Seanmag

I'm considering a 2009 CLS63 or 2012 C63 or other...

How is the the CLS63 in terms of reliability? Any categories such as engine, transmission and driveline, electrical, or suspension that have moderate or significant issues? Other than replacing rubber and oil, how is maintenance as a DD?

I end a lease on a '08 BMW 550i in February and would like to replace w/ a Merc. I love the sound of that AMG 6.2L engine...who doesn't, right? I've looked at the 2008-09 CL63 (too much money) and 2012 C63 (a little too much boy racer imho) and the '09 CLS63 just seems a little more unique than the '10 E63.

Any feedback appreciated. Thanks!

turbotom1

2007 CLS63 40,000 miles:
https://mbworld.org/forums/cls55-amg...-problems.html


2009 CLS63 30,000 miles
https://mbworld.org/forums/cls55-amg...ast-cls63.html

mwatters

WEll, the Mercedes CLS63 has a smaller, turbocharged engine that manages far better fuel economy than its predecessor. It's a great car and as long as you keep in maintained with oil, detailing and tire rotations.

mercwhip

There is always a chance for a lemon. However, I have a 2006 CLS 55 AMG. Other than having to replace one of the batteries, I have had to invest no additional money into her. I live in the dry air climate of Arizona and have 35,000 miles on my Merc. Great car and a lot of fun to drive.

grane

So the 09 CLS has the same engine as the '12?

cassard

no, the the cls63 amg 2009 has the 6.2L AMG V8.

the 2012 model got the new 5.5L bi-turbo engine.

the 6.2L seems to be pretty much bullet proof since it has been created

grane

Search on "Class Action" on mbworld.org forums.

VCA_AMG

Nothing like fear mongering on the interwebs to try to scare people.

A class action lawsuit that hasn't reached judgement is about as useful as an a@@hole at the end of your elbow.

Given how many thousands of 63 engines are owned by forum members on this site alone and how few failures/premature wear issues we've heard of from owners with LOTS of miles on their cars, wouldn't it be safe to say this engine issue isn't much of an issue? I'd say so.

Seanmag

Gents - thanks for the inight and replies. The wife (and dealer) are trying to talk me in to a '12 CLS63 or E63 w/ TT.. but I just love the idea of the normally aspirated German V8's... the gentleman's muscle car. Time will tell what I actually buy, in the meantime, having a great time "researching" with long and sometimes even overnight drives.

Regarding the lawsuit. This was the first time that I heard about this potential issue. There is some interesting information along with what seems to be a lot of unsubstantiated noise out there on the blogs regarding the lawsuit. Would love to see a response from Merc-AMG on this to confirm or deny and/or third party that could substantiate if these claims are true or not. I suppose if it impacts customer's confidence to buy they (may) end up doing something. Will be interesting to see what, if anything happens over time.

I had some experience w/ one of the first 2008 BMW 535i's w/ the HPFP issues. My local BMW dealer had the car in the service garage for 3.5 weeks out of the first 3 months of the lease. BMW NA stepped in and offered not only to buy it back from me, but leased me my current 2008 BMW 550i for less than the original 535i plus a refund of 3 payments in cash. This was long before the lawsuits, and although they went above and beyond imho, have set a bit of a benchmark for me on what a reputable manufacturer should do. Now if they could only solve for their RFT issues... which is what is steering me away from the '12 550xi.

Seanmag

Thanks for the links.. great resources. Love '09 CLS63 in white with those wheels. Do you also own the '12 CLS63? If yes, any noteable differences in driving and creature comforts?

turbotom1

I'm in my third CLS63 and have driven them over 75,000 miles (in total)
Lots of mixed use, highway-city driving.

Miss the tone of the 09 CLS63's exhaust but the 12 makes a popping noise when shifting that makes up for it
Not sure if its blow off from the waist gate (anyone?)

My impressions of the 2012 versus 09:
The suspension is stiffer & sportier with less body roll and and entering-exiting driveways its noticeably firmer with less bottoming out.

Brakes feel stronger.

Acceleration is completely different as the feel and sound have changed.
You have to try one out for yourself. The excitement is surreal in first and second gears followed by long third and fourth gears with an urgent sense of speed building.
More comfort-technology included, a whole list actually including self parking, better stereo, easier Bluetooth set up, coffecup system etc.


.

_AMG_

Well said!