Test Drove 2003 CL500 - Benzworld.org

cccablecompany · 11-10-2007, 11:23 AM

Hey guys. I was test driving cars all yesterday. I was on market for a bmw 745li or a cl500. I was blow away with a qualilty of the CL500. Leather everywhere. Even on the dashboard. ABC controls and also lifting the car higher. I felt like I was riding on clowds. Steering is very easy and the car is very spacious. Auto seats. Then I went over to bmw and drove the 745Li. Plastic dash and plastic rear a/c vents. Even the door handles where loose because they are made out of cheap plastic. The 745li is the only car, I like by bmw. The cars was just too big for me and I felt more like a limo driver. Only thing I fear about the CL500 is the ABC problems. Is there any warranty companies that will cover this?

**mlbmd** · 11-10-2007, 02:47 PM

I owned a 2002 CL500 for five years; not a single problem over that period of time other than 2 flat tires and a headlight burnout. A terrific automobile.

mlfun · 11-10-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cccablecompany

Hey guys. I was test driving cars all yesterday. I was on market for a bmw 745li or a cl500. I was blow away with a qualilty of the CL500. Leather everywhere. Even on the dashboard. ABC controls and also lifting the car higher. I felt like I was riding on clowds. Steering is very easy and the car is very spacious. Auto seats. Then I went over to bmw and drove the 745Li. Plastic dash and plastic rear a/c vents. Even the door handles where loose because they are made out of cheap plastic. The 745li is the only car, I like by bmw. The cars was just too big for me and I felt more like a limo driver. Only thing I fear about the CL500 is the ABC problems. Is there any warranty companies that will cover this?

Comparing a bimmer to a limo, sacrilege possible only in BW.

dahappybanana · 11-10-2007, 05:16 PM

Not really, even my BMW loving friends don't really like the 7 series much.

**Musikmann** · 11-11-2007, 02:01 AM

If I remember correctly, the CL-series comes with practically every option available on those and the S-Class as standard equipment. The 500 engine is a tried and true power plant so you shouldn't have any trouble with that. There are a number of aftermarket warranty companies, but I would ask your local dealer for recommendations. Because of all those options I think you are looking at a lot of money for a good one, but repairs are going to be expensive too. I bought mine as a CPO and I recommend that route.

cccablecompany · 11-11-2007, 11:00 PM

I was totally blow away with the CL500. I pressed the ABC and took off the traction control. WOW. The car jerked me back in my seat. I am looking to spend about 3,000 on a good warranty.I know ABC repairs cost a crapload of money. Only thing I would do is add a nice bodykit. The suspension and steering is very soft. Does the CL500 have airmatic suspension? I have totally lost desire to drive any BMWs. Don't get me wrong the 2006 325i is fun to drive but you feel the road too much. I guess, the younger kids enjoy these cars. Which a good color to shop for? Black or Silver? White would be nice but here in miami alot of people like to slam their car doors into yours. Dents and chipped paint.

**Musikmann** · 11-11-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cccablecompany

.... Does the CL500 have airmatic suspension?...

I'm pretty sure it does. and that is another reason to have a warranty because I understand they are expensive to have work/repairs done.

chinny4290 · 11-12-2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cccablecompany

Hey guys. I was test driving cars all yesterday. I was on market for a bmw 745li or a cl500. I was blow away with a qualilty of the CL500. Leather everywhere. Even on the dashboard. ABC controls and also lifting the car higher. I felt like I was riding on clowds. Steering is very easy and the car is very spacious. Auto seats. Then I went over to bmw and drove the 745Li. Plastic dash and plastic rear a/c vents. Even the door handles where loose because they are made out of cheap plastic. The 745li is the only car, I like by bmw. The cars was just too big for me and I felt more like a limo driver. Only thing I fear about the CL500 is the ABC problems. Is there any warranty companies that will cover this?

Then opt for the short wheelbase E65 745i.

My dad had one...plastic door handles? If my vivid memory doesn't deceive me...they were made of aluminum or at least brushed metal.

asianml · 11-12-2007, 01:51 PM

All CLs in the US have ABC, I think!

mlfun · 11-12-2007, 01:59 PM

DEFG.. Sorry. I thought you might need a refresher, aml.

Anyway, using compressed air sealed in a constantly expanding and contracting
bellow is just asking for trouble. This is a case of engineering for comfort/perf
without regards to reliability since MB figures an ave MB owner wouldn't mind
ponying up $$$ for replacements.

Heck, MB can't even get a O-ring to seal reliably given the numerous
pwrsteering systems failures due to prematurely blown O-rings.