ND-Photo.nl's 2005 CLS55 Build thread
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e350
steering wheel cover
Where did you purchase the steering wheel cover. Great job.
Because my steering wheel was a bit damaged (normal wear) and I like a steering wheel which is a bit beefier and has a rougher surface (instead of smooth leather). Its a suede cover with black yarn and black inlay, because a red or yellow inlay (and yarn) would not fit the expensive look the CLS has.
It took me about 5 hours to complete this. The color difference is way milder in real life compared to the pictures.
Starting point
Work in progress
And the end result!
It took me about 5 hours to complete this. The color difference is way milder in real life compared to the pictures.
Starting point
Work in progress
And the end result!
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
There ya go! Please note, there are 2 flaps that go over the shift buttons. You might either cut them, but I left them in place as I hardly use the shift buttons
https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003467132474.html
https://aliexpress.com/item/1005003467132474.html
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Went to the local glass repair shop where they treated the front windshield with a coating (they call it Nano coating). I have been there before with 2 other cars and was very happy with the result. During winter times, it cuts down heavily on defrosting times as the frost can very easily be removed compared to when you don't have this coating
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Replaced the passenger side mirror with a new aftermarket one, as I found out that the heating didnt work anymore. I fitted the new one, but havent tested it yet 
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Upgraded another weak point, the double idler pulleys. I imported them from Fabtech Performance
Belts off!
Old & new
For the ones who need to swap it out, you need to transfer the shaft + bolt. Fabtech provides a new spacer.
Belts off!
Old & new
For the ones who need to swap it out, you need to transfer the shaft + bolt. Fabtech provides a new spacer.
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Also replaced the supercharger belt tensioner. It seems they are very hard to come by in Europe. I was able to source one via eBay Germany. Unfortunately the pulley had a dent in it (transport damage), but I decided to transfer the one from the old tensioner which I renewed earlier this year (in July)
Almost done...
Result!
Almost done...
Result!
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
And replaced the weathersealing at the back. The rubber was cracked and I expected dirt & debris under it...
And I was right, old wet leafs and dirt waiting to cause havoc!
Removed everything a did a proper clean
Super satisfying job, I can highly recommend it
And I was right, old wet leafs and dirt waiting to cause havoc!
Removed everything a did a proper clean
Super satisfying job, I can highly recommend it
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Bought myself some JR airfilters as I could not restrain myself for buying something for the CLS
When I bought the car, it had K&N filters, but they havent been serviced in ages. So I bought some OEM filters until I decided on something else. Quality is good (not perfect) and I had to remove the airboxes completely to fit them correctly. But they seem to work well
When I bought the car, it had K&N filters, but they havent been serviced in ages. So I bought some OEM filters until I decided on something else. Quality is good (not perfect) and I had to remove the airboxes completely to fit them correctly. But they seem to work well
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Was able to score these E63 replicas. When I fitted them I forgot they are aftermarket and I need spigot rings. They will arrive later this week, but I think they will look good on the CLS
And compared with the OE CLS wheel
And compared with the OE CLS wheel
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Atlanta
W222 AMG S63
I did this on my E55. It was very dirty and very satisfying to replace.
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
I test fitted them earlier this week but I was a little bit underwhelmed. I still think the original CLS wheels look better. I only made like 1 photo to make my mind up.Again, it doesn't look bad, but they didnt make enough impression for me to keep them. Pic was in raised mode + just of the floorjack.
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
I was in Germany yesterday where I parked next to a Japanese V8 brother. Its a Toyota Celsior from 2004 with a 280bhp 430Nm V8. I told the guy I thought he had a S-class Mercedes when I parked next to him 
Funny to see the difference in styling & performance, as my CLS is from 2005
Funny to see the difference in styling & performance, as my CLS is from 2005
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
I do not often reply on your threads but please allow me to say I enjoy your updates. I do miss the days when in just a few minutes I could drive to a foreign country! Europe was an awesome place to live. I'm glad I got to experience that.
I used to get a pleasant chuckle when I'd see an Autobahn sign saying Paris 440 km. When I travel from San Antonio to Amarillo Texas I am looking at almost 900 km. And I never leave the state of Texas.
I used to get a pleasant chuckle when I'd see an Autobahn sign saying Paris 440 km. When I travel from San Antonio to Amarillo Texas I am looking at almost 900 km. And I never leave the state of Texas.
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From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
It shows to me that MB was way ahead of its time, as the CLS is still a beautiful sight to see. Timeless interior and exterior!
You almost dont believe there is only 1 year difference between these cars...
@bbirdwell I highly appreciate that
and I wish more people would document their cars better as there is a lot to learn from eachother
[edit]
We've been to Texas two times, to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Waco, Fredericksburg, Palo Pinto, Fort Worth, Dallas, Wimberley etc. It was awesome, shot my first guns, had terrific BBQ food etc. It still amazes me that driving great distances is considered pretty normal in the US. If I would drive 3-4 hours in the Netherlands, I would cross the complete country from top to bottom
You almost dont believe there is only 1 year difference between these cars...
@bbirdwell I highly appreciate that
and I wish more people would document their cars better as there is a lot to learn from eachother[edit]
We've been to Texas two times, to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Waco, Fredericksburg, Palo Pinto, Fort Worