The fate of Matt from HIGHPEAK AUTOS cheap Mercedes CL 500, plus a bonus Honest Buyers guide!

[@nigeljohnston1148]

This is the type of videos I really like. Really informative and hope this channel grows in 24. Thanks for this.

[@sprautos]

Thanks Nigel. All the best.

[@leedavies1240]

The only time mechanic smile is when u get your credit card out 😅

[@mancavehobbies6213]

lol

[@davidgouyaie8027]

after work payday always the best part isn't it?

[@davidcooks5265]

Lol🙄🏃🏃

[@1951GL]

A very honest video - from someone who manifestly knows what they are doing.

[@martinoreilly8313]

Really great content. Difficult to find videos with information so well delivered. Thanks so much. I’ve subscribed.

[@sprautos]

Awesome, thank you!

[@garyrains5996]

I just found your videos although I have seen Matt's channel for a while. Just for the information, I have owned a "03 CL600 for six years with no major expenses as yet. Anyone who drives or rides in this car is amazed by its build quality, comfort, and SPEED! It will throw your toupee into the back seat if you are not careful. Thanks for the video.

[@carlosmorone]

Great video, came via High Peak Autos. Like the calm approach and very thorough explanations, well done!

[@sprautos]

Thank you Carlos. A buyers guide is a first on our channel so hopefully be doing more.

[@markcarter9476]

ABC struts can be exchanged for refurbished units from some specialist companies. I used a company in Holland called 'abcspecialists' to replace the front abc struts on my Sl350. Less then half the price of buying new units and after several years of use they have performed faultlessly.

[@sprautos]

That’s really good information for us all running abc thanks for sharing that buddy.

[@Human-Resources-UK]

Also used these guys. Good for spheres and pumps too.

[@Dubb1000]

This is a rock solid video, not just because it's very informative and concise. It's because it comments on the fact that the issue often isn't buying a second hand luxury car sports car which has depreciated it's value straight into you budget, the issue is maintaining it! Not maintaining it via cheap knock off parts and missed service intervals, but, truly maintaining the car using premium OEM parts and servicing it within the specified service intervals. If you can't afford to maintain the car you're thinking of buying, then, put your ego in your back pocket and buy something that you CAN actually afford to maintain.

[@sprautos]

Spot on buddy. All the best.

[@russfoggan4092]

Honesty is the best policy and I appreciate your honesty

[@John-c1n9t]

Proper bloke, straight about the costs and problems, customers not pretentious client speak great video!

[@Mr.dnicholson]

Playback speed: x2. Thank me later

[@tigerroz123]

Great video! Ppl forget that even though it is a cheap car today, it was a very expensive car back in the day and still costs alot in maintenance and ppl often cant afford to run them

[@ericgiddio1259]

I'm coming up to my 1st year of owing a CL500 here in Australia. All I can say is heed the advice in this video. Obviously don't buy an utter shitbox but just do it. It's getting hard to find them at any rate. I've not had any major issues yet. First thing i did was give the ABC fluid a flush. I know I'm up for a pulsation dampener at some point.

[@sprautos]

I bet the undersides stay in good condition over there compared to ours rusting away, it’s a constant battle for us, and half the problem to parts failure. Perfect car for cruising around Australia windows down 👌

[@ericgiddio1259]

@@sprautos 100%. My indy didn't like the car at all and infact gave me a quote equal to the cost of the car to put right a weeping strut to pass rego. I took it elsewhere obviously. Your right though.... perfect summer car!

[@sprautos]

the indy didnt like the car!? how can you not like a big comfy coupe with a v8! @@ericgiddio1259

[@ericgiddio1259]

@@sprautos meh dunno. Too busy making $$$ on Pagodas, 108's etc I suspect...

[@vmax1399]

I expect he was a jolly man before he decided to become a mechanic after putting up with the great general public who are disappointed because the way the manufacturers have made the cars Now is not really fit for purpose for instance manufacturing so that they only lasts just throughout the finance period plastic parts all over the place that disintegrate when farted at removing dashboards that is a surgical operation stupid computers where they shouldn't even be no wonder he's quite a dower individual but seems like a good guy a straight arrow

[@sprautos]

Spot on 👌

[@felawes]

The Rodeo test is key wirh the CL ABC system. I loved my CL, but it itoo went the same way as Matt's. Amazing that they had adaptive cruise control in 2000.

