Hi guys, I have been reading up loads on this forum regarding the CL 500 I have finally come of my driving ban and my license is clean after 5 years so I can afford the insurance now. My budget is not high I will finance the whole thing £13k.

I am considering getting a car now for 2017, the options are a cl 500 or a Range Rover sport.

This is the lovely beast that has come on the market that has caught my eye from what I can see it has all the optional extras (I can see amg styling, adaptive lights and night vision, I want a push button start but how do you know if the car is keyless go, ive read on here that you can buy the push button after) I would have loved a cream interior as I think this adds the luxury but hey can't get everything.

CL 500
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612280862921

Range sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512039182808

The only other CL that came close was a 2009 cat C one while back that was £12k

I am a little worried about costs and how much fuel will cost me living in london and maintenance. All my friends are advising me to go for a newer car like a A5 2012 etc as they are newer lower millage and fuel efficient less likely to go wrong more parts etc etc :roll: :roll:
Or am I digging myself a huge grave here?

I am also confused on the whole Bluetooth thing and need help on that, can I connect my iPhone 6s+ I love my music so need an amazing sound system, I have read issues on iPhones connecting and making calls. I'd like my phone to run through the car as more convenient.

Thanks guys

I am pretty certain you will need a telephone PUK about £180 on ebay, or £235 new. Check it has telephone prewireing. If it has then it will run an iphone6S ... well it does mine.

As Craig said ... your mention of petrol costs really concerns me. £100 to fill up is immaterial in comparison to some ABC suspension problems. If a £2000 repair bill scares you then big V8 Mercs are not for you.

Re the car seems very cheap at £12,000 almost too cheap. Note I think it has distronic an expensive extra. Great sales video from a selling perspective, what i didnt see was the mph cleared before and the mpg after he got back.
You do need to check the engine number misses the expensive pulley problem. And you need to see every strut and abc hose up on a ramp to check they are all dry.

My concern would be its almost too cheap, and there is no me tion of no of owners or the critical service history, especially on the ABC suspension, there could be £6ks of repairs stacked up there or you could he well lucky if they were all done. If done then it could be a bargain.

Other point, he has gone to a huge amount of sales effort ... but didnt even wash the car :-/
I find that bizzarre or its hiding some crap paintwork. Polished these cars look awesome why didnt he at least wash it? Or is it pepperred with stone chips.

Or it could be a real bargain if its OK.

As for petrol, in the warm weather I was getting 24 mpg around town. In the cold spell aroumd town during the first 10 mins warm up I saw 13mpg in really heavy traffic, then it improved to 19mpg. Having lived in Hampstead before I guess in winter 15mpg would be the norm :/-
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
Bang on Sub.

The same will go for any car you buy, regardless of make. The more expensive they were when new (and the rarer they were) the more expensive they will be to run now. You're buying a champagne car for lemonade money- you have to budget for corks, not screw caps!

CL's (215 or 216)- around 50k each EVER sold in Europe.
Range Rover Sport- between 15-20k per year sold in Europe.

Parts inventories- available for both, but NOT CHEAP. Suspension pump on the CL, £400 (hydraulic)... on the Range Rover, £1000 (pneumatic).

The two cars you posted are significantly different too, you're comparing a 5 litre V8 luxury grand tourer- Bentley Continental Sport direct competitor- that sold for £85k when new, to a low-spec not-quite-proper Range Rover 2.7 diesel (it's the Sport... Disco platform) that sold for £47k when new. Huge difference in running costs on those two cars as is, regardless of anything else. Whatever you buy, consider that they have the running costs of the car when new...

An Audi A5 will have different issues to a W216, maybe not as expensive in some ways but just as prevalent in others. Audi had a long-standing problem with diesel engine crankcase porosity, I don't know when they solved that but it's still in the market. DMFs need changing at anything over 150k. Expect to change springs every 3 years.

Regardless of all of that, firstly you need to decide what it is you want from a car, what you intend to do with it and go from there.
 

flowrider

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2014
Messages
3,650
Reaction score
1,611
Your Mercedes
SL500 (R230)
Hi guys, I have been reading up loads on this forum regarding the CL 500 I have finally come of my driving ban and my license is clean after 5 years so I can afford the insurance now. My budget is not high I will finance the whole thing £13k.

