Description

2002 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG (C215)

Pre-facelift naturally aspirated 5.4 V8 pillar-less coupe developing 360bhp; sexy AMG Monoblocks

Dating from April 2002 this pillar-less coupe was, at the time, Mercedes' flagship coupe - and in AMG guise, the Bees-knees. It featured the naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 as seen in the range topping E55 W210 and ML55 W163 series vehicles and developed 360bhp - an angry yet also docile engine mated to 5-speed automatic transmission. It was limited to 150mph and shot from standstill to 60mph in under 6 seconds while keeping its occupants cool as a cucumber, in double glazed luxury sat on ever-so comfortable and stable air suspension.

Finished in Brilliant silver and sitting on 18" AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, the car wears a discreet AMG body kit and has Anthracite leather upholstery and an unusual light wood trim. The spec of any CL is always impressive and this is no different. Electric heated memory seats, electric rear blind, Parktronic, rear cool box, dual zone climate control with AC, 4 electric windows, sunroof, mirrors and soft-close doors and boot, Comand navigation and in-car entertainment, cruise and speed limit along with multi-function steering wheel and of course, ABC air suspension.

We note that the gear knob suggests it has keyless-go but this is not the case. It has been retro-fitted and a previous owner looks to have fitted a dash-pod gauge facia from the later CL55 Kompressor version, which this is not.

On starting the car displayed a suspension fault, however, on pressing the ride height button, the car immediately set itself and remained correct working as directed by the buttons (see images of the car sat at the various ride heights available. The vendor has diagnosed this fault to the common issue of tired seals in the suspension block at the front (there are 2, one for each end) and has included a new seal kit with the car.

The history file for this old AMG monster includes its V5C, owner's pack and service book showing some 11 stamps and a file of invoices showing regular service work and parts purchase receipts. More recently we see invoices for services in both 2017 and 2018 including a £1,937 spend in November 2017 at 110,340 miles for MOT and replacement prop shaft mounting, xenon bulb, OSF shock absorber, OS suspension arm and 2 tyres by MB specialist Three Points Ltd of Bristol. In addition, the automatic gearbox wiring loom, plug and seals were replaced along with the auto box oil and filter in August 2018 by MRW Engineering Ltd.

The current MOT runs until October 2021 with just two minor advisories recorded for rear tyre wear to the inner edges (two new tyres supplied with the car which we hope to have fitted), plus at least 4 old MOT certs. With 110,000 miles indicated on an engine like this, the car is barely run-in and should cover another 100k with aplomb. At just £5,000 - £7,000 estimate, surely AMG V8 powered motoring has seldom looked so enticing?

For more information please contact will.daniels@brightwells.com