2006 cl500

[jon123]

Hi all

It’s been a while! I’m looking at a second car.. as per the title, I’ve seen a cl500, 2006 plate .

Approx 53k on the clock, 4 previous owners so I’d be number 5.

It’s priced at £8k.

History is there - I think it’s partial but need to see it in the flesh - I’ve only had email comms with (private ) dealer so far . Amongst services:

Abc sensor replacement
Active rear shock Absorbers
Abc calibration

All done in 2021 - I understand abc suspension is something to look out for in particular on these models .

My questions are:

1. Is the price reasonable?
2. Is there anything I should be wary of with this model in terms of reliability?
3. Don’t thing gearbox oil change has been done . Should I be needing this ? If so, what sort of money am I talking?

I’ve never owned a v8 before so I just want scratch that itch!

If I could have some feedback ASAP I’d really appreciate it !

Thanks all

 

[Richard Moakes]

Make sure the engine number is beyond 2739xx30088611 or you could be in for problems with the balance shaft sprocket which prior to that number was known to be soft and wear prematurely.

 

[jon123]

Make sure the engine number is beyond 2739xx30088611 or you could be in for problems with the balance shaft sprocket which prior to that number was known to be soft and wear prematurely.

Engine number on this one is 11396030588943 . I presume this is a bad thing ?

 

[grahamcol]

Be wary of expensive repairs.
My mate had an early CL500 and it proved vastly expensive to maintain and repair. I'd also suggest £8k is quite a lot if money, although the mileage is very low and so it might be worth it if it's a really good one. Fabulous cars though but a £90k car will have £90k car running costs. Go in with your eyes open and good luck.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Engine number on this one is 11396030588943 . I presume this is a bad thing ?

All good, that means it’s a C215 with an M113 engine which doesn’t suffer the issue

 

[peterws1957]

I would be putting at least £2k a year away for maintenance and repairs, unless you can do all the work yourself. In addition, if it's going to be a very occasional weekend car that's another matter and the costs may be tolerable. But a 17 year old car is still going to have age related issues.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Potential money pit, be ready to drop some big £££

 

[Richard Moakes]

I am biased, but I would spend a little more and go for a C216, £10K would get you a nice one

 

[Mark Q]

I am biased, but I would spend a little more and go for a C216, £10K would get you a nice one

Now your talking

 

[toby1]

IMO £8,000 is dear for a 215, unless it's AMG flavoured. As RM says, that's 216 money and that is what I would rather have, no question.

 

[jon123]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for all your feedback so far.

It sounds like the 215 ISN’T the one to go for… so in that case C216.. anything to look out for on these?

Thanks again

 

[Richard Moakes]

Blocked scuttle drains leading to cabin water ingress via ventilation fan
Replace both batteries if no proof of change within the past 3 years, weak battery in the boot causes electrical chaos
Usual issues with ABC, do not ignore any warnings or errors, but less leaks from improved unions and valves
Clock won’t set unless COMAND updated to new firmware version
Test everything electrical, every switch, every function
Stick to the V8 unless you have deep pockets or have a lift and lots of tools and enthusiasm
Check the engine number is higher than the one I mentioned, it avoids a lot of grief with the M273 engine

 

[jon123]

Thank you for your help.. atleast I know what to look out for.. in fact I’ve been asked if I’m interested in buying a 2010 plate.. 75k on clock.. service history is mix of independent, specialist and main dealer. It’s just had a new rad put in.. thoughts on this please? Anyone? Just want to know what everyone’s opinions are.. start of a long list of bills or better it’s been done now so it’s sorted should I decide to buy it

 

[bembo449]

on a 216 id also want to know if the HK amp has ever been replaced ? its 1200 quid which is alot on a 10k car but obvs if you get it from a dealer you have 3 months protection by law so can get it replaced under warranty , had my 216 3 years , AMP aside it only ever needed a crank position sensor , rest was routine service stuff , oh and DO ! check the inside of the front brake discs for condition , they can look perfect from the outside while the inside can be correded to f***

 

[Richard Moakes]

Thank you for your help.. atleast I know what to look out for.. in fact I’ve been asked if I’m interested in buying a 2010 plate.. 75k on clock.. service history is mix of independent, specialist and main dealer. It’s just had a new rad put in.. thoughts on this please? Anyone? Just want to know what everyone’s opinions are.. start of a long list of bills or better it’s been done now so it’s sorted should I decide to buy it

Having recently changed the radiator on mine, I can say you should be glad it’s been done.

The history sounds good, make sure the aircon works, don’t accept the “it just needs gassing up” excuse, if that’s all it was, they would have done it !

 

[jon123]

hey all

So.. it looks like I want the c215 model

I’ve seen one for around £8k privately. 03 plate cl500. It has full service history (so I’ve been told ). ABC pump replaced last year. Mileage around 58k

Anything I should be looking out for.. I’m going to see it shortly (& yes , I know I’ve left it late to ask! ‍)

Thanks all