BenzBoy4Sho

I'm completely overwhelmed with what CL to get (2001-2004)... Power is great don't get me wrong! However I'm all about the looks and features. Whats under the hood, I could care less!... I have too many tickets as it is just in my 3.2 E Class So cruising in the second lane is where I'll be no matter if I was in a 65! lol

I just don't know what is "quote" on "quote" the better car to get into... I know these are originally $100,000+ cars which will obviously take more TLC and $$$ to maitain, However with that being said which would be a better choice "Statistically" How much more work is the 55 then 500

Taking all into account I'm just stuck, There's the 2001-2002 CL500... Then you have the 2001-2002 CL55... Then you have the 2003-2004 CL500 or dear I mention 55 Kompressor...

I obviously love how newer the 2003+ visual upgrades make the car look however I can always upgrade all the lighting myself in 2001-2002 and it's something to do...

PLEASE HELP!... THANX!

apdesign

2003+ CL55. They are a lot cheaper now. '01 is the first year and most likely have more problems. If you get a CL500, AMG Sport package is a must, otherwise it looks pretty crappy. I used to own one and do still miss it. It still looks classic and nice. Not a big fan of the latest CL model.

BenzBoy4Sho

Yes but then you can say the same thing about the 2003... It was the first for all the upgrades as well as the kompressor and all the electrical stuff... Mercedes there self told me they think a 2001 CL55 would be better then a 2003 due to all the extra moving parts.

I found I can update all the lighting (Headlights w/wiring harness, Tail lights, Fog lights & mirror signals) to the 2003+ for around $2,000

If I do go with a 500, YES the AMG/Sport package is a absolute MUST!... It's looks awful without! And I have to strongly agree with you about the 07+... There just not my favorite look. I think the W215 S***'s all over the W216 Hands down... That is until you get inside of it... Then not so much. lol

saintz

If you don't want power, then there's no reason to get an AMG. The supercharged models in particular will suck way more gas and are not as reliable.

If you want the '03+ look, I would just buy one. I don't think you'll save $2k by buying an '01 or '02. No sense putting extra money into making the car look newer and then having an older car that cost more than just buying the newer car. Unless you get a screaming deal on an '01 or '02, of course.

StarPower

04+ also got the new DVD-based NAV system. That's one thing that can't be easily upgraded. I believe that was the last major change until 2007.

m_berman

The 05 MYs are perferred due to the fact that there is a chance to obtain a 3rd party extended warranty. This should be you primary concern due to the expensive shop time rates and cost of parts. One repair bill in the life of ownership can set you back more than than the vaule of the car.

Exotic-metal55

My 03 has been great! Only a few minor problems...You can say that I am REAL HARD on the car too..

m_berman

These cars are really built for performance and can be driven hard. Lots of positive experiences. However, the forum shares the experiences of some owners with repairs. Even though they are few compared to the lucky owners, if you are the owner facing paying for repairs due to no warranty, it does become expensive. These are the facts of ownership of these expensive cars. That's the reason they depreciate sharply after the 4th year.

Exotic-metal55

Knowing how to turn a wrench and find deals on parts helps.. That goes for any car.. For example, auto trunk lift motor and repair at dealer is around 1000.00.. I bought the lift motor and with 10 minutes of work, did it for 437.00! Have to say, that is on of my favorite options too! I bet I saved that much money, just changing my own oil..

BenzBoy4Sho

Thanx guys... All things to take into account. I will say I know all to well about excessive repair bills!

I know there is absolutely no comparison when it comes to my E but let me tell you, I'm already numb to the MB Repair bills! I got my E on my 21st Birthday. In the last 5 years I'm tipping $31K in repairs .... Not kidding! lol That's not even getting into the visuals of the car! The car just hit 340,000 on the original engine but I still have about another $10k worth of work I will do... LOVE the car and wouldn't sell it for anything!.

So with all that being said I'm not scared in the least about the CL... I'm fully aware that it is nothing to toy with and it could be quite an expensive car to own and operate. I guess how I make it all make since in my head is the car originally cost over $100K so if I can get in one for around $20k(give or take) I don't mind putting another $20K over the next few years into the car... Hopefully that's not the case however if it does end up like that as long as it is like my E and gives it to me spread out over time I will be grateful! lol