vmystikilv

The S class W220, I can somewhat understand but the CL, makes no sense.
It is still one of the most technological advance cars on the road, looks great, offers comfort and convenience that rival even a new Mercedes. I just don't understand. There are not many of them, So I would consider it rare enough. I see more rolls royces in this city than CL class Mercedes. Not to mention wherever I go I keep getting compliments, questions, and everything else. What is it that sets values to a car after so long. I think its crazy I can get a cl500 series Mercedes for a lot cheaper than a 1990 560sec. It just boggles my mind....

BlownV8

The car has a very poor reliability reputation and can be uber expensive to maintain. If the car did not have ABC suspension, it would not be that expensive to own. It's the ABC that kills the CL/SL/S values because that's a majority of the issues owners experience.

tusabes

Yep. If it had airmatic or steel springs the values would be double

Its just too expensive to maintain

gaazmon

Yup the cost of a whole new ABC system is just as much or more than the price of some CLs on market. Definitely brings the value down. Even with air suspension, it will drop the resale, but not as close to ABC. People just run away from those things since they cost big bucks to replace. One of the reasons I sold my 04 E320 with airmatic. My two rear shocks were leaking and I did not want to deal with it and what else may eventually come up (among other things such as SBC and the dreaded fuel tank issue). Also, it's a coupe, definitely less demand versus an S class sedan.

Welwynnick

They're also prone to rust, which is unforgivable.

mf219

they don't rust, they can't. font fenders are plastic. hood, roof & trunk lid aluminum. door skins are magnesium

p30amg08

+1 on ABC issue.
+1 on poor reliability
And its not a rare car either.

mf219

OK, I'll stick up for the W215. I've owned my 2004 CL500 for 5 1/2 years. No ABC issues (ever). No other problems of ANY kind (other than normal maintenance). It IS a rare car where I live- only seen 2 others around here in 5+ years (one was on a lot).

p30amg08

Well I am glad that you havent experienced the common issues with these cars, and hope that you never do. When running in top shape, these cars are awesome.
Having said that, these problems are "common" and the likelihood of them occurring as time goes by is likely.
As far as rarity, I think just the cl63s were very low production. Otherwise still a production car and the rarity part on a cl500 etc wont bring but maybe a few hundred dollars when sold if that.
I understand its a car you dont see where you live but on a larger scale its not that rare. Selling prices or depreciation obviously reflects that.

mmirshahi

My 2002 CL500 has 142,000 miles and I was given a $4,000 trade in value today at the dealer. Not to mention, I need $8300 in repairs according to the dealer.

Its a beautiful car. I get compliments. Its kept its style even for a 12 year old car. Just very expensive to maintain. My service Advisor told me after the warranty is up, get rid of these cars. or pay the extra $4000-$5000 for extended warranty and be worry free until 100k miles.

OCKlasse

trunk is plastic too

tusabes

The w220 is steel, only the rear quarter panels of the w215 are steel

mf219

the rear quarters of the W215 are aluminum

@ mmirshahi , what do they want to do to the car for $8300

vmystikilv

8300?!?!?!
where you able to drive it there? what the heck is wrong with it?

mmirshahi

Most of this stuff are things that need future attention. All of this sh*t they found and all i did was go in to get my ac system recharged


1) brakes and rotors
2) new flex discs (front and rear)
3) new motor mounts and transmission mount (1100 parts and labor)
4) new trunk latch (918 parts and labor)
5) control arms left and right (2000 ?)
6) oil level sensor and oil change
7) new serpentine belt and tensior and idler pulley

and like 2 other things.

CL600CK60V12

being technologically advanced does not mean that it is based on great design. It has so many point of failures which would require a AAA call that makes one wonder if anybody on the MB engineering team was thinking or just throwing anything at it that would stick.

For the sake of the conversation, consider the piece of crap ignition system based on most fragile components one can imagine (coil packs). When these things go, car is dead.

Or ABC system. MB claims it is maintenance-free which is BS. Once again, MB enginners (or sales) is not thinking here.

It is a fantastic car when it is new but if you look at its design and durability, it is a nightmare.

I would not buy another Mercedes after the CL (except for the SL possibly . Actually, I drive the CL only to the beach and back. I would not even think of taking to on a road trip.

tusabes

I got a $20k estimate of repairs recommended by the dealer including most of those items plus more . My car drives just fine

vmystikilv

20k in repairs and it drives just fine... What's wrong with this picture.. lol

vmystikilv

Back of forth once or twice every two weeks to work just to show off. Agreed, would NEVER take this car one a road trip. Unless I swap it to coils one day. Vegas here I come!

tusabes

I've taken mine on several road trips

The only breakdown I had was a flat tire which was partially my fault as I had seen the rear tread was completely worn - just didn't see how bad it was worn in the inner side

Welwynnick

I had one breakdown in several years, and that was before I learned how look after ABC.

Nick