2003 MERCEDES-BENZ (C215) CL500

This Mercedes-Benz CL500 is a sound example of a luxurious grand tourer, presented in good mechanical order. Under the bonnet sits a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 302bhp and 339lb-ft of torque, coupled with a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer indicates 99,650 miles from new.

First registered in March 2003, this CL500 has five previous keepers on the log book, and has been in the vendor’s collection for nearly three years. Being a second-generation example, this CL500 comes with Active Body Control suspension and bi-xenon headlights.

The bodywork of this CL500 has no obvious evidence of previous damage, with smooth panels and flush shut lines. The Tanzanite Blue finish is generally very good, though the vendor does report two small patches of bubbling, one near the offside rear wheel arch, and another on the lower half of the offside door. There are also some superficial light scratches in the top coat, so it would benefit from a thorough machine polish. The car rides on a set of W216 type 19-inch five-spoke AMG wheels, which have a few small nicks and blemishes commensurate with the mileage.

Moving inside, the seats are trimmed with Alpaca grey leather, which presents with just some light creasing to the seat bases, and some wear and discolouration on the bolsters, but which otherwise remains in good order. The leather-clad door cards are in excellent condition and feature walnut burr inlays that extend through the four-spoke steering wheel and centre console, and remain in great shape – with the exception of a crack in the front ashtray. Both front seats feature full electric adjustment and memory settings. The seat heating on the passenger side works, but on the driver’s side is currently inoperative.

The rear seats are in excellent condition, and have evidently seen less use. The vendor notes that the rear ashtray is jammed, and there is a scratch on the panel between the rear occupants. Both vanity mirror covers also need replacing, though these are evidently very minor faults. The vendor reports the nearside electric mirror motor is slow but functioning, but that the keyless go system is currently inoperative.

The last maintenance was undertaken in November 2020, where technicians at Bright Motors in Shrewsbury replaced the auxiliary belt and all brake discs and pads, following an initial MOT failure. In September 2020, Mercedes-Benz of Shrewsbury changed a hydraulic line in the suspension and replaced the rear brake pipes. Prior to this, in October 2019 at 98,438 miles, technicians at German Car Services in Shropshire carried out routine maintenance; and in April 2018 the same workshop renewed the front lower ball joints.

The most recent MOT test was on 4 November 2020 at 99,499 miles, which resulted in a pass with the tester noting only the presence of a rear child seat, which prevented full inspection of the adult belt – though the vendor confirms it is working perfectly. The wheels come wrapped with Falken tyres all round. The vendor reports the rear tyres were replaced around a month ago, while the fronts have approximately 4mm remaining.

This Mercedes-Benz CL500 is an impressive luxury grand tourer, equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 and a sumptuous and well-appointed interior. While there are some minor cosmetic blemishes and a few non-critical electrical foibles, this CL500 has solid maintenance history and could make an enjoyable daily driver for its next owner, or a plush tourer for longer-distance road trips.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 20/10/2003 – 14,565 miles
• 05/10/2004 – 27,184 miles
• 01/02/2006 – 41,199 miles
• 05/12/2006 – 52,296 miles
• 11/09/2007 – 61,729 miles
• 07/11/2008 – 72,540 miles
• 15/10/2010 – 77,790 miles
• 23/10/2014 – 86,393 miles
• 04/10/2016 – 89,222 miles
• 19/04/2018 – Mileage not recorded
• 22/10/2019 – 98,438 miles
• 03/09/2020 – 99,122 miles
• 04/11/2020 – 99,499 miles

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.