CL 500 V.S 600 - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

vegard_dino · 09-26-2009, 03:46 PM

Hi all

I hope some can help me out.

I am looking to change out my G-class with a CL.
Right now I am looking at some CL W215. But, keeps the 500 and the 600 apart? ONLY the V8/V12? No, it cant be, looking at the cars, the 600 has a lot more weight to it, so it is not only down to the V12........Or?

Also, looking at reliable, what is the best buy, thinking about 03 and up.?
Did read the link here about the used 600 CL and the not so happy owner, is that so on a V12, or??????

If so, better to go for a 500 then.

Cheers and thanks for looking
vegard_dino

Vector_03 · 09-29-2009, 12:53 PM

500's are cheaper to maintain, but are only V8 equipped. The CL600 comes with the V12 and is very expensive to maintain. 03+ is the best bet for a 600 because the 01 & 02 have lots of oil intercooler problems. There are a few differences besides the engine in the 500 and 600; suede headliner comes to mind, but that's all I can think of right now.

slonar21 · 09-29-2009, 01:42 PM

Transmission in 600 is a five speed, the 500 has a six speed
I think more standard equipement on the 600 which are options on the 500
I have been told that there is much more noise insulation in a 600
Last but not least the badge is different as well; one is cl600 the other is cl500

vegard_dino · 09-29-2009, 01:58 PM

Hi and thanks for the reply to me.
Ok..So, a 600 is A 600 and a 500 is "only" a 500.

But, is the 600 more sound proof? Do to what? Double windows in the doors?
More welding done on the body?

A 600 that is from after the 04, how is that one? Thinking about the V12?

Thanks all for helping

ifari · 09-29-2009, 02:51 PM

The CL500 has a 5spd. transmission also.

slonar21 · 09-29-2009, 03:27 PM

The windows are the same, as I said "I was told" does not mean fact so I dont know how or where it would have more insulation, from memory I've heard 300 pounds of more insulation in the 600 which does not seem logical/possible.

I will try to get an answer, this has spiked my curiosity!

(I think the 2004 cl500 has a 7 speed trany, right?)

After looking at the trunk lining and door lining schematics I can say that they use all the same parts, so the 600 and 500 have the same noise insulation

ifari · 09-30-2009, 08:33 AM

'04 and up, yes, I think you are right.

Austinite · 10-01-2009, 11:04 PM

There is no comparison to the CL500 and CL600. The CL600 is in a league of it's own. Base price for a '03 CL600 was $125,620.00 and the CL500 base price was $92,370.00. This is just over $30,000. Why do you think the CL600 weights 350lbs more? The V12 only weights 50 pounds more than the V8. That other 300 pounds goes for things like extra leather (it's everywhere, think how much a simple leather jacket weighs), alcantara headliner / visors, sound deadening material ( the engine sound goes utterly unnoticed no matter how you are driving). Massage seats. Mercedes turns the CL into a true exotic with the CL600. Drive one for 2 blocks and you will feel the difference right away. The CL600 feels much stronger. If you can find a CL600 and can afford it, get it. Your getting a lot more than just 4 extra cylinders for your additional $18,000. It is possible to push the engine in the 700's hp range.
I suggest you research somewhere else other than this forum. I believe many people may give you false information based on what they think. Just simply Google "'03 CL600 Specs" and Motor Trend or some other site will come up. Also wikipedia is a great source. Mercedes-Benz CL-Class - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Or even just swing by the MB dealer and ask questions.
Here is an example:
CanadianDriver Mercedes-Benz Test Drive: 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL600

lnguyenh · 10-02-2009, 04:43 AM

I think you are a bit bias here. He's asking about CL500 vs. CL600 ... nothing about CL55 here.

However, CL55 is not that "bad" as you have described. I am sure that CL600 is faster (and capable) than the CL55 but CL55 has other good stuffs (that CL600 is missing) as well. The handbuilt engine, the AMG brakes, the quad exhausts, the M transmission mode ... to name a few. Also, your statement "Base price for a '03 CL600 was $125,620.00 and the CL55 base price was $92,370.00" is way NOT true.

I think it's all personal preference. I paid $3,000 more on the CL55 as I would over the CL600 (same price/year/mileage).

To the original poster: there is a BIG different between CL500 and CL600. CL600 is by far better than CL500. In my opinion, if you want a V8, get the CL55, if you want a V12, get the CL65.

Oh, and btw, not all 2004 CL500 model has 7-speed. On roughly the "second half" has it.

Austinite · 10-02-2009, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lnguyenh

I think you are a bit bias here. He's asking about CL500 vs. CL600 ... nothing about CL55 here.

However, CL55 is not that "bad" as you have described. I am sure that CL600 is faster (and capable) than the CL55 but CL55 has other good stuffs (that CL600 is missing) as well. The handbuilt engine, the AMG brakes, the quad exhausts, the M transmission mode ... to name a few. Also, your statement "Base price for a '03 CL600 was $125,620.00 and the CL55 base price was $92,370.00" is way NOT true.

I think it's all personal preference. I paid $3,000 more on the CL55 as I would over the CL600 (same price/year/mileage).

To the original poster: there is a BIG different between CL500 and CL600. CL600 is by far better than CL500. In my opinion, if you want a V8, get the CL55, if you want a V12, get the CL65.

Oh, and btw, not all 2004 CL500 model has 7-speed. On roughly the "second half" has it.

I never said anything is bad. Although comparing the 500 to the 600 is a pretty easy fix. I will edit that. But all the CL's are amazing. However therre are differences and preferences. Here is a screen shot of April 2003 Mercedes Website and here is the link:Mercedes-Benz, Home of Mercedes-Benz Luxury Automobiles
I did not make up these figures.....