I've owned both 500 and 600 both 2002. With the 600 watch out for the ignition coil packs, and with both test all electronics and buttons to make sure the SAM modules haven't gotten wet and damaged electronics
While coil pack may be a concern. The inter oil cooler will set you back 10k. And it will happen .Bad design as the oil cooler is under the heads. Gaskets fail. You can’t just put new gasket as Mercedes only sends new oil cooler sealed. 8-12 hours labor. Abc tandem pump will set you back 4-5k. That is just the start. This will happen to All 2001-2002 cl600 around 75K to 90k miles.
I had a 2002 CL600....2003 Onward the Engine was Smaller Twin Turbo 5.5ltr V12. The Issues were Alot of Electrical Harnesses on Everything, Rear Tire Wear. Went through $20k in Warranty Work in 3yrs and only 25,000 miles driven....Great when Dealership didn't have it...but Lord they had it Often in 3yrs....10.5 months was Longest it went without a Major/Minor Need to Take to Dealership for Something to be Removed/Replaced...2 Spark Plugs per Cylinder isn't Anymore Efficient than 1 especially given the Car Maybe gets 20mpg on Highway at 65-70mph....Do Not Own/Buy Without Warranty or Knowing a Highly Recommended Dedicated Mercedes Benz Mechanic/Shop
I bet a young Mike playing Gran Turismo 2 never expected he would be driving a real V12 Merc 15 years later. Nice to see these real reviews from time to time.
The SL, CL and S600’s probably have to be my favourite models Mercedes do/did. They look just like a standard V6 versions, but they have a powerful V12 under their skin.
I believe there was one diesel R230, but that's about it. Edit: Found it - The SL400 CDI concept. A fascinating 4.0 V8 diesel with 315 bhp and 538 lb/ft of torque.
The sound of these with a custom exhaust is just godly, and even when stock as well.. Elegant cars. Sad that I live in a country where cars are wayy more expensive than everywhere else..
Well done! You described the ride, purpose, and expectations excellently. It truly is a quiet, smooth, powerful cross continental cruiser. Its not meant to thrash around the streets/track, no more then a Rolls or Bentley is. I've been a collector/enthusiast for more years than I'd like to say. 4 years ago I purchased a clean, low mileage 2002 CL600 w/AMG factory sport pkg. Originally I planned to fix a few minor items and flip it. Then I drove it, and didn’t want to give it up. I was reminded of the S class vehicles of my past, but maybe better. I upgraded my stereo system to a more modern, powerful unit. But I keep the original in case a future owner wants it. You mentioned the comfort of those wonderful seats. What about the aroma of that Mercedes vintage quality leather. Superb if you can find a CL that hasn't been smoked in or used part time as a lunch room😂
@@andrewmalajna7874 Absolutely love it! I actually drove it into work today as it sits covered most of the time. I haven't had any issues at all. However, I must say that it is not my DD, nor my secondary car as I have a company vehicle for DD and a RRS I primarily use to get around town. Also, I've added less than 2K miles over the past year, so take that for what it's worth. Prior to me picking the one I settled on I had been searching for quite some time. I bought the 1 I have because despite being on the higher mileage range (compared to others I had been looking at) the previous owner was said to be an enthusiast and had only added 3K miles to it in his 6 years of ownership. It was also for sale at MB dealership and instead of sending it to an auction, they deemed it worthy enough to be sold on their lot after doing their normal inspection and performing an A service to it. As soon as I received it, I had another full inspection done on and outside of the a fog lamp being out, they said it was as clean as could be. So perhaps I got lucky or simply have not used it enough lol. But to reiterate, I love the thing. It brings a huge smile to me every chance I have to get behind the wheel, even if its a short jaunt to grab coffee in the morning.
@@j3jw82 glad to hear you had a great experience with it, I don't what it is but i found this one cl600 with 65K miles on it and this cat is just constantly calling me, after i get back from my vacation I will go and take a look at it, if it'll still be there it means it was meant to be, seems like a super fun car to have, i will not drive it daily and most likely won't do more miler than you per year, it'll be my fun/toy car. Thank You for a response and good luck
Two years into CL500 ownership and the only issue I have experienced was with the Distronic cruise control tripping out and leaving the car in a false neutral. Purchased a second hand unit from Germany off Ebay and all good now. As with all expensive cars that have depreciated to under appreciated cheap, the new parts required to maintain them have not depreciated and still cost silly money, especially from MB. So be aware if you fancy taking this route. Have to agree that the CL defies logic and drives far batter than you could reasonably expect it to. Love mine and it shall be resident in the garage for quite some time.
