W140 Coupe vs W215 Coupe?
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 283
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From: Baltimore, MD
93 Mustang GT, 94 Corvette ZR1, 2004 CL55 AMG, 2012 MP4-12c
W140 Coupe vs W215 Coupe?
Im curious how much more (or less) space I'd have in a W140 Coupe vs my 2004 CL55.
Ive long been a fan of these older coupes (especially the CL500/600 in the later years) and id love to dig deeper into possibly owning one but curious how the driver's space compares to the 215.
Im 6'6" and am right at the limit of the 215 surprisingly enough.
Any comparisons would be appreciated.
(I would NOT be selling my CL55 to purchase a 140)
Ive long been a fan of these older coupes (especially the CL500/600 in the later years) and id love to dig deeper into possibly owning one but curious how the driver's space compares to the 215.
Im 6'6" and am right at the limit of the 215 surprisingly enough.
Any comparisons would be appreciated.
(I would NOT be selling my CL55 to purchase a 140)
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Joined: Jan 2026
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BMW
Short version: a W140 coupe will feel noticeably roomier than your W215/CL55, especially in headroom and the “upright” driving position. At 6'6" you’re much more likely to be comfortable in a 140 than you are in the 215.
A few more details:
A few more details:
- Roofline & headroom
The W215 has that low, swoopy coupe roof and a thicker seat base, so really tall drivers run out of headroom fast (exactly what you’re feeling now).
The W140 coupe (C140/CL) is basically an S-Class of that era with two doors: taller greenhouse, more upright glass, and more vertical seating. Most tall owners report more usable headroom than in the 215. - Legroom & seating position
Both cars have long tracks on the driver’s seat, but the 140’s cabin is longer and “boxier,” so when you slide the seat back you don’t feel like you’re sitting under the rear window. The steering wheel also telescopes enough that long legs + arms aren’t as much of a compromise.
In the 215, once you get the seat all the way down and back, you’re often trading legroom vs. reach because of the lower cowl and shorter cabin. - Ingress/egress
The taller door opening and higher roof in the 140 make it easier to get in and out without ducking your head or twisting your neck. In the 215, tall folks usually have to “fold” themselves in a bit more. - What I’d do in your shoes
If you can, sit in a 140 with the seat all the way down and back, sunroof closed, then adjust from there. I’d be surprised if you didn’t feel an immediate difference in headroom and general breathing room compared with your CL55. You won’t need to sell the 215 to know: just a test fit in a well-kept W140 will tell you very quickly if it’s viable for your height.