[@davidpaterson2309]

Great video and interesting stuff. I’ve owned a lot of MBs including many estates an SL320, a CLK500 cab and an E400 cab - all second hand some of them (including the CLK) very long in the tooth and been tempted by CLs. Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but only one of the estates was ever really any problem - otherwise no serious faults and no more expensive to own than most other cars. The CLK 500 was a joy (nothing quite like a 5L MB V8) and really not that expensive at all as long as you have full NCB, don’t have a heavy right foot and know a good independent specialist. And it’s not hard to buy well - there are always good, low mileage, well maintained examples on Autotrader. Perhaps the other point is to stick with the models without the exotic electricals, air suspension etc - the basics, a well maintained V8 and gearbox, are fundamentally reliable.

[@zm321]

The CLK 500 is so under the radar, many don't know of its existence. Yet we can buy a good CLK 500 for less than the potential cost of putting ABC right on a CL 500 😯

[@trucker5722]

What a cracking insight into buying a quality car, a real shame it’s not worth fixing. I had a S class 320 it had full merc dealer history, one owner with just 58k miles on the clock. I absolutely loved the car but the ABC suspension started to play up and was going to cost thousands to fix so like you say having things serviced doesn’t mean they are not going to fail.

[@sprautos]

Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience with a low mileage model, that’s a good example that things can happen at any time and will help Others. 🙏

[@billbow7757]

The wonders of KZbin algorithm and linking from Matt’s channel. Great video and informative . Certainly an eye opener and a wallet opener too. Well done

[@sprautos]

Thanks that’s great feedback for me to do another. All the best

[@moteenhussain6234]

Lesson learned DON'T BUY A CHEAP MERCEDES 😂😂👍

[@vintagereborn1]

Great video, really enjoyed it... at 1.25x playback speed 😉

[@Goproflying]

Also, if you're buying an expensive second had car in the winter, make sure the A/C works. I bought a second hand S-class in the middle of December. I "tested" the A/C and it seemed to work (it was -3C outside). 4 months later when the weather warmed up, turned out the A/C didn't work (broken compressor). That'll be £2,500 please.

[@ianmuir3640]

I go to a non franchised Mercedes garage in Scotland and that’s exactly what one of the owners said to me people buy an older Mercedes and expect it to be cheap to run

[@stephenrichardson2143]

Great informative video, people only see a cheap purchase price and forget about the repair bills, keep up the great videos, i am sure you tube video production is both time consuming and not easy for everyone to do, great job.

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Love it and I know it’s all serious stuff but cheer up just a little bit 😂

[@sprautos]

Check our latest videos, we’re getting there 😉

[@RhythmGuitarMan]

Really interesting and authoritative video. Thanks for this. Keep them coming.

[@jonathannobbs8286]

They are so beautiful, you can even repair an awful lot yourself. But parts will always be expensive. I used to own an E55 and just the flush kit for the gearbox was over £100. I never had to do any ABC work but I was well aware of the potential cost. I loved it but the constant rust war, (2003 model ) made the decision to get rid for me.

[@holford98]

After watching that I was so depressed I had to call Samaritans lol …..and don’t even own one!!! lol 😂 in fact I don’t think I’ll ever buy a car again!!! 😂😂

[@sprautos]

😂😂😂

[@brettseery6316]

Great review , these are the things you need to know before buying a car. Looking forward to more reviews.👍🏻

[@Brigitte.286]

I was addicted, educational & interesting. Definitely watch more. Thanks

[@rockonbaz]

I don't think I'll bother buying one of these now! Phew!🙈🙉🙊

[@andypicken7848]

£200 for a change of spark plugs seem a bargain lol

[@sprautos]

Not bad considering 16 spark plugs.

[@owensteele1645]

@@sprautosThat's one thing High Peak Autos won't be overspending on.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

I love the 'I always say'. Informative video on a very complex car.😊

[@roryfreeman9433]

New spark plugs at 30 000 miles I say BS, these plugs can last 100 000 miles easily

[@BentleyOnABudget-mp8jj]

Great review mate, so good to hear a real expert opinion. Completely agree with you on the running costs versus buying newer or leasing. My old Bentley makes me very happy but I know what it is. I've had a lot of fun repairing her myself (even though I'm a plumber) but I do wish I had a lift! Surprised how little you charge for servicing, great value 😊

[@iansmith1556]

Obviously a very knowledgeable mechanic with a lot of experience. Unfortunately, he makes Frazer of Dads Army look like a laugh a minute😊

[@BentzensEmporium]

Loved my CL, replaced every strut, two ABC pumps, exhaust, steering wheel controller, battery, radiator and wheels. Sadly I was hit at 110mph on the motorway so it was written off. These cars are fantastic, you'll get 12mpg round town if you are lucky but the nods from those who know what they are makes it worthwhile.

