Hercules86

i found a great deal on a 1998 mercedes cl500 coupe with 68k miles its certifed pre-owned and has a 4yr aftermarket warranty from the dealership close by where ive seen vechile.

i have a 03 s500 4matic and have always liked the big body cl500. i can get it close to 10k which i thinks a great price?

whats difference between these models and the newer ones 03 and up.

and do they have spring or air suspension and what should i be worried about in terms of problem areas with these cars?

thanks

MB_Fahrer

The 92-99 S class as well as the SEC (later called the CL) are quite different from your 2003. I test drove an 01 S430 a while back and noticed that I could actually hear the road as well as other cars driving by. The W140/R140 (the CL you're looking at) has dual paned windows which cancel out basically all wind noise as well as other cars driving by. The newer CL's (2000+) do not have the dual paned windows, nor does your S500.

The problem areas (at least to my knowledge) are the wiring harness(es), the transmissions, and the pneumatically operating doors and trunk (this is a very cheap easy fix if the pneumatic pump begins to act up and the doors/trunk do not self-close any longer and can be done by any shop). As for more expensive maintenance issues, regular oil changes and general upkeep of the electronics as well as mechanics should keep this car going long after you get tired of it and want a new car.

My $.02,
Rick

Note: test drive the CL you're looking at before you buy because it will drive significantly differently than your '03 S500.

Hercules86

thank you very much for your response and help. but my s-class just FYI has double paned windows.


i always liked the boxy shape of the CL w140 and design better then the w140 s class

MB_Fahrer

Wow I'll have to look into the W220 and see which models come with the dual paned windows... thank you for informing me. I was under the impression that MB did not offer that on the W220.

The W140 SEC/CL is a beautiful car. IMO it blows away the 00+ CL and the 07+ CL is not even worth discussing. IMO of course. Its not so much "boxy" as I would call it kind of a "sharp" or "sharp/sleek" look on the W140 SEC/CL...

If you have any more direct questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them for you!
Rick

Hercules86

all of them do... i had a 00 s500 and it had double paned windows which where thick and now i have the 03 s500 and it has double paned but there alittle thinner


Yea i know i love it i mean for 10grand i dont think i can go wrong with the purchase.... I also found a 1985 sl380 with 75k miles mint condition from same place for 6grand. so i might be picking up two cars if eveyritnng goes well