Guide Price: £12,000 - £15,000
Highlights
﹒Exceptionally low mileage of just 41,780
﹒Comprehensive main dealer history
﹒Immaculate presentation both inside and out
The Background
When it comes to flagship, mile-munching super coupes, there are few who do it as well as the Germans. And of its offerings, the S Class-based CL has to be the ruler of the roost. Space for days, electric everything and more power than anyone would ever legally need, the CL is the best way to get from A to distant B in the most comfortable way possible.
The car we have for auction here is a C215 version, which was the third generation of the mighty CL. Laden with cutting-edge tech that would make modern cars blush, this luxury suite on wheels is also an AMG version, meaning a supercharged V8 capable of shunting the big Benz to 60mph from a standstill in just 4.5s.
Now coming into their own, cared for, well presented examples are becoming increasingly sought after, especially if they have low mileage and plenty of service history. Which, happily, this one does. Bidding finger at the ready...
The History
Here we have a Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG Kompressor with impressive service history and in the kind of condition we all hope to find a used car in. Powered by a 5.4-litre ‘M113’ V8 engine producing 493bhp and 516lb-ft, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift, this is a serious performance machine. The stats serve to back that claim up - it can do the 0-60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and go on to a limited 155mph. This example has covered a mere 41,780 miles from new.
This model comes fitted with factory optioned adaptive cruise control and bi-xenon headlamps, which were fitted along with Mercedes’ hydraulic Active Body Control (ABC) system, which helps keep this big machine level and true through the bends. Being a Kompressor model, this car features a supercharged V8 engine, giving the CL55 supercar performance.
This CL55 AMG was first registered in November 2002. It has been with the current owner, as part of a wider collection, for around two years. In total, this CL has had just five owners, although it is worth noting that 1 of those owners has had the car in their possession twice... He loved it that much! The present owner takes pride in this lovely example, ensuring valets are carried out every 3 weeks without fail. Arguably one of the lowest mileage examples in the UK, and first used as a Mercedes-Benz demonstrator, this car has lived a life of care and appreciation. It was apparently off the road between 2006 and 2012 and in dry, secure storage by a collector owner, only being moved for an interim service in 2008.
The Paperwork
Pleasingly, there is ample paperwork, including the original owner’s manual, service booklet, car care guide and dealership directory, plus a large file detailing every item of work since 2012. This is complemented by all Mercedes-Benz receipts for parts and services carried out by independent garages. The original tool kit is included with the car, as is documentation in which there is a detailed breakdown of the car’s factory specification. The car has keyless entry and start - two key ‘cards’ are present with the vehicle, along with 2 standard keys. The owner has even indicated they would be more than happy to put a fresh MOT on the vehicle for the lucky winner.
Being built to what many would consider the perfect specification, this Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG Kompressor is the definitive example of an impressive Mercedes-Benz mondel. This particular car presents bidders with an opportunity to obtain something truly rare, as there are believed to be fewer than 200 in UK specification.
Be it as an addition to an enthusiast’s collection, or even as a machine to be pressed into regular use, this car will suit. It has been maintained well, and is ready to go. Details of the car’s past maintenance are as follows:
Summary of service history:
14/08/2019 - 39,700 - Mins Autos MB Specialist - Major service, poly belts, spark plugs
17/03/2017 - 30,165 Miles - Westhill Garage Ltd - Oil service
17/05/2015 - 28,437 Miles - Westhill Garage Ltd - Oil service
02/05/2013 - 24,902 Miles - Westhill Garage Ltd - Major service, sump gasket, transmission oil
11/06/2012 - 21082 Miles - MBS Specialists - Oil service
15/07/2008 - Not recorded - P&S Motors London - Minor service
14/08/2006 - 19371 Miles - P&S Motors London - Minor service
11/11/2005 - 15928 Miles - Alan Day Finchley Road - Major service
12/10/2004 - 12684 Miles - Alan Day Finchley Road - Minor service
The Interior
Finished in Graphite and Anthracite AMG leather, which only light wear to be seen (as you would anticipate with such low mileage), the innards of this CL55 are a rather nice place to be. This CL55 AMG has a whole host of kit, being a flagship car. You have sat-nav, an electric sunroof, and heated and ventilated electrically adjustable massage seats. Unusually, this particular car was also ordered with the optional Pre-Safe collision mitigation system.
We’re assured by the seller that everything works as it should, with no warning lights or broken switches. In the back, the story is much the same, with everything in good order, though the vendor has mentioned that the central walnut trim has a minor scuff. There is a Pioneer amplifier in the boot, which although is operational, is not connected to anything, as it was fitted as part of a stereo upgrade that didn’t come to fruition. However, fret not, as the original Bose sound system is still in place and sounds great.
All the door cards and side trims are in good order, and all the associated switchgear functions as it should. There is no damage to them, nor any signs of damp. The windows function as they should, with silent operation. The headlining is in good order, too, as is the dash - including the central screen for the navigation, which is still bright and clear.
The Exterior
Finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic, this CL55 is a great looking machine. However, there has been some galvanic reaction resulting in some minor bubbling of the paintwork in some small areas. But this is minor, and not immediately noticeable as you can see from the images. Furthermore, the seller advises that this hasn’t developed any further during his tenure.
Minor stone chips are present on the front bumper, though the nearside front fog light surround has suffered from some more noticeable stone damage. In this area, some of the paint has come away - this can be seen in the pictures.
The car sits on five-spoke 19-inch AMG ‘Monoblock’ style wheels, which were replaced with a fresh set in 2013. However, there is some minor curb rash on the front wheels, which can be seen in the images. All the tyres are in good health, and have ample miles left in them.
The Mechanics
The last service was carried out in August 2019 at 39,700 miles and was extensive indeed. This was at Min’s Autos in London, a reputable Mercedes-Benz specialist. They changed the engine oil and filter, before giving the car a full inspection and fitting new spark plugs, poly belts and breather pipes. Prior to this, the vehicle received an oil service in March 2017 and May 2015 from Westhill Garage Ltd, with all genuine parts coming from Mercedes-Benz Aberdeen.
The rear SAM computer has been changed in the last few months, as it was incorrectly causing ‘door open’ warning lights to appear on the dash, which is now no longer an issue. Also, the rar exhaust silencers have been deleted, which gives the V8 a chance to properly sing, resulting in a somewhat addictive collection of sound as you press on!
The most recent MOT was on 19 June 2019 at 39,851 miles - clean pass with no advisories or issues, as you would expect from a car so well maintained. The tyres are all described as being in good condition. Notes with the car show they had 6mm of tread at 38,420 miles, and have covered approximately 3,000 miles since.
The Appeal
Power, comfort and German reliability. The key to buying a C125 is to buy one that has been well maintained throughout the course of its life. They don’t respond well to neglect. Which is why this is a car you should pounce on. It’s beautiful both inside and out, it’s got the paperwork to back up a life of care and attention, and with just 41k on the clock, it’s not even close to being broken in yet. Get yourself one of the finest coupes ever made. You know you want to.
* The pictures in this listing have been provided to us by the seller *
** Please note; the private plate is not included in the sale of this vehicle. The original registration number, MB52 ALS, will be put back on the vehicle prior to handover **
Notice to bidders
** Please note; the private plate is not included in the sale of this vehicle. The original registration number, MB52 ALS, will be put back on the vehicle prior to handover **
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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