Hello everyone, just popping into this forum real quick for some advice regarding the CL500 or CL600... I have done a little research and I would rather start a new thread so as to put the advice of everyone to the test of public scrutiny as I have come across contradicting advice....

So here is the scenario: I currently own a CLS 500, which I bought back from a family member after selling it to purchase my Viper. I love the CLS and it has been problem free since it was purchased new- it now has 35k miles. It is not the best car in the snow, but it is not bad either. I love the look of the CL W215 on both the inside and out, and the price seems to be right at the moment. I am looking for a sporty two door I can share with my girlfriend. I plan to drive it almost daily, but no more than 10-20 miles per day as it will be a commuter car. It must also be safe to drive in the snow, but clearly as a rear wheel drive coupe it won't be perfect in any winter setting nor will I be stupid enough to take it out in severe weather.

So, given those conditions here are my questions:

1. Is the v12 worth it? I have heard from some it is 'bulletproof' and others that it has more problems than the v8.

2. Are there any substantial differences (and problems) between the 600 and 500 models aside from the engines and their related effects?

3. Aside from the ABC issue, what other big problems can I expect from these cars?

4. Is there any way to beat the ABC issue before it happens or all together?

5. Is this car safe in the snow if driven cautiously and not in extreme weather?

Thank you in advance for your advice! I hope it is not too much to ask and barrage you all with these questions, but I just need to make sure before I take the plunge. Hope to add another MB to the family soon!
-RSB

 

Re: CL500 Winter driving
The W215 CL certainly is no 4matic, but with a good set of winter tires - all around - you should be fine. Deep snow is usually no problem, but if you have an icy surface, be careful with that gas pedal....ESP is a great help...

 

If you take the 03+ CL600 it has no engine problems whatsoever and 200 more HP.

 

Both the V8 and TT V12 are solid. As to whether they're "worth it", well, worth what? You've got to decide whether the benefits of the V12 are worth the extra cost over the V8, based on how you value that money.

 

I have a 03 s600 and yeah for a few more $$ you can have a far better all around car in the 600. Don't waste ur time with the 500.

 

What exactly do you call no engine problems whatsoever? I would say that is inaccurate. The coil packs will need replacement if not already done. To replace both two banks of coil packs, you are looking at over $3000. However, for the extra power, get the 600. The 500 has 90% of the maintenance cost, ABC suspension, of the 600 but 35% less power. Not to mention, the 600 is easily upgraded with an ECU tune to almost twice the power of the 500.

 

The CL600's power is so much better than the CL500, and since you have a Viper, I think you will appreciate the performance difference.

The CL600 is also a bit nicer inside, leather dash, nicer headliner, etc. The ABC suspension is one of the issues that can arise, some people recommend flushing the fluid and changing the filter, but there is no real preventive maintenance you can do aside from that.

In the snow, with some good winter or all-season tires, it should be only OK. Rear wheel drive cars like this with a lot of power generally do not do very well, especially on icy hills.

 

1. V12 IMO, is not worth it. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215...-problems.html

The V8 otoh is a proven "bulletproof" motor, IMO.

2. ALL CLs have leather covered dashboards. The only differences are that the 600s have a suede headliner, more HP and higher fuel and repair costs. (See link above)

3. See the link above - again!

4. Keep an eye on the ABC fluid level and change the filter and/or fluid once every year or two in the ABC reservoir. You can also change the O-rings at the Pressure Supply Valve in the Valve blocks as a preventative maintenance procedure. If parking the car for more than a few days, leave the car suspension in the highest setting.

5. 300hp in the 500 can be tricky without proper snow tires. The 600 with 500hp would be without snow tires.

The Rest Is Up To You.

 

The 2002 Engine and 2003 Engine are totally different.

 

2003 and up cl600. amg sport pkg is a must!