S-Class or CL

AndrewCrowne

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Hello

New here and looking for some sage advice. I would be very grateful for some experienced assistance. After years of thinking about it I now need to buy my first Mercedes Benz.

Here's the scenario. I need a fast, comfortable cruiser not only to get round the UK for business but to also jaunt round Europe.

I have boiled it down to two cars. The S-Class and the CL.

I can only spend up to 15k, so looking for good low mileage examples 2002-2004. This is easy....

So what do I go for? what are the pro's and cons beyond the obvious?
Which S Class? CL500, CL55 or CL600? What should I look out for

Please help....

Thank you...

A
 

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Welcome to the forum Andrew.

A late CL 500 A very nice car,,600 too complicated engine.
Very wide doors making parking hard sometimes. the inside is beautiful.
S Class nice cars, first class luxury cruisers

The AMG are faster,,is it worth it as extra cost on service and fuel for a little in gain.

I do not think it is right to point out what can go wrong, as most do not.
 

Blobcat

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IMHO very few people miss you in an SL and very few people see you in a CL. I really like the CL's and their ability to blend in, most people just see a Mercedes without noticing which one.
 

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IMHO very few people miss you in an SL and very few people see you in a CL. I really like the CL's and their ability to blend in, most people just see a Mercedes without noticing which one.

That is very true with the CL you have to look hard.
And the rear seating is not wonderful,,but OK for short journeys
 

Alex M Grieve

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Here's the scenario. I need a fast, comfortable cruiser not only to get round the UK for business but to also jaunt round Europe.

I have boiled it down to two cars. The S-Class and the CL.

Hi Andrew,

I posed myself the same question 2 1/2 years ago when I handed back my last company car (W 211 320 CDI, AG, excellent in every way).

I have an SL 500 (1994) so am familiar with the performance of the V8.

I chose a W220 320 CDI with comprehensive equipment. Half the age of my E Class and half the mileage but with more toys and for not too much more money that the PCP wanted for the E Class.

It is said that the S Class diesel is the best saloon car in the real world. You can pay more for a car, but I doubt if you will buy a better car.

Mine was 2 years old and 21,000 when I bought it. It has performed flawlessly and I have only had 2 B services and a set of tyres (changed the originals at 39,000). I have yet to change the original brake pads.

Average fuel consumption, brim to brim over 24,000 is 39 mpg.

The reality is that you will not get there any quicker in the V8, but you will use more fuel. I was travelling with a member of the Forum at the weekend who would testify that , when cruising, you would not know it was a diesel, and the mid range acceleration is equal to the V8.

If you intend doing lots of miles and enjoy driving, take a serious look at the CDI. Certainly don't reject it without giving it a decent trial.
 

amwebby

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That is very true with the CL you have to look hard.
And the rear seating is not wonderful,,but OK for short journeys

I like the fact that the CL is understated, those who know, know: the rest just see another Mercedes.

But the rear seating is actually very generous. Getting in is not easy, despite the large doors but, once you're in I have had six foot tall adults in the back for 50-100 mile journeys with no complaints. In fact my six foot tall brother in law regularly falls asleep in the back, that's how comfortable it is.
 

clive-cls

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Cl all day long !

Just an allround fantastic car, as said it a bit of an underdog.


Clive
 

allmerc

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I have had my 2004 CLK 270 CDI for 5 days now and love every bit of it and couldn't care less if I am noticed or not. Lovely car inside out, specially for couples only.
 
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AndrewCrowne

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Thank you very much for your views.

Alex, my girlfriend and I went through a similar thought process when we bought a new Range Rover recently. The diesel seemed to make so much more sense moving that amount of metal around. Again with that, one hardly notices when cruising. I will give the S class diesel serious consideration.

There is however an another influence, my business partner has been goading me that his Jaguar XJR is always going to be faster. I take some comfort in that a Mercedes is less likely to self deconstruct.

Amwebby, rear space is kind of secondary here, but good to know.
I need to get test driving.....

Interesting that some of you perceive the CL as almost anonymous.

