2004 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

CL600 Coupe

5.5L SOHC SMPI 36-valve twin-turbo alum alloy V12

Automatic

WDBPJ76J84A040667

Clear

RWD

GAS

For those of you who know about the CL 600 Mercedes Benz no explanation is necessary. For those that don't know, or who haven't driven one, there is not much way to explain it in words. It has been the fasted production line automobile sold in the United States, tied with the Porsche 911 Carerra for honors. The speed and acceleration are smooth as silk with the powerful V-12 twin-turbocharged engine. I've never driven anything like it before in my life, and have enjoyed this car personally for several years now. IT has an amazing ABC hydraulic system, that gives the car a comfort and luxury feel on the road that subtly adjusts the car so that it feels like it's gliding on air. The Cruise Control is not really a cruise control at all, rather it is a sophisticated system whereby the car has various sensors mounted around it so that it adjusts the speed to keep a buffered distance between other cars. That isn't exactly like automatic pilot, but it's pretty close. It's a real spoiler, because it takes so much of the stress out of highway driving. It does not have an automatic parking feature, but it has built-in parking sensors. These are the same sensors that are used in the Cruise Control system also sound various pitched sounds to let you know when you're within a foot of a car or curb. The higher pitched sound means it's close on the front of the car. The lower pitched one means you're getting to close at the rear. This is particularly helpful with parking, but also when you are approaching a low curb it keeps you from scraping the front spoiler. There are 4 sensors on the front, and 4 sensors on the rear. They are artfully concealed as part of the molding, and you can see them in the photos if you look hard enough. Amazing stuff. This car has a MSRP of $125,000, so it was a car made for the rich & famous, of which I'm neither, but I had a little jingle in my pocket a few years ago and bought it from the original owner. It has spent the last few years garaged in Newport Beach, California, and was serviced mostly by Fletcher Jones Mercedes Benz. For those of you who haven't heard of Fletcher Jones, it is not only the largest Mercedes Benz dealership in the country, it is also the BEST, including service. And I had the best service rep there, who was Jon Derbyshire, affectionately known as "Derby." But I have to confess, when I had the most expensive repair (excluding engine or transmission replacement) on the car done last year ($5,000) I took it to a highly-reputable Mercedes geek in Costa Mesa. That repair was replacement of the all-important ABC hydraulic pump. So you can take a deep breath on dodging that bullet. Many people who purchase these cars in a used condition won't be as lucky as you, because the pumps routinely fail at around the 60k or 70k mark. I've also enjoyed the fabulous Bose sound system, which is incredible, and has a six-disc changer. Also cutting edge is the Keyless Go feature with the Benz, where you can start the car and unlock the car without taking the key out of your pocket. Now I have three keys, two that are Keyless Go, and one that is good for a valet key. Trust me, you don't want valets messing around with the Keyless Go features. Just let them start and park the car. That's what they're good at. This feature is particularly good if you have things in your hand, because all you have to do is tug on the door handle and it unlocks automatically, electronically sensing the key in your pocket. Honestly this is an incredible car, and even if you don't bid on mine, try to drive one some day. It has so many features, I can't even remember them all. The owner's manual is as thick as a dictionary. I have to admit that I think changing the time on the clock can be a pain (5 step process that I still can't do without the manual in my hand), but at least you only have to do it twice a year! And if you live in some parts of Arizona, you don't have to do it at all! This car is in excellent shape. The wheels have a few scratches on them, but I inherited those from the previous (and 1st) owner. The tires on the rear have 5k miles on them, and the front tires have about 10k miles on them, and all four are in very good shape with plenty of tread. I will say that you must buy very good tires for this car, high-performance tires, and they tend to cost around $200 each. But they make all the difference in the world in the car's handling, so don't chintz on tires when you replace these. By the way, it would be rare to have to replace all four at once, since the front and rear pair typically wear out at different times, even if you rotate. The car has been in no wrecks or fender benders at all. It's never had more than a scratch or two, and I've had those touched up professionally when I notice them. There's a little bump in one of the rear moldings that's hardly discernible. There is a small prick in the leather of the front passenger seat. I will either have it repaired, or provide a $300 allowance to the successful bidder. I have sold cars, trucks, trailers, collectible musical instruments and lots of expensive items on eBay for years and have a 100% rating. I have this rating because I tell people everything I can remember about the item I'm selling. I've fixed everything on this car that has needed fixing for as long as I have owned it, and I have fixed it right. Although it's true that I got away from Fletcher Jones for the really expensive repairs, the guys I've used are first class. The guys I've used up here in the Monterey area, in fact, know perhaps more about Mercedes Benz automobiles than most Benz dealerships. I'd go as far as to call them "car counselors" because they are very good at helping you maintain the cars in a thorough yet inexpensive way. I can't say enough about those guys. I almost forgot to mention that I just smog-checked it a few weeks ago, so it's good to go in California for at least two more years. It passed with flying colors because it's been well-maintained and because I NEVER NEVER EVER put regular gasoline in it, even when I'm screaming at the top of my lungs at the oil companies. And in case you haven't figured it out yet, this is a sophisicated luxury V-12 twin turbo-charged powerhouse, and it uses premium gas, and it runs like a rocket ship on steroids. When you drive it on the highway, you'll be amazed to find that the jerks that like to cut you off have no prayer. They can't do it. The acceleration left in this car, even when it's going 70 mph, is amazing. It goes from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It probably goes from 60 to 100 in about the same length of time, and it has a top end around 200mph. Now I don't say this to encourage speeding or road racing, only to emphasize that when you need power, acceleration or speed, it has it there ---- waiting on you. Okay, that's all I can think of right now. If you can think of any questions, let me know. This car has been an amazing adventure for me, and I can't wait to get another one, which I will do as soon as I sell this one. Incidentally, before I purchased the CL 600 I owned a 560 SEC, so I had high expectations for the CL600, and it did more than fulfill my expectations. In fact, it radically exceeded all my expectations. It is truly a dream car to drive. I'm sure it will please the successful bidder as well, particularly since you'll probably be paying less than half of what I had to pay for it 5 years ago. The book on these cars is around 27k right now, depending on who you ask, and at 10k miles average per year, it's been pampered. Incidentally, no hard feelings, but this wonderful car is also listed locally for sale, and in a regional newspaper, so a prior sale is always possible, in which case I would have to close the listing early. Of course, there is the buy it now feature, which we could talk about if you're interested. Either way, good luck and good bidding!! SHIPPING: I will help coordinate shipping if you want. If you live near San Francisco or Los Angeles, shipping will be a dream, because I travel to and from both those cities regularly. That should save you a few bucks anyway. Otherwise, you're looking at a cross-country car hauler, which can run $1000-$1200 from coast to coast, or $800 from the midwest. Regards JimOn Nov-14-12 at 12:28:48 PST, seller added the following information: NOTE: The eBay vehicle history report states that my Benz had 3 owners. That information is misleading. The initial owner leased the Benz, and after the lease expired, it was sold at auction. A dealer bought it at auction and then sold it to me. So it really only had two owners who owned AND drove the car.