Should You Buy a MERCEDES CL? (Test Drive & Review CL500 C216) 

That is a handsome wagon, and I too spend an unhealthy amount of time on Autotrader :D

This was painful to watch tbh, even 4 years after selling mine, I still regret it. There is nothing better (used) you can buy for the money, but definitely get a well pampered one, anything else and you risk turning a dream into an expensive nightmare. However, while I had the 550 (the 500 in Canada) I think I would look for the 63amg if possible, just for the better handling and all round performance. Here is why: While the engine certainly had plenty of power, the transmission felt a bit too oriented for comfort and felt like it didn’t quite take full advantage of the engine, and the plastic gear shifters on the steering wheel were as out place as they were useless. But if you drive it like a luxury oceanliner it is, then this car will outshine many far more expensive and newer vehicles.

That is one of the classiest cars ever made. In my opinion, at least.

I don't normally get too excited by Mercs but my god that is one striking looking car. Great interior too.

They are indeed fantastic cars. I've had a 2007 CL600 for 6 years now, bought at an excellent price, with a known service history at my local dealership. That last part didn't matter because there was so much things wrong at the time : leaky main radiator, leaky heater valve, and cracked front-right wheel. In the first month of ownership, I had to have these items serviced at my local independent mechanic. Next there was the gearbox which was seriously acting up (the culprit was the plug, usual suspect - we also had the mecatronic (?) interface plate changed as well as a good ATF change). Aaaand then the engine started acting up as well and running on a single cylinder bank : OF COURSE the spark plugs were bad, because the MB delarship never deemed it relevant to change them before 145 000 km, so it took down the coil pack ( > 1400 €) and the HV transformer ( > 650 €) because no one in my area could fix those things. Good thing for me, it was before the global component shortage. So, coil pack, HV transformer, 24 spark plugs, 24 silicone boots, and lots of labor (but much cheaper than the dealership). After that, I had to have both valve covers replaced. Once again, remove both coil packs - and not break them in the process- , lots of labor, and replace 24 spark plugs silicone boots AGAIN. They're cheap, but still. Then, starter battery in the engine compartment - it's only fair since it was original. And then the ESP started to produce all kinds of error messages until it put the whole car in safety mode : hard steering, no parking sensors, no night vision, slow acceleration. The culprit this time was the main ESP/ABS/ABR block in the front. It was unavailable at my MB dealership because of the component shortage. I had to source one from a Polish dealer on eBay for 975 € and hope for the best. Lucky for me, the part was good, the "internal control unit fault" was gone. Also, the main onboard battery had to be replaced, because it was the factory one as well. But ... ESP is still broken and this time, it's because the pulse ring on the RL wheel is googats. Even if it's a 20 € part, the whole axle/CV joint has to come apart for replacement. I'm confident it will solve the problem because it's the only error remaining. And STILL, despite of all this, this car is a ton of fun to drive, both brutal and gentle. You do have to have sufficient funds to overcome all these issues - most of which are no worse than more common cars. But don't skimp! The V12 TT has some very well known electrical issues, especially with the ignition part, which is a shame because the engine block is otherwise very reliable. Spark plugs (and silicone boots!) should be changed every 35/40k km no matter what. Oh, also, the window regulators are starting to act funny. Since this is a pillarless coupé, they move up and down every time you open and close the doors. One thing is great, though : the ABC suspension never gave me any trouble (contrary to the previous W215 one which was horrible). The rest of the parts (brake discs, brake pads, filters, suspension parts, etc) are on the other hand ridiculously cheap, on par with lesser cars. You can pick reputable brands without blowing up your budget. It DOES eat rear tyres, though, which happens when you have to get 517 bhp/830 Nm on the floor through a single axle ... You also have to do quite a lot of homework if you don't want to get ripped off, because "things can escalate quickly"'. Despite all those nightmares and those "endless money pit" moments, I think I'll keep the car. It has 185 000 km on the clock now and still feels and drives fantastic!

Glove box door is probably broken as on mine S500 W221 is opening slowly and softly. Otherwise.. lovely car!

I’ve a 2008 CL 600, which I bought with 34,000 miles last year. It’s now up to 45,000 miles. Fantastic car. Your glovebox has air struts (!) which seem to be perished- my glovebox lowers majestically, not like yours!😅 Mine had the same sticky steering wheel buttons (which do not feel up to the quality of the rest of the car), which I cured (per a RU-vidr’s advice) with guitar fretboard cleaner bought off of Amazon. Sticky button problem gone! Wonderful motorcar….

