chiphomme

Yes it does but he dumped his E55 over handling. The CLs aren't going to be any faster unless he goes nuts and gets a 65. The difference in straight line speed is almost negligble between the supercharged 55/NA 63 cars, M5/6, and E92 M3s. So from my perspective it comes down to which handles best, which would be either an M3 or a C63 since he doesn't like the M5/6 SMG.

Patentmat

That's a really good point. Honestly, if I were doing it now and wanted to stick with a Mercedes that handled I would go with the C63. Resell value should be good for the first few years and by then there will be even more high output mercs to choose from.

TMC M5

Patentmat:

I just saw your pic....wow gorgeous ride!!! I love that designo cashmere! You should post some more pics of the rims up close...please.

Tom

TonyJ89117

Handling is definitely the most important aspect of a car for me, with kick butt power second.

I am hoping my next Benz will handle closer to my M6 versus the E55. The E55 was actually a big disappointment for me.

Is the handling of the CL65 really that bad? I can imagine 4600# being a handful in the corners, but I figured the AMG techs found a way to make it handle.

I have considered the C63, but prefer the look of the coupes. Is the C63 that good?

BlownV8

Yeah, OK. I can guarantee it would not beat a Renntech CL600 in a straight line. From what I've seen, the Renntech 600's are quicker than the stock 65's.

chiphomme

I was talking stock vehicles.

Patentmat

Thanks Tom. The colors seem to be pretty rare. I have never seen another CL with my exterior color, nor those two tone seats. But I like them both. The only question is . . . how to use this rarity when I finally decide to sell my ride?

As far as the C63 goes, yes it really is a mad merc from what I have seen, and probably a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Car and Driver actually got the 0-60 down to 3.9 on this thing with a 12.3 quarter mile time. Again though, it will not handle like a BMW

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...s_benz_c63_amg

WSH

Fairly silly to compare latest-tech perf cars to old AMG CLs, which are based upon tech from nearly 10 yrs ago....about as absurd as comparing cell phones from '03 or '05 to today's best smartphones....the pace of advances, esp in past 2-4 yrs, in chassis hardware/software (&networking w/various drivetrain computers) in all AMG/F/P is rather remarkable....

Really should drive an '09 CL63 030/65 in mtn twisties to judge for self....after doing back-to-backs in twisties, I passed on getting the rather dynamically superb SL63 030 to get '09 CL65 instead....(hate the brake pedal feel of SL vs CL; much prefer the grip/bolsters of the AMG CL sport seats over the elderly-tech seats of AMG SL)....

Last-gen (?'01-'06) AMG CL was clearly a car w/a high-powered motor, but w/underwhelming, non-confidence-inspiring luxury car-oriented steering/chassis/brakes....

TMC M5

Well...the brakes are essentially the same between the W215 and W216 CL65's. The W216 CL65 is 200+lbs greater than the W215 CL65. Yes, the technology is more advanced in the new CL65...but the laws of physics still apply to a vehicle carrying such weight. If you want a great handling car...you probably shouldn't be looking at a Mercedes. If you are looking for a a luxurious coupe... with tons of power and decent handling for its size... step up to the CL.

I would never purchase the car (either W215 or W216) for $200K... unless of course I was worth 9 figures and made more from my deposits in one week. I think the OP was seeking advice based on a much smaller budget. It is pretty easy to come up with grandiose suggestions (myself included) when it is someone else's money.

Tom

TonyJ89117

What do you guys think about this CL65? I am fairly certain you could buy it for $45k. Is their any problem adding an aftermarket warranty (7r/100k) to a lemoned car that is still within the factory warranty period?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-....c0.m245.l1318

I have negotiated with a couple of people selling low mileage 2003 CL55's and it appears the magic number is easily under $30k for both. One has 45k miles and fully loaded w/ Distronic and the other loaded without Distronic (42k miles), but hot looking in black on tan.

However, if I can get a CL65 for less than $20k more than an 03' CL55 it almost seems like a no brainer.

What do you guys think?

TMC M5

I honestly think you can find one without the mfg (lemon law) buyback for similar mileage for marginally more money (maybe $5k). Your point on an aftermarket warranty is valid. I am not sure it is worth the potential headache... I would pay a little extra for some peace of mind...just my $.02.

Tom

canes85

What was the issue that caused it to be a buy back?
I've talk to to a MB rep previously regarding buy backs and it usually to keep high dollar customers happy. The issue may not be something major.
What ever you decide a warranty is a MUST. Run the VIN at your local MB dealership to get the specifics.

TonyJ89117

If that is the case, I am in complete agreement with you. At these prices, the CL65 makes the CL55/600 obsolete.

TonyJ89117

I have a message to the seller and looking forward to see why Mercedes bought back the car. Hopefully, it is not due to persistent electrical problems.

TonyJ89117

Damn, the CL65 sold for $50k.

Oh well, the search continues...

sound 8

Heh!! listen to the guy, he said that handling is the most important, be honest with him,you don't buy a Merc for handling.
But if it's power,comfort,looks,build quality etc then buy a AMG.