S65JAR

I'd like to share this with you all, as it's really bugging me!

When I bought my S65, I failed to notice that the one thing I was looking forward to the most, was not there. I was deeply looking forward to seeing the lettering 'V12 BITURBO' lit up in the instrument cluster each and every time step into the vehicle.

Having seen other CL65's, and S65's of the same era online, I know this was a nice little touch AMG put into these cars. The same for the CL55's, and the S55's - 'V8 Kompressor'. The top speed was also raised to I think 220MPH.

After noticing this a few weeks into ownership, I immediately started to hunt around for pictures to see if ALL S65/CL65's had this, and I was re-assured to find they don't. I found a number of pics, and zoomed into the cluster (sad I know), and a number of them didn't have it!

So my question is was this an optional extra? If not, what could possibly have happened to the original one out into my car?

I have found one on Ebay, but it's the best part of £600/$900! And I'm not entirely sure it would be compatible....Help!

sakodik

You mean like this? http://www.drivingemotions.com/galle...7/97_p59_l.jpg

I think outside of the US, the AMG is in the center (speedo) and the V8/V12 is on the tachometer. Seen here
If you are talking about the COMAND system, then I have no clue and never wanted to mess with the electronics on these cars.

S65JAR

That's exactly what I mean! Exactly like that photo! I don't have that, mine is just plain.....

shardul

iTrader: (1)

all S65 that i have seen have V12 Biturbo on the cluster. Maybe your cluster has been swapped out.

S65JAR

Maybe

I have heard that someone else in the UK purchased his 2004 CL65 brand new, and he only realised it didn't have this on his car when he came to sell and the buyer queried it. He apparently called the dealer he bought it through and they didn't have an answer for him.....maybe MB/AMG just missed some of their cars....

sakodik

I think it has been swapped. How does your speedometer look? Pictures? Does it say AMG at least?

Last owner maybe just wanted the AMG and not the v12. Maybe not.

S65JAR

It is plain. No 'AMG', no 'V12 BITURBO'. The speedo only climbs to 160 MPH. It is exactly the same as a speedo from and S600/500.

S65JAR

Just noticed something....

Every speedo with 'AMG' and 'V12 BITURBO' or 'V8 KOMPRESSOR' has 'Bosch' next to the temp gauge, like in the link above/below:

http://www.drivingemotions.com/galle...7/97_p59_l.jpg

211.070

With the large numbers of 220 chassis clusters that have failed, and been replaced under the factory recall here in the U.S. I would suspect the same of yours.

gregwang168

If you have an S65 AMG it should look exactly like this. Otherwise it was probably swapped out by the previous owner.

S65JAR

Looks like it has been swapped out

sakodik

nice steering wheel Greg!

JAR, if its 160 top, you have the standard cluster. Why the previous owner opted for that cluster is weird. I hope you have a M275 amg engine under the hood!

gregwang168

Here is another one on e-Bay for much lower price, $ 499.99 usd:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271720650709?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Cheers!

S65JAR

I promise I do have the correct engine

S65JAR

Awesome, thank you! Good to see they are readily available!

gregwang168

You're welcome my Friend! I am glad the previous owner didn't swap out the bullet proof M275 engine.

sakodik

Does anyone know if a the engine cover on the 65 series fit on the 600? That could be another thing to look at if the previous just put the covers on it.
Can someone help make list the difference between 65 and the 600
-brakes
-badges
-cluster
-engine cover
-exhaust
-front amg seat pins

I'm sure you have a genuine S65, but I would never put a standard one on one of the rarest trim in the mercedes line up. Debadging yes, changing out like this no!

Looks like you have to change out the cluster with that ebay one though if it bothers you. It would bug me lol. For the time being, enjoy that beast motor.

S65JAR

I put my hand on my heart, and swear that I have a genuine S65 AMG. Trust me

The previous multi-millionaire owner did not sell the dealership (who I then bought the car from) a fake S65! How embarrassing for them would that phone call be if I realised it was fake

On another note - I found out today that less than 20 W220 S65's were sold in the UK. LESS THAN 20!!!!

sloanbj

Plenty of fakes out there. Run a VIN check.

MCMLXIX

I've used this site to check options list....
http://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz

S65JAR

It's not a fake

S65JAR

Thanks!

triniexr

I would try and track down if the cluster was swapped out. Just my 2 cents. I'd be worried if the mileage stated on the cluster is the actual mileage on the car.

jpohl402

60,000 on the button!