Luxury Car LOTTERY - I bought An £80K Luxury Coupé For £500! BUT..

I Bought a Mercedes CL500, the 5 Litre V8 coupe version of the much feared W220! Not only that but I bought surely the cheapest one out there at just £500.. it has a serious issue though, will this gamble pay off?
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[@Number27]

Apologies all for the music.. it's only on for a minute.. but was supposed to fade to much quieter.. Editing mistake. Seems to sound worse on a phone than when listening on my laptop.

[@jonathanfabian7297]

Yeah, for B roll or intro shots a little bit of classical music can be nice and appropriate, but not when you're talking. Every day's a school day....?

[@Czechbound]

I don't know why you use it. Channels started doing this about a year ago. It adds _zero_ to your video. It doesn't enhance any sense of production value, is very distracting (even on a lower volume), and doesn't suit the content ( stirring hero music over the description of corrosion on the body don't go together anyway ). Just my feedback. Not dissing.

[@frankserratore3486]

Picky or what , the video was great didn’t even notice the music

[@duncanmarshall2742]

The music is awful. Your channel is great already, you don’t need to experiment like this.

[@jonfrank2566]

Love the channel and respect what you've done and how you may want the videos to become more professional but not sure the music is the way forward. Top Gear in its prime managed it, but they had a huge production team who could spend days in post production getting it just right. Anything less can jar...

[@amglover4361]

That's a bargain for £500, even needing a new ABC pump. It's worth way more than that in parts alone

[@sumkunt0r]

As far as I know ABC pumps are not available from Mercedes any longer. I hope there is a guy in a shed who reconditions them as I like my CLK 500 but I yearn for a CLK or an SL 55 AMG I wimped out because of that and bought a CLK 500 2003 without ABC.

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

Bargain for £500 !

[@placeyplacey]

Parts worth nowt - so many for sale being broken …

[@simmosl5579]

Hi Jack, greetings from Perth Oz, I've recently had an ABC pump replaced on my SL55, which was still throwing error codes after i got it back. The codes indicated low system pressure once the car had warmed up and either on sharp turns or going over a large bump. I refurbished the valve blocks with a £50 kit (it was needed as fixed a problem with the car sinking after parked up for a few days) but the issue remained. To solve it, I used a gopro, inspired by your ferrari 308 engine bay footage, but inside the car to monitor the pump pressure using a code reader, whilst recording the intercepted voltage at the ABC pump suction restrictor valve - i ran a thin wire from under the bonnet to a voltmeter on the passengers seat. By intercepting the voltage using my own connectors the car didn't throw any codes. That meant, almost unbelievably, that the restrictor valve connector at the pump was the culprit. Turned out it was loosening with thermal expansion i.e. when the engine bay warmed up - and its grip was likely initially loosened when the mechanic removed it to replace the pump! As it costs zero to squeeze the connectors so they grip better, reckon that'd be a good first thing to check if your car is still throwing codes after the pump is replaced. It would have been good to get a base line pressure reading on yours before the pump gets replaced. The dash message you got indicates the pump can still produce sufficient pressure to be able to drive i.e. you get a drive carefully code at about ~165bar normal pressure is ~ 190bar and a do not drive code at i believe 140bar or less - plenty of refs out there to help. Cheers.

[@Number27]

Thanks… very clever bit of detective work you did there!

[@voodoocars2134]

£1500… that’s nothing. Just had our 2016 discovery 4 inlet manifold done for that. My X5 had a transmission rebuild- £2100. If you buy an old 80k car you still pay 80k car repair bills..

[@CUDAKIDD]

Jack, you may or may not remember me but I’m the guy that offered you to review my CL55 These are amazing cars, as you say. I’ve had 3 CL500’s, and my CL55 Kompressor, and I’m keen to see the outcome of this Once done, you will fall in love with it I’m actively looking for a C216 model CL600 as I’ve never owned a V12 Mercedes, so need to tick that off my list Good on you for buying such a rare and special car

[@JP-xd6fm]

The C215 is my favorite Mercedes since I first saw it. And the V12 biturbo CL65 AMG my dream car since!