Masterpiece of a review! Your channel keeps getting better and better!

That mpg to l/100km conversion you put in the video is a great addition to your excelent as allways reviews. Really useful for those who live outside the UK, like myself. I just wish the second hand market here in Spain had such good prices as the ones in UK, the ones that had similar prices here are often a bit rough . Keep up the good work!

This was pretty much my dream car about 15 years ago, even though I was in my mid twenties.

AWESOME.... LONG AWAITED REVIEW for CL. Thank you for doing it as I have requested for it couple of times. Absolutely loved it. I love CL500.

I've had a CL500 for 18 months. Just wonderful. And prefer it to past Bentleys and Aston Martins. It is so completely effortless. And the wooden steering wheel is fabulous.

I'm just saying yes before I've even watched it! 🤣👍

Been waiting for this one... beautiful car!!!

One of my all time favourite cars for sure this CL! Looks and engine wise. Simply lovely.

once in a lifetime you deserve a car like this. Amen!

Great intro. Even my wife who hates all things automotive laughed (she hates golf and fishing even more). What a beast of a car - great weekend special.

I literally love these videos and it's stupendous scripts. They remind of fantastic sci-fi films - so far from reality but they take you away to another world where most of what's being said seems actually true. Brilliant production.

Actually, CL means coupe lang. Not to be mistaken with the SL that means indeed sport leicht (light) in german, which is rediculous given to modern ones weight. But by comparieson, CL’s name is more « acceptable » 😅 Chears

I think you are by far and away, one of the best reviewers on RU-vid. You mix fact with some dry humour, and your delivery and timing are excellent. It’s great to watch your reviews. I nearly bought a fully loaded 2009 CL. It had the vented seats and every extra known to man. It looked great in black metallic with a cream nappa leather interior. Sadly, I bottled it since it was going to be a long range commuter and putting 40,000 miles per year on it apart from terminal depreciation would have resulted in ridiculous rinn8nt costs. There’s a 600 in the village I live in. It’s a bit of a cr@ppy colour, it’s a metallic green, but every morning on my 100 mile early morning trip to London, I yearn to try it on the run. I’m very happy with my CLS Shooting Brake which I have no intention of retiring until the dreaded 2030 diesel ban comes in force. Next year, it’s replace the wife’s car with an AMG E53 Cab (yes I know it’s not the e63s) but I have great plans for that car….to be revealed in 2022.

Hi Matt, great review on one of my most favourite cars. I’ve owned mine for two years and was recently serviced at xxx autos an A service was £180, cheaper than a Fiat 500 service. When I bought my F-type I couldn’t get rid of my CL500 because I use it as a daily driver. It’s such a stunning car. Cheers for all your reviews 👍🏼😁

Love this car, this was really the pinnacle of S-Class Coupe design, after this they went to the formless blob that we have now. Congratulations on your purchase, you'll love it

The graceful curve of the shoulder line as it drops to the rear, gives a sleek fast look. Very eye catching even today.

It's not just you Matt! I spend all my spare time on carsales (Australia's version of autotrader) browsing cars I'd like to own. I love your vids - fun and informative. It's passions like yours which is why Ive owned 12 cars in 11 years of driving.

I owned and ran one for 2 and a half years and fully agree with everything you say in your excellent review , however even with a properly sorted one with great service history from new as mine was will still throw up gremlins. As you say the cars are complicated and I found the electrics could be fragile and even using a independent Mercedes specialist the repair bills were high. The adjustable suspension can go wrong and that is a very large repair bill even with sourcing parts from Europe where they are considerably cheaper than UK. Having said all that they are superb cars and the power delivery is sublime , they were built as long distance cruisers on autobahns so the cabin is a lovely place to spend time in as seats are so comfortable with so many adjustments. They need to be used regularly as they don’t like being left idle , I still regret selling it but my wallet is happier , that said I just miss the warble of the V8 and the effortless power on hand .

Great review Matt mainly because I have a 2012 CL500 with the 4.7 litre twin turbo engine! All the points you made about buying one of these are totally valid and make sure your head rules your heart and walk away from something you have any doubts about. These are great cars and bonkers value if you get a good one. I also have a autotrader/eBay fetish and totally understand your hobby.

