Faults:
Due to the number of modules, it is common for the soft-close door mechanisms, air conditioning system, frameless windows, or ignition system to fail.
The V8 engine requires strict maintenance of its spark plugs (it uses 16) and is prone to developing oil leaks. The 5-speed automatic transmission often leaks fluid from the electrical connector or suffers from torque converter wear over time.
Fuel consumption is extremely high. In city driving, it can easily exceed 19 liters per 100 km.
Car parts are absurdly expensive and, in my country, almost impossible to find. Luckily, the car runs very well and nothing serious has broken.
General Comments:
In a word: absolutely magnificent. (OK, so it's two words.) Don't let the fact that this is a coupe fool you. The CL500 is a large car. Its wheelbase of 114 inches is within about an inch of those of the largest sedans from Audi, BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus.
But its size doesn't get in the way of its handling. The CL500 combines an amazingly smooth ride with rock-solid cornering, soaking up bumps without handling as if its shock absorbers were filled with Cool-Whip.
This is also a powerful vehicle. The CL500 comes with a 302-horsepower, 5-liter V8 engine -- enough to make even a two-ton vehicle such as this plenty quick. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. If you like, however, you can shift manually by flicking the gearshift lever left to downshift and right to upshift.
CL500 is rear-wheel drive. Mercedes has added traction control in an attempt to improve performance in poor conditions.
The four-wheel ABS disc brakes provide excellent braking. When you're driving around in this car, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. It's one of the finest combinations of ride and handling you'll find anywhere.
Seats offer not only heat but -- get this -- air cooling as well. They're adjustable every which way, and if the valet gets them all out of whack, there's a memory to put everything back the way it was.
Getting into the back is easier than in most coupes. Thanks to a motor, the folded front seats crawl forward to let you into the back, and then move back into place once you're there. Same thing on the way out. Easy-to-reach handles on the top outside of each front seat set things in motion.
The interior of the CL500 abounds in places to store things, including pockets in the doors and between the seats and a diminutive glove box. The cup holder in the CL500 is a clever little device that folds out about four different ways.
Visibility is decent, although the high rear end can make matters complicated when parking.
This is an amazingly competent car, a powerful vehicle that combines wonderful handling with a wonderful ride.
If you have the wherewithal to plunk yourself down in the lap of luxury, and don't need the practicality of four doors, the CL500 is a pretty good way to do it, in my humble opinion.
