I want an early 2000s CL600

"JR1" (type35bugatti) 12/07/2014 at 17:22 • Filed to: CL600, mercedes

2

58

I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to own a big V12 grand tourer. At 15k it seems very hard to pass up. I wonder if you can do the maintenance yourself? If not it would be a nightmare to maintain I awesome. Nevertheless I still want to own one.

bob and john > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:24

0

look at tavarish. he did it.

JR1 > bob and john 12/07/2014 at 17:25

0

Is it his DD though?

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:25

0

Get the CL500 instead. The V12s have a reputation to destroy the electrical system because of the heat.

jkm7680 > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:25

0

You can definitely not do the maintenance yourself, Haha.

Here's this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-B…

bob and john > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:26

0

he does DD an older S. i'm not sure if its the 600 though. I he had a 600 and DDed it for a bit.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:30

0

I just said the following in response to another post: "Drove a 560SEC a looong time ago. I've never really understood this segment. I'd probably just get the 4-door. I remember the SEC handling no better than the 380/420SELs I'd driven. Certainly not sluggish, but you had to herd it around corners. I'd buy at S5 if I wanted a coupe."

JGrabowMSt > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:30

0

Most basic maintenance is super easy. Fluid leaks are the worst because theyre difficult to identify on these cars. Valve cover gaskets are a disaster, but basic fluid changes or replacing most parts or light bulbs is overhyped for how hard it really is.

Im looking at about $1600 for the idler pulley, tensioner pulley, serpentine belt, thermostat and valve cover gaskets in my R129 SL600 Sport. I have a very good local custom shop doing the work and I have complete confidence that they can do it amd my baby will be good as new for another 100k miles when theyre done. I have 99,8xx miles on the car right now, and no major failures to report. Car is a champ. Wouldnt trade it for any other GT type cruiser to be honest, its such a good driver.

JR1 > bob and john 12/07/2014 at 17:31

0

It is a very tempting proposition. Worst case scenario the ABC breaks and then it only costs as much as a brand new Mustang.

JR1 > jkm7680 12/07/2014 at 17:32

0

Good God I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. You need to warn people man!

JR1 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/07/2014 at 17:33

1

Disappointing. My dream is to own a big V12 grand tourer before I die. The V8 is a tasty option though.

jkm7680 > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:33

0

It looks well done at least. I give it that.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 17:34

0

I really like a pillarless coupe and the S5 is not one of those. Plus everyone owns an S5 the CL is a rare gem.

JR1 > JGrabowMSt 12/07/2014 at 17:39

0

So you do most of the maintenance like spark plugs, oil change, brakes, etc. yourself and then you let the fancy stuff get sorted out at a mechanic?

JR1 > jkm7680 12/07/2014 at 17:41

1

Great attention to detail. But if I want to look flashy I would just get a Ferrari 355. It would attract more attention and you would have a better time reselling it.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:42

1

I've always thought that a center pillar made the car safer in a crash, but what do I know? Clarkson got one for one of the challenges (what could you get for the same price as some £7K Nissan - Hammond got an 850i) but did not, of course, DD it. Car Guys advice for something like this was treat it as though it had a car payment - put X dollars into a separate account every month for that big repair bill you know is coming.

Alex B > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:42

0

You should. If it breaks, then move on. Let it go!

jkm7680 > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:42

0

Also was owned by some NBA player I've never heard of.

This one isn't an AMG, but is a hell of a car for the price. This was probably a $100k car back in 2001. It's got the V12 also, but less AMG goodies.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-B…

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 17:44

1

Exactly. You buy the car for 15k and expect 15k of maintenance over a 10 span to keep the thing running properly. So really your car is 30k but even then a V12 grand tourer for 30k is pretty astounding.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:45

0

I'm a big fan of the most recent generation of CL. At the dealer I first test drove an M3 at has an 08 CL65 AMG in stock and its fucking AWESOME, I don't think its sold yet.

JR1 > Alex B 12/07/2014 at 17:45

0

Once I get a big boy job I plan on buying something fun like this. Until then I will keep dreaming.

JR1 > jkm7680 12/07/2014 at 17:47

1

Thats why I think these are some of the greatest cars a petrolhead can buy. For 15k a V12 Mercedes with a bunch of goodies is hard to pass up.

JR1 > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 12/07/2014 at 17:48

0

Hmm I awesome an 08 CL65 costs about the same as a new M3. Honestly I would take the AMG. The more recent generation is far prettier but also more expensive.

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:52

0

My bad its an 09. I think I'd take the AMG over the F80 M3 too. The price now is 74k, down from 90k in March, and I remember the sticker price is close to 300k.

