Used Mercedes-Benz CL500

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz CL500

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• After a short ride, a CL500 passenger praised its luxury, comfort and sportiness, describing it as S-Class-like but more sporting.[1]one source
• A forum contributor described the CL as a luxury saloon-style touring coupé whose appeal lies in its electronic aids and underbody technology.[1]one source
• The 5.5-litre V8, quoted at 387 hp, was praised as the right engine for the car.[1]one source

Typical faults

• Inspections of 2007 and 2008 CLs found steering or ball-joint wear; 2007 cars also recorded excessive joint play and damaged dust boots.[3]one source

  2007–2008

• Leaking shock absorbers were recorded during inspections of 2007 CLs.[3]one source

  2007–2007

• Mechanical brake-system component wear was recorded during inspections of 2007 cars.[3]one source

  2007–2007

• Two separate lighting faults were reported: a 2008 W216 whose lamps stayed on, and a 2000 W215 whose headlamps and fog lamps stopped working after the connectors were refitted.[2][4]
• One specific CL500 was reported to develop suspension and electronic faults after standing, with warning lamps flashing; its ABC system had previously been repaired.[5]one source
• A forum discussion identified ABC valve blocks and cracking pipes as problem areas.[5]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The source speaks positively of the 5.5-litre, 387 hp V8; the available evidence does not adequately compare other engines.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test every headlamp and fog-lamp function: a 2008 W216 had lamps stuck on, while a 2000 W215 suffered lighting failure.[2][4]
• Inspect steering joints and ball joints, including play and dust boots; such defects were recorded on 2007 and 2008 cars.[3]one source
• Check for leaking shock absorbers and other fluid leaks; both were recorded in inspections of 2007 CLs.[3]one source
• Check ABC operation, pipes and valve blocks, and establish the quality of any previous repairs.[5]one source
• Repeat the checks after the car has stood for a while, ensuring no warning lamps flash and the suspension functions correctly.[5]one source
• Inspect the mechanical brake components, as wear was recorded during inspections of 2007 CLs.[3]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]bmwslo.com — Mercedes CL500 - Avtomobilizem · forum
2. [2]bmwpower-bg.net — Колеги помагайте: Мерцедес CL500 W216 2008 година... · forum
3. [3]autozine.nl — Betrouwbaarheid Mercedes-Benz CL · press
4. [4]foorum.clubmb.ee — CL500 probleem esituledega! - mb klubi foorum · press
5. [5]mercedes-classic.cz — Mercedes Cl 500 "vrána" opět na scéně :-( · press

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