jpcdmd

I am really interested in getting rid of my 93 Lexus ls400 and jumping into a 99 CL500, but need a little HONEST opinions on reliability issues. I love the look of the benz but have a bad taste in my mouth concerning reliability of mercedes. My questions:

What are the differences between the years of the CL cars up to 99?

Have most of the bugs been worked out or are there still significant headaches?

Anything specific to look for when shopping?

I'm used to the reliability of my Lexus (190,000 miles) but I'm a little bored with the styling and want to step into something newer, but the last thing I want to do is end up with a car thats going to be in the shop more than on the road. This will be my only vehicle for some time before i buy a second car. Some peolple say they've had great cars, others say the service and reliability is terrible. I know the M class is crap, but I haven't heard anything about the last of the big bodied coupes. Can someone educate me?

dtkw

Well, MB does has a quality problems now, but nothing serious enough to make it dangerous to drive. My 95 S500 C has went thru its problems before the extended warrantee expired. After that, it has been pretty well behave and hasn't given me any trouble other than normal wear and tear as the brake pads....etc. I think the 99 has the partronic and babysmart seat and different leather,Nappa I think. Plus, in most case if something breaks, I don't have to get a brand new part for it. Since the car is already 8 years old, I could find rebuilt parts pretty easily. Good luck with your switch. If you can find out that the previous owner babied it, you should be fine.

jpcdmd

Is there much of a difference between the 600 and the 500? I just assumed stay away from the 600 because of the extra cylinders just adding to the maintenance costs, but is it worth taking a look at?

dtkw

My father has a S600 sedan and I didn't find anything on that car that I would use any more than what my coupe already has. The only difference is the engine and maintaining cost as well as mileage. The V12 is a bit faster and noticeably faster on highway pickup but not a great one. So, it's really your call. Do you really need the 400hp car to get around?

cpr_metro

Hi,

I have a 95' s500c and have been researching the same issues.
Mercedes never fixed any of the problems that have plagued this car since day one. While they are relatively minor, it is amazing to that they would not fix them being that is the flagship of the line.

- Evaporators in A/C system will fail. Just is a matter of time.
Cost is $3000 to replace and they have to rip the car apart into a million pieces.

- A/C blower motors will fail.... not fault of the motor...the electronics inside blower motor, i think it its a diode blows out. I recommend shuting off the A/C before you take your key out. Prevents power surges when car is started.

- Vacuum pump that is used for power trunk and power doors will fail just a matter of WHEN not IF. about $400 for a new one

-Car will annoy the hell out of you with the Check Engine Light and SRS light for even the most minor of problems.

- Poorly designed T connection in radiator fluid line like to break break. Made of cheap chinese plastic. Located against rear firewall. Another weak point they never fixed.

Engine and Tranny seem to be reliable and ofcourse it is the best
body style on the planet... but you knew that anyway.

Good Luck

99bmw740il

Just get the 00' cl. That's HOT!!!!

cpr_metro

00' CL is a piece of crap.
Hear it has alot of electrical problems.

If you want a reliable car by a Toyota Camry.

If you want prestige and have a big pocket book for repairs by a Mercedes like us fooools.