bigben320e

I have some questions, as I am on the fence about getting a 2006 or 2007 CLS.

1. Is is really that big of a difference? Outside of the 302hp 2006 vs 382hp 2007?
2. What are the other initial differences?
3. I want keyless go, if I get a CLS without it, can it be added later?

Right now I see a car here in Atlanta for $68, 2007 cls550 for $68K. The car has the AMG package, P1, trunk closer. The 2006's I see are anywhere from $54-$60K.

4. Is this a fair price?

I am getting rid of my 300M, tired of domestics. I have a 320E Class, and want to complete the stable with another Benzo. That CLS makes my mouth water. YUM.

Give me some suggestions? Thanks!

formulagt

I just went through this since most dealers out here had 1-2 left over CLS500's. I opted to buy an 07' CLS550.

1. Is is really that big of a difference? Outside of the 302hp 2006 vs 382hp 2007?
Paddle shifters were the most noticeable interior wise, the wood trim is different as well. The horsepower/torque difference is HUGE. I drove them both back to back and the 550 was the clear winner for me.

2. What are the other initial differences?
From what I researched, the motor was the biggest difference. Transmission, paddles, and the interior trim. The package options changed as well.

3. I want keyless go, if I get a CLS without it, can it be added later?
Keyeless go was a must for me. I'd be surprised to find a CLS that wasn't optioned with this.

In my opinion go with the 550 if you can, much better all around car for the price.

Coppy

Differences

First... the engine. That's enough alone

Second... no more eletronic brakes... big improvement

Paddle shift only for the sport edition

I have an '07 550 with premium two... and no you can't add the MB keyless go later

The Sport is nice... better wheels but expensive at $5 large.

Get the '07, you'll like it better and it will hold it's value... '06 won't, paid $70K

bigben320e

The electronic brakes on the 06 is sucky? That is good to know. Keep em coming guys. Thanks for the feedback. As this is a car I want to keep for 5-7 years I want to get the best.

Coppy

I've owned every non-AMG highline Benz since and including the '89 560SL including all the Coupes except the square one and this is by far the most fun to drive.

And, everybody but my wife thinks it's dead cool.

Oh well...

jnolan

The difference in hp is a lot more than the spec would suggest because of what is normally lost through the drivetrain, so 300 hp is more like 265 at the rear wheels.

The other big difference is that MB tightened up the steering in the 2007 model about 10%, which makes the car feel a lot quicker.

As has been noted, MB got rid of the terrible SBC brake-by-wire system and went back to hydraulics in 2007. That alone is a reason to buy the 07 over the 06.

The transmission programming got a big update in 2007 as well. While I think it could still be better, it’s one of the best automatics on the market.

The price points you listed are pretty good, very close to invoice would be my guess for a 07 with P1 and AMG. I definitely would hold out for keyless go, after having it I cannot imagine having a car without it. Does P1 have partktronic? You definitely want that option.

moefarhatmd

I had the same option and opted for the 2006 for 63000 fully loaded(AMG, P1,P2, ipod, Nav, keyless go etc.....) the Horsepower was better in the CLS 550 but in cali the cheapest would be around 73000....ten grand in savings was worth it for me given im not out racing the car.... it still has all the perks but saved me some cash.....all mercedes hold there resale value really well. I think the real difference would be to go for the CLS 63......but thats my opinion....

bigben320e

I hate you guys. LOL. JK.

I suppose I will be getting the 07, as opposed to the 06. I will have to pony up about another 10K. Any other pearls of wisdom? Keep it coming, this forum is awesome, and you guys really are into the Benz not to mention the CLS giving me some insight a dealer never would.

P.S.- That brake issue has me leaning more toward the 07, anyone have issues out of the 06 CLS? Stopping is VERY IMPORTANT to me, especially with a car like that.

Htowncls

I too wanted to buy a car that i would keep for about 5-7yrs.. I choose the 06' purely on economics.. I have no doubt the 07' is better as it should be but just street driving and no racing to the untrained eye everyone else see's a sporty MB.. I bought an 06' with 19k miles fully loaded except AMG for 57k.. I am extremely happy with it since i bought it a few days ago.. It all depends on your cash flow.. I preferred a smaller carnote monthly with money left to get my rims and possibly the AMG kit later with no problem.. It's all on you and what you want the car for!



Good Luck

bigben320e

Guys I am on the fence, and am really close to buying. The question I am back on is the CSL 500 or 550? I have seen the 500's going for $52-$55K with all the trimmings I want:

AMG kit, Keyless Go, Trunk Closer, and Premium1 Package.

The price difference is anywhere from $10K-$15K. Other than the brakes and the horsepower, is it really justifiable? This is for the guys that have a CLS 500, are the brakes that bad? I have never test drove a CLS 500 only the 550's so, I am not sure of the feel in power difference. I guess I need a PUMP UP. I will see about thrying to get a test drive with a CLS 500 this week to see.

CLS550

They are both great cars. The 550 is quick but the 500 is no slouch either. I drove both and imo the 500's brakes were fine. They feel different but not neccisarily worse than that of the 550's. 10-15k is a lot of money so its up to you.

boylston

The 2007 would give you an extra year of warranty. Maybe that's a consideration since you want to keep it 5-7 years. Otherwise I'd go for the 2006 and save the $.

Yacht Master

550

DoctorC4

If you're on the fence, I would suggest the 500. I got the 500 about a month or so ago and love it. Aside from bragging about the horsepower and pushing your friends back in their seats a little more, the difference to me was owning or leasing for the same monthly payment. I decided to own and get the used. It really doesn't matter as this car turns heads regardless of the year.

I've got about the same owning time frame unless I start getting itchy around year 3. But this way, I can upgrade to a real AMG for the next purchase (instead of the AMG sport package, which I have too). Then my buddies won't be able to walk straight!

traumadoc

What is the difference?

bigben320e

I have come to the decision to get the 07 CLS 550. The following reasons (and my wife agrees!):

1. Better transmission
2. Better braking system - from what I researched, and from the comments here MB went back to fully Hydraulic.
3. More horsepower - 302 VS 382....hmmm.
4. The 08's are really close to coming out. (August/September- correct me if wrong)
5. With the first model of any car, more kinks are worked out on the second year.

So, I am willing to wait until July on my birthday to get the car. I know it's a few months (2) , but that will save thousands as the 550's are already appearing as CPO's and prices are dropping. Not to mention, I won't have to pay for the tag until next year. I HATE WAITING. WAAHHH!!!

Untertürkheim

Shouldn't you be able to get an '06 CLS55 AMG for the same price as an '07 550...from what I have seen both have the same 10-15k price increase over an '06 500, and neither of them can touch the AMG.

bigben320e

I have gave that some thought. The lowest I have seen AMG's go here in Gerogia is about $68K, the car had 21K miles on it. One of my bro's got one loaded for $73K. So that may be an option at that time. I am going for the best bang for the buck. So, 07 CLS550 or 06 CLS55 are the options I am looking at. Thanks for mentioning that, will be kept in mind.

hong1dan

06 models dont have P1 or P2. its just the ordinary premium package.