Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

September 26, 2020 11:11 am by

Pillarless and Peerless: Mercedes-Benz CL600 with 33k Miles

For September 26, 2020, our used car find is this C216 generation Mercedes-Benz CL600 with only 33k miles and a potent 510 hp twin-turbo V12 engine under the hood. It’s listed for sale on craigslist by a private seller in the Monterey area for $22,000.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

The C216 generation CL-Class debuted for the 2007 model year (in the US). Based on the chassis of the W221 S Class, also new for 2007, it shares many components, including powertrains, with the top-of-the-line sedan. But to our eyes it’s wrapped in a much handsomer two-door package.

The C216 was available in four different flavors: the base CL550, the sport-tuned CL63 AMG, the luxury-oriented V12-equipped CL600, and the bonkers 608 hp CL65 AMG. Of these, we think the CL600 best embodies Benz’s long-running tradition of large luxury coupes, which dates back to the 1950s.

While the AMG trims are admirably quick, their additional bodywork and flashy wheels are a bit juvenile for a distinguished grand tourer. On the other hand, the more subdued styling of the CL600 — not to mention its EV-quiet and -quick V12 propulsion — means you can pilot your $155k luxobarge in relative anonymity.

The M275 twin-turbo V12 lies at the heart of the CL600, producing 510 hp plus a Titanic-like 612 lb ft of torque at just 1800 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a robust 5-speed automatic, and the combo is capable of launching the two-and-a-half ton coupe to 60 mph in about 4.3 seconds — limited not so much by power as by the adhesion of the rear tires.

In its road test at the time, Car and Driver said, “From the moment the car lunges away from rest with a sharp squeal of rear wheelspin until the 130-mph speed limiter gently restrains its charge, the CL rushes forward on an unstoppable tide of torque.”

The Listing

This listing for this particular example doesn’t have an abundance of details or photos, but those provided show a car that presents as new inside and out, which is what you’d expect from a gently-used flagship Mercedes.

Of course, a top-of-the-line Benz comes with a huge array of fancy features, which can be quite expensive to repair. That includes a sophisticated hydraulic suspension, branded Active Body Control (ABC). While it provides a phenomenal level of agility for a large coupe, it has been known to cause ownership headaches. Fortunately, it’s been around long enough that most Benz specialists are now pretty good at fixing these issues without breaking the bank.

Still, as with any used car purchase, you’ll want to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before forking over any cash. Something else to look for is a history of coil pack replacements for each bank of the V12. These tend to go bad about every seven years and are pricey to replace. Other than that, the M275 engine, which has been in production since 2003, has a reputation for being pretty much bulletproof.

The asking price here of $22,000 is on the high end of the range for similar CL600s, according to KBB. But if this one is as well-kept as it sounds — it even sports new Michelins — then it might be worth paying that much. When you consider that’s an 85% discount from new, it starts to look like a real bargain.

Details and Specs

  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C216)
  • 33k miles
  • 5.5 liter turbocharged V12 engine (510 hp)
  • 5-speed automatic transmission
  • Flint Grey on black leather
  • for sale by owner for $22,000
  • Monterey, California
  • WDDEJ76XX9A022696

 

Back to top