45k miles - $15 obo. looks very clean, have not contacted owner yet for history. Would have shop inspect before purchase. Do most all mechanic work myself. Car is sitting low after a couple days, read about a ABC recall and need to check VIN #. Question is it worth looking at or is this 12cly/cl a problem vehicle? My thoughts are at this price if in the next 50k miles (now 100k) I put 10k or less in maintanace it may be a good purchase and could run 200k or more. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Tom

 

First, the ABC recall is for a hose, and will not remedy the car lowering after a couple of days. If it lowers in less than one week it is not considered normal, most likely a valve block

Second, the pre facelift v12's(non turbo) have a major flaw, the oil cooler leaks, you have to dismantle most of the engine to fix this, very expensive job.

I would suggest a newer W215, at least 2003, and any cl will cost much more than 10k for 100k of use

 

I just had this same talk with my mechanic and asked him if I should worry that the rears starts to sag a bit after 3-4 days. He said that its normal and not to worry about it. If the car drops after being parked for half an hour or doesn't raise up at all, then be concerned. Also in cooler temps, the car will drop sooner than when its warmer out side. In the summer my car doesn't start to sag until about a week goes by. In the fall and spring when the temps are cooler outside; 3-4 days.

R.K.

 

I would probably buy a higher mile turbo model for that price. It will ultimately be more reliable due to the better engine design (mentioned oil cooler). If you go for it, I would get the price down and be prepared that you might blow a big chunk of your 10k maintenance budget. A new valve block if the sagging gets worse plus the inevitable oil cooler fix would be about half of it.

 

Thanks for the responces. After my reviews I will wait for a 03 or newer. My wife and teenage twins drive the 09 r320 bluetec (love the interior room for 7) with 42k which just returned from the shop with a leaking oil cooler. It took near 2 weeks to repair and was a quite a intensive job according to my service rep. I have no idea of the repair cost since it was covered by the original warranty. I'm currently riding my 02 BMW LT motorcycle daily driver rain or shine with 135k on the odo as my 94 F350 4x4 diesel crewcab mostly sits in the driveway.

Thanks,

Tom

 

2001 CL600: Slowly back away then run like hell. If budget is in the picture in any way, do not get a 215 CL. Get the newest one you can afford. On the CL600, go for the 2003+ for the twin turbo engine. Since you will be spending a ton on upkeep, you might as well get something that is fast!

 

According to MB it's normal to drop a little after a week with no ABC warning messages displayed. Mine is in a non heated garage (cold Northeast winters!) and has been sitting for 10 days and hasn't dropped at all. Longest i ever let it sit was close to 2 weeks and it never dropped.

I rarely let the car sit for this long but I was away and it started snowing when i got back so it will sit for a few more days.

Official MB response:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/atta...g-issue-1-.pdf

 

Would not buy a C215 Pre facelift model ever! 00-02. Find a 04,05,06 instead. They are out there but you need to look hard.