Mercedes-Benz CL-class

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $42000.00 from Private

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 CL500

Summary:
Well , where should I start ? I have been driving several so called high end cars like 7 series BMW`s , Carreras and others. I lived in Germany till 2004 and moved to the US the same year. I was not really sure what to get me and it took me almost 2 years to finally make up my mind. The roads are horrible here in Texas , traffic is overwhelming ( I live in the DFW area ) and speedlimits are ridiculous . I was thinking several options like a 7 series ( I am not really convinced about the design ) , S class ( Propably to young for one ) , XJ Jag ( wayyyyyyy to tight for me , I`m 6,3 ) , Audi A8 ( Great car , great quality , great everything except that back home in Germany they still have to fight the Grandpa-image from 20 years ago and I just can`t get that out of my head ) , a Carrera again ( it would propably break my heart to drive this Baby over those streets) and so I decided to get me a CL. Whenever I bought a car , after 4 weeks I thought i made the wrong decision. Suddenly the other ones looked sooooooo much better than mine. Not this time. My CL is obsidian black which is very hard to keep clean but I wash my Baby at least 2 times a week by hand so it always looks like out of the showroom. And I can`t get enough of it. I think it`s one of the most beautiful cars on the road and since there are not too many of `em around it is an eyecatcher. I was thinking about the CL55 but what for ??? This one`s got enought torgue to get me through traffic fast enough but the ride is the smoothest I ever experienced. Problems? None what so ever! I put a pair of 20`s on 305/40`s on it and they are a bit rough but the look is insane . I was a little concerned first that it could be too much and look like "crack dealer" but it does not. I have older gentlemen asking me on the parking lot where I got this vehicle and I get a lot of compliments from people. This is the first Mercedes I ever drove and I am a fan. It`s a wonderful car inside and out and I enjoy it like I haven`t enjoyed a car in a long time. I will drive it at least another 2 or 3 years and then maybe look for a CLS but that`s mid term planning. For right now I am all excited about this toy and can`t imagine anybody NOT being thrilled to have the same model. PS: I even think it looks better than the new CL but maybe I change my mind down the road once I`m used to the new form.

Strengths:
Smooth ride , great engine , fantastic seats , awesome looks , very quiet , exciting to drive and all the safety features one needs.

Weaknesses:
I couldn`t think of any except maybe that it`s the old body style and if you are not ready to pamper that Baby don`t get a black one.

Similar Products Used:
7 Series , Dad`s S Class ,

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $103000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 CL500

Summary:
I've had my CL500 (with Sport package)for five months now. I traded a Lexus LS430. My impressions: Exterior: Great paint, fit and finish. Front profile is odd but it grows on you. Side profile is understated and elegant. Rear profile is very avante garde. Interior: I'm really conflicted here. The leather dash surfaces are luxurious and sporty. The seats comfortable and very supportive. Wood inserts are very stylish and exude quality. Switches and indicators are well placed. The GPS software and display is very inferior to what I had in the Lexus. MB missed here. Where I really get confused is with the headliner and floor coverings. They are cheap fiber board of some type that belongs on a Yugo. I'm disppointed but I'll get over it. Engine and suspension. Beyond belief. Great handling and excellent fun factor even for a big coupe. Transmission: The new seven speed has issues. Occasionally, it exhibits high rpms and no torque like the "clutch" was slipping. Haven't been able to reproduce for the dealer. Not good to buy the first units out of the factory. Overall, I love the car. The trouble with love is have to overlook your object's shortfalls. This is a car like no other on the road. Whatever shortcomings it has are a small price to pay for the many many things Mercedes did right.

Strengths:
Engine and suspension

Weaknesses:
Floor coverings Transmission bugs

Similar Products Used:
Lexus LS430

Price Paid:  $129000.00 from Park Place

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Mercedes Benz CL 55

Summary:
Outstanding Car. The second best car I have ever owned... I say second because I used to own an 2003 SL55 before this one.

Strengths:
A SPARE TIRE!!!

Weaknesses:
Great looks but not as great as the SL55

Price Paid:  $96000.00 from Herb Gordon

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 / CL500 Mercedes

Summary:
This car is SICK! And when I mean Sick I mean SICK, I have owned a S500 sport a lexus LS430, Jaguar XK8 convertible, Lexus GS430 and not one of these cars compares to it.. I have a Obsidian Black(meteal flake with the black paint)it is loaded with the SPORTS pak. a must for anyone who is intrested in this car. There is just so much you get with this car, compliments, head turns, valet parks it up front, excellent service etc...

Strengths:
ABC, ABC, ABC, and so on and so on,,,,incredible system only Benz could come up with a system that really does work. The takeoff is impressive the stereo rocks as good as my Mark Levinson, to many strenghts to list.

Weaknesses:
Price for most people ,but thats what makes it a head turner not a lot of them on the street because of price.

Similar Products Used:
01' Jag conv XK8 02' Lex LS430 02' Benz S500 sport

Price Paid:  $78000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 CL500 Sport

Summary:
The CL is one of the greatest cars MB has ever made. In no way is it like the S class as the previous CL was. Every time I get into my black on black CL, I feel like a celebrity! People stare and shake their heads in amazement when they see my beautiful car fly by. When I park it I keep looking back in amazement that i'm driving such a "hot" car. When I bought this car, I was also considering a CL55 AMG, but for 2001/2002; the difference just wasnt worth the 20 grand. I have driven many bmw's, and the 8 series was my favorite car, untill i drove the CL... wow!!! You have to go out and drive one! The engine is great, trust me it moves haha. I've had it up to 120 mph a couple of times, and its solid as a rock. This car will get you in trouble on the interstate :) The Bose sound system is amazing. When I have friends in the car, and I have some music with some heavy bass on, they swear I have a system. The navigation system is too polite. You have to be outright dumb to make a wrong turn under her guidance. The speedometer is fascinating. (Obvoiusly you can tell its the little things that excite me.) Now I'm 28, and single; trust me, girls love this car. When you buy this car, the Sport package is a must. The cooled seats are a waste. I bought my car used and it has them but they do nothing in my opinion. Keyless go is cool, haha I love to see the look on peoples faces when I unlock the door by touching the handle. Distronic, in my opinion is only useful if you do an excessive amount of highway driving. The Trunk closer is cool, but I feel really lazy pushing that button. If you have money to blow, get the designo package. I've seen a couple cars with them but haha that ugly shell color is not for me! I have been a bmw nut since I was in my teens, and I still am. The M3 is too much fun, but it cannot compare to the CL. I'd have to say that the 8 series is the only other car that can come close to it. As far as maitnence, this car is somewhat reliable. I cannot speak much on this because ive owned it for less than a year. The only thing I have taken it in for is the routine stuff and a slight vibration at 70, but nothing other than that. I bought the car used, and i purchased the starmark warranty (a must) for two extra years. I highly reccomend buying the cl's used. Just take your time and find the one with the right options for you. Its a good time to buy now because the lease returns are coming back, and the redesigned 2003's are out.

Strengths:
The Styling!!! Pulling up to the club The Bose Sound System *****The Sport Package***** The looks/compliments I get from people. The Girls I get trying to "holler" at me! Nobody else around here has one!!!

Weaknesses:
Price! I can only get 3 girls in the car at a time :( (I know im sufferin right!) The CL loves gas!!! Ride somewhat stiff with the 18's

Similar Products Used:
MB S55(On Davins) haha the Ultimate Attention Getter. BMW 850csi BMW M3(2001) BMW M3 (1995) Lexus SC430 MB CLK430 Jaguar XKR (Friends Car)