Anyone own a CLS?

randomshenans · 15 May 2012 at 15:27

Anyone? The Mrs likes the look of them, I don't mind them also. It might go on the list.

Arguments against, or owners comments?

randomshenans · 15 May 2012 at 15:31

I should add, a Mercedes CLS, that is

LiE · 15 May 2012 at 15:39

When you say the Mrs likes the look of them, do you mean how they look or what the car offers?

randomshenans · 15 May 2012 at 15:41

All of it. So, size, toys, extras and that, and obviously the look as well.

Matt82 · 15 May 2012 at 15:42

my old man has one. 08 car, 3.2 diesel.

when he got the car he was not happy about how it changed up and down gears. it went back to mercedes upteen times regarding the gearbox issues. replacement this and that and no resolve, they even kept it for a few days etc.

one night after work i was heading round to his, i saw his plate on a cls, so i went to catch up to wave but the cls shot off, but not just driven quickly, it was being driven like a berk in heavy traffic, tailgating badly etc

i end up along side in traffic at the next roundabout, looked over and it wasnt him driving, it was a mercedes employed monkey.

eventually mercedes admitted they could not resolve the problem, all they could say was "you should drive our 09 demonstrator, that ones ten times worse", basically theyre all like that.

more mercedes half baked **** imo

Maz · 15 May 2012 at 16:54

Awesome car, drive one.

I've driven plenty of them and the gearbox is fine in them it's fitted with the 7 G Tronic box - which in itself is awesome.

Must get one with command and try and aim for a 58 plate onwards as the facelift came better specced as standard.

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 18:43

I've got one.

It's a 2010 grand edition which was a run out special of the first version.

Basically a 350CDI with the brabus power kit and some nice extras.

It's a sound car, built after Mercedes got back on form with build quality and after any teething problems were sorted. It's based on the last generation of e class so not cutting edge underneath but highly competent.

Had it nearly two years now, very happy with it. Ask any questions you like.

[TW]Fox · 15 May 2012 at 18:45

Matt82 said:
eventually mercedes admitted they could not resolve the problem, all they could say was "you should drive our 09 demonstrator, that ones ten times worse", basically theyre all like that.

At first I was confused, given the reputation Mercedes have for some of the finest automatic cars in the world.

Then I realised it was a Matt82 post, and all became clear.

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 18:47

Matt82 said:
my old man has one. 08 car, 3.2 diesel.

I wasn't aware they made a 3.2 diesel?

Do you just mean 320cdi which like the 350cdi is a 3 litre?

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 18:51

[TW]Fox;21927247 said:
At first I was confused, given the reputation Mercedes have for some of the finest automatic cars in the world.

Then I realised it was a Matt82 post, and all became clear.

I have the 7 G Tronic box (there are no manual CLSs I don't believe)

I find it pretty good as far as automatics go. Smooth, suits the character of the car. The only thing I'd like is more manual control occasionally.

Matt82 · 15 May 2012 at 19:09

[TW]Fox;21927247 said:
At first I was confused, given the reputation Mercedes have for some of the finest automatic cars in the world.

Then I realised it was a Matt82 post, and all became clear.

Have a quick google, lots of people moaning about then. Lots goes on outside your little bubble

randomshenans · 15 May 2012 at 21:12

Thanks all, and Ben. They have an arm rest in the back, do they allow long luggage through from the boot? Ski hatch or whatever the official term would be?

I'd be looking around 2005-7 I think as I'm paying cash and want to get it done before we have holidays. Any issue with this age?

Will they fit in a garage? I know they're pretty large. My garage is double in length but normal, plus a bit width.

Also, any experiences with the bigger engined petrol ones? Worth it over the torque of the diesel? E.g. 500/55 vs. 320 CDI?

Thanks again all

Scania · 15 May 2012 at 21:40

QuickLink said:
Also, any experiences with the bigger engined petrol ones? Worth it over the torque of the diesel? E.g. 500/55 vs. 320 CDI?

Thanks again all

Given these are far from cheap to run, I assume you can afford one so all well & good there, whilst Mercedes make good engines, I can't see how a diesel improves one over a petrol.

Yes, the Diesel will get better MPG but by God the petrol is the nicer (imo) to drive.