[@sprautos]

What a shame. But a great example of that these cars do need looking after. Great respect for anyone running one and investing in them keeping them on the road.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Customer of mine has the amg one and I often get the pleasure of borrowing it when he’s not using it. What a car!

[@godspeed6315]

I bought a cl600 v12 a few years ago flagship model was one of my dream cars from early 2000’s I wanted back then which was actually a cl55 in black but back then I had kids growing up and needed a house of my own so got into a mortgage instead. In 2020 I looked for a cl55 but couldn’t find one with good enough history then along came the more worrying model the v12 non turbo model which wasn’t known for its reliability as it goes but bit the bullet and went ahead and bought only reason as it was the one in time warp condition with great history and boy I enjoyed this car more and more I drove it , the early model had the cylinder shutoff technology which gave it an unbeatable 30mpg on a motorway run 👏. All in all I’d get one again as I sold the v12 after 2 years of ownership which I enjoyed but must of missed the major bad experience associated with such cars , hopefully the new owner of that car is enjoying like I did.

[@frankirvine316]

Good Matt, They are a nice looking motor car,and it was amazing when you got it on the lift,how rusty the suspension components were😩 You folks have a lot of salt on the roads,and it kills the cars for sure Great video Matt Cheers Frank

[@RichardCarr-zv6bl]

Just came across your channel really good show. Why is it that parts for German cars, are so expensive. Other cars like Korean cars are much cheaper to fix. With German cars, even small plastic parts are overpriced. Is this because of the brand name . You made a comment that the car you were assessing when new was around 70k. Was the value there at the time or again the brand name

[@SavedbyHim]

What is the difference between genuine Mercedes discs and pads and any other brand?

[@sonykroket]

Mercedes really fucked it up in the end. It´s a fucking shame, they once were the kings.......

[@dominicwood3750]

Great video have you ever done a ABC delete, popular in the US replace all four with coil overs.

[@Parknest]

I'd already done the first few don'ts with my W204 C200 but just about everything was working. There were other things that needed attention which only came to light when it was inspected by a dealer prior to having the rear subframe replaced under warranty. I fixed most of those issues myself and it passed the MoT back in September with only 3 advisories. The ABC suspension is an absolute minefield even for DIY-ers. Kent of Mercedessource did a coil spring conversion on his SL500 which is a cost-effective alternative. It is a shame that is car is going to be broken because of the repair costs but that's what the reality of the situation is.

[@sprautos]

Glad to hear you got a subframe under warranty 👌👌 It is a shame buts it’s going to save other CLs so it’s all good.

[@koma7252]

what a disaster of a car...I love it. I want it.

[@sprautos]

As bad as these things can be I still would have one 😂🙌

[@msjcars2317]

All the top brands Matt - anyone who don't have a Range Rover is a scutter in his eyes, he should get his Mum on with him on his channel

[@geriatricmotorcars9516]

To me that's a cheap car Why cannot be fixed normally it's the outrageous repair costs and labour These cars don't have outrageous mileages .

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

you are correct on the 2k a year. that is what i tell my clients as well. I would say that car should be sold for around 1000 to a mechanic.

[@oreilly1237878]

They are great cars as long as they have full service history.They dont seem to buy cars of this quality any more.

[@redcampion7460]

Thank you, you have just saved me a bloody fortune.

[@TravelHonestly]

It’s simply the ABC system that kills these. Other than that they are amazing over engineered cars. But that ABC will murder you.

[@sprautos]

@@TravelHonestly your right

[@BKy-ej1ne]

A serious, calm, experienced mechanic whose work and advice you could trust. I cringe at the continuous laughing on Mat Armstrong’s channel that is the polar opposite of this

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏

[@petrolhead28]

Drive an old luxe over a lease car so correct. And its yours to do as you please with.

[@martinjackson565]

Gearbox mounts engine mounts gearbox connector plug leaking into the ecu gearbox solenoid plates central locking pumps the graphite gear breaks so you get no vacuum put a new pump it then the massage seats don’t work you have to tell the new pump it’s got massage seats via star diagnostic

[@sprautos]

Good info. 👌 Engine gearbox mounts and a 5 speed gearbox plug and plate on any merc 😂

[@markrushton1516]

Can you afford a champagne car on beer money is the question

[@BMWLDRider]

The car is a never ending money pit. Ask me how I know.

[@frankirvine316]

Brilliant Sam, So much to look for on all of the Benz’s,and as you say knowing the service history is absolutely vital Lots going on underneath the car as well,especially with the suspension etc😂 Cheers Sam Frank✅

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks frank

[@Major774]

lol… The petrol station scenario happened to me a few years ago.

