I bought this RARE Mercedes CL65 AMG V12 for over 90% off MSRP! Hellcat power for SUPER CHEAP!

The CL65 AMG brings back so many memories. I remember foolishly trying to convince my parents to buy one in 2015-2016 when you could find early 08-09 cars for $40k. I thought it would be so cool to have a V-12 car in the house. I imagine they are thankful they didn't listen to me :)

Hoovie, I saw “9500Ci” on the cluster when it started. Someone installed an Escort 9500Ci integrated radar detector and used an aftermarket module to integrate it with the factory screen and steering wheel controls. It looks like a CLEAN install!

I love the CL65, would definitely keep it over the Bentley. As another owner of a 90% depreciated aughts Mercedes, I'm not terribly objective though haha. You are right about them being on the cutting edge. My '06 W211 doesn't have quite as many features as the CL, but it sure has quite a bit for an '06. Things I wouldn't have dreamed of having in my car around the time it was new!

Your channel has taught me one thing above all.
I couldnt afford a spark plug for any car you own.
That's okay I'm glad to have learned so much about super cars and the European imports.
My favorite of your fleet is the Maybach. Exquisite beauty!

Tyler…I’ve dipped my toe into your world. I purchased a 2007 S65 (the sedan version of the CL65) with 50k miles, a 1995 Jag XJS 4.0 L (as a Jag expert told me, half the cylinders of the V12…half the issues) with 30k miles and a 2000 456M.

Tried to buy a 2006 Maybach from MB of Plano (a HUGE dealer North of Dallas), but they would not sell it to me as it had strut issues ($10k each from MB) and would not pass state inspection without replacement. I assured them I was taking the car to California and knew I could buy rebuilt struts for $2,500. Unfortunately, their GM would not accept the “liability” and insisted on sending it to auction.

Back to the S65. Mine was delivered to a Latvian diplomat and sent over to the US, as he was the consulate general at the Latvian consulate in Cincinnati. Who knew there were so many Latvians in Cincinnati? The federalization cost alone was $45,000…I know, I have the invoice from the shop in Baltimore. This was done shortly after delivery of the car, under international diplomatic law. Legal loophole. It has every option (four pages) available…even some unavailable in North America…except the heated steering wheel. And…the European tune with increased speed limiter (like 175 mph)…putting the rwhp at 675+, the 19 inch 2 piece AMG/Cromodora forged wheels, rear video DVD/TV screens and the little refrigerator between the rear, fully reclining, heated, cooled massaging bucket seats. Some stuff you could only get on the Maybach in the USA.

MSRP was over $240,000.

I will give you some advice. The heater issue could be the valve up by the firewall. Ask Tavarish about this…he did a video on replacing the one in the S600 up in New Jersey in the middle of winter. The other issue on these 63s and 65s is the ABC hydraulic suspension systems. The high pressure pumps are $$$. Ask me how I know. And Wizard will kill you if you bring it to him…take it to the Ninja. There’s a place in Germany that rebuilds the components FOR Mercedes-Benz at a fraction of the price:

https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt-kategorie/abc-system/

Oh…and the brake rotors. Wait until you get the price on those. And they can’t be turned. Keep fresh pads on there; they’re cheap by comparison!

My favourite car, the CL65! I’m lucky to get to daily drive a 2004 S600 V12 BiTurbo for the past 3 plus years and counting. The 65’s torque must be simply unreal. Happy motoring Hoovie :)

As a Mercedes technician, I wish The Wizard luck on this project. Such an incredible piece of engineering

The facelift CL is simply the best looking mercedes benz ever in my opinion. Beautiful video Hoovie !

Wow Hoovie, outstanding score! My vote keep the Benz, they're so much more solid, and parts are usually fairly easy to obtain. Not to even mention the fact that an S Class is better built than the Bentley overall. I just picked up it's step cousin - a 2010 W221 S63 AMG with the 6.3V8. Love the channel, and Happy New Year!

It looks like there is space to the right of that G-Wagon for a Unimog. Would be an excellent addition to that beautiful MB lineup. 😉

Another great video Hoovie, if i was in your shoes, I'd keep the CL65 it just a better car all around.
All of the Mercedes parts can be picked up across town. Unlike the Bently parts, which some of them can only be picked up across the pond. Besides, the CL65 AMG is just laid out better, not to mention rare.

LOVE this episode. V12 BiTurbo - yes please!!!! Chrome delete - absolutely! Way to go Hoovie!

Hi Hoovie, The water on the front floorboard, might be due to the drainage holes (right rear) on your car. I had the same problem years ago. The hose that allows the water to drain out, had a big crease in it causing the water to back up. I hope that yours is a simple fix, like mine was. Have a wonderful weekend. 😎

Love all your videos, but you have so many great cars in storage that you've done one or two driving videos of, that I, personally, would love to see more of! Your 599 (when it's driveable) and 911 are just a couple examples of dream cars that I'd love to hear more driving impressions of.

I've had a CL for over 3 years, absolutely in love with it still now. Beautiful drive, and even better sound when straight piped

I was looking at one of these before I bought my CL500 with 88k. The issue for me with older CLs in general are simply the maintaince costs. As much as I love the CL65 the cost for a tune up alone is rediculous compared to the v8. Everything is expensive with these and the only saving grace is if you can do at least some of the maintaince yourself. I love mine and only paid $8700 and it was $120,000 new. So still hell of a deal for the car.

My cars total 1 MILLION DOLLARS!!!


In depreciation 😂


I love it

It is so coincidental. I was looking into Mercedes and BMWs that I could do a long commute without putting miles on my Denali. I was actually looking for this vehicle as I remember it from old top gear episodes. Now you have one. Its calling to me. I need one.

Great video! Like the new garage. This video is a great demonstration of what I’d been teaching my kids. Back in the late ‘80s, when I was at university, I lusted after the Mercedes 560SL that the owner of the company I worked at had bought. Back in 1989, he spent $80,000 for the car. By the mid-2010’s I saw these for sale on Craiglist and eBay for $5,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, had I spent that same $80,000 on a house here in Los Angeles, it would now be worth well over $1M.

That CL is one of the most beautiful MB's they made in the 00's. The SL black series beats it but man its such a timeless design.