COOLIS

I know this is a Lexus forum, but thought I'd just throw this out for discussion. My uncle has a 1985 Mercedes 380SL that I've been trying to get from him for a few years. He is a car enthusiast and takes incredible care of his cars. Well, he made me an offer that I'm seriously considering: buy both his 380SL and his 2006 CLS500. Although I like his CLS, I never considered buying it, as I know the potential problems they can have. Many of them have been addressed on his, so this is why I'm seriously considering it. It's black over sunset red napa leather (I've been told this was a rare color interior), He was one of the first people in California to have the CLS and was told his was the first with the sunset red interior here in CA. The car does now have just shy of 100k miles, so this is a little nerve-racking, but again, he has addressed any issues that have popped up. The car is immaculate. Both the interior and exterior look new. I do know the potential problems these cars can have, especially with the air suspension and electronic brakes. I have told him to have CarMax appraise the car and that I will pay $1000 more than they offer him and then we will negotiate the 380SL into the deal. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with the CLS500 or opinions to talk me out of doing this. I really want the 380SL, and it seems the only way I will get it is if the CLS500 is part of the deal.

greg3852

Friend at work had the same car. It was given to him. He drove it for about a year and gave it back. Said it was the worst car he has ever had. Something was always broken on it.

dseag2

I love the CLS, and that combo sounds amazing. If you have the money (and time) to keep up with the repairs I would say go for it. If not, pass. Also, if you care about the latest technology, I think the screen is pretty small in that model and the technology is pretty dated.

MattyG

The 380SL from that vintage of MB is the car you want.The CLS is an interesting car but it is not worth the trouble. Why is he front loading the deal with you to take both?

Fizzboy7

If you acquire any used, modern Mercedes, you will need money set aside for the repairs. This isn't a knock to Mercedes, but how it is with all used German cars. They tend to go south after the warranty expires, and all repairs and services cost a lot. So be aware and prepared. Great driving cars with high style, but expensive to maintain no matter which model it is. Again, this goes for all German makes, not just Mercedes. If you like it and have extra money to spend on it over time, go for it. If you don't like maintenance headaches and on-going upkeep, skip.

COOLIS

I've been trying to work out a deal with him on the 380SL for probably 3 or 4 years now. He never mentioned the CLS until recently. I have a feeling he saw that the CLS is worth virtually nothing and thought by packaging it with the SL, he could get a bit more overall.

Aron9000

Personally I love the 1st gen CLS Benz, I think its one of the company's best designs, so lithe and sexy. I'd say keep it around for a year or two, have 2-3k saved up in case anything breaks. See if it proves to be reliable, dump it if it isn't. Make sure you find a reputable independent mechanic to work on it, and use the internet to source parts(both aftermarket, new and used OEM). Joining the Benz forum and reading up about the car when you do have a problem can save you a lot of time, $$$, heartache. This goes for both the 80's SL and the CLS. You might also find that the old 1980's SL is a money pit as well, it is 32 years old after all.