I am considering getting a car now for 2017, the options are a cl 500 or a Range Rover sport.

This is the lovely beast that has come on the market that has caught my eye from what I can see it has all the optional extras (I can see amg styling, adaptive lights and night vision, I want a push button start but how do you know if the car is keyless go, ive read on here that you can buy the push button after) I would have loved a cream interior as I think this adds the luxury but hey can't get everything.

CL 500
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201612280862921

Range sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512039182808

The only other CL that came close was a 2009 cat C one while back that was £12k

I am a little worried about costs and how much fuel will cost me living in london and maintenance. All my friends are advising me to go for a newer car like a A5 2012 etc as they are newer lower millage and fuel efficient less likely to go wrong more parts etc etc :roll: :roll:
Or am I digging myself a huge grave here?

I am also confused on the whole Bluetooth thing and need help on that, can I connect my iPhone 6s+ I love my music so need an amazing sound system, I have read issues on iPhones connecting and making calls. I'd like my phone to run through the car as more convenient.

Thanks guys

So you have just come off a driving ban and your next car is a 5 litre V8? Are you sure a Nissan Micra wouldn't be a better car for you. :D
 
Last edited:

alexanderfoti

MBO Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
15,091
Reaction score
6,247
Location
Tonbridge
Your Mercedes
W221 S65 AMG - W204 C63 AMG + Various other MB's
For your info, spec list on that car:

Park assist
Distronic
dual cup holder
leather steering wheel
Linguatronic
front seat heating and cooling
dynamic seats
TPMS
Night view
intelligent lighting system
AMG styling
AMG wheels
Harmon Kardon


Submariner, your 216 is a facelift with NTG 3.5 which has UMI for ipods and much improved bluetooth support.
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
For your info, spec list on that car:

Park assist
Distronic
dual cup holder
leather steering wheel
Linguatronic
front seat heating and cooling
dynamic seats
TPMS
Night view
intelligent lighting system
AMG styling
AMG wheels
Harmon Kardon


Submariner, your 216 is a facelift with NTG 3.5 which has UMI for ipods and much improved bluetooth support.

But he is concerned about the fuel bill Alex...
 

alexanderfoti

MBO Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
15,091
Reaction score
6,247
Location
Tonbridge
Your Mercedes
W221 S65 AMG - W204 C63 AMG + Various other MB's
But he is concerned about the fuel bill Alex...

Ooerrr. That's the last thing to worry about on these. Mine rarely goes above 12-14mpg.
 

BernardB

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2013
Messages
146
Reaction score
15
Location
Norfolk
Your Mercedes
CL600 (W216) 2006
In my view you shouldn't buy a CL unless you really, really want one and nothing else will do. Yes they are beautiful and elegant but very few (it seems) come without problems, which can be hugely expensive to fix. The fact that you're also considering a Rangie indicates that you don't have a CL compulsion.
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
Ooerrr. That's the last thing to worry about on these. Mine rarely goes above 12-14mpg.

23.5 on a run last week, I was dead chuffed with that!
 

alexanderfoti

MBO Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
15,091
Reaction score
6,247
Location
Tonbridge
Your Mercedes
W221 S65 AMG - W204 C63 AMG + Various other MB's
In my view you shouldn't buy a CL unless you really, really want one and nothing else will do. Yes they are beautiful and elegant but very few (it seems) come without problems, which can be hugely expensive to fix. The fact that you're also considering a Rangie indicates that you don't have a CL compulsion.

I Agree, that statement applies to all high end MB's

Despite buying from various sources, I always spend between £500 and £2500 getting it up to a standard I am happy with.
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
In my view you shouldn't buy a CL unless you really, really want one and nothing else will do. Yes they are beautiful and elegant but very few (it seems) come without problems, which can be hugely expensive to fix. The fact that you're also considering a Rangie indicates that you don't have a CL compulsion.

