Should You Buy a MERCEDES CL? (Test Drive & Review CL500 C216)

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Today I'm in this Mercedes CL500.. Let's see what it's like.

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#mercedescl #merc #mercedescl500 #highpeakautos

[zlatanmorrison]

That is a handsome wagon, and I too spend an unhealthy amount of time on Autotrader :D

[smileoftenatsea]

This was painful to watch tbh, even 4 years after selling mine, I still regret it. There is nothing better (used) you can buy for the money, but definitely get a well pampered one, anything else and you risk turning a dream into an expensive nightmare. However, while I had the 550 (the 500 in Canada) I think I would look for the 63amg if possible, just for the better handling and all round performance. Here is why: While the engine certainly had plenty of power, the transmission felt a bit too oriented for comfort and felt like it didn’t quite take full advantage of the engine, and the plastic gear shifters on the steering wheel were as out place as they were useless. But if you drive it like a luxury oceanliner it is, then this car will outshine many far more expensive and newer vehicles.

[LGaragem]

That is one of the classiest cars ever made. In my opinion, at least.

[SeanDuffyProductions]

I don't normally get too excited by Mercs but my god that is one striking looking car. Great interior too.

[piotrr_]

They are indeed fantastic cars. I've had a 2007 CL600 for 6 years now, bought at an excellent price, with a known service history at my local dealership. That last part didn't matter because there was so much things wrong at the time : leaky main radiator, leaky heater valve, and cracked front-right wheel. In the first month of ownership, I had to have these items serviced at my local independent mechanic. Next there was the gearbox which was seriously acting up (the culprit was the plug, usual suspect - we also had the mecatronic (?) interface plate changed as well as a good ATF change).

Aaaand then the engine started acting up as well and running on a single cylinder bank : OF COURSE the spark plugs were bad, because the MB delarship never deemed it relevant to change them before 145 000 km, so it took down the coil pack ( > 1400 €) and the HV transformer ( > 650 €) because no one in my area could fix those things. Good thing for me, it was before the global component shortage. So, coil pack, HV transformer, 24 spark plugs, 24 silicone boots, and lots of labor (but much cheaper than the dealership).

After that, I had to have both valve covers replaced. Once again, remove both coil packs - and not break them in the process-, lots of labor, and replace 24 spark plugs silicone boots AGAIN. They're cheap, but still.

Then, starter battery in the engine compartment - it's only fair since it was original. And then the ESP started to produce all kinds of error messages until it put the whole car in safety mode : hard steering, no parking sensors, no night vision, slow acceleration. The culprit this time was the main ESP/ABS/ABR block in the front. It was unavailable at my MB dealership because of the component shortage. I had to source one from a Polish dealer on eBay for 975 € and hope for the best. Lucky for me, the part was good, the "internal control unit fault" was gone. Also, the main onboard battery had to be replaced, because it was the factory one as well.

But ... ESP is still broken and this time, it's because the pulse ring on the RL wheel is googats. Even if it's a 20 € part, the whole axle/CV joint has to come apart for replacement. I'm confident it will solve the problem because it's the only error remaining.

And STILL, despite of all this, this car is a ton of fun to drive, both brutal and gentle. You do have to have sufficient funds to overcome all these issues - most of which are no worse than more common cars. But don't skimp! The V12 TT has some very well known electrical issues, especially with the ignition part, which is a shame because the engine block is otherwise very reliable. Spark plugs (and silicone boots!) should be changed every 35/40k km no matter what.

Oh, also, the window regulators are starting to act funny. Since this is a pillarless coupé, they move up and down every time you open and close the doors. One thing is great, though : the ABC suspension never gave me any trouble (contrary to the previous W215 one which was horrible).

The rest of the parts (brake discs, brake pads, filters, suspension parts, etc) are on the other hand ridiculously cheap, on par with lesser cars. You can pick reputable brands without blowing up your budget. It DOES eat rear tyres, though, which happens when you have to get 517 bhp/830 Nm on the floor through a single axle ...

You also have to do quite a lot of homework if you don't want to get ripped off, because "things can escalate quickly"'. Despite all those nightmares and those "endless money pit" moments, I think I'll keep the car. It has 185 000 km on the clock now and still feels and drives fantastic!

[peterb]

I’ve a 2008 CL 600, which I bought with 34, 000 miles last year. It’s now up to 45, 000 miles. Fantastic car.

Your glovebox has air struts (!) which seem to be perished- my glovebox lowers majestically, not like yours!😅

Mine had the same sticky steering wheel buttons (which do not feel up to the quality of the rest of the car), which I cured (per a YouTuber’s advice) with guitar fretboard cleaner bought off of Amazon. Sticky button problem gone!

Wonderful motorcar….

[senicadoo]

Glove box door is probably broken as on mine S500 W221 is opening slowly and softly. Otherwise.. lovely car!

[Adri-Virutas]

That mpg to l/100km conversion you put in the video is a great addition to your excelent as allways reviews. Really useful for those who live outside the UK, like myself. I just wish the second hand market here in Spain had such good prices as the ones in UK, the ones that had similar prices here are often a bit rough . Keep up the good work!

[theseb]

This was pretty much my dream car about 15 years ago, even though I was in my mid twenties.

[vcenzo]

Actually, CL means coupe lang. Not to be mistaken with the SL that means indeed sport leicht (light) in german, which is rediculous given to modern ones weight. But by comparieson, CL’s name is more « acceptable » 😅
Chears

[Macca]

Hi Matt, great review on one of my most favourite cars. I’ve owned mine for two years and was recently serviced at xxx autos an A service was £180, cheaper than a Fiat 500 service. When I bought my F-type I couldn’t get rid of my CL500 because I use it as a daily driver. It’s such a stunning car. Cheers for all your reviews 👍🏼😁

[longdonglarry]

once in a lifetime you deserve a car like this. Amen!

[baffourohene-kena]

Masterpiece of a review! Your channel keeps getting better and better!

[Alsaddique]

I’ve had my 2010 for just under 10 years now & still haven’t lost joy driving it 😌

[felawes]

I've had a CL500 for 18 months. Just wonderful. And prefer it to past Bentleys and Aston Martins. It is so completely effortless. And the wooden steering wheel is fabulous.

[BenHArtist]

I'm just saying yes before I've even watched it! 🤣👍

[Ferraridude]

Love this car, this was really the pinnacle of S-Class Coupe design, after this they went to the formless blob that we have now. Congratulations on your purchase, you'll love it

[jonathanholley]

I owned and ran one for 2 and a half years and fully agree with everything you say in your excellent review, however even with a properly sorted one with great service history from new as mine was will still throw up gremlins. As you say the cars are complicated and I found the electrics could be fragile and even using a independent Mercedes specialist the repair bills were high. The adjustable suspension can go wrong and that is a very large repair bill even with sourcing parts from Europe where they are considerably cheaper than UK. Having said all that they are superb cars and the power delivery is sublime, they were built as long distance cruisers on autobahns so the cabin is a lovely place to spend time in as seats are so comfortable with so many adjustments. They need to be used regularly as they don’t like being left idle, I still regret selling it but my wallet is happier, that said I just miss the warble of the V8 and the effortless power on hand .

[RobRich]

Nothing wrong with your hobby and, like any (legal) hobby, never worry about having to justify it to anyone.

[saddoncarrs]

Another excellent review, Matt, and what a lovely car - in every respect. Dare I say "all the car you'll ever need".