[@wilbertwilson9387]

Just came across this video of the CL500. I have a 2006 CL500 same silver color. My Aunt passed away and left it to me. You are correct about the maintenance. I had it for a year now and had to have the rear oil seal and the valve cover gaskets replaced. I suspect they dried out because the car did not get driven much only 13,000 miles. I also changed the ABC accumulators, ABC Fluid and filter. The only thing not working is the drivers side door soft close. Not sure I want to keep it after watching your video.

[@sprautos]

That’s super low miles

[@adriansweet3359]

So interesting alway buy what you can afford to maintain

[@Frank-1978]

I have a cls 55 and its my favorite car ever. 😊

[@sprautos]

Love the Cls 55 great car

[@chriswright9819]

Bit depressing. We have one and have just carries out all the work re the advisaries plus we are awaiting a solenoid valve block having partially fixed the lh droop using kit fro XBR but other solenoids were cracked so have ordred replacements.Disappointed that failed to speak to SPR always on answering machine -but would welcome a trip to them for a final health check.-Chris contact via The Clever Coop ompany

[@sprautos]

@@chriswright9819 we always ring back those that leave a msg on the answer machine.

[@iandonkin6762]

Super-informative video - always loved these, but was scared of the maintenance costs / reliability issues. One thing I haven’t heard you mention is the SBS brake control unit… as a previous owner of a pre-facelift W211, don’t these have a finite service life? That aside, £2k a year to run something as awesome as this (once sorted), is pretty good for what you end up travelling around in!

[@sprautos]

The SBC systems wasn’t fitted to the CL thankfully. It was fitted to the pre facelift 211 219 Cls and 230 sl. So one less thing to worry about on the CL. As you say the SBC system has a life span. Thanks for the kind comments all the best

[@MrCandycorona]

Top vid as always. W212 E63 5.5 facelift buyer guide would be perfect as looking at buying one and I’ll be bringing it to you for all its servicing 😂. Do they have an abc system? I know early M157’s suffer from timing chain stretch but other than that they’re pretty robust.

[@sprautos]

Well your in luck, our next video we are carrying out a major service on a w212 e63 but with an m156 showing what’s involved. And no they don’t have abc, they do have air matic systems though.

[@01menyou]

You're going to be a KZbin star. The miserable but knoeledgeable presentation style is addictive. Even someone who isn't interested in cars would enjoy the owner's pain you're describing.

[@sprautos]

I won’t lie, I feel it when I find these things and have to tell them the bad news.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Not because of what you have said, but that MOT history would put me off. Run on a shoestring from new. Shame. Good Video

[@Chuckyd26]

Hi from South Africa, really enjoying the channel, im shocked how many of these newer cars you do are so rusty and corroded underneath, is that mainly due to salt on the roads in the UK? Very curious to know, thanks.

[@sprautos]

Welcome to the channel. Yes it’s our salt and bad weather 🌦️

[@deaks25]

I think it is important for guides like this to be upfront and realistic. Like you say, too many people buy these old cars for a few grand thinking it'll be new car maintenance when it's actually 20 year old, high tech car maintenance. Sure a bill that makes the car not worth saving can happen, but for the most, part if people know what to expect, they'll have a much happier ownership, even if an issue rears it head. For me, the ABC system and it's costs are generally what make me shy away from the CL and SL. I have seen suggestions about converting them to standard shocks and springs but I don't know if that's a realistic thing to do, a good idea at all or if it's actually worth it for the upfront cost and the potential extra depreciation because it's now not original.

[@sprautos]

I agree with your self, I would like to keep it original, I’m going to keep my guide as upfront as possible and I see first had what goes on and it’s good info for you guys. It’s not to put people off but understand the reality of owning old luxury.

[@fmarquescabral]

What brand are you using for W220 suspension parts? Mercedes is charging a lot of money for bushings and balljoints and Lemforder is moving part of their production to China as far as I know...

[@sprautos]

Lemforda I also find trw good

[@lewisreinhold6398]

Very honest and informative!

[@harveydhillon3682]

More videos like this on this era of mercedes

[@sprautos]

Will do 😉

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

Worth much more than that to break, so he's clear.

[@nickdoughty518]

Very practical advice. Thanks.

[@DragicaKajganić-n7g]

Buy it export to Serbia fix it for cheap

[@wayneroe495]

Another great video a really interesting watch 👍

[@danielmccarthy1982]

I've always wanted a big Merc, and the CL500 is a favourite. Thanks for the reality check: 'can you afford to run an £80,000 car...'. harsh, but true! Something very sad about seeing these amazing motors going into terminal decline. By the way, if you do figure out how to get the space saver spare wheel carrier out of a W163 I'd be very keen to hear it! Regards from France!

