The Undervalued Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe is a Luxury Car Bargain - Driving a 2004 CL500 AMG Sport

SOLD I love the CL-Class of this vintage - the C215 made between 2000 and 2006. It was a true, traditional Mercedes-Benz (made for Benz enthusiasts) at a time when the company was transitioning form a maker of cars made mostly for the rich to a company looking for a much wider market swath not dissimilar to Volkswagen or Lexus.
This was a very expensive car in its day - it had a list of roughly $90K, and was targeted to the kind of buyer that would use it as a 2nd or 3rd car for weekend getaways rather than primary transportation. It was considered the flagship of the Benz lineup at the time, and featured both rich traditional Mercedes-Benz touches along with groundbreaking technology in terms of mechanicals and construction. The inner body was mostly steel, while the outer body was mostly aluminum and lightweight composite plastic. The inner door frames (on those delicious articulated hinges) were made from magnesium. It weighed less than the prior CL, had more room inside, and was considerably faster and better handling.
Highlighting the tech at the time was the ABC Sport Suspension, a very advanced system that replaced traditional shocks and sway bars with a fluid controlled dampening system, which took readings of the car on the road and would adjust stiffness of each individual strut to all but do away with body sway, roll, or diving. While the system is universally loved while working, maintaining it can be an expensive proposition. That expense is part of why these brilliant CLs are underappreciated and undervalued, and (to me) represent a bargain in the collector car/used car Benz lineup. This was a machine designed to deliver the very best in automotive experience to the wealthiest customer base, and for the most part, it delivered.
Full review and test drive by Bill.

[@jonfarah8529]

3 minutes into the video and already there’s banter and ranting about birds and Peruvian style. Yeah that’s exactly why I come for these videos

[@billace90]

Me too! His funny ranting brings me here, not the cars!

[@titanthompson9376]

So do I!

[@chrismalcomb3387]

Lol yeah Bill is hilarious

[@1971ratrace]

I too when click the play button, wich was my last choice but all the other videos are worst, tought can anyone believe this guy is going to start talking about the weather and the birds? BUM! Than covid-19, his girl, cocaine, guns, stripclubs, heavy metal, bad v8 vs good v8, at least he's not in real estate...he probablly knows no one trust him so he just wash the cars and the owners have to take care of oil changes.

[@humberto3369]

Very hilarious the way he referred to his friend as a 1970's Peruvian soccer player. I am from Peru and know exactly what he meant when he said that. hahahhhah LOL

[@jgh548]

"I consider her a curse from God" - I love it Bill, brilliant.

[@E34Benzin]

Coolest salesman ever. Such a positive, in his own way, and funny guy. Keep it up, Bill!

[@BananaRama1312]

Positive? U trippin

[@sixdegreesofgaming4719]

@@BananaRama1312 it's just his personality you idiot

[@7477238]

Bill is a National treasure.

[@billsbirds2052]

🐦 We see you bill 🐦

[@joe6096]

LMAO!!!

[@billace90]

Bill’s ornithophobia has reached new levels! LOL!!

[@TJC450]

I just noticed the name 😭

[@HeCute_]

Bills Birds I imagine bull shuddered when he read that and peaked outside his window!

[@chrismalcomb3387]

Lol

[@crogunson3446]

Your dark humour kills me man,lm sensing your holdind back.Let go and give us the full bore Props from Australia.

[@neildare32]

This man could review a coffee mug and would watch!

[@NathanAlderGigaBITNate]

Please never stop making videos Bill, kills me every time 😂

[@michaelwilliams9663]

Poor Marty. He gets roasted by Bill in almost every video which is flat out funny.

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

Bill is Chuck Norris' cousin.

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

Marko - WhiteBoard Finance Bill is absolutely no wacko Chuck Norris by any stretch. Troll.

[@tnteachertim]

@@Unfinished_sentenc I think you may have missed the reference....

