CL500 - worth the risk?

[James Gareth]

OK so I've seen this beautiful CL500. 55 plate. Silver with the AMG 19 wheels. Looks the dog's bo****ks. And the interior is to die for - it's the grey leather - half wood steering wheel - just wonderful - I really really like the interior on the car. And of course it has an openable sunroof which is a must in my car world (currently I have a last of the supercharged 2006 cooper S with obligatory sliding panoramic sunroof - which I am not selling btw - but I digress).

But - here's the thing.

Well two things.

First - the left indicator repeater within the left door mirror does not work. Let's talk about that first. I've heard scare stories about those things because the doors on those models have a tonne of wires going into them on account of the number of controls being in the door panel - so if it's that how much trouble would that be?

But then again it could just be the LEDs which you can unplug and change - for around £20 a pop on ebay. But if its the wiring in there - how much could that set me back - because as it stands it's an MOT failure.

Anybody got any thoughts on that? I'm thinking 90% chance its just the LEDs.... but....

Second - and more worrying from a £ perspective - the fan for the heater air/con etc makes a squeak. Not loud but annoying. Annoying enough that I would not want the car if I could not fix it. So I'm thinking you could either oil it - in which case does anybody know how easy that would be? Like would you need to rip half the dashboard out to get at it to oil it?

Or failing that I'd need to change it - in which case how many hours of expensive Merc-mechanic might that take? And how much would they want for that fan?

Anybody got any thoughts of that I'd appreciate that too - or do I need to ring up a Merc Service place tomorrow and ask them?

Otherwise it looks beautiful And only 56,000 miles. Had all the ABC pipes changed and full Merc service history. 3 owners.

But figuring out the worst case scenario on those two things would really help me decide.

Cheers in advance.

James.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

How good are you at soldering wires...??

CLs are lovely cars, as are SLs, but you'll be mistaken if you ever think anything will be a cheap repair.

That said, when they run right, they are absolutely joyous.

 

[mioba]

get the ac gas level checked. it contains lube. Test the ac on lowest setting see if of gets cold. If its low it may need replenishing of there is a leak.

Re the indicators. you will have to try replacing - then go from there. LEDs do last for ages on mercs. not changed one on my 220 or 251.

If you have been after this model for ages then go for it. No risk no fun.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

You're a long time dead and you can always earn more money...

 

[SL63 Mark]

Find a decent independent, you will find it does not cost as much to run as you think. Avoid MB main dealerships on this age of car.

 

[bembo449]

I assume this is a 215 and not a 216 CL ?

 

[MBDevotee]

That age will be yes

 

[sonic]

Fortunately I have never had the urge, a friend of mine did & I saw the cost.
Some good suggestions above, put your location up so we can suggest a good independent for you.

 

[James Gareth]

I assume this is a 215 and not a 216 CL ?

Yup. 2005. C215.

 

[James Gareth]

Fortunately I have never had the urge, a friend of mine did & I saw the cost.
Some good suggestions above, put your location up so we can suggest a good independent for you.

I'm between Godalming and Petworth on the Sussex Surrey Border. The guy who deals with my Mini says he's up for it and he's been pretty good with the Mini - but who knows.

 

[James Gareth]

Hello and welcome

You're a long time dead and you can always earn more money...

You sound like one of the voices in my head.

 

[James Gareth]

get the ac gas level checked. it contains lube. Test the ac on lowest setting see if of gets cold. If its low it may need replenishing of there is a leak.

Re the indicators. you will have to try replacing - then go from there. LEDs do last for ages on mercs. not changed one on my 220 or 251.

If you have been after this model for ages then go for it. No risk no fun.

Thanks Mioba (and all others who responded - much appreciated).

So nobody has any thoughts on that squeaking fan huh?

I'll call my Mini guy see what he thinks and then call the Main Merc dealer in Guildford for their thoughts.

 

[Naraic]

I'm between Godalming and Petworth on the Sussex Surrey Border. The guy who deals with my Mini says he's up for it and he's been pretty good with the Mini - but who knows.

But...has he experience with hydraulic suspension? Best to get an MB specialist.

 

[James Gareth]

But...has he experience with hydraulic suspension? Best to get an MB specialist.

Quite possibly. Does anybody know one around here? Godalming, Surrey is the nearest big (ish) town.

 

[ajlsl600]

If its going to be yr second car,or u are not too concerned about paying for maintenance go for it ..will make u a happy camper.
But these cars are affordable to buy,even cheap to buy,for a reason....

 

[Blobcat]

Quite possibly. Does anybody know one around here? Godalming, Surrey is the nearest big (ish) town.

@alexanderfoti isn't that far away in Tonbridge

 

[alexanderfoti]

How good are you at soldering wires...??

CLs are lovely cars, as are SLs, but you'll be mistaken if you ever think anything will be a cheap repair.

That said, when they run right, they are absolutely joyous.

+. I have to say this to myself every time I think about getting one to waft about in. I yearn for another CL55 but not sure If I can bring myself to fix it over and over again

 

[V6Matty]

+. I have to say this to myself every time I think about getting one to waft about in. I yearn for another CL55 but not sure If I can bring myself to fix it over and over again

I thought your 55 only had one problem Alex?


Okay so a kind of serious one in the end though

 

[alexanderfoti]

I thought your 55 only had one problem Alex?


Okay so a kind of serious one in the end though

It's all fixed now

 

[Wighty]

As an opposing voice , don’t buy it buddy , or at least not unless you have £5k spare in the bank . If it’s a fun car then maybe , but certainly not as your daily drive unless you are rich or up for diy .