SoaDMTGguy

I know that 2003+ are more reliable than the earlier models. I've also heard 2005 and 2006 are the most reliable. I know ABC and ignition coils seem to be the biggest $$$ problems on these cars.

What I don't know: Is the 5.5L V12 significantly more costly to maintain than the 5.0L V8? Those turbos scare me, but I haven't seen them mentioned as problem centers...

BlownV8

My 2005 is no more reliable than my 2003 600. It's all time and mileage so traditionally you are better off buying newer but it is not because the car is built better. The command is better in the 2005 but you don't by a Benz for a high tech user interface The bi-turbo 12 is not bad. Big expense will be coil packs on the 12 if they go out but the extra hp is worth the additional cost. Never heard of anyone having trouble with the turbos.

ItalianJoe1

Nope, the V12 has no more issues than the V8. The ignition scares are frankly over-stated. Figure one time, after 15 years, you are gonna spend $3000 replacing both coils and the transformer, then the car will be flawless for another 15 years. Other than that, the engine problems are the same as the V8, oil leaks, rubber hoses failing, issues that happen with age on any car. The turbos are not an issue on these cars.

The primary cost of these cars is the suspension, which every CL has. So get the V12, and enjoy an amazing monster of an engine that suits the nature of the car so well.

Welwynnick

I've owned lots of 220's, and 500's are certainly more reliable than 600's, but why would you not have a 600? The CL500 is a good car, but the CL600 is extraordinary.

I wouldn't worry about the turbos. V12TT turbos are water-cooled, very well protected, and virtually bomb proof. If they fail, it's because of neglected routine maintenance.

Nick

ItalianJoe1

On a 220, the 500 has airmatic. Def an advantage there in terms of cost per failure. Not the case on the coupes though.

tusabes

To clarify there is a huge problem with the 2001-2002 cl600. Not only do they have coil pack issues they have the oil cooler issue

avoid these years

ItalianJoe1

Those cars are also missing a pair of turbos. Avoid them completely. 03+ is the way to go.

HopefullyE63

I found a 2001 garaged clean 100K miles with a rough idle misfire for 4,500. Still a no go? Very very clean car. Perfect interior. Minor dents and a rear glass outside. Owner says he hasn't changed the plugs in the 7 years he owned it but also says he's only put 15K miles on it. I love the way this car looks.

ItalianJoe1

There's no such thing as a cheap CL, that car in perfect shape is only worth a little more than that sadly, there's just no market for them. If it's a simple fix, great. If you put 24 plugs and two coils on it, you're looking at spending almost what you paid for the car again just in ignition system parts.

I agree they are amazing cars, and I logic it by thinking, what else can you buy at this price point that's this cool, and for me, there's nothing. The classic shape, pillarless coupe styling, big V12, it's just so much car for the money. Sadly you have the maintenance costs of a $100k+ car that's now 15+ years old, but that's part of the charm. I bought my '03 for $13k and have spent at least another $8k in parts on it over the last 2 years, and that's at cost with me doing all the work myself. But now I have a car that's very well sorted mechanically, doesn't leak, runs great, and I'm not afraid to drive anywhere. Plus it has 600hp.

HopefullyE63

You know what Joe, you are absolutely right. You helped me realize wanting a car like this is totally ridiculous. Why would to torture myself with a nightmare vehicle? Sure it looks nice but I'd be nervous about actually driving it waiting for the next huge think to make it worthless. Thanks for opening my eyes. I'll just forget the whole idea.

tusabes

the post right above yours says to avoid these years completely , then you ask about buying one with problems ?? Makes no sense !


the 500 is much more reliable than the 600, even the turbo models . My 2003 cl600 had over $12000 in repairs in the 18 months the prior Owner had it . I've driven it 4000 miles and now I have the misfire issue , which won't be cheap . The 500s do not have these issues

Welwynnick

An S600 with an idle misfire, and the seller leads to believe it's the plugs?

Firstly, while the V12's do have ignition problems, they manifest themselves at speed, not at idle, so it sounds like something else.

Secondly, if it was as simple as plugs, he would / should have fixed that himself - a much simpler and cheaper fix than coil-packs or power supply, so be sceptical.

I think that's done that to death.

People do always say avoid the 5.8 V12's due to the oil cooler problem. I owned two 5.8's, and they were amongst the most trouble-free cars I ever owned. The I bought a V12TT, and shall we say that -er- luck caught up with me.... EVERYTHING went wrong. It's a great car now, though.

Nick