Just found 02CL500 Tectite with Ash only 6700 miles! Looks like its been in a time warp, stored and rarely used. I've never seen anything this old that looks new, both inside and out. So if you're out there looking, be patient as you never know what you'll find. Am taking today to have tires inspected as they too are original yet look perfect.

 

Wow! I felt I found a gem with only 37k miles a month or two ago. Tiny lady Dr owner. No wear anywhere.

Something to remember. Many aren't aware and will argue this point. BUT tires have date stamps on them. 11 yr old tires are not considered safe.

 

The date stamp on the tires is for when they were produced, not when they expire.
Tires don't have an expiration date.

Tires should be inspected for condition though. Look for any signs of dry rot, cracking, rubber separating and so on.
And after driving the car, if it's starting to "chunk" (chunks of the rubber are missing), then that means they've lost some elasticity and need to be replaced.

Example of chunking:

 

Your point is well taken. I called the best tire retailer in New Orleans who told me the same thing, which I already knew. I went today which was my first weekday after getting it to have them inspected. He too was shocked how there was no cracking anywhere. All rubber even seals around sunroof was soft and pliable. It truly is puzzling to me that this car which was special ordered with certain items deleted would then be left in a garage (obviously) and not driven. But their eccentricity or wealth allowed that. Fortunate for me. I then went to MB dealer where I have a long running relationship with the service department. He too was in awe, ran the VIN and all service was performed in February at another MB dealer. This is the 25th MB I have owned in my life, the fourth CL, and absolutely the most beautiful ever at an incredible value all things considered.

 

I didn't mention expiration.

But dot and the manufacturers will tell you that tires are not safe after certain periods.

Guys running around on tires over 6 yrs are risking a certain level of safety. Who cares to find out what that is? A visual is not sufficient on older tires.

The crazy ones are running 10-20 yr old tires and expecting them to be safe to spec.

It's also good to check the dates on "new" tires you buy.

As for the OP? Would you buy new tires that were 11 yrs old, and trust your family to them?

 

curious, how much is this car?

 

Paid $28,000. Hard to put a "retail" book value on a car this old with so few miles in this condition. I'm happy with cost. Had looked for about a month at several other possibilities, not necessarily CL, but when I saw this I had to have it.

 

good find, i felt similar to how you did when i found my CL. i was looking at other cars but when i saw the CL with 57k miles i had to have it!

my best advice is to take it to the dealer because I"m sure there is a small list of things that should be replaced free under recalls such as the ABC line that runs over top of your transmission (and can cause a fire if ruptured). but try to stay on top of the abc (or find an aftermarket warranty including abc)and this car will easily last you another 20 to 30 years with minor engine maintenance and regular fluid change intervals (fluids like transmission aren't "sealed for life" like mercedes claimed when the CL first came out) but good luck and enjoy the ride! as well as the looks people give you when trying to figure out what kind of mercedes you're driving!

 

I took it to MB dealer yesterday and ran the VIN. All recalls were done in February, 2013. That also was surprising that it was taken to dealer before selling to have fresh oil/filter and all recalls updated. Having only 6700 miles meant that there probably would be very few records, and one I fully expected was at least one new battery. That, too, was done then. I will take in next month after travelling frequently this month to have all ABC, transmission and coolants flushed, refreshed with new filters to just try and stay ahead of any ABC/transmission issues as much as possible. I have had three other CLs and an 03 S600. The 03 CL55 had one ABC issue in the four years and 60,000 miles I owned it, and fortunately it was covered under MB CPO warranty. The S600 had the transmission go at 38,000 miles, covered under warranty, and then again,at 100,000 miles. I am 58 and not a road warrior, so anyone reading keep in mind when considering a 500hp 600 series. It, too, had several ABC issues not covered under warranty which were very expensive to deal with.
I am having trouble finding a warranty that specifically covers all parts related to ABC, especially on an eleven year old car, regardless of miles and condition. I have one that covers some suspension parts, even power steering pump, which may or may not be covered since the main pump is a dual one. So my mindset is that for $28,000, it is the best value anywhere considering miles, condition, styling, comfort and driving pleasure. If I have to spend some money along the way for these repairs, then so be it. But the value for me is still better than spending $15,000 more for a 2011 E350, which is nice but pretty boring. I just can't warm up to that styling.

I also probably will replace the tires, even though I had them inspected at dealer and independent tire store, since I live in such hot climate.

 

wow two transmissions in 100k miles? that sucks.

good to hear a lot of things were taken care of, she sounds like quite the lady

 

Correct. Two transmissions. I don't know why the transmissions on the CL55 and S600, both of which have almost identical hp and torque, only failed on the V12. I don't know if the AMG is beefed up more nor did the dealers have an explanation. I saw a couple of relatively low mile V12 CL and S classes when I started looking a month ago to replace the SL I was driving, but was too gunshy to commit to any because of my past experience . The TT V12 is incredibly quick and smooth but not worth the extra anxiety of wondering when was the tranny going to go.