Anyone has seen/sit in/driven the new CL500 yet?? CL500 really is a master-piece(but again, quality suffers, because of the lower-grade plastic parts).

P.S. When you get to try one, be sure the make a note that, the doors, when opened, swing not only OUT(like usual), but also forward......really nice design, though the concept was already used on Lexus SC coupes....

Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
<LI>Blue/Red Headlights
<LI>Xenon-Look Foglights
</UL>

ICQ#26950002
http://drive.to/akry

Yo Andy! :) I read somewhere that the CL's have full leather interior, which I think means that the plastic parts are wrapped in leather like in the S55... correct me if I'm wrong :)
Greasers!
Chung

Well, you are right, and the medias do say so, but there are parts where leather is not covered. But those major ones(dashboard, door handles..etc) are covered with leather. :) Even the Airbag cover in the middle of the steering wheel(which is S600 like, burl walnut/leather combo)is covered in leather.... :)

P.S. But for one, the area under the rear headrests are still plastic, and you can see the "mold" mark on those plastic. If you ever play plastic model cars, you know what I am talking about.... MB should at least sand down the rough edges before put those parts in the car....

Andy Kuo

I have sat in two of them, not driven one yet. The dealers are keeping them on the showroom floor. You must buy befor you try. Being 6’4” the headroom is terrible. I don’t think the “fit and finish” is up to traditional MB standards. One of them had a serious flaw in the paint. When I pointed it out to the salesman he did everything short of throwing me out of the showroom to get me away from the car and the other people looking at it.

Based on what I've seen I'd go with an E55 or a CLK 55 when available in late '00.

[This message has been edited by tsuru (edited 12-30-1999).]

tsuru, being 6'4" I doubt that the CLK would give you more headroom! I saw one at the dealer in November. See my post "Y2K CL500" this section on 28 November 99.

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1998 MERCEDES-BENZ E430
<LI>OBSIDIAN BLACK/BLACK
<LI>XENON H.I.D.
<LI>DEBADGED E430
<LI>AMG CHROMED TIP DUAL EXHAUST
<LI>CARLSSON 1/6 CHROME (PLUS 1) WHEELS
</UL>

Individual dimensions vary, but as a 6'4" person myself I can say there is plenty of headroom in the CLK, C's, and E's. The SLK does not have enough, especially with a competition helmet on....

As for the paint, I've noticed that many of the newer cars have more orange peel and minor defects than the previous cars. Don't get me wrong, most still look great, its just that I'm seeing more of the newer cars having minor defects I don't think would of made it out of the factory 7+ years ago.

Personal tastes vary, but for the cost I'd go with the CLK55 or E55 first. There isn't a bad choice among them though, it just depends on what appeals most to you.

Hope this helps...Lee

The CLK, at least the 430, fits me fine at 6'4", lots of room. The Headroom of the CL is more in line with the SLK. The salesman said there have been lots of complaints about this.

I agree that the paint on the newer cars isn’t up to the “like glass” paint of old. But the prices are down and you get what you pay for.