[@TJG239]

it's a facelift and looks in decent shape, you could sell the headlights alone for £500 and make your money back. If the rest of the ABC system is OK, £500 for a recon pump (with a warranty) + £200 for new fluid, ABC filter and a day of your time fitting and flushing the system and it's back on the road. Lots of people who aren't mechanically minded buy lemons and have bad experiences and big bills then come into the YT comments sections spouting rubbish about ABC systems etc. I've had 12 years of trouble free ownership with regular fluid and filter changes over 50k miles on a facelift model.

[@michaelhawkins5530]

ABC fixes are so numerous, problematic and expensive, it isn't worth the hassle IMO. The system will leak and each damper will fail eventually costing at least a grand per corner. There are reasons MB itself chose to discontinue this system. Save the money on the rebuilt pump and spend it on a kit to disable the ABC system entirely and go with four new adjustable coil overs to give it the type of ride you want. Its better to ditch this system now before it bites you really hard. Plus, you will be able to sell the (now) working dampers and any other usable parts from that system to recover the cost of the coil over kit. Even the non working pump can be sold as a core.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Sound advice.

[@garyrains5996]

You cannot believe how many people told me to stay away from this coupe. My mechanic was the worst! I went ahead and bought a 2003 CL600 !! The worst of the worst apparently. Twelve-cylinder, twin-turbo financial disaster, WITH ABC. EIGHT years later, I still love the car. ABC has NEVER had an issue. I did have to replace a radiator years ago, but truly the best car I have ever owned. And it will run like a house on fire! Tesla-like torque. It will throw your toupee into the back seat while launching. Enjoy one of the best cars ever made!

[@georgebettiol8338]

Agree, the CL600 is a wonderful car and a sublime drive. However when the ABC fails, and it will, it generally leads to tears.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Sounds like you've been lucky....so far.

[@acooper1037]

Very Very lucky, I had A CL55AMG what a nightmare, even Mercedes could not fix it.

[@ClassyDriver]

Nice. I have a 2004 CL600. Lots of people don't know what they are talking about when it comes to this car. I have video of mine on my channel.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

An old customer of mine had a CL500, he bought it brand new he was a boss at the Pyrex factory in Sunderland anyway i think if i remember rightly he had paid like £70-80 k for the car a few years later he took the car to Mercedes benz to trade in against a new merc, he was offered something like £9k trade in for his car! He was absolutely furious at how the car had depreciated. He kept the CL until he retired i believe, i always thought it was an awesome car especially for £9k 😂

[@Number27]

Yep.. this one does look good.. providing it can be fixed..

[@brogenville]

What the heck is going on with the daft mood music?

[@jani7683]

I bought a 2000 W plate one of these from a man whom bought it new, he picked it up from the mercedes factory and drove it back to London, the car itself was awesome but the suspension pump was noisy and the suspension legs were worn, took a hit on it and sold it at a loss... typical manufacturer maintenance schedule ruined the longevity of the suspension system, the fluid needs replacing every 3 years not lifetime like it states

[@gazcolman9184]

I've experience with these. Please double check none of the struts are leaking. They're getting harder to find and repair. There's a guy in germany (I believe) who restores and also updates the struts with a lube point for the balljoint which is normally non maintenance. You'd be able to replace the pump yourself being handy with the tools :)

[@acooper1037]

the pump is not DIY, i have the T shirt.

[@sideshowbob32]

2:40 I believe the term you are looking for is 'galvanic corrosion'

[@georgebettiol8338]

Galvanic reaction is occurs when two dissimilar metals are immersed in a conductive solution and are electrically connected - and not the case with the said car. The paint blemishes described by Jack are caused by poor preparation before applying the top coat - a time when Mercedes quality was sadly on a steady downward slope.

[@rafaellastracom6411]

500 quid, what could possibly go wrong. Brave man that one.

[@acooper1037]

3k for a pump 2.5k per strut, very brave or stupid!

[@hamitolcay5978]

Welcome to my world! I had a 2002 S-600 (yes a V-12 with 30 k miles, and it developed the same fault with the air suspension.. It cost me 5000 dollars in 2013 to fix the damn thing!

[@Jack_S_]

Make sure the filter for the ABC system is changed when the pump is replaced! I had a CL600 of the same year, and it was a terrific car, it drove so incredibly well. With the seats, it's the most comfortable car I ever owned, and also the costliest to run. I'm my own mechanic, and the ABC system had numerous faults over the 2 years I owned it. I think it came to over $20,000 in repairs if I had used the local Mercedes mechanic, but really was about $5000 with me doing the labor. I sold it due to fears of future wallet busting repairs and the fuel economy was abysmal. But I absolutely adored it.

