ToofDoc

Just purchased/custom built a 2011 E550 Coupe and picked it up 2 weeks ago. LOVED the car, but now considering getting something even faster/powerful.

I'm going to the dealership to custom build a 2012 CL63 AMG.

Questions:

1) I hear many in this forum that the CL600 is better than CL63 AMG, why? Because of the V12 engine? The 2012 models, the CL63 AMG is cheaper and more powerful, so why CL600 over CL63?

2) How much will my 2011 E550 trade in depreciate you think? Final MSRP was around $75K.

3) If I were to spend $160K on a car, any other suggestions similar prestige and muscle? Nothing over $160K.

saintz

People saying the CL600 is better than the CL63 are referring to the V8 6.3 liter N/A CL63. In that case, the twin turbo V12 is a way better motor than the N/A V8 in such a heavy car.

The 5.5 liter twin turbo V8 is a much different animal, and much more comparable to the twin turbo V12. In this case, I would call it roughly a draw, depending on your preference. The V12 has more "cache," and ultimately can make more power, but it's also heavier, harder to service, and less reliable (it has 50% more moving parts, if nothing else). Either is a good engine, and the new turbo 63 also gets you the AMG additions.

You will probably take a huge bath on the E, and if you custom order the 63, you're unlikely to get a great discount (versus buying a car that's been sitting on their lot). But, only way to find out is to ask.

You could buy a barely used CL65 for half that price.

Here's the same body style CL65 for close to half, barely used:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...ht_58581wt_958

If you don't need the newest body style, here's the previous, still going to have plenty of life left, and priced at less than a quarter:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...ht_35650wt_958

Just some quick examples. If you spend $160k on a new CL, expect to lose $50k to $100k in depreciation in the next 2 years.

saintz

You could also find a nice Ferrari 430, Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GT, or any number of cars with barely any miles on them for about that price. You could probably find a pair of nice Bentley CGTs for that price.

MBZFAN55

The 5.5 engine in the 2011 (and later) CL63 substantially reduces the prior V12 power advantage of the CL600. The 6.2 CL63 while sounding great, lacked in low end torque while the newer CL63 is a twin turbo and has incredible torque in the lower rpm daily driving range. If you are not looking to mod the V12, you may want to consider the recently refreshed CL63. Besides looking more aggressive and somewhat special, the CL63 will get you another bonus of 25% better gas mileage than the 600. As far as other alternatives in this price range, every time I look around I find myself back at Mercedes. They may not be perfect but relatively speaking they are highly engineered, easier to get serviced and among the safest cars in the world.

ToofDoc

Just got back from the dealer.

Found out that in 2013 there will be a big changes for the S and CL classes (looks and engine). It's all really unknown at this time, but they know that in 2013 models things will change.

MB only produce 2000 units of CL63 AMG per year
2012 orders can be ordered now (exact prices unknown at this time)
It will take about 3-5 months to get
I like mine in April 2012 so will order in Dec 11/Jan 12

Here are my options:
- AMG illuminated door sills
- 20" AMG 5-spoke black forged wheel
- Designo Black Piano Lacquer wood trim (jet black)
- Designo wood/leather steering wheel
- Drive Assistance Package (distronic, blind spot, lane keeping)
- Premium 2 Package (rearview cam, night view)
- Designo Porcelain Edition Interior (heated steering wheel, AMG exclusive leather)

I opted out the Performance Package ($7500) for a more powerful engine (higher top speed and 0.2 seconds faster 0-60 time, and carbon fiber engine cover).

I'm going with Diamond Pearl White with two-tone interior (White leather and black trim).

There are essentially NO differences from 2011 to 2012 CL63 models.

Dealer recommended away from the CL65 and the CL63 performance package upgrade to save money because there is really no where one can use that extra power in our day-to-day driving.

My E550 Coupe will worth about $50K-60K depending on how many miles I will have on it by next Jan 2012 (date of order CL63).

$55K Trade In
$45K Cash Down
$60K Loans

Lets do this!

grane

My I ask approximately where you live, what cars have you owned, where you got your BA, what you do for income, and how old you are?

To the dealer:there is no practically place where one can use the full potential of a E550 either.

ToofDoc

Usually this type of info sharing in public forums are restricted, but here's what I can share:

I'm in the US (Northeast), E550 Coupe is the first car I own that is worth mentioning (nothing against Jeep, Chevrolet, Chrysler cars). I did graduate college and I am a medical professional in the mid 30s.

You're right, nowhere we can really drive the E550's full potential in the cities, but E550s aren't as expensive as cars in the 6-figures. Once you get into cars that are in the 6-figure, each and every additional $1000 is tougher to stretch. In my case, going to a CL65 for additional $50K for that additional 0.2 seconds faster and bragging rights, to me, that isn't worth the additional $50K.

MBZFAN55

nickia

With 160k, you have lots of options unless you only want a GT car like the CL.

Examples:

Audi R8 4.2@$144,000
911 Turbo 500hp@$ 137,500
Aston Martin V8 Vantage @$145,000
Jaguar XKR-S @550bhp @$132,000 (you can save $40k by getting the regular XKR @ 510bhp)


Personally I'm not a big fan of the CL especially when you already have a E-coupe. I have a E550 coupe and don't see any reason to upgrade to the CL class. E-coupe looks extremely similar to the CL coupe.

If you are going to drop $160k, get something exciting like R8 4.2, V8V, or 911 turbo.

If you don't mind used cars, you can get a pretty nice Gallardo for $160k.

Good luck in your search!

ToofDoc

Thanks for your inputs! I'm having second thoughts about getting another Mercedes (i.e. CL63). $160K+, like to get something showy. Nothing against it, but definitely looking around. Nothing used. We'll see.

nickia

Please do post back when you get your new ride.

rogersdba

In that price range you have a lot options so definitely be patience. Even though an E550 and CL63 may look alike there is no comparison once you look inside a CL63. Despite all the exotic cars you can purchase you must also think about the price of service/maintenance. I must admit at times I wish I would have purchase an older model DB9 but when I think about the maintenance I realize it would have been a nightmare to own.

grane

Since you are in the northeast order a custom Aston Martin from the folks in Waltham Ma. take flight to the UK to pick it up!

AM are aligned with AMG now. Not sure on the details.

Good luck.