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

I understand it clearly. Mr Norris is an absolute nut job that predicted” a billion years of darkness” if Obama got re-elected. Total wacko religious zealot.

[@donchichi8345]

@@Unfinished_sentenc Stop talking. You sound stupid.

[@E39ENTHUSIAST90]

Hi Bill, I used to have a lot of BMW's especially 5 series, until I started to drive Mercedes E and C class.

[@brianiswrong]

I see at 4:02 Bill didn't roast her,for fear of being shoved in his own boot and left for the crew to find on Monday morning

[@JasonFlorida]

Right after he said that he didn't mind touching people... then she appeared. She looks beautiful! Bad timing on what he was saying. Lol

[@jccotcher5424]

I've got one, it's a 2006; love it. It's dependable, a blast to drive and great looking. Mine is the same spec, what a great car, I highly recommend it.

[@vahebaldemian]

"A good spot for a compact 9 mil"......I love this guy

[@bob808]

When you turned on the radar detector and it started beeping, I burst out laughing! Oh Bill, you're one of a kind! LOL :D

[@ilhanhalilseyhan6722]

This is the reason I have this car since 1 week. Finally I got my dream car, it is so great to have. Perfect comfort and fast coupe, on highway going 120 mph feels like 60. Great car ever.

[@RevivalontheHudson]

As a card-carrying member of the Northern NJ Sarcasm Foundation I must say. Savage roast of that dude Marty, props to you Mr. Bill.

[@luxurreview]

By far this is the best review yet!! Please do more.

[@Chefjoe63]

Absolutely my favorite Mercedes, i plan on getting one of these hopefully next year, it was going to be this year but we see how that is turning out so far. As usual great video Bill, you crack me up.

[@user-ky3gm3gq2n]

did you get it?

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

Bill thank you for this video . I am in week 3 of lockdown in the U.K. and the weather has been glorious . Low 20c with not a cloud in the sky . My old R129 and W126 are stuck in the garage under covers because I can’t go out for a drive. You lift my spirits and make me smile . THANK YOU !

[@tristanmackid4953]

Hi Bill, Molson sipping Canadian here. Just wanted to say thanks for being such a great source of entertainment through this tough (and boring) time. You're the only channel I've ever subscribed to over many years on KZbin. Love the content, please keep them coming!

[@D4rkS4v4nt]

Love the banter, watching this channel for years from the UK.

[@805NAVE]

Love the commentary and the CL is one of my favorite models from Mercedes. My uncle had the newer gen, the 2012 CL550 I believe. Loved driving that car

[@MercOne]

I loved this CL. This car was knockout in 2000 when it arrived. The styling, tech, everything.

[@PunksloveTrumpys]

Your comments around 5:00 brought a twang of nostalgia, I can fully relate to the feeling a W126 S-Class can give, even if it's seen better days. In 2013 I bought a dark metallic blue '80 500SEL for $1800NZD. Absolute bliss. Love your videos, concur with the COVID-19 comments, New Zealand is in lockdown and it feels like being in Purgatory!

[@AMGEVAN]

I asked for a CL500 video and got one!!!! Absolutely amazing!!!!

[@donaldharvey1372]

Man I love your commentaries an stories almost as much as the car reveiws keep the history lessons going 👍

[@bricesonpayton7053]

My favorite Mercedes, I wish they never discontinued this car. Trying to find one myself in good condition

[@kevinowen4083]

This car is the one for you. This car is in perfect condition.

[@LynxStarAuto]

The hard part and the last part.

[@earltpt]

I had one for years , great car but now I have the next model 216 an incredible improvement, believe me….so much better. Get one, you won’t regret it

[@vahebaldemian]

@@earltpt me too. Had an '03 CL55 and for the past 9 years an '09 CL63. Although the 216 feels more substantial and luxurious, I miss the more nimbler and sportier 215

[@TigerWoods707]

They didn't actually discontinue it. It's now called the S class coupé

[@Manuel89tcf]

This is so fun to watch! You come to see a review of a car and all the beginning is just some random talking, but you stay anyway! Worth it. PS: I love the random talking.

