ImportXpression

I had my M5 for about 1 year now. And i am picking up a CL 500 next monday at the local MB dealer. I love how the CL look, and the fact of the matter that it is more comfortable. But i guess, i will enjoy the power of the M5 more. Also can anyone here give me some heads up about hooping up the CL. Some ideas about rims, bodykit, exhaust, ABC lowering system, performance mods that are healthy for the ride. Here are some pix of my M5, see if you guys like it.

bobafett

Your pictures required a members only username and password.

As for the M5, why not keep it? Or do you have to sell it for the CL - in which case, why the trade? I've found the M5 to be the perfect single car you can own. Stick, fast, brilliant handling, comfortable, daily drivable, well sorted, good looking, subtle, spacious.

I mean, for a single car, you need nothing more. If you're buying both, why not get a dedicated 2 seater (or do you need more?)

--Dan

awiner

Although the CL55 is more on par in power with the M5, I would say a nice Kleemann Supercharger added to the CL500 will give you mind blowing power that will make the M5 feel like a toy.

500 Hp / 473 Ft Lbs Torque to be exact.

Keep in mind however that the M5 will be the better handling car most likely.

JamE55

I concur about the Supercharger. You may also upgrade the suspension to Kleemann as well.

ImportXpression

I am looking into that supercharger. Got a quote from the guy from AI design. The kit will cost about $16000 installed. Thats pretty deep for a supercharger kit, but, i guess its a MB.

maxosa

Based on what i have heard from my dealer, the 2003 cl 55 will be pushing 475 horses and run 0-62 in 4.7. That combined with the luxury of this car along with its great looks make it a car to compare with Austin Martin or Bentley, so please lets not compare it with a M5. Dont forget a Beefed up Firebird will out run a M5. Base on M5 is 70's, Base on Cl 55 2003 will be approx 110K two completely different cars not to be compared.

orangemarlin

And there's no comparing the two. They have two different market positions, two different prices, and two different experiences.

I love both cars a lot. The CL600 is a daily commuter for me when I am on the west coast. I also like taking long drives in the car on the freeway. It is truly an autobahn machine. I wouldn't want to take it to the autocross circuit however. I think the suspension and steering are, well, built for long drives, not for sports handling. And I am still of the thought that automatic transmissions are for girls and old men.

The M5 is a superior machine for speed and handling. I think you can stick $16,000 worth of stuff on a CL600 to get tons of HP, but you probably void the warranty, and the car (transmission, suspension, steering, wheels, tires, and brakes) were not built to handle that HP. And I still think the M5 is a tad faster. And the M5 comes with a real transmission....6speed manual. Now I don't find the M5 particularly comfortable on long rides. BMW seating (and I've owned a ton of BMW cars and motorcycles) in general is rubbish in every car I've owned. And the M5 is not very gadgety, if you're into that stuff.

I'm not sure which car I would give up if I were forced to. Probably the CL600. But only after crying.

ImportXpression

With the cars you got. I would think the porsche should be the most fun to drive. All that 4 wheel traction should handle real good for you on take off and handling.

victoryroad

I have had an 02 CL 500 Sport for about 12,000 miles since last Sept. I marveled at its ability around corners until I got a Porsche C4S in Feb, although I still have the CL. There is a vast difference between the ABC and the Porsche suspension and its handling capability. IMO, the Porsche is much more satisfying to drive and after a few hundred miles in mine, my CL felt quite artificial in corners. Before you decide on a CL, especially since you are ow in an M5, you should drive a CL. If you get a CL and increase its power, or get a CL 55, it will still not be like the M5. They are quite different concepts and while both are amazing cars, they are very different. If you want ultimate driving satisfaction, stay with the M5 or get a Porsche Twin Turbo, preferrably with the X50 power kit.

Accord

Beleive it or not, Kleemann makes among the cheapest performance products for MB's. They're by far the best bang for the buck.

The 2003 S600 will have the new V12 Twin-Turbo 550hp engine that is on the Maybach and the S600, the M5 won't be able to touch it, lol .