Schaefft > JR1 12/07/2014 at 17:54

1

I definitely thought about getting a CL500 (theres absolutely no point in the V12 imo), maintenance cannot possibly be worse than on the cars I currently own. And you don't really pay much in the first place. Look for a clean, low mileage car with full service history (ideally one where the common issues were fixed already) and enjoy the bargain of the century. You are getting a world class luxury car for your money after all.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 18:00

0

"10 ___ span"? Not minutes or days, but ... months? The other issue is insurance. Some rare cars have inexplicably high rates. Check into it - let us know.

JR1 > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo 12/07/2014 at 18:02

1

I think I would take an 09 over a new M3 anyway.

Depreciation is a beautiful thing if you are the buyer.

Steve in Manhattan > jkm7680 12/07/2014 at 18:03

1

Move that decimal point one place to the left, then you're talking.

JR1 > Schaefft 12/07/2014 at 18:04

1

It was comparable to a Ferrari, Aston, Maserati, Bentley, etc when it was made. The fact that it is less than a new Dodge Dart makes it almost a no brainer.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 18:05

0

I would hope 15k could cover a 10 YEAR span. And I imagine the insurance will be astronomical on a V12 Merc.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 18:12

0

I'm thinking (guessing) more like 2-4 grand a year to keep it on the road. I recall a guy calling Car Talk about his 560SL - his wife was giving him shit because a couple times a year he was dumping $500-1500 into it. I think they said that, if the alternative was a new car payment, keep putting money into it and drive it. If I recall correctly, the car was approaching 150K. But he loved the car, so why not?

Alex B > JR1 12/07/2014 at 18:13

1

Okay, that makes sense.

jkm7680 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 18:28

0

It's a bit pricey, Haha.

jkm7680 > JR1 12/07/2014 at 18:28

1

Agreed, it has a good amount of flash, All the features you could want, a V12 and baller status.

Steve in Manhattan > jkm7680 12/07/2014 at 18:36

1

I think I've been around here long enough for everyone to know my heavy preference for cars being kept stock unless there's a very good reason to modify them. Like that Brabus we saw Clarkson test 5 or 6 years ago - the electronics simply couldn't handle the power. I know the Lorinsers and Brabuses of the world know what they're doing, but as the car ages I suspect things that would not ordinarily wear out will do so. There are so many cars that come from the factory with more performance than most of us will ever use ... why chance it? But that's me. Risk averse. Belt and suspenders.

Dsscats > bob and john 12/07/2014 at 18:41

0

Nope, his is a 500

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/07/2014 at 19:58

1

Lol

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 19:59

0

Exactly. In this weird hobby of ours not everything can be measured in monetary values. Sometimes the love of the drive outweighs it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JGrabowMSt 12/07/2014 at 20:01

0

The engine in a C215 has nothing in common with your M120.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/07/2014 at 20:11

0

Most of these are the twin turbo version. Early variants, turbos or not, like to leak from the oil cooler whichis in the valley and requires removal of the heads. Turbo variants like to leak from from coolant lines at the turbo which requires engine removal. it has two ignition coil packs which are easily damaged and commonly fail on their own, at over 1k each. It has 24 spark plugs, which are probably above the ability of most DIY'ers. ABC system likes to leak, parts and fluid is very expensive and requires SDS to properly bleed.

Don't get me wrong. These are incredible cars. But they're not particularly DIY friendly or cheap to own. I would be inclined to get the newest one possible in AMG form because they are built/engineered to handle more. But on the other hand other things like tires and brakes become much more extensive in AMG form. As far as high performance V12's go, these are very reliable.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > bob and john 12/07/2014 at 20:13

0

Pretty sure his was a V8. Those are pretty straight forward and relatively reliable.

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/07/2014 at 20:17

0

I would try to steer clear from the turbos. But I'm not going to lie your post just kinda crushed my dreams. I suppose I could make do with the V8. Thanks for the information though

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/07/2014 at 20:23

0

Sorry. But I would rather crush people's dreams and save them money than drain their bank accounts and have them hate Mercedes.

CL55 on the other hand is very reliable and user friendly. Biggest issues are still ABC and cost of brakes. Both of which easily fall into your 10 year budget. Most of the ABC parts are updated and I've yet to see any replacement parts fail that weren't just a manufacturing defect or improper installation. Cheaper brake parts can be found aftermarket. Kompressor or NA would be pretty safe, but kompressor is much more fun and has nearly 500hp.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 20:36

1

There are so many unreliable cars I would buy if I had the ability to fix them or pay someone to fix them. I once owned half a Lancia Beta Scorpion. Loved the '79 300SD - most solid car I've ever driven, and I'd probably buy a clean one. Most entertaining? '76 BMW 2002 4 speed. That would probably be a disaster as well. And old Alfas? Resistance is futile.