[@PerttuNiemela]

This car brings memories... I had almost same spec car from Japan and only 60k km (30k miles). This is perfect car if you are DIY person. First thing to buy is diagnostic tool MB V.2-3 Icarsoft or cheap Chinese Star tool. Then you can pinpoint electrical issues easily and they are 100% coming to be issue. For ABC chassis there are nowadays huge aftermarket of parts and DIY videos and guides on here internet. Example abc struts are not anymore over 1000€/£ each. Also fixing solenoids can repair lots of problems on ABC system. In my CL500 I used RVS treatment for powersteering and it made my ABC sagging lots of better. "RVS is finnish company witch makes oil additives all sorts and are very good." With these cars it is last option to repair them at the dealer.

[@danieldravot341]

There are decided advantages to buying a car and getting it sorted out, the biggest one being that you know the exact condition of the most important system. If you paid more assuming the car was correct, only to have something expensive fail within a day or a week or a month, you end up in the car upside down money-wise. I buy a lot of watches and I’d rather buy a Rolex for less knowing that it needed an immediate service than to buy one that’s been tarted up, only to find it’ll need an expensive service to keep time.

[@vornamenachname5589]

If the pump breaks down, there is a significant risk that metal shavings will come loose inside and spread throughout the entire system. If you want to repair it, you might as well take out a mortgage on your house. Therefore, it's better not to start the engine at all and definitely check the fluid for metal shavings.

[@acooper1037]

you cannot repair them, exchange only when I did mine anyway.

[@mond56r89]

I've had a few of these barges and electrical/suspension and gearbox issues aside. they're actually not bad value. Oh and I've never paid over a grand for one....

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Replace the accumulator and pump fluid filter while ABC pump is replaced.

[@1995RangeRover]

ABC suspension and door wiring are the weak points for these coupes. Looks good too!!

[@phillipleeds296]

Beautiful design. Fun fact: styled by Peter Arcadipane, the Australian who designed the body kits for the original Mad Max Falcon coupe.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Bismark was an absolutely *brilliant* name for your project Benz. I feel that _Graf Spee_ would be equally fitting for the CL500. Or Panzerschiff, and see how quickly it sinks!

[@wernerschroer6138]

Coupes are often considered to be female cars or cars for females. I therefore suggest the name „Angela“.

[@timwood7808]

But Jack, I love your half arsed approach to your projects. Far, far better than my over thought boringly safe (not safe) purchases. Keep it up!

[@jeffb9010]

I will be watching how’s this plays out over the coming episodes as I have agreed to buy the same car (and year) from an old friend who has kept it immaculate and dry stored albeit less than half the mileage of yours. I have driven it and a lovely place to be. I am very handy with the spanner’s and already planning for ‘when’ not ‘if’ the ABC fails🤪. The cost of ownership is down to your perspective - paying peanuts for them and factoring in repairs v paying a lot and haemorrhaging on depreciation and still having to pay for repair. Plus like you Jack I love the challenge. (Already own 2 Alfa’s). Keep up the good work.

[@paulmoor595]

As others say...its a facelift model...which already means much better options for plumbing firestick into entertainment system. Also has later lights. I replaced ABC pump on mine...make sure you flush ststem twice in quick succession...lasted two years no problem. Fantastic buy at 500 quid!.

[@carlwilliams3488]

My neighbour had one of the 600 models. It was ruinous. He owned it for about 8 years, for the first 3/4 he tried to run it and it was maybe on the road for 18 months at best. It had issues with radiator, engine and ECU but it was the suspension was the final coffin nail. When I moved after he'd owned it for about 4 years it was parked and had been for a year or more I asked what it had cost him. it cost just under 40k in repairs in the time he tried to run it. It was very clean and well maintained when he purchased having had a celeb owner with deep pockets but it just ruined him. I don't think the V8 will be as bad as the V12 as the V12 had lots of bespoke parts to the model but I can't imagine it being much better.

[@Haffschlappe]

Never buy Daimler Chrysler crap cars

[@martinsvensson6884]

It might have the most reliable V8 engine built by anyone at the time.