[@alistairjones-owen450]

Been watching these for a couple of weeks and im totally addicted., Bill yor an absolute legend. Your comments are hilarious and your knowledge is encyclopedic

[@ericbanks327]

I love your honesty about the products you feature. I wish there were more salespeople who are knowledgeable and honest as you. Continue the good work.

[@harryt988]

I like your reviews - humorous & informative

[@tsdelaney]

Years ago, Joan Lunden reported on a tour of the Rolls factory and the tour guide made a comment about driving a Rolls being "an occasion". My first Benz was an '84 300SD and every tme I drove it, it felt special. It doesn't feel quite the same with the '05 C240, but I'll be that same feeling comes out in the CL500! Thanks for the video, Bill!!!

[@kcsmith8955]

Bill, your awesome. Love how you call it like you see it and that your a Mercedes fan.

[@cubbysrig]

One of my favorite Mercedes models. Thanks for the review!

[@frankalbano7333]

This was my first car at 18 years old (second hand) and I miss it dearly! This car definitely had the "feel richer" effect... amazingly comfortable and great visibility without the B-pillar!

[@sixdegreesofgaming4719]

Lucky

[@kuto608]

First car at 18? My God where do you live 😂

[@frankalbano7333]

Not sure why I said 18. I was actually 16 when I got this car.

[@funguy4utube]

I came back to view all over again ... you are a breath of fresh air ...... and the cars are a bonus. Your sardonic wit slays me till I burst out laughing .... I leave all renewed & relieved knowing there are other people who view life as I do.

[@howardkerr8174]

Thanks for the weather report....so helpful.

[@thiernobarry6427]

Bill's rants.... Gold. Plus his detailed car reviews are awesome. But i come here for his side comments about everything under the sun. The birds, the 'maroons' ~ ha. Thank u, Bill.

[@twilson1973]

Nice review. The CL is definitely a special car. That one looks to be in excellent shape.

[@dennisburt2410]

Thank you Bill for bringing back the "infant/toddler containment net" it was sorely missed in your previous S55 AMG video! Now if only we can figure out how to keep them from "pawing" at valuable and precious items in the trunk!

[@TD-il6ju]

Your commentary is golden.

[@ianberry5562]

What a maroon. You’re something else Bill never change and never stop making these videos!

[@guettowizards6102]

I love you Bill, you,re sense of humor is epic.

[@detonator2112]

The crazy AMG version is truly a supercar. Beautiful future classic.

[@hooptyhoop9829]

I needed this laugh today, thank you Bill! Great video as always!

[@ChevyBM]

Those are wonderful cars, the look of a long coupe is just stunning, the interior materials, sound system, and the comfort is just insane! The airmatic can be a pain in the ass to maintain but if it has good maintanance history and you find a good mechanic that knows these they are not that expensive to own. These give Rolls Royce ride and comfort for the price of a new small car and you will be happy every time you drive one of these!

[@ChevyBM]

@Commendatore From my own experience a basic year of maintenance (with a good trusty mechanic is about 500-1000bucks.. If you want a big Mercedes on a budget get the previous model (W140 (sedan) or C140 (coupe)). Those are much better built and dont have the air suspension that can be a bitch, The motors and transmissions are really durable.

[@Broadway30062009]

@@ChevyBM Will the ride quality of W140/C140 be on par?

[@ronciucci1732]

Great videos. Love your commentary.

[@stoneyj1a1]

Keep em coming man. Great therapy

[@tnteachertim]

You ROCK, Bill...!! Keep 'em comin'...!! (Aside: I've never seen you focus on the Mercedes bolt heads that carry the star. My 2001 clk has them. Look at the bolts on the door hinges. Staggering detail.) Love from Tim in Ireland.