Very good piece . I had a w215 CL 600 V12 bi. (Not AMG variant) I cannot begin to tell you how you appreciate why these cars are built when you take it across Europe for the weekends, pull up in your drive on a Sunday night, light a cig, leave it idling while you sit and think WTF . That feeling . Never got old. I miss it. 😔

Great car. Picked up a CL500 2008. Its effortless, stylish and amazingly quiet with the double glazing. Lots of power when needed but you don't use it as your busy relaxing :) One or two issues do arise but its worth it.

Nothing wrong with your hobby and, like any (legal) hobby, never worry about having to justify it to anyone.

Hi Matt, as a reactolite wearing, Picasso driving fisherman I feel a little bullied by this video ( all true )😀. Regards Jim.

I never fail to check out your reviews and I am never disappointed.

The descriptions are amazing , you've taken Jeremy Clarkson to a totally new level. (In a good adult way)But you're the best reviewer on you tube , even better than that German autofuegel ..the humour beats him. Bloody spot on mate!

Bought my 2009 CL63 about 3 months ago with 155k km. I'm super happy I made the decision to go with this car 😁 rides good amazing. Other than it chugging fuel in the city like a madlad it's amazing.

Such a bloody good video. Been looking at them. I want one.

Gorgeous car and great review. Let’s see what’s available online

Great video. My 2014 CL is the face-lift version that were available after 2010 and it has the newer Steering buttons, these do not go sticky and look much better than the previous ones. The ABC in the vehicle does a really good job going round corners, so maybe yours was not working/active or not available pre face-lift. According to Wikipedia CL stands for Coupé Leicht (Coupé-Light) or Coupé Luxusklasse (Coupé-Luxury). The later makes more sense. My glovebox opens gracefully. No need to stream music from your phone, just get a 32GB USB drive and connect it using the cable that comes with the car to the Media Interface Port in the glovebox. If you know how then you can get a larger capacity USB drive and partition it into 32GB each which will make all of them to be visible in the car. Apart for the reverse lights which are better placed in the older version, I personally like the face-lift version as it looks lower and sleeker.

Stunning car! Merc fan boy ⚠️ I'm sorely tempted by one of these given their affordability, decent practicality and potentially affordable maintenance with the right people involved. Great review Matthew as always and well said about the poverty spec A class vs High end CL/S class.

Its a stunning car, those seats looks uber comfortable, not keen on the woody interior but its still a classy car, great review again.

God I love you, Matt. What a video. What a car. I'm currently in a 2001 E320 that needs body work and a new roofliner. It pains me to drive it banged up like that, but watching this made me want one so badly. Thanks for that.

Thanks - been waiting for this for some time! It’s not put me off at all though may opt for the 4.7 slightly newer model. Great review

Another excellent review, Matt, and what a lovely car - in every respect. Dare I say "all the car you'll ever need".

These are fantastic. I’ve owned both a CL500 and a CL63 of this generation. Personally didn’t find the 63 too shouty - and it was quite a giggle. More agile than you’d think too.

Brilliant vid. These are the best value cars on the road. 10k just wow. Thanks for uploading this. 👍🏻

Another great vid. Despite Mercedes losing their way a bit over the last few years imo, this car and others from mercs history are why I consider them a few notches above BMW and Audi. The design still looks beautiful both inside and out. The cars Merc produced from 2007 to about 2015 have also really stood the test of time in terms of build quality imo.

Was looking at this car the other day. Absolutely spotless. A credit to the previous owner and a serious piece of kit for the money. 👍

Amazing videos you're doing man!! I know exactly what you mean by your "hobby" of checking cars to buy online, isn't it the most amazing feeling to have the money and be able to choose any used car that is underpriced? If you'll ever do any video materials in Switzerland, I'd love to support you!

Great review Matt - very informative - thanks.

Always loved the look of this generation CL and the preceding one.

A perfect review! A car that is always overlooked and undervalued, a friend bought the earlier 2002 CL500 with one owner, 204,000 miles with perfect MB main dealer history and all bills from new totalling £90,000! Sadly the owner had died so it was sold by a grandson who on finding the gear selector to be stiff, discovered thumping it with a lump hammer made it work. Hmmm…the fix is to replace the white plastic guide selector hidden under the console but the job is horrible and involves releasing the gearbox enough to get the thing in. However..a willing ex MB a mechanic took brave pills and the parts were only about £30 plus two days hard work.. after that..it ran like a dream..not a squeak nor rustle. It felt like a 30,000 mile car and as it cost £1150, a real bargain!! I have really fancied a nearly brand new one on several occasions at £40,000+ off list but the reality of catastrophic depreciation stops me…but a new 560…that is some car!! 😬😬😬😳😎😎😎😃

Another car I never knew I needed in my life! 🤣 Great vid

Love your videos mate . CL is simply gorgeous, so much character and like you said , in a CL you will be noticed. Well done geezer.