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@Haffschlappe They are really good. You just have to know that they are not built with cheap parts :) And they dont get cheaper just because they are old.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Best of luck with your new purchase! I can’t wait for the review. Usually hydraulic pumps can be fixed with a new set of gaskets. So don’t overpay. Look for someone who can CNC copper and there’s your gaskets.

[@melvinphillips786]

Jack, I love these cars and have had two now, but if you want a money pit you have found a doozie. Electrical issues will definitely abound, warning lights and limp mode will become the norm for you. Notwithstanding this, you will never want a different car! Smiles galore, comfort and endless grunt. Enjoy!!!

[@jonntischnabel]

I bought an s500L (2000) in 2015, 89k new, paid £1750, had a right laugh in that car for a couple of years. Even drove to Italy and back. Surprisingly faultless! 😊

[@TireSlayer55]

That's awesome. Reminds me of the $1300 Jeep Cherokee I put another 60k miles on over 10 years and drove all over the west coast of the US.

[@Rgh71fish]

I remember being in awe at this car at the dealership, back when it was new. It epitomized luxury and status, and was at the top of the MB price range at that time. It was an experience just to sit in.

[@Tipo107]

Well done, I bought one of these a few months ago and have just finished restoring it - including the ABC…which you should not change to coil overs! I can tell you everything about these and the best place to buy parts! Look out for rust under the plastic panels.

[@coalieroller5663]

1500 pounds on ABC repair, thats cheap, I was expecting 15k originally. But when you fix the pump for 1500, something down the line will break very soon. So it maybe end up closer to 15k, might as well just do ABC delete.

[@m4xww]

Love these, bought one about 7 years ago and it wasn't too bad. Gear selector lock broke and got stuck in park, smashed that out. Sold it and a week later it popped an ABC pipe which was NLA.

[@ChevyBM]

That generation of CL is just beautiful, I just love big coupes. I have tough about getting one of these for a long time but the air suspension is time bomb and they also have the SBC braking system that is expensive if it goes, the 500 V8 is durable and also the 5speed transmission is one of the best Mercedes has ever made.

[@martinsvensson6884]

There are much cheaper soultions for that now. I think they just reset some module for the SBC. Its just a counter. The regular air suspension is not really a big problem. They cost some. But so does the whole suspension on any car today. The air suspension is easy to replace though so not much labour cost on the other hand.

[@ClassyDriver]

The CL doesn't have SBC braking system nor air suspension.

[@techstuff-cars]

Jack, you may find you fix the pump, then it’s the valve block and each of the 4 “shocks” right after it. The fluid can get contaminated and that has an impact on all the components. You could investigate the coil over shock conversions. I think you need to replace the pump with one that just does the power steering in that case

[@amglover4361]

Please please ditch the background music, it spoils it and is totally unnecessary

[@cwakadrake]

Indeed it feels like an ad for some cheap ass aliexpress item, better not use it Jack makes it feel just weird sorry.

[@sebastiend.5335]

Your are quite entertaining with your narration! No need for music. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@Number27]

Apologies.. editing mistake. Music sounded MUCH quieter when editing on the laptop. It's only for a minute at least..

[@ElToro2000UK]

I got all emotional and started crying. 😭

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

One of life's Moaners😐

[@stephenricketts7764]

We all know what Mr. T would say🙃 I understand your reasoning Jack so £500 is a good price for a car that is 'broken'. Personally I would fit the pump myself that would be cheaper even if you put the car on a trailer/ truck and brought it home. There are people who do that everyday and at a reasonable price (move cars). Anyway I hope there are no other major issues she does seem to be a good car overall for the age. The people who diagnosed the problem would presumably do the job if you so wished you then might be able to drive the car home. If I have understood you correctly that seems to be the 'Plan A'? Good luck Jack with whichever way you tackle the project and I will look forward to the next episode on this car. 👍👍

[@marcocartalli7503]

Big thumbs up for putting stock photos, it really makes your video look more professional, keep up with the good work!

[@marklawrence2417]

Had a pre-face lift car for 6 years. Was lovely when working - soooo quiet & effortless, bought with only 50k on the clock @8 years old (2000 X plate), my main issues were electrical gremlins - being pushed into the steering wheel at 60 mph was not much fun & gained the nick name GIT! You have the better facelift, electrics are much improved. A number of S Classes & SL's also had ABC & its brilliant when working. I was lucky as only had a minor hydric line go. My old car is still on the road - so they do solider on if you are prepared to put up with the odd expensive hissy fit!