[@Tec2Nut]

The air suspension can be a put off

[@tomthepetrolhead97]

I have always said personally old Mercedes BMWS and Audis as loverly as they are. For the average working class consumer keeping one running properly and healthy as they should be is just not economically viable so most of them end up being driven around with lots of faults until they are either unsafe/unroadworthy or blow up.

[@dalecleminson7954]

w221 buyers guide please

[@andrewdaly6618]

you don't want mice

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i am a mb mechanic 29 years. on that car and ones with abc you will have to replace all the hoses, accumulators, and struts. you will have to drop money replacing that system. that is why they are cheap. got my 03 sl500 for 1200 usd after abc hoses blew

[@michaelfk2548]

Not too shabby !

[@markburns2545]

Respect for this bro....awesome vlog....wow and holy sh*t....matt is in this, for a decent billing....(no profit in this old bus 🚌.....am passing on this full stop...😢😢😢

[@Elaba_]

4.551,56 euro road tax a year in Belgium.

[@sprautos]

😮

[@jameslovering9158]

wow the rust under.......

[@MrByootox]

I realised this same kind of thing very quickly after buying a V8 BMW. Lovely car to drive but it's not a cheap thing to maintain and I'm in the motor trade myself.

[@sprautos]

Not even cheap for us in the trade to run are they.

[@MrByootox]

Yeah I like the pain 😂​@@sprautos

[@CL500MBZ]

200 quid for service a? I think your a few years behind on your price

[@sprautos]

Oh really that’s interesting, are you a MB specialist? If so what do you charge ? Or if not what have you been paying.

[@owensteele1645]

It needs new reg plates. And headlights could do with a good buff. I've always liked this era of Mercedes. This could clean up quite well, you know.

[@littlepippin8445]

Well... I got it 🤣

[@exs3574]

Great video 👌 Last thing I would put on the list that many buyers rarely take into consideration - fuel consumption. Average 12-13 mpg might be shockingly surprising to the current Civic owners...

[@goddesseddog]

coilover conversion

[@tenpasttwo210]

"Hello, My sort of Video, calm ,concise and honest....much more of the same please,well done and a thanks to Matt at HPA, my names Ian. 😁👍

[@MrDunky48]

I haven’t watched you before but by crikey, you can certainly put me right off buying some old expensive heap of despair! I’ve never had a new car and apart from my first, never had an old one. I’m not starting now….

[@sprautos]

Old luxury is always a gamble. Hope I haven’t put you off watching us 😂🙈 hopefully some future buyers guides will be less off putting, like to keep it real at the same time.

[@duncancurtis3282]

No, we need realistic reminders to make people think. And cars are an area where folk have completely unrealistic ideas as to how much repairs will cost. I’m just glad I know a trustworthy garage which I can rely on. I’m sure you are reliable as well! Someone told me just recently an S class windshield wiper was £99. Ouch

[@westcoast747]

@@duncancurtis3282I presume it’s the single wiper system on the S Class, so has the wipe the whole windscreen?

[@MrDunky48]

@@westcoast747 I’m not certain but I don’t think so. Two I think but heated with washers built in .

[@XclusiveAaron]

Guy knows his stuff!

[@jimtoomey1414]

brill

[@sohailchaudry2240]

very nicely done. Great Info. I have a cl500 2000 Model in Canada. Love it.

[@mumblety96]

Why do you advise avoiding the V12? 😂😂

[@sprautos]

😂 they are all just money pits at this age, at least with the v8 we have half a chance 😂

[@MK-yu4mp]

Original parts are the best no doubt but this car can be saved and all parts are available on eBay aftermarket and there are decent parts and it can be repaired for less than 1000 quid labour and parts if you go for original Merc than it's not worth it as the cars are cheap as chips

[@martynoxley3745]

So Matts not prepared to massively overspend on this one!

[@sprautos]

No 😂😂 to far gone

[@scotspie501douglas7]

everyone goes on about dealer service history I had ours serviced by VX arnold clark for 4 years and wet timing belt issue and they did nothing as they were using wrong oil no guarantee that the mechanic doing the job is any good and you spend all that money during the service life and they dont give you the rright price until they sell it con

[@razkhan-i9k]

Nice old cheap Mercedes CL class dont make these Mercedes model anymore so sad? How days all electric car which expensive to buy and run? This car is cheap and very older needs lot of repairs and look after

[@russellcaldarola9707]

We're I live in a small town no one will ever change the oil on my cl500 so I do a lot of the work myself.

[@jellytree2765]

Good watch