Bro you gave the greatest description ever in the whole history of descriptions! I have one and I love it and you’re spot on 🤝

Fell in love with this shape cl when i first saw one in person and still think it's the best looking cl. I would go for the cl63 simply because of that engine noise. I know the cl65 is faster but prefer the cl63 noise and still has tonnes of power

I really enjoy your one-liners, like ‘as rare as rocking horse droppings’ etc. They are neatly placed like sugar & spice among excellent car talk. Keep up the good work Matt, you’re soon up there with greats like Jay Leno and Harry as far as car presentation is concerned.

The one I was waiting for you to review!! Awesome bit of kit 😁

Another great, sensible, humorous review.

I just purchased one here in Australia, for all the reasons you have and agree with your assessment. I’m setting aside a few thousand $ per year for any big issues - this is my hobby so I don’t mind a bit more expense. Registration is no more expensive than a family sedan and insurance is bearable. I jus achieved 27mpg on a 300km Highway run without trying for economy.

Please do a review on the CLS MK1! 320 CDI if possible, beautiful car and still the best shape of the three by far! Iconic motor!

Brilliant review, brilliant car. The 'rarer than rocking horse droppings' line got me hahaha

Nice vídeo & review as always, i liked your smart looking outfit for this review, spot on 👌🏼.

Straight on Auto Trader looking at old Mercs now

Traditionally, the large coupés were the very wealthy retirée's domain - the kids had long moved out and you could show the world that a) you could now pick your car without regard for any company car guidelines for executives AND b) money was not an issue. With the aero- and widebody-kits available for the W126 based coupés, the odd pimp would intrude this world of post-executive hair. Those weren't particularly fond of the C140 but returned to the C210 with a vengeance, preferably the AMG versions. And in the times of "I bought the cheapest (insert car) in (insert country)" vids, many older ones have fallen into the hands of the penniless and clueless. So your advice to look for well kept standard ones is a lot more important here than with other cars....

Love this video and the advice. My wife and I both laughed out loud at the line, "Don't drive it like you're 11." Well done mate, very well done indeed! 👏

I am pretty sure the prices of the cars you review always just after you publish a video. I literally want to buy the CL right now! What a beautiful machine. And a great video :)

I love these. It's basically a S Class Coupe! One of the last Mercs to look elegant rather than aggressive.

Love these videos, keep up the good work Matt. Have you considered including examples of CLs you would and wouldn't consider on Autotrader as part of the video and the reasons why? I for one would find that interesting

I’ve had my 2010 for just under 10 years now & still haven’t lost joy driving it 😌

Well done..what a ridiculous bargain. This car is built like a steel billet..Truly handsome understated luxury car. The previous models were quite awkward looking. The lines and symmetry of this car are perfect. An open feel . This is reminiscent of the Cadillac and Lincoln coupes of bygone years. That tradition lives on in cars like Bentley Continental GT as well.

Great video - Is this as comfortable as your Bentley was? Or your soviet s class?

Great review . I’ve just recently purchased a 2009 CL with FSH and 77000 miles on the clock and I have to say what a special car in so many different ways it offers everything you need and more in a car from its stunning appearance to it sublime comfort and drive in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a luxury car at a affordable price then think no more just go for it I most certainly recommend a Mercedes’ CL .

You are definitely not the only one with that hobby.

Glad I stumbled onto this channel after Vicky off fifth gear reviewed this car, Anyway’ superb comprehensive light hearted review and as I’m expecting a small windfall am very much considering purchasing a CL 500 in the near future.

Wow you guys get some bargains in the UK. Here in Au these start at £20,000 GBP. A nice low mileage one... £30,000.