[@ClassyDriver]

Cool project! Will follow this one. Great, you're featuring the C215 as there isn't that much recent content on these models any more. A couple of comments: - This is not the least diserable CL. The C140 is too bulky and will not attain any collector's value (apart from some rare Designo or 72, 73 versions). The next model, C216 looks too aggressive with the big wheel arches. No surprise, MB dropped this design feature for the C217. For me, the C215 is one of the most beautiful coupés ever designed. It's harmonious, sleek and when kept original just emanates class. Well-kept examples will go up in value. - You can't compare your S-class to this CL. Your S-class was a pre-facelift model which had many issues that were later resolved for the face-lift model. Apart from that, the CLs were better build than the limousines. - Fingers crossed for you with the replacement ABC pump. What you could do to check the health of the ABC system is to check the fluid colour and odour. It should be green and have neutral smell, not brown and burned. With the replacement or new pump coming in, your system will be flushed anyway which will be beneficial for its lifespan. - The paint looks in amazing condition. Don't worry about the aluminium corrosion bubbles. There are way more important items to look after on this car than these bubbles. - I have looked for my CL for over a year to find the right model and colour combination. It's a 2004 CL600 in tanzanite blue and java interior. There is a video about it on my channel and some history about the C215 which this year marks 25 years since it was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999.

[@keithposter5543]

I remember these looking a bit naff at the time, but they look great now. Apart from the seat buttons on the door cards 😉

[@SabotsLibres]

"the least desirable S-class coupé of all..." Anne Robinson: "I've got a CL500; it's a good car." Clarkson: "No it isn't..."

[@martinsvensson6884]

Probably the best in its class from that era.

[@SabotsLibres]

@@martinsvensson6884 Clarkson felt that if you bought a CL with a V8, it had to be a CL55....

[@scotty6346]

That's a dead tidy early 2000's Merc and is very nice looking, The comprehensive service history file and complete tool kit is a big bonus, That's got to be a surefire future classic?

[@phil955i]

Well at least the M113 V8 is pretty bulletproof in those 😉

[@Challenger540i]

I'm so pleased this car is being 'saved' It's the cleanest looking I've seen in ages.....gorgeous interior.. and history...looking forward to your vids.......

[@and4263]

I'm so pleased that you decided to do this, I have a similar mindset when it comes to these cars, I had Mercs for years and never came unstuck although my 600SEL did test my patience a bit!

[@kizzmiaz]

Sorry dude that's the most expensive 500 quid you've ever spent. I had a cl500 Brabus and it was a damn money pit. They never did fix the suspension properly despite numerous, expensive visits to the garage. Those late 90s early 2000s Mercs where when the bean counters got hold of production and quality nose dived.

[@williamkennedy5492]

Incredible cars when they are running properly, that sounds about right, my 2012 W212 E class throws up all sorts of problems, However my 1990 R129 SL doesn't put a foot wrong. I think this is going to be an interesting series of videos.

[@TravelHonestly]

Yep had one. ABC killed it. Corner after corner. A lot of these were converted to regular springs. Gorgeous cars though.

[@psircos]

You're a genius Jack. Why do I say that? Because of the choices you make and that you know, it'll be interesting viewing. I don't need any extra hooks to watch your stuff, but I already can't wait to see what's going to pop up, over the next few episodes. 😊

[@willats]

Good call. I have loved them forever, since they were one of the last cars designed by Bruno Sacco. I bought one 3 years ago to replace a non ULEZ compliant R129 and it has been incredibly reliable if thirsty. Mind you, I didn't pay £500 for it. 😂

[@michaelbeavis6634]

A man that likes to live on the edge. big respect for you fella

[@IHMA83]

Loving this. Got my sights set on a 600 Bi Turbo and want to know what really goes wrong with these cars.

[@brianfarrelly7151]

A truly classy vehicle and tons of car for next to nothing. Good luck with your purchase and next project - looking forward to all your updates.

[@marcaurele3027]

Got the same ABC problem on my 2007 CL600 (95.000 Km on the odometer). Mercedes diagnosed a failing pump and offered to repair it for 6.5K€, that was 3 years ago. One of my friends (a Mercedes enthusiast and engine technician) took a close look at it and realized it was just a leak in one of the ducts that could easily be fixed. I decided to let him go for it which he did for ... 400€. The ABC pump (which had already been replaced when the car had 12.000km), was in perfect condition. 20.000 km later the car stll works without any trouble...