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/07/2014 at 20:43

0

I never would have guessed a Kompressor would be as reliable as a naturally aspirated V 12 from 2000. I thought the turbos would create too much stress on the engine. It is good to know the ABC parts are not failing after they've been replaced. I heard those were about $8000 to repair

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan 12/07/2014 at 20:46

0

I imagine the Lancia must have been a nightmare to Kevin. I am sure it was fun to drive though.

I never understood why so many Mercedes of the 70s and 80s were diesel powered in the United States. There obviously reliable from what I've heard so it's worth buying.

BMW needs to make more cars like the 2002

JGrabowMSt > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/07/2014 at 20:50

0

But the general maintenance shouldnt be any more difficult comparatively. Id expect it to be a little easier, for a mercedes.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1 12/07/2014 at 20:54

1

I have made the 2002 argument many times. Light weight, 4 cylinder, 5 speed, crank windows, and a reasonable price. And the diesel Benzs of that era were bulletproof. My '87 300D was probably the last truly tanklike Benz, but they started getting fancy (6 cylinder engine w/ trap oxidizer and turbo) so there were problems.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/07/2014 at 21:43

1

8k is a bit high unless you're replacing every part in the system. Kompressor is supercharged, not turbos. The engine is bolted onto is one of the most reliable they've ever made. Some of the higher mileage ones need kompressor drive pullies or bearings, but that is about it aside from valve cover gasket leaks which are pretty easy. An NA v12 I'd still a v12. It's a strong motor, but like I said earlier the plugs, coils, and oil cooler are expensive.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JGrabowMSt 12/07/2014 at 21:46

0

I guess that depends on what you mean by general maintenance. Spark plugs are much more difficult and you run the risk of damaging 2k with of ignition coils. Turbo versions have a crazy bleed procedure for its two cooling systems which isn't possible without special tools. Trans service, brakes, oil change, air filters are pretty easy, but that's about it.

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/08/2014 at 09:38

0

Too bad that 5.5 liter couldn't have been put in the normal CL500 instead of the 5.0 then.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/08/2014 at 10:19

1

It's the same engine, just larger displacement on the AMG variants. You can find NA CL55's from [I think] '01 and '02. Those would be a bit cheaper to own than a supercharged version.They make around 100hp less but are still pretty quick for a big car.

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 12/08/2014 at 10:25

0

I am sure I would miss the 100hp but the car is still one hell of a deal for 15k. Add on some maintenance and it is still one hell of a deal I bet.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1 12/08/2014 at 14:29

1

They can be. Just make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection.

CaptDale - is secretly British > JR1 12/08/2014 at 16:21

0

I looked into these a while back. The out of warranty expenses are out of this world. The major fault to there early V12s, before the TT, was there is a plate in the middle of motor that has to do with the cylinder deactivation. This plate's seals would fail and you'd have to do a full engine tear down to replace it.

JR1 > CaptDale - is secretly British 12/08/2014 at 16:26

0

I have heard that. So I suppose a CL500 or a CL55 is the way to go. Not quite as exotic but still fun.

CaptDale - is secretly British > JR1 12/08/2014 at 16:33

1

Yeah, but so what? If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up ;)

DrScientist > JR1 12/09/2014 at 09:45

0

have you considered a bmw 850?

they're a few years older than the CL, and therefore fewer creature comforts. but its also a v12 with a reasonable entry price, and it looks terrific.

also, because its a missing a few of the bells and whistles of the CL, there's less to break or fail. combine that with a very active enthusiast group, and wrenching on it yourself is more just time consuming than blatant lack of ability. the v12 also shares a lot of the bits and pieces with the bmw i6s, so parts aren't too difficult to find. you just have to buy twice as many of them.

i went the least advisable route among these "personal luxury coupes" and got myself a jaguar xjs v12. there's a million things to go wrong with my car, and about half of them have, or are on the brink. but there's parts available, and not too many electronics. so for me, its just been the time spent to take the thing apart and put it back together... which is considerable figuring how they've crammed so much into a small space.

JR1 > DrScientist 12/09/2014 at 09:50

0

When the day comes I am in the market I wouldn't discount a 850ci. I agree they are better looking as well. If the maintenance is indeed easier it might even be more appealing. Finally I think they have a better chance to increase in value because currently BMW doesn't make a model like that anymore.

As for the xjs I can imagine it isn't easy to work on. I always see an engine bay and cringe they look incredibly complicated.