The 600 is the one I think I'd go for, and they're usually very temptingly priced for what they are, and not that much more than a nice 500. As far as I'm aware, the 600 isn't that much more expensive to run except fuel-wise, of course, but still significantly better than any other V12 of the time. And the main issue with the V12 being the coil packs is not that ruinous to replace. I think if I were a sensible person, I'd already own a 600, but I'm not. I still look at DB9s and Maserati GranTurismos. A DB9, at least the kind of example I could just afford, has the potential for massive bills and is utterly dismal on fuel. A GranTurismo is also dismal on fuel and also has the potential for massive bills, but most seem to not have been that ruinous to maintain. And then I fancy a late model SL, which while they have depreciated quite heavily, they haven't depreciated as heavily, and realistically I'm probably looking at a V6, because like with the facelift CL, my understanding is that the 4.7 V8 can throw up some major bills...more than other engine options, except the AMGs. Anyway, for a sensible man, I think there are really only two options, a CL, or a Jaguar XK 5.0 naturally-aspirated. And whatever one does, avoid a cheap Bentley Continental GT, because maintenance is very likely to be ruinous, with high repair costs for common problems, unobtainable parts, such as head gaskets, several small jobs requiring the engine to come out, and electrical/electronic issues that can write off the car. Obviously, the Bentley is a more desirable badge, is for most people a better looking car, and is significantly smaller and therefore easier to find a garage that it'll fit in, etc, but every road test that compared the CGT W12 with the CL600 had the 600 come out on top in every other respect. I think the only thing against the CL is its size. It is a very big car, and particularly long for a coupe, which makes it potentially a bit of a pain in the city and also on B roads. That's probably why CLs are relatively cheap, even amongst other luxury coupes. I don't think it's so much because Mercedes doesn't quite have the brand appeal or because of the looks, because they are imposing and a little unusual, which is what most people are looking for in a coupe. And the interior is simply superior to all competitors; it's bigger, more comfortable, and has aged by far the best. If more people put their sensible caps on, I think prices would probably be circa 50% higher. Of course, it's great news for buyers, who can get into one of the best all-round luxury/performance/grand touring cars for a sum that is affordable to a large proportion of the population.

What a beauty and yes, I would! Thank you very much, an excellent and great fun review.

Great video as always! 👍

“ I can’t work out why they are so cheap, the smallest engine is a v8 and it’s full of gadgets” Matt I think you have your answer !

It definitely combines the twin virtues of being a superb car and being very annoying to your local naysayer!

Nice video, straight forward , I love it

Brilliant video Matt. Wouldn't mind owning a car like that. Great car to drive Kevin

What are your thoughts on the volvo c30

As lovely as this is in engineering terms and especially the interior, to my eyes at least it doesn't 'look' like a £100k car? I wonder if that is one of the reasons for the heavy depreciation? Whatever, it certainly makes it a cracking used buy!!

Thank you for these wonderful details and story telling way of explaining the features of this always making a smile see car 👌

Good video! I know a guy who has had (brand new) 3x CL's, and then bought 3x S-Coupe. He bought them because he considered them "anonymous luxury", but the size and badge give that away. He presently drives a Mercedes-AMG GT-C, but has an order in for another S-Coupe because the GT-C is too loud. If I remember rightly, a previous series CL was Clarkson's purchase in a cheap luxury used car challenge on TopGear. The week after the start of a 3month challenge, his £5k car cost him £3k+ in repairs, so good tip on this one in keeping some money aside, and perhaps the reason behind the catastrophic fall in residuals - Good Luck!

I concur with your dislike of Citroëns and Peugeots. Or rather their drivers! 😆 Great review too!

This car is my dream like 5 years, after your description im gonna deffinetly buy mine one day🙏🙏

Its beautiful...i have had a few Mercs in the past and have a Beamer at the moment but always lean towards wanting a Merc for my next car.

Matt, another astonishing car review, with a fabulous selection car wise. I've noticed that you have gave Citroën a good ole bashing there mate, and rightfully so. It was quite funny and justified.

You are the ideal candidate to be a presenter on top gear your anecdotes re sublime. i realish you car reviews as you drop in such brilliant observations.

Good review and what a car! If I get to the point where I can't get in and out of my Boxster (and it's going that way because of age and creaky joints lol) that Merc is on my list to replace it.

Probably the Mercedes that encapsulates what Mercedes needs to be, as you said it well.yourself! One of my all time favourite. Great review, as always!

This why I love this channel 👍

Absolutely brilliant presentation. Well done.

Peasant in a Peugeot. Favourite line. Nice work.

Great review, Lovely motor👍

Exactly just what I needed to hear as I’m considering to buy 1 and I’m only 27 that’s big boy status u already know the vibes when I’m rolling in the big coupe limousine

Great review, Thanks

I love this car, and I'm going to have one of these one day. Interesting how all Mercedes models are beautiful.

Excellent as usual

It was a lovely car to detail when it was in my workshop , credit too the last owner who must have cherished it.