[@dan3092]

Quality content Jack as brave as you were in Lockdown with every ones fave 308 serious car for the money good luck with this one but a clean MOT says a lot its a calculated punt looking forward to the Merc inspection always good value.

[@mrdainase]

I've longed had a bit of a eye for one of these, but not in humdrum grey. I don't get why anyone would pay that sort of money for a car and have it in such an unimaginative body and interior combo. Fingers crossed it all works out okay and you end up with a SL that doesn't try to bankrupt you.

[@martynm.449]

Noooooo!!!!! Everyone will know about these now. You'll push the prices up, and I haven't got one yet.

[@rawhide154]

My father had one. Fantastic car. When the suspension failed it was traded in. However I did a quick search and found mechanical replacement struts that seemed very good, but I don’t know if they are still available.

[@f.d.robben159]

500,-??? ......almost stolen and absolutly collectible. It's a keeper for sure

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Beautiful Motors, Jack take it to a independent Mercedes Specialist = same parts / Service history cloud & they actually go over the cars but alot cheaper, I'll never take my 2015 Mercedes ML W166 to dealer again it's like night & day , Great Video

[@TheAlfaNut]

I had a 2001 CL500 - fantastic motor but my suspension pump failed as well 😅

[@BrunoSantos-qy3wu]

Retire essa suspensão e meta suspensão convencional , com molas e amortecedores !! É uma conversão barata e mais fiável .

[@kennethkostyniuk4906]

I have a 2005 AMG CL65… I’m looking forward to this series and your endeavours with it!

[@SimT8]

Great video love these cars, look forward to the journey. Ps thought the music was ok it was like a Universal Studio's reveal 👍

[@1240enzo]

Good grief, that you can buy such a car (even once repaired) for essentially $4K Aud is simply crazy. Out here such a car would readily go for I reckon 4-6 times that much. Such prestige cars in the UK are absurdly cheap.

[@johnmac8084]

From Reggie to this, out of the frying pan into the fire? I hope not. You're a brave man Jack, good luck 😅

[@samcourt6228]

That interior looks very tidy for its age. Hopefully the suspension won’t be too much of a pain in the bum to sort.

[@popuptoaster]

My W210 E55 estate came with the original bill of sale, £72,000, I bought it for £3k in 2016, have to love big Merc depreciation rates. :D

[@carlharvey7098]

Hopefully can be fixed and no other major problems mate, it certainly is a lot of car for the money and i always thought they look amazing! Good luck! 🤞

[@Number27]

Thanks Buddy,.. we’ll see how it goes!

[@Number27]

Fingers crossed 🤞 buddy

[@Number27]

Fingers crossed 🤞 dude

[@stephencurry8552]

There is a former Mercedes mechanic on KZbin who has been unable to repair the suspension on this same car after more than a year of work and replacement of parts!

[@carlharvey7098]

@@stephencurry8552 😱 that bad are they?

[@klimenz]

ABC delete is another viable option. Yellow Speed Racing coilovers are circa £1100. You can recuperate some of the cost by selling old struts if still good enough (rears are in demand).

[@silvaanosvs8783]

Oooohhhlallaaah! Beautiful car. And it is with fear-speckled joy I anticipate future videos on how this is going.

[@matthewsmith7244]

Jack - I'm sure you know this already, but you can do a coilover conversion on these. Obviously you won't quite get the quality of ride as a working ABC system, but it is a fraction of the cost, and eradicates a problematic issue with the car moving forward.

[@MrCarrera28]

Great car, these are tempting when surfing the classifieds, I am looking forward to seeing how the experience goes!!

[@marknichols737]

go for a yellow speed coil over conversion when the tandem pump goes normally the hydraulic hoses go soon after and the shocks themselves a 1000 pound a corner

[@Millennial_Manc]

SPR Autos merc specialist in Stockport did a great buyers guide on the same car that was in for some repairs, but sadly that wasn’t worth saving. Even so, he said don’t worry if they’ve had big bills in the past as it hopefully means all the common failures have been done. That interior only feels better than the 220 because it has the nappa leather option which covers the dash, door handles and headlining in leather.

