Considering CLS 500 to replace W124 (91 300E) and Porsche 911 - Benzworld.org

JJB236 · 08-02-2007, 10:52 PM

Hey guys, I belong to this forum. I have a 91 300E which I 've had for the past 16 years. Yes, I'm the original owner. Because I was tired of its soft ride in my 20's. I got a Corvette in my early 30's and a Porsche 911.

Got rid of the Vette after 1 year and kept the 911, which is my weekend car. I recently drove the 911 for 5 hours making stops at a few places, and felt very tired, so was the passenger. This is the reason I kept my 300E which I use as a commuter vehicle.

Today, driving the 300E in the 88 degree So Cal freeway, I hit the max power on the A/C and flew out bits and pieces of sponge-like foam material from the vents. Then I thought it's time to get rid of it, which means getting rid of the 911 too. I need a car to replace the 300E sedan and a sporty 911.

Been looking at CLS 500, CLS 55 AMG, BMW 650, and a Ranger Rover. Got the new Jag XK off my list since rear seats are simply not useable.

Being a single guy, I wanted a coupe, but 650 styling doesn't cut it compared to Jaguar's new XK, but 6 is definitely practical since rear seat are much roomier to seat two grown adults. 911 and XK, no way. CLS has two useable seats too, but I wish CLS had 2 doors. But CLS even with 4 doors looks good and was added to my list. Driving the Range Rover as my primary car seemed too boring and then there is the dependability factor that British cars are infamous for.

How is the CLS? I read that 6 footers would be uncomfortable in the rear seats, but I'm sure so are the 650's. I have sat in the CLS and found that the windows sit very high and would make it difficult to use as an armrest while driving.

Cheers!

jnolan · 08-03-2007, 12:40 AM

3 very different vehicles.

If you are considering a 6 Series then you don't really care about the rear seats (which simply aren't usable in that car) so the fact that the CLS rear seats are tight for big people should not matter either.

The Range Rover Sport Supercharge with a Hamann or Overfinch makeover certainly isn't boring.

If you have to have 2 doors, go with the CL instead.

JJB236 · 08-03-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnolan

3 very different vehicles.

If you are considering a 6 Series then you don't really care about the rear seats (which simply aren't usable in that car) so the fact that the CLS rear seats are tight for big people should not matter either.

The Range Rover Sport Supercharge with a Hamann or Overfinch makeover certainly isn't boring.

If you have to have 2 doors, go with the CL instead.

I test drove the 6 series. I'm 6'2", and I found it very surprising that I fit comfortably in the rear seats. Jaguar XK rear seats and 911 rear sits are for toddlers only.

I'm not too crazy about the design of the CL, but hey, it's the flagship, and CL is a CL.

Cheers.

jnolan · 08-03-2007, 09:03 AM

the seats are comfortable but the problem that all 2 door coupes have is the entry and exit for the rear seats. It's not something you will do on a regular basis.

Quite honestly, I don't give a crap about the rear seats in my car because I never ride in them.

newguycls55 · 08-03-2007, 09:43 AM

your 3 choices are excellent choices of cars, becasue those were my same options. however after test driving the range rover, and going over the numbers and reviews, i realized that there were alot of problems with the range rover, and is simply overpriced, and plus driving a suv everyday would be very borning.

650 or M6. both amazing cars, but in my opinion, if you gonna buy a car at that price range, gotta get the M6. however being that the M6 are new and rare, they are very solid on price and not willing to discount on anything. and lack of rear space. however i do love the interior design of the new BMW. your other option i would suggest is a M5. my wife recently got the new M5, and it has all the options that you want, rear space, power, and sleek design.

CLS550 or CLS55 AMG. again, if you go with the 550, you should never test drive the CLS 55. because you will regret not having the CLS 55 power. although the CLS interior is a bit plain, and more traditional, but the body likes are amazing. really catches people eyes when you flying by. back seat is not as bad as most say, however you can only fit 4 passengers in the car. and most importantly right now you can get a great deal on a used CLS55 AMG around 65k to 70k.

With the CLS 55 and the M5, you can have the best of both world. comfort and power. so you can wear your suit to work in the morning, and drive like a maniac on the weekends.

JJB236 · 08-03-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguycls55

your 3 choices are excellent choices of cars, becasue those were my same options. however after test driving the range rover, and going over the numbers and reviews, i realized that there were alot of problems with the range rover, and is simply overpriced, and plus driving a suv everyday would be very borning.