I think it's the whole issue with buying big luxobarges; once they're on 3rd+ owner, when a big expensive thing breaks the desire to spend money on fixing it suddenly isn't there. Actually keeping them in good condition isn't "too" expensive when compared to other used cars... my Golf Mk.IV TDi cost me £1k/yr in upkeep without fuel/ tax/ insurance. Budget £2.5-3k for a CL and you should be in the right ballpark, once everything has indeed been fixed up.

But if you think a Range Rover is any different.............
 

Botus

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
Messages
6,287
Reaction score
2,475
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
S500/2010/500
Ooerrr. That's the last thing to worry about on these. Mine rarely goes above 12-14mpg.

a 216 is a 2 door w221 yes ?

driven sedately 21 round town and 27 on a run, my ave since ownership is 22mpg

my engine management Motor electronics 9.7 HW 45.05 SW 08.09
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
a 216 is a 2 door w221 yes ?

driven sedately 21 round town and 27 on a run, my ave since ownership is 22mpg

my engine management Motor electronics 9.7 HW 45.05 SW 08.09

Correct, but just a bit heavier due to the chassis stiffening as no B pillar.
 

alexanderfoti

MBO Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
15,091
Reaction score
6,247
Location
Tonbridge
Your Mercedes
W221 S65 AMG - W204 C63 AMG + Various other MB's
a 216 is a 2 door w221 yes ?

driven sedately 21 round town and 27 on a run, my ave since ownership is 22mpg

my engine management Motor electronics 9.7 HW 45.05 SW 08.09

Indeed, I have 4 more cylinders than you though :)
 

Craiglxviii

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2015
Messages
17,781
Reaction score
7,426
Location
Cambs UK
Your Mercedes
970 Panamera Turbo; W221 S500L AMG Line, C215 CL500, W251 R350L AMG Line, plus several more now gone
a 216 is a 2 door w221 yes ?

driven sedately 21 round town and 27 on a run, my ave since ownership is 22mpg

my engine management Motor electronics 9.7 HW 45.05 SW 08.09

What does this bit mean?
 

Flyinspanner

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
3,283
Reaction score
1,577
Location
Ruislip
Your Mercedes
CLK320-A209 (sold CL500 & W168)
Hi

I've owned my w215 CL500 for about 15months, it's wonderful, but can like any car have its niggles.
If fuel consumption is a worry - avoid, I get around 21 around town.
Some parts can be suprisingly cheap, but often the cost of labour can add up, get a good independant and your bills will be significantly less. Notice you are in London, if you are in NW then I would recommend Wayne Gates in Harrow, they've got a great reputation, and I've had work done there which I'm very happy with.
It's my 'go to' place for work I can't do.

One thing to do is get the ABC fluid and 3micron filters changed ASAP after you purchase it, and then at 2yr intervals as this will prolong the life of the system (mb don't have a recommendation for this) and save you in the long run.

They are well built but always remember, things will wear out, bushes, ball joints etc. - have a quick look at lower front suspension arm, - are the boots on ball joints intact? They can be punctured to inject grease to stop squeaking when near the end of their life. If there is any squeaks - you want to get a significant price drop circa £1k (as track rod ends and bushes may be worn too).

Hope you get a good one if its what you decide to get, they are great to drive. And the support you will find on here is brilliant.
 

Botus

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
Messages
6,287
Reaction score
2,475
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
S500/2010/500
Indeed, I have 4 more cylinders than you though :)

heard a w220 start up and start manoeuvring about and thought that's sound far smoother than mine!!! then as he drove off I saw S600 on the boot and thought aha, now that explains it
 

alexanderfoti

MBO Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
15,091
Reaction score
6,247
Location
Tonbridge
Your Mercedes
W221 S65 AMG - W204 C63 AMG + Various other MB's
heard a w220 start up and start manoeuvring about and thought that's sound far smoother than mine!!! then as he drove off I saw S600 on the boot and thought aha, now that explains it

It is a very odd feeling the first time you drive one!
 


AMF Automotive - We are an independent Mercedes-Benz and AMG specialist located in Paddock Wood, Kent, with full Mercedes Diagnostic equipment. We offer a full portfolio of tuning options for AMGs and can cater for all your Mercedes needs.
Tel: 0203 384 4644www.amfmercedes.com/
Top Bottom