[@michaelmccann4706]

I liked the music, a bit disappointed you weren't wearing the pyjama trousers though 😂

[@danielrose881]

I miss my CL500, had it for a number of years and was easily the best car I've ever owned. Had to get rid of it during Covid because I needed the money, wish I didn't sell it now. I had the ABC issue come up intermittently and found that if you just raise the suspension, then lower to normal, it cleared the problem, but I'm sure you don't want the problem in the first place.

[@spencerbarratt7421]

Good luck Jack, ya gonna need it!

[@rthomasbox]

Remember this car being featured on Top Gear, buy a luxury car for the price of a Fiesta. Think Clarkson bought one and it broke, which May predicted as soon as Clarkson turned up with it

[@2702simmo]

Brilliant I love the project cars

[@cestusfr]

Some people sell coilovers conversion kits. I know i would buy one directly if i were to get an S class from the same era. Like CEIKA CUSTOM COILOVERS FOR MERCEDES BENZ S CLASS W220 (99~05) $1,390.00 USD.

[@richardharrold9736]

Why on earth would you want to ditch the ABC? It's so much superior to standard suspension.

[@cestusfr]

@@richardharrold9736 peace of mind and wallet

[@judih.8754]

Good choice. I would take a chance on this car too. Best of luck Jack.

[@FloridaClay]

Yes, maintenance can keep you awake at night, but oh my, it is a beautiful beast!

[@herme99]

One rule I have as the owner of 5 classics, is never keep a tally of the amount spent…..

[@curlyspikes7114]

I've had 2 of these on 03 plates. First one a kept for year and sold when I moved abroad and bought another one (for £3.5k) when I returned a few years later. Drove it for 5 years and scrapped it when the hydraulic suspension failed catastrophically and it had over 150k on it and had only had regular routine maintenance.. Everything else worked fine on it and it had the 19inch AMG wheels. The paintwork was a bit cack but otherwise great value luxury GT car.

[@JC-fi5fq]

Go for it Jack! Positive mental attitude goes a long way, you'll sort it....

[@reallynotpc]

I’m already wondering if there’s a rebuild option for the pump.

[@peterrobinson3440]

You'd be better off going to an indy merc specialist e.g. PCS or Tim Purslow in Hants. Way better than the main dealers especially on older stuff. The prices of these cars is just mind blowing. Surely good ones will become classics and go up in value over time. The CL has such elegant lines/look, and also think the CLK ('06 to '09 - i.e rust probs largely eliminated) is a future classic. Again the lines and overall look. Have a CLK and it is built so solid.

[@dinispaulino7512]

2k pounds is ridiculous money for a car like this with a new ABC pump! I envy how cheap cars are in the UK so much!

[@fighne]

I purchased a CL55, they are lovely vehicles but service costs are high. But when you look at how long things last it makes sense.

[@TheBaldMiddleAgedMetalHead]

I bought a CL500 for £1400, dumped a tonne of money into it and it failed its mot to the tune of £3000. These are the ultimate money pit 😂

[@felawes]

O loved my CL500. They all had sticky buttons. ABC. You have GOT to go to a specialist. It needs the 'Rodeo' test. Its bonkers.

[@XclusiveAaron]

This reminds me a lot of my car, I've got a BMW 6 series coupe from 2004 with the 4.4 V8. Like this Merc, it's amazing when it works but a total headache when it doesn't, too much tech for it's own good and age. My BMW also has that ABC system it's actually really good and I haven't had any issues personally. It also has the same issue with the aluminium, so many people say to me "you've got rust on your car" and I have to explain that it's not rust and doesn't really seem to get any worse. But yeah lots of similarities!

[@stevenr2463]

I remember driving from Vienna to Budapest about the year 2000/2001 in my then new Porsche and being fascinated by the performance of a car I hadnt noticed before (this CL500 or 600 AMG?). Went to the local Viennese Mercedes dealer after that. To my astonishment they seemed rather reluctant to sell me a car, resp take me seriously (!!!)

[@Leonardo555ZZZZ]

Absolute bargain. They are a great car with a timeless design. I would switch it to coil overs , service the engine , brakes and transmission and then it will perform for years to come.

[@davel9130]

A car with that service history (and with the receipts in sleeves to boot) seems like it would be a whole lot less risk than taking a flier on eBay.

[@nigelbullock9039]

Jack, This is a great car and story. Looking forward to seeing your plans.