Next to my everyday fun car and our soon to be oldtimer I chose a hybrid Toyota Auris as my commuter car. But it wasn't a clear choice from the start. There really was the idea to rather Look for a Lexus LS400 or LS430 with LPG conversion to ride in style... Amazing how cheap these have become in comparison to new.
Coil packs, suspension. Cars with large gaps in service history. It needs regular oil and fluid maintenance. Early 2000's paint/ rust. Water in the boot, killing audio systems. However, what a machine when sorted.
Thanks for the link to this video 😎 Crazy, I was about to buy a Maserati Quattroporte but the high maintenance costs made me buy a CL600! Not that the CL is cheap to maintain but compared to the Maserati it’s do-able. The NA V12 engine has 367bhp tho 😉 The CL600 is infamous for having problems with the ignition coils. This is a complete rail so if it fails you’re in for a surprise. MB charges like €1800 for the complete rail and your engine has two! 24 spark plugs, 2 for every cilinder. The ABC suspension (Active Body Control) is the smoothest ride you’ll ever experience but when it starts failing on you yet again you’re in for a surprise..
@@HSGAutomotive They are lovely the C216’s Even the lower spec CL500 (preferably the 2010-2014’s because they are way more powerful and a lot lot better on fuel) is a great car But personally if you ever get a CL it’s gotta be a CL600 V12 is a must in this type of car
This is absolutely the last beautiful CL ( C215 ) so classy design and lines that you can’t find anymore in today’s Benz models. Even the model that came after this is not beautiful like this. By the way this is the 2 doors version of the iconic W220 4 doors, last vision of the best designer of Mercedes Benz Mr. Bruno Sacco. Mercedes Benz lost the soul after him . Sad but true.
I have a 2000 cl600 its currently not working due to the abs bas eps but will get fixed soon and gas is good I can go to work and back all week in a full tank 6 cylinder automatically turns off on streets once I starting faster the 12 kick in
@@quinflores2652 I’m currently in the process... I had the 2002 clk430 and loved it and have been waiting to get another one. Have you gotten yours yet
Just bought one today, 75000km....new battery on it, so will wait until tomorrow for the verdict....i guess the risk is why they're so cheap i am now reading the manual
Suspension is great when it works but when it goes out and drops do not try driving it like that it’s still drivable but way to dam low I cracked my oil pad and destroyed the bottom of my cl600
No idea why mercedes replaced the 6.0L M120 v12 with this. The m137 was less powerful and less reliable. It was SOHC instead of DOHC, so they must have just been trying to save money. Luckily they brought out the M273 in 2003, which was better in every way.
@@HSGAutomotive True, I'll wait a decade, and then see if they are low enough. If not, there are always other Lexus vehicles that have great performance for a great price.
I've owned both 500 and 600 both 2002.
With the 600 watch out for the ignition coil packs, and with both test all electronics and buttons to make sure the SAM modules haven't gotten wet and damaged electronics
While coil pack may be a concern. The inter oil cooler will set you back 10k. And it will happen .Bad design as the oil cooler is under the heads. Gaskets fail. You can’t just put new gasket as Mercedes only sends new oil cooler sealed. 8-12 hours labor. Abc tandem pump will set you back 4-5k. That is just the start. This will happen to All 2001-2002 cl600 around 75K to 90k miles.
I had a 2002 CL600....2003 Onward the Engine was Smaller Twin Turbo 5.5ltr V12. The Issues were Alot of Electrical Harnesses on Everything, Rear Tire Wear. Went through $20k in Warranty Work in 3yrs and only 25,000 miles driven....Great when Dealership didn't have it...but Lord they had it Often in 3yrs....10.5 months was Longest it went without a Major/Minor Need to Take to Dealership for Something to be Removed/Replaced...2 Spark Plugs per Cylinder isn't Anymore Efficient than 1 especially given the Car Maybe gets 20mpg on Highway at 65-70mph....Do Not Own/Buy Without Warranty or Knowing a Highly Recommended Dedicated Mercedes Benz Mechanic/Shop
Good for people to know, thanks for the info!
I bet a young Mike playing Gran Turismo 2 never expected he would be driving a real V12 Merc 15 years later. Nice to see these real reviews from time to time.
Apparently there are no V12 Mercs in GT2 but you know what I mean!
haha, yeah for sure
@@user-hi4sm3ig5j Nope, this one was in GT3.
@@Kev27RS you’re the reason I love the internet, bro... real talk
@@thehoustonconnectrecords4935 😉✌
The SL, CL and S600’s probably have to be my favourite models Mercedes do/did. They look just like a standard V6 versions, but they have a powerful V12 under their skin.
