2000 Mercedes-Benz CL CL500 review from North America

Changed a xenon bulb.

Sometimes I get a message about the low beam bulb (but it's OK), this could be a warning before the other xenon bulb blows.

Car had a tendency to drain the battery if not driven for a month. It turns out the nav CD would run sometimes when the car was off, and it drained the battery. Fix (cheap) was to remove nav CD when not driving and use a trickle charger when storing the car.

ABC suspension fluid level must be watched to avoid burning out the expensive ABC/PS pump.

This car is gorgeous to look at, and very smooth and comfortable to drive. 302 hp is plenty to get flowing with traffic on the freeway, and more than enough to leave a lot of traffic behind if/when I want to.

It's a complex vehicle with many sophisticated operating systems, but is really a technological marvel when you consider how much it has to offer. This big car handles like it is on rails because of the Mercedes ABC (Active Body Control) suspension system. This ABC suspension is a hydraulic system that keeps the car level at all times. The CLK is a good tight car that is smaller than the CL500, but the CL500 is just as nimble and actually handles better than the lighter CLK.

The CL500 has far more interior space and technological features and that makes it an absolute pleasure to drive. Inside it is a mix of glossy wood and fine leather that covers every surface you will touch on a regular basis. Well thought out in my opinion.

On the roadway it is sublime. It makes you want to go on very long road trips because it is extremely comfortable and poised on the road at any speed. People always compliment the Benzes after riding in one. So do yourself a favour and get one, because MBZ were the first auto maker but they build their cars to last.

Bonus: MB STAR SERVICE Manual Library DVD can be bought at the dealer for your specific model Mercedes-Benz and it contains repair procedures, diagnostic information and function description, wiring diagrams with component locations and Technical Service Bulletins known for your Mercedes.