teddyca

So I have thrown the idea around for a few months as to which model I like best and will fit my current needs and have come to the conclusion the CLS is the car to have. Now with budget in mind ($34Kish) I can keep my eyes open for a 06-09. While I simply love the look of the 06 Loriser and Brabus I have seen, I wonder to myself should I consider a newer 550? What are the differances between the two? Is the power significent? Newer trans? Updates in the interior? What are your thoughts. This car will be commuted about 60 miles a day and share time with my Z06. Thanks guys

kensiko

Im interested as well. Bump.

What year is your Z?

M1RAG3

I have a 550 and I have driven the 06 CLS 500 before. The power difference is readily apparent; 300ish horsepower for the 500 vs. 382 for the 550. The extra torque of the 550 is also very apparent. Not sure what the 500 has but the 550s have 391 lb-ft.

The 09+ CLS 550 has a different (flat bottom) steering wheel, different colored gauges and gauge surround, different LED set-up on the tails (nicer than earlier models, IMO), different side mirrors with a different set up for the LED turn signals on the mirror, and a 2-fin front grille vs. the 06-08 which had a 4 fin chrome grille, there are also different wood-grain options on the interior for the 09+ models.

In my opinion, get an 09+ if you can fit it into your budget.

This is how the succession goes;
05-06: CLS 500
07-08: CLS 550 (basically the same as the 500 inside and out, just with a 5.5L V8 vs. a 5.0L V8)
09+: CLS 550 but with a few differences as I explained above.

AUDIO GUY

09+ those horrible (IMHO) trapezoidal exhausts.

Agree about the tail lights though -much better on the later car

M1RAG3

Thats right. Only the non-AMG package cars have those exhausts though, the 09+ w/ the AMG package keeps the oval AMG stamped exhausts.

teddyca

M1RAG3- Thank you very much for all the positive feedback. While I am not sure I want to shell out for a 09+ as a commuter if the right deal happens I will. Looks like I am surely going to go 07+ though. I am a sucker for power and the 500 might not be there for me.

As for the C5 it is a 2001 with a brand new Texas Speed forged motor, RPM trans, DTE diff, etc... Car makes about 650RWHP and just a blast to drive. HAHA

konigstiger

My suggestion 07 >, SBC brakes gone and 550 added with MY 09 adding improved audio/COMAND you can review marketing brochures here http://www.ragtop.org/mbbrochures/

M1RAG3

that is a great link man, thx for posting

BenzCLS06

Nice Vette!

In my opinion, since you've got a monster Vette, I think you should skip the 500 and 550 and just get a CLS55 AMG with its supercharged goodness. Unlocking the power on the 55 motor is pretty easy and you'll not only have a sports car with moster power, but you'll also have a beautiful/elegant CLS with monster power and torque along with the standard AMG body kit, wheels, etc. You'll probably be able to find a 2006 CLS55 AMG for the price of your budget.

I almost bought a CLS 550 but after test driving the CLS55, there's no way I could pass up the horsepower and torque. As you can read on these boards, more and more 500 and 550 owners are doing conversions and buying the AMG body kits, exhaust, and wheels just to do the swap and if you decide to do that later on, in the long run it will end up costing you way way more and give you more headaches just trying to find all the pieces internally to make them bolt on. Just go with a CLS55 AMG and call it a day. You'll have everything you need with looks and speed.

Interior wise, not much is different from all the years except for steering wheel and other small things. Exterior wise, there's minor differences until you move to the AMG line in which you can see a difference in body kit, wheels, big Brembo brakes and inside youll see the AMG gauge cluster.

For the same price you're willing to pay for a 500 or 550, I'd opt for the 55. They only made em with that motor in 2006 so they're getting a little rare and hold some value.

teddyca

Thanks man. The be completely HONEST here the 55 was my first choice. In fact the E55 Here in Cali is a dime a dozen and I can find those for $25K all day. I want something that is a bit more elegent and not so much sporty. The CLS will see a nice set of vossen, asanti, etc... 20" wheels, a lowering kit, Intake (if available), exhaust (if reasonible), and I have considered qtp or dhm cutouts to get that throaty sound when I am playing with the car. LOL The primary purpose for this car is to commute and be our nice family car for trips. The cons to owning the much better 55 are the maint. fees. From what I understand brakes alone can break you LOL, fuel economy, Insurance costs on a 55, etc... I have not looked into any of this. I am being realistic with myself. Can I afford a 55 absolutely. Can I afford to drive it yes, do I need the extra 100+ hp not really but it sure would be a blast. There is a nice CLS55 locally for $39K and I am sure I can come in with $35K and walk away since it has been posted for months but not sure I really need all that. I guess the test drive will say it all and thats scary. HAHA

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/3309205711.html

M1RAG3

That is a nice CLS55 in the ad. One-fin SL style front grille and clear sidemarkers already done :-)

BenzCLS06

Maintenance on the 55 motors really aren't bad at all. Brakes aren't a big issue either. I've done some of my own maintenance on it and for stuff I can't do, I have a few reputable indie mechanics nearby that have charged me 1/2 the dealership price.

Secondly, you hit the motherload of CLS55 jackpots! A white one is the rarest of them all. I would jump on it.

G8nightman

Hey Teddy I sell you my 07 CLS550 29000 MILES CPO Warranty 09 tail lights updated Brakes Rims remote start and a few other goodies

[IMG][/IMG]

M1RAG3

nice...I like the AMG brake upgrade, I would like to do that too, next summer

Xeno

I've actually gotten more compliments about my exhaust than any other aspect of my car.