No diesel engines in CL and SL models I think.
I believe there was one diesel R230, but that's about it. Edit: Found it - The SL400 CDI concept. A fascinating 4.0 V8 diesel with 315 bhp and 538 lb/ft of torque.
@@HSGAutomotive Yeah I presume it’s the same 4.0 out of the W220 S400 CDI, W211 E400 CDI and the ML+GL400 CDI (OM628)
I used to absolutely love this car years ago. I still do.
The sound of these with a custom exhaust is just godly, and even when stock as well.. Elegant cars. Sad that I live in a country where cars are wayy more expensive than everywhere else..
Seems like someone live in The Netherlands :D
@@pawelwis7215 Nah, another one that I feel ashamed to mention lol
Well done! You described the ride, purpose, and expectations excellently. It truly is a quiet, smooth, powerful cross continental cruiser. Its not meant to thrash around the streets/track, no more then a Rolls or Bentley is.
I've been a collector/enthusiast for more years than I'd like to say. 4 years ago I purchased a clean, low mileage 2002 CL600 w/AMG factory sport pkg. Originally I planned to fix a few minor items and flip it. Then I drove it, and didn’t want to give it up. I was reminded of the S class vehicles of my past, but maybe better. I upgraded my stereo system to a more modern, powerful unit. But I keep the original in case a future owner wants it. You mentioned the comfort of those wonderful seats. What about the aroma of that Mercedes vintage quality leather. Superb if you can find a CL that hasn't been smoked in or used part time as a lunch room😂
Literally just bought a 600 yesterday. Can't wait til it arrives. Appreciate the review and video!!
Nice one, hope you enjoy it!
Hey J how do you like the 600 after one year any major drawbacks?
@@andrewmalajna7874 Absolutely love it! I actually drove it into work today as it sits covered most of the time. I haven't had any issues at all. However, I must say that it is not my DD, nor my secondary car as I have a company vehicle for DD and a RRS I primarily use to get around town. Also, I've added less than 2K miles over the past year, so take that for what it's worth. Prior to me picking the one I settled on I had been searching for quite some time. I bought the 1 I have because despite being on the higher mileage range (compared to others I had been looking at) the previous owner was said to be an enthusiast and had only added 3K miles to it in his 6 years of ownership. It was also for sale at MB dealership and instead of sending it to an auction, they deemed it worthy enough to be sold on their lot after doing their normal inspection and performing an A service to it. As soon as I received it, I had another full inspection done on and outside of the a fog lamp being out, they said it was as clean as could be. So perhaps I got lucky or simply have not used it enough lol. But to reiterate, I love the thing. It brings a huge smile to me every chance I have to get behind the wheel, even if its a short jaunt to grab coffee in the morning.
@@j3jw82 glad to hear you had a great experience with it, I don't what it is but i found this one cl600 with 65K miles on it and this cat is just constantly calling me, after i get back from my vacation I will go and take a look at it, if it'll still be there it means it was meant to be, seems like a super fun car to have, i will not drive it daily and most likely won't do more miler than you per year, it'll be my fun/toy car. Thank You for a response and good luck
@@j3jw82What about now? 3 Years later. how is it?
A car that makes Mike doesn't look like the Hulk driving a Robin. Props for Mercedes there. 😉
hahah
Two years into CL500 ownership and the only issue I have experienced was with the Distronic cruise control tripping out and leaving the car in a false neutral. Purchased a second hand unit from Germany off Ebay and all good now. As with all expensive cars that have depreciated to under appreciated cheap, the new parts required to maintain them have not depreciated and still cost silly money, especially from MB. So be aware if you fancy taking this route. Have to agree that the CL defies logic and drives far batter than you could reasonably expect it to. Love mine and it shall be resident in the garage for quite some time.
Nice one!
Gorgeous looking Benz, still to this day!
Especially with the AMG Monoblock wheels.
#PartyLikeIts1999
For sure, I love the even curvier C216 generation which came after it as well.
@@HSGAutomotive Yes, looks nice as well.
The C140 is good looking as well! 👌
Amazing
Omg there was one for sale local near me for about $6,000 lol
About 100,000miles. One owner
Next to my everyday fun car and our soon to be oldtimer I chose a hybrid Toyota Auris as my commuter car. But it wasn't a clear choice from the start. There really was the idea to rather Look for a Lexus LS400 or LS430 with LPG conversion to ride in style... Amazing how cheap these have become in comparison to new.
Enjoyed this. This is such a good video. Great work Mike.
