Considering CL500 or S Coupe Purchase - Running Costs?

[Mike Walder]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a S Class Coupe or CL500. They all seem to be pretty much the same price from 91 to 98, so I guess it's based on condition and mileage. Any good reason to go for a later model?

I am already used to a sub 20mpg car, so fuel consumption is a non-issue. What I want to know is how reliable are these cars? I've read posts saying that you're better off going to an independent specialist, but how often will I need his services?

I have reliability problems with my current car (Volvo S80 T6), so that is the last thing I want. :evil:

Also, any buyer advice, what should I look for, are there any common faults that are expensive to fix. The last thing I need is a big bill soon after purchasing the car.

I like to do some DIY work on my cars, but like the Volvo, I suspect most things will be too complexed. Finally, am I kidding myself that a £90K+ car for £10K, no matter how well built, is going to be a sensible car for daily use?

I know this is a lot of vague questions, but any pointers would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[jaymanek]

Ok well i just sold mine. i loved it!

1) After about 96 they got a facelift with nicer lights etc. In 97 they got proper parking sensors etc. I would try and get one of the later ones, just a lot of little nice bits and pices.
2) These are the most reliable cars in the world if they have been treated right. Makesure that s/history is perfect. These are easy cars to be clocked as you wouldnt tell the difference between one thats done 20K miles or 200K miles. Makesure every little electronic gadget works. Test the climate control and a/c thoroughly - a common problem with a bill of about £2K if its not working. The door close assists should work on doors and boot. Again £600 for new pumps if these arent working.
Oil pressure should be above 2 on the guage on idle and should sit at 3 as soon as you touch the accelerator.
3) Use a specialist for the servicing. There are plenty we can recommend that know these cars much better than the dealers.
4) For every day driving, these are wonderful. The steering is light and throttle response is amazing.

Basically, go for a later one if you can, spend over £15K. Do not buy a cheap one otherwise your going to end up with bills. Look for one thats obviously been looked after meticulously. Check every little button works.
These CL's last forever, but if they do go wrong, the bill will never be cheap.
If you find one that you like, always pop it into a specialist to give it a quick once over, there are many things that you wouldnt think to check that a specialist would know as a common problem.

Otherwise standard rules of car buyying, do a HPI check, inspect for accident damamge and paint mismatches, history etc etc

Good Luck

Jay

 

[guydewdney]

also - do a high speed run, stereo off... check for wind noise - the seals fro the back windows can be a pain to get right.


otherwise- as above.


oh - my drivers seat mech is worn and it slipd forwards backwards by 1 or 2 mm - annoying.


mine is 96/97 so has parktronic and side airbags.

 

[CL500 Londoner]

3) Use a specialist for the servicing. There are plenty we can recommend that know these cars much better than the dealers.

Please recommend me somebody as I am having big problems that the stealers cant fix. I am based in London, North of the River.

I will be very grateful.

Chris

 

[guydewdney]

whats the problem?

Personally, I'd reccomened George Fraser in Acton, close to the hangar lane gyratory.

I have used a few indies now, and Ok george isnt perfect, and can forget to do things you ask, but he does know the car very well. Once you get a "rapport" with him, he uses his best men on your car...

Guy