kalantar

I am looking to pick up a vehicle that is good for road trips and daily driving. I was considering an 04 e320/500 for about the 25k range. SOmeone mentioned that I can get an older cl500 for around that price +-.

I have heard these cars are tempermental but are they reliable enough to do road trips for example 700 - 1500 miles round trip? Or is it a likeliness I can/will be stranded?

Would an e class be a better fit for my needs?

Thanks

Bo CL500

CL is the top of the MB's. It will be more reliable, I have one and I haven't had any problems. The C Class for MB is the worst car you can buy. For the money you will be better off buying an Acura.

calgary

I drive the 2001 CL500 with over 200000 Miles on it. You are correct, it is "tempermental". ABC, etc.etc. but I enjoy every minute driving it. This is my 6th Mercedes Coupe over the last 40 years. However to be realistic, a 2004 E320 or E500 would be much more reliable -especially if you want to make those longer trips.

Baby ///M3

Wow,

That's a lot of miles for a CL. But I mean it in a good way though. These cars should be driven more and spending less time in the shops.

How is your CL holding up after all these miles? I come from a Lexus community and in that forum, there are plenty of Lexus coupes with more than 200k almost trouble free (aside from regular maintenances) miles, including mine (currently at 241k miles).

Jon

Jay9722

I am so encouraged and relieved by your thread! I am about to hit 49K on my 2003 CL and I am terrified that I have driven it to, or near, the threshold of reliability and lifespan. I do not have a good feeling about the longevity of this car. I have little nit-picky problems here and there and it isn't even my daily driver. You have given me a little hope.
FYI...I LOVE this car. Despite the little quirks and issues, it is a gorgeous, and classy car that will always have a home in my garage.

Jud Chapin

These cars are not for those with shallow pockets. If you buy one, be sure to have a good warranty to go with it. Repairs are not cheap. As for repairs, most of the problems, other than the ABC system, seem to be electronic in nature. I have an '02 and while I have had some problems with it, I wouldn't hesitate to get in it right now and drive cross country. Good luck with whatever you decide.

calgary

Jay9722
I am glad to give you "a little hope" - With only 49K Miles you should not have
any real concerns. How is your ABC pump holding out??

Baby M3
My car is holding up very nicely. The ABC pump has been replaced. The system has been flushed a few times, but the car still settles down while parked. It raises after the engine has been started - and no problems while driving. The MAF was replaced recently - and a set of Bosch spark plugs were due. Electrical problems?? The different bulbs made bad contact, but some ACDelco "Dielectric Silicone Grease" helped solve that problem. I drive the car all winter with a set of winter tires, again no problems with the ESP.
The engine is most reliable - no oil consumption whatsoever.

bltserv

Since my SL got crunched the other day I have been daily driving my CL every day. No worries at all. I think it likes the everyday use rather than sitting on the weekends and nice days. I gave the gar to my GF to drive to Vegas. Thats about 700 miles R/T. She loved it and it was flawless.
My 2000 is hitting 68,000 miles soon. Once these cars get thru the electrical issues and the ABC pump replacement they seem pretty dependable. But as other have mentioned. You need deep pockets for this car no matter what if its out of warranty. Mine ends at 75,000. I will more than likely sell mine next year sometime. Going to look for a used E55 or a CLS.

As far as getting stranded. Only once. It sat at the Airport for a week and the battery drained. Very common in this car to do that. Even my SL will drain if it sits for more than 2 weeks.

Jud Chapin

My '02 CL has sat for over a month at different times and has always fired right up.

bltserv

Is that with Alarm armed ?

Jud Chapin

No it's not as the car is in my garage and not locked. So you're saying that when the alarm is activated, in my case by using the remote to lock the car, it will kill the battery within a week?
Regarding another matter, the ABC pump, when can I expect that to go. I've got about 30K miles on my '02 and have the Starmark warranty thru 9/09. I'd certainly like to get it replaced before my coverage is gone.