Thanks dude
2:25
55‘s of this era are supercharged
Keep up the good work, watching religiously 😀👍
Coil packs, suspension. Cars with large gaps in service history. It needs regular oil and fluid maintenance. Early 2000's paint/ rust. Water in the boot, killing audio systems. However, what a machine when sorted.
Thanks for the link to this video 😎 Crazy, I was about to buy a Maserati Quattroporte but the high maintenance costs made me buy a CL600! Not that the CL is cheap to maintain but compared to the Maserati it’s do-able. The NA V12 engine has 367bhp tho 😉 The CL600 is infamous for having problems with the ignition coils. This is a complete rail so if it fails you’re in for a surprise. MB charges like €1800 for the complete rail and your engine has two! 24 spark plugs, 2 for every cilinder. The ABC suspension (Active Body Control) is the smoothest ride you’ll ever experience but when it starts failing on you yet again you’re in for a surprise..
Yeah I went for a Quattroporte myself. I no longer have it, lol
Yeah same goes for the W220 S600 with the same M137 5.8
If you don’t maintain it properly it’ll cost a lot
You now need to do the 2003+ V12 TT cl600! Preferably a tuned one 😁
Haha, I'd actually love to cover a C216 shape model, I find that such a beautiful car. The CL65 in particular with that incredible 730 lb/ft V12
@@HSGAutomotive They are lovely the C216’s
Even the lower spec CL500 (preferably the 2010-2014’s because they are way more powerful and a lot lot better on fuel) is a great car
But personally if you ever get a CL it’s gotta be a CL600
V12 is a must in this type of car
This is absolutely the last beautiful CL ( C215 ) so classy design and lines that you can’t find anymore in today’s Benz models. Even the model that came after this is not beautiful like this. By the way this is the 2 doors version of the iconic W220 4 doors, last vision of the best designer of Mercedes Benz Mr. Bruno Sacco.
Mercedes Benz lost the soul after him . Sad but true.
I absolutely adore the C216 actually, one of the best looking cars on the road for me, but this one definitely still has a lot of presence
Very good content.
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it
What a best car to drive!!
Just bought one
I have a 2000 cl600 its currently not working due to the abs bas eps but will get fixed soon and gas is good I can go to work and back all week in a full tank 6 cylinder automatically turns off on streets once I starting faster the 12 kick in
Nice one. I did love how smooth it is.
Do they all do that or just the 2000 model?
5:23 Nice renault avantime on the right
Anybody know if there is any aftermarket stereos online for this car
Mercedes are reliable I daily drive a W211 E63 high mileage
Nice
camdog124 I’m getting one in a few weeks I can’t wait seriously
@@quinflores2652 I’m currently in the process... I had the 2002 clk430 and loved it and have been waiting to get another one. Have you gotten yours yet
Is it me or does this car's headlights look like alien eyes? lol
Yeah kinda lol. Or CLK lights without being sized up properly
Just bought one today, 75000km....new battery on it, so will wait until tomorrow for the verdict....i guess the risk is why they're so cheap
i am now reading the manual
Nice one, hope it works out 👍
How’s it running now?
Suspension is great when it works but when it goes out and drops do not try driving it like that it’s still drivable but way to dam low I cracked my oil pad and destroyed the bottom of my cl600
I’m buying one now... What did you do to fix it and about what was the mileage when it went out.
No idea why mercedes replaced the 6.0L M120 v12 with this. The m137 was less powerful and less reliable. It was SOHC instead of DOHC, so they must have just been trying to save money. Luckily they brought out the M273 in 2003, which was better in every way.
Nice and beefy
That dc5 n e46 tho
Knew someone would mention 'em, lol
What’s could go wrong on these cars?
We had it new...Most unreliable car ever
I can already hear the unreliability
That's the sound of conquest
V12? Sounds like an I4😂😂😂
Because it's supposed to. As I said.
Hmm,
It's...
Give me 10
Your voice certainly do not match your looks. Not a problem, but surprising! Great video!
I get that a lot, lol. Sound like I collect trains, look like I collect axes.
ABC, it's a nightmare and extremely expensive.
M137 problematic
Already after two minutes you've got lots of things wrong. Good bye.
I would prefer the Lexus LC500h. Much more reliable. Though, the Mercedes is nice to look at, but not to own.
Good luck finding an LC500 for 5k
Grotesque Dino the SC430 went against this. The LC500 is about 15 years newer.
@@HSGAutomotive True, I'll wait a decade, and then see if they are low enough. If not, there are always other Lexus vehicles that have great performance for a great price.
@@Ben_Mayall I see your point.
You're comparing a car that originally came out in '99 with a car that came out in 2017...
😂