Mercedes V12 600

[coolhans]

Hi people. I'm after a bit of advice regarding the Mercedes 6 litre V12 engine. I'm toying with the idea of buying a 600 as a hobby/runaround. Could anyone tell me anything about the V12 engine. Is it reliable? Does it have any issues? Seen a few for sale but I appreciate if there are any issues with an engine like that it could get very costly which is what I want to avoid. If any doubt I'll go for the V8. Thanks in advance.

 

[Cole@MBS]

Great engine untill a coil pack goes down, £1000 thank you, each!!!!

Seen one run a cam dry before!!!

Apart from that, ok!!

 

[st4]

Concensus here was the V8 is the more reliable car....

However I can see the lure of the V12...

BTW how is the car consolidation going? Keeping the 211?

 

[coolhans]

Concensus here was the V8 is the more reliable car....

However I can see the lure of the V12...

BTW how is the car consolidation going? Keeping the 211?

Hi st4. Yes things are going well. I've sold the C class estate and I am keeping the 211. It makes sense as it is low mileage and now that I'm retired the mileage will continue to be low. I still have my 124 coupe which has just passed its MOT with no advisories which is great. I have her advertised for sale and if I can get the price I feel she's worth I'll be looking for a V8 or V12. Strictly for a bit of summer cruising. If not I'll keep the 124 as she is an excellent example.

 

[mikestrivens]

I have an S600 coupe and an SL500. The V12 is so much quieter and more refined but the V8 has the unmistakeable snarl and is a more nimble car as it is so much lighter. The V12 has some known issues mostly to do with oil leaks. I have had mine rebuilt recently and all the oils seals replaced as it was leaking small amounts of oil on the garage floor. The seals around the timing chain case and about 100 other smaller seals had got hard and were on the way out. Also the oil breather that runs down the centre of the V had perished. This, I was told, was due to the extreme heat. But after 15 years or so I guess to be expected.

If you are going to buy a V12 I suggest that you take it to a good indie and take the bottom tray off to see if there are any leaks. You cannot see them from above as the engine bay is sooo cramped.

Hope this helps.

 

[coolhans]

Thanks for that, exactly the sort of advice I'm looking for. I used to have a 500 SEC and I must admit the V8 growl was very addictive.

 

[mikestrivens]

I must admit I love both of them. The V12 is like going into warp drive, the traffic just disappears behind you, and it is so quiet. The downside is that fuel consumption drops into the gallons per mile territory. Best mpg is around 27mpg on a long motorway run from Sevenoaks to Manchester. Generally get around 12mpg around town.

The V8 is a completely different beast, with an aggressive snarl and is so nimble in such a small and light car. Best 31mpg and generally get around 23mpg around town.

 

[cl 600]

go for it!!!

I've had a CL600 for many years. loved it and miss it. it was the 02 5.8 model. it averaged better than 22 mpg which my current v8 wont do!!
yes I did have to change coil packs which were expensive but absolutely no other problems with the engine. I think hydro/pneumatic suspension is a bigger problem/moneypit with the 600 cars. there is absolutely nothing like crusing around in a well sorted 600. keep a few quid one side for unexpeded bills.

 

[100%Bitch]

If you like the V8 growl, but prefer the V12 power, why don't you get a 55?