650 or M6. both amazing cars, but in my opinion, if you gonna buy a car at that price range, gotta get the M6. however being that the M6 are new and rare, they are very solid on price and not willing to discount on anything. and lack of rear space. however i do love the interior design of the new BMW. your other option i would suggest is a M5. my wife recently got the new M5, and it has all the options that you want, rear space, power, and sleek design.

CLS550 or CLS55 AMG. again, if you go with the 550, you should never test drive the CLS 55. because you will regret not having the CLS 55 power. although the CLS interior is a bit plain, and more traditional, but the body likes are amazing. really catches people eyes when you flying by. back seat is not as bad as most say, however you can only fit 4 passengers in the car. and most importantly right now you can get a great deal on a used CLS55 AMG around 65k to 70k.

With the CLS 55 and the M5, you can have the best of both world. comfort and power. so you can wear your suit to work in the morning, and drive like a maniac on the weekends.

Thanks for your suggestion. Being 6'2", I have always been fond of cars that are low and have long lines and wide body. So my 911 doesn't really look good on tall big guys, even though it's a nice car. And 911 ride quality is just too sporty that it's not for someone whoe drives more than an hour daily. People in the 911 can feel every little bump on the road, and after hours of driving, it's very tiring. If I had to choose between the CLS 55 and the M5, I would definitely take the CLS 55 since its bodyline resembles the lines of a coupe. M5 looks too much of a sedan for me. I wouldn't give up the design of the car just so to be able to accommodate people in the rear seats comfortably.

Those are some powerful cars between you and your wife. CLS 55 AMG and M5. How do you like the ride-quality on those cars?

Cheers.

newguycls55 · 08-03-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJB236

Thanks for your suggestion. Being 6'2", I have always been fond of cars that are low and have long lines and wide body. So my 911 doesn't really look good on tall big guys, even though it's a nice car. And 911 ride quality is just too sporty that it's not for someone whoe drives more than an hour daily. People in the 911 can feel every little bump on the road, and after hours of driving, it's very tiring. If I had to choose between the CLS 55 and the M5, I would definitely take the CLS 55 since its bodyline resembles the lines of a coupe. M5 looks too much of a sedan for me. I wouldn't give up the design of the car just so to be able to accommodate people in the rear seats comfortably.

Those are some powerful cars between you and your wife. CLS 55 AMG and M5. How do you like the ride-quality on those cars?

Cheers.

actually between my wife and I, we also have a E55 which was my old car before the CLS55. and she recently pick up the M5. we had porches before, however i agree with you, the ride is not comfortable, beside we hated the idea that everything was an option including navi, power seat, and other misc items that should be standard in a 70K plus luxury toy. thats why we decided to stick wtih Mercedes and BMW for now. until we are ready for the $150K plus cars later on in life.

as for the ride quality, i love all of them. of course the E55 was my orgininal favorite, we have aftermarket suspension with 20" rims, so i feel most of the road bumps, but nothing major. The M5 is amazing, mainly because is my first step into the V10 zone, very comfty and is a great family car, easy access for my wife to carry our new born in and out of the back seat and it rides smooth as hell. As for the CLS 55, is still my favorite, the body line reminds me of many different type of cars, from the hot rod chop top, to a modern sporty sedan. either way, it really suits my personality, it screams, i am young, sporty, but yet wealthy. sort of a business man by day, and speed racer at night !!! haha...

glennp_1999 · 08-03-2007, 09:27 PM

I have no regrets in getting my CLS500 in fact I can't drive it enough. I'm only 5'7" and even I don't fit comfy in the back seat, but then again I don't have to sit in the back seat.

I have been working all week in a BMW dealer and I must say the M6 is a looker of a car. They had this black one sitting in the garage and can't help looking at the damn thing. The Sales manager was cool enough to have me test drive the car and this thing is pure sex. The sound of the enigne when you start it is music to my ears. I didn't punish it to much, but I did give it a few spirited sprints up and down the block. It's almost to tempting to sell the CLS for this ride.

In anycase, you can't go wrong on either one of these rides both are very capable and will be a joy to drive. Goodluck with your decision hope you enjoy it.

jnolan · 08-04-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguycls55

however after test driving the range rover, and going over the numbers and reviews, i realized that there were alot of problems with the range rover, and is simply overpriced, and plus driving a suv everyday would be very borning.

Like what problems? I have 17k on my Range Rover Sport and aside from regular services and a problem with the seats (the stitching was pulling, so they replaced the seat covers) I have not had "alot of problems". Indeed, my CLS550 blew an intake manifold gasket at 9k miles so by comparison the CLS had a more serious issue. Overpriced? Look at the market, they are price competitive to other luxury SUVs (GL, Cayenne, and large Lexus). While it could use more torque, it's certainly not boring to drive.