Thank you
 

mlc

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I have had my 2004 CLK 270 CDI for 5 days now and love every bit of it and couldn't care less if I am noticed or not. Lovely car inside out, specially for couples only.

I recently swapped my S320 for a 2004 CLK 270 CDI for a working week. Whilst I like the looks of the CLK it isnt in the same league as the S or CL models.

I drive the S because we want a 5 seater and 4 doors, our other cars are an SLK and SL. If I had the option I would go for the CL, however it is a 4 seater and very difficult to get out of the back.

Maybe one day I can have a 2 door :)
 

amwebby

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There is however an another influence, my business partner has been goading me that his Jaguar XJR is always going to be faster.

Jaguar XJR 0-60 - 5.0 seconds
Mercedes-Benz CL55 0-60 - 4.5 seconds
 

Dosco

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Thank you very much for your views.

Alex, my girlfriend and I went through a similar thought process when we bought a new Range Rover recently. The diesel seemed to make so much more sense moving that amount of metal around. Again with that, one hardly notices when cruising. I will give the S class diesel serious consideration.

There is however an another influence, my business partner has been goading me that his Jaguar XJR is always going to be faster.


Having ridden 'shotgun' in Alex's S class I can certainly support what he says, it is motoring in peace and quiet. You can have a conversation without shouting, it has an unhurried approach to speed, the miles pass by without notice.

The level of comfort in the cabin is unquestionable the ambiance has to be experienced to be believed. You are not bounced around on poor quality road surfaces it takes all in its stride. A sports car it isn't but don't think it will not 'go' when you need to get excited it does and without that strained roar that so many competitors seem to have - all this AND economy it is so:cool:

Would I buy one? you bet I would
 
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AndrewCrowne

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It's decided

After many weeks of cogitating. I've followed all your suggestions, driven the S320, S350, S500 even an S280. Fabulous cars.
Tried the CL55 and the CL500.Even had a momentary lapse and considered a Maserati 3200.
The decider was the look on my girlfriend's face when she slinked into the CL. Windows down, there are few more elegant cars. I've found a 2004 everso gently used... so that's what it will be.
Thank you guys for your suggestions.
 

television

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2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
After many weeks of cogitating. I've followed all your suggestions, driven the S320, S350, S500 even an S280. Fabulous cars.
Tried the CL55 and the CL500.Even had a momentary lapse and considered a Maserati 3200.
The decider was the look on my girlfriend's face when she slinked into the CL. Windows down, there are few more elegant cars. I've found a 2004 everso gently used... so that's what it will be.
Thank you guys for your suggestions.

Another wise member :D:D:D
 

silver CL55

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After many weeks of cogitating. I've followed all your suggestions, driven the S320, S350, S500 even an S280. Fabulous cars.
Tried the CL55 and the CL500.Even had a momentary lapse and considered a Maserati 3200.
The decider was the look on my girlfriend's face when she slinked into the CL. Windows down, there are few more elegant cars. I've found a 2004 everso gently used... so that's what it will be.
Thank you guys for your suggestions.

Go on then.......which CL?
500, 600, 55, 55k??
Colin.
 

njkmr

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Congrats on the purchase .

I bought my cl600 only a few weeks ago and I have to say its fantastic .

I am sure you will enjoy your new car .

My wife loves it also .On a sunny day its pure pleasure wafting around in it for the sake of it .!!!!!!

Have fun .!!!
 
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AndrewCrowne

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It is a CL500

Yes bought the CL500... And yes I know the CL55 was ever so tempting too.

2004 model with the mild facelift. I had to make some compromises... it doesn't have the ventilated seats...But it has most things.

Next purchase.... Toying with the idea of a CE... W114 now where do I start there....
 
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television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
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2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
Yes bought the CL500... And yes I know the CL55 was ever so tempting too.

Late 2003 model with the mild facelift. I had to make some compromises... it doesn't have the ventilated seats...But it has most things.

Next purchase.... Toying with the idea of a CE... W114 now where do I start there....

So pleased for you,,,very nice
 
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AndrewCrowne

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I picked up the CL this week. It is thoroughly sublime. In silver with Black. Photos coming. I just can't stop looking at it.
 


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