No, I don't own one, but know somebody who swapped his 06 plate CLS 320cdi for a 500petrol and rues buying the diesel car in the first place.

I'm 6'3" and found it fine to drive after a bit of seat adjustment.

I don't as a rule like Mercs much these days (a late 560 SEC is more my idea of a nice Merc tbh) but I would happily have a CLS were my pockets deep enough.

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 22:23

QuickLink said:
Thanks all, and Ben. They have an arm rest in the back, do they allow long luggage through from the boot? Ski hatch or whatever the official term would be?

I'd be looking around 2005-7 I think as I'm paying cash and want to get it done before we have holidays. Any issue with this age?

Will they fit in a garage? I know they're pretty large. My garage is double in length but normal, plus a bit width.

Also, any experiences with the bigger engined petrol ones? Worth it over the torque of the diesel? E.g. 500/55 vs. 320 CDI?

Thanks again all

Ski hatch? Will check and let you know.

Don't really know about the older cars but I don't think they're really any different to mine so I don't see a problem.

Will they fit in a garage? How long is a piece of string?

IIRC for the entry level petrol (at least the newer ones) the economy isn't that far off the diesel version. The 55 is on a whole different planet for performance and cost so unless you have deep pockets I'd forget that one.

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 22:32

R420LA6X2/4MNA said:
by God the petrol is the nicer (imo) to drive.

I'm not so sure. The petrol will obviously be smoother and a touch quieter but it's a big heavy car with an auto box so the low rev torque is useful.

Of course it's subjective though so each to their own. I'm not really talking about the V8s but the diesel v the entry level petrol is a close one. The engine in my car is very smooth and pumps out a meaty torque peak of 435lbft. Suits the car nicely.

[TW]Fox · 15 May 2012 at 22:41

Ben Cole said:
I'm not so sure. The petrol will obviously be smoother and a touch quieter but it's a big heavy car with an auto box so the low rev torque is useful.

The autobox will sort that out anyway though, if it needs more torque it seamlessly downshifts in order to obtain it.

There is something rather lovely about silently wafting about in a quiet, refined petrol V6 with a really competent automatic box.

pepsilol · 15 May 2012 at 22:42

[TW]Fox;21927247 said:
At first I was confused, given the reputation Mercedes have for some of the finest automatic cars in the world.

Then I realised it was a Matt82 post, and all became clear.

Actually Fox there is a really really really really and I do mean really small possibility he may be right.

There was a small unnoticeable period were Mercedes automatics and really chuffed up mechatronic units fitted. Added with confusing EGS software and it did lead to some odd characteristics.

Ben Cole · 15 May 2012 at 22:50

[TW]Fox;21929387 said:
The autobox will sort that out anyway though, if it needs more torque it seamlessly downshifts in order to obtain it.

There is something rather lovely about silently wafting about in a quiet, refined petrol V6 with a really competent automatic box.

In theory maybe but subjectively even the 350CGi felt as though it was working a fair bit harder than the Grand Edition to move about at anything more than a sedate pace. Basically the Grand Edition felt a lot more relaxed.

The second part I whole heartedly agree with, the CLS500 was even better. I stopped short of pretending I was considering the CLS55 though. I'd love a drive of one of those.

One more thing for the OP, you do know it's strictly a 4 seater? I just thought I'd mention it in case it was a factor.

randomshenans · 16 May 2012 at 07:48

Yea, I had noticed that. Not a problem for me, although the mrs does want another baby. I suppose that means new car when that happens. I'm sure it'll be a range rover by that time mind.

Think I'll have to scope a few out and plan a trip.

Scania · 16 May 2012 at 08:32

Ben Cole said:
I'm not so sure. The petrol will obviously be smoother and a touch quieter but it's a big heavy car with an auto box so the low rev torque is useful.

Of course it's subjective though so each to their own. I'm not really talking about the V8s but the diesel v the entry level petrol is a close one. The engine in my car is very smooth and pumps out a meaty torque peak of 435lbft. Suits the car nicely.

You have the luxury of long term ownership, mine is merely a perception after trying (albeit briefly) both.

Whilst in this instance, I do prefer the petrol, rest assured,you don't have to sell me the virtues of meaty torque...