[@oswb8225]

Truly a bright light in these dark times.

[@noboll]

Bill you are a tonic. Your videos are better than most of the crap on TV. Keep taking the coronavirus whiskey! I am doing likewise. Greetings from Ireland!

[@aramos811]

Whiskey therapy works. I fancy Brandy therapy personally. You are the best car review guy in Naples. Maryann comes in a close second. Keep up the good work!

[@undertakerfire7810]

Wonderful video and Benz as well!👍 and I agree with you very much my friend.. Also so lovely to see a CL, nothing is like a flagship Benz coupe, I have a 2009 CL550 and it’s a joy:)..

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

This channel is gold. Pure gold. And you said it man....fear. Fear and ignorance are the true enduring threats. Keep shredding, Bill!!!

[@Matt_from_Florida]

Thank you for being alive Bill!

[@karlisrubenis]

ive wanted one of these cars for so long. I agree 100% with all your sentiments on this car. The class and elegance of this car are unmatched.

[@revinot]

WOW Tracey is a cold piece of work :-) is that her walking in the frame at 4:00?

[@gsten2116]

I think she was heading back to help Marty with his dead lifts.

[@richardcollins5918]

She was dead lifting something thats for sure

[@Second_Insight]

She’s a gold digger obviously...fine woman there.

[@suzybl]

The lock downs working i see Bill. One of you best.

[@stefanmayr9379]

That's the second best way of enjoying this outstanding coupé. Driving with Bill!!! LOL. 👍🔝🤣😂😅 One of your best videos. Kudos to you and Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹🔝 Take care. ..... and "cheers"!! ✌️

[@mickyeverton]

Many Thanks, one of my favourite Mercs!! Peace From London. 👍👍

[@gsten2116]

Thank you Bill. First good laugh I've had in a week.

[@larsinteriors9348]

Dude you are a gem , seriously i really enjoyed this

[@railroad70]

There isn't another car salesman out there that can give a car a better explanation than Bill. Keep up the good work 👍🏻 we love it!

[@imprepper3401]

Bill Thanks for making your videos. I’m freshened, encouraged, educated . You are appreciated . A break from the news . NOBODY REVIEWS CARS BETTER THAN YOU . When are you going to get that cameraman? YOU CAN DO IT!!

[@xxxscimitarxxx]

Love the banter

[@barbershoppodcast]

This monologue has aged better than the Benz - but like the car, neither one is as advertised and is full of hidden expense.

[@PenttiHuttunenGlobetrotter]

thank you for the video, stay safe greetings from Finland

[@nameless_channel5070]

i love your content bill, your humor is brilliant. you should review all types of cars. i would love to watch your car reviews more than Doug Demuro.

[@lexuslife9751]

Omg bill your comment about being the leader of the creepy lowners association was hilarious!!! Thank you again for another hilarious car review with another gorgeous car!!! I absolutely love the amount of beautiful wood trim that's in that benz!!!

[@timh1907]

Probably your best film yet Bill 👍👍👍 Bloody hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

[@billace90]

Bill, I agree with a fellow subscriber here. Your funny ranting and comments as a brief intro, is what brings me here. What a class act. Stay safe!

[@funguy4utube]

Oh how I enjoy your vids !!!

[@malaki7919]

I like you so much. You make me smile and laugh when I'm in a Living Hell in Texas. I will be in Florida soon and want to stop bi and shake your hand. You Rock. Nice Cars. Peace n Luv to You...

[@MDavidG1]

No handshaking...Bill is afraid of the virus.

[@terryhollis6866]

Freshen it up Marty

[@terryhollis6866]

Also...whiskey therapy?....I call it "the power of positive drinking".

[@thegpapi7726]

You know someone’s American when he compares the size of the storage compartment with what gun you can put in it

[@michaelruble3508]

Thank you, Bill. Another great tour of a fabulous Mercedes. I own a 2007 CL550. The next generation of the one you just presented to us. There’s some confusion about the nomenclature of the CL. I read CL means, in German, Coupe Leicht (Coupe Lite) or Coupe Luxesklasse (Coupe Luxury Class). I’m sure the designation of Lite has nothing to do with the weight of the vehicle, but it handles like a much lighter car. I think my version weighs in around 4,600 lbs. That’s the beauty of it. For such a heavy vehicle, it drives splendidly. Power on demand, flawless road feel, and luxury amenities that even many luxury cars do not come equipped with even today. Thank you, Bill for your videos. The world is a better place because you are in it.

[@athenastarbrite2955]

I checked my 2006 car buyer book and that little wood console in back on the S55 amg was part of a very expensive “ 4 seat package “ that required other expensive packages. For this CL, it might have been standard or on on the 600. 2006 was a great year for most luxury cars. Very attractive designs and reliable models.

[@musaauswin]

Nice presentation

[@brianhook8655]

Love it watching from NZ on lockdown

[@codyg4318]

Your vehicle reviews are so awesome 😂😂😂. Bill you got it

[@marcellusrgiovanni370]

Hehe a lot of Saturday night live material, Bill!

[@c5back9]

Come on man! The weather in Naples has been beautiful lately. Monrnings and evenings outside have been absolutely stunning.

[@WilliamBati]

Bill, thanks again for this. Your research and the prep work you put into these is obvious and appreciated. You should consider auditioning for voice acting or voiceovers. There's a whole world of people who make a bundle doing corporate recordings for products and for books. I could "see" you doing the voiceover for a movie like Goodfellas or similar biographies. Also, products for the auto world itself, even being MC or judge for certain events. Good luck with that. For reference, please check out the audio book for "Fools Die", written by Mario Puzo and narrated by: Kristoffer Tabori. Your voice and your inflections remind me of him. I'm not in that business, but I have "read" tons of books and know talent when I see it.

[@theandrew6286]

Love the car and your opening dialogue. Hope all is well brother.

[@Baumfarm]

I love your comments on the Cova 19, I feel the same way you do, car is nice too.

[@lukeskywalker1574]

I like the consistency in these videos. At least for the first minute you can guarantee an introduction with 'Good morning, another Florida muggy morning' after that is anyones guess lol

[@ginoliotto1404]

Great entertaining video, now I want a CL.

[@danielmichaels6694]

this was an amazing review. thank you so much. I am looking to buy one of these. He is so funny yoo

[@sohailchaudry2240]

Love your banter. Keep it up. I have a 2000CL500 best car ever. Repairs are expensive but the car is gorgeous.

[@terrencemayes469]

How often does it break down

[@georgedantz4027]

I really enjoy your sense of humor Bill!😄👍

[@b.rwaterhouse4451]

Bill you ever get any e32 BMWs come in for sale?

[@RossEnzo]

Great car even better host! Thanks Bill, also happy THURSDAY! Lol

[@acetvr6]

Have what, $5 - 6 grand put aside for when not if something breaks? and also did it have bluetooth that far back?

[@airenesivad2975]

love it Bill!!

[@ronmccullock1407]

Your videos are a tonic Bill

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Very entertaining, Thanks

[@TheJimburke]

I saw one posted on CL 2 weeks ago. Perfect condition. One owner, 41k, $7800. The post had 40 clear photos of the car. It blows my mind that you can buy a car that cost over $100 k 16 years ago for less than $8000. But the car looks as good as it did when it rolled off the lot. It seems to good to be true.

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

just be ready to invest 15k

[@MarshallPaisner]

Thursday Bill, Thursday. Love your videos!

[@rico4you]

Bill wants the Essential weekend to come...it's Thursday but in Florida it's already Friday....Tracy is waiting!

[@stephenwalker8791]

Why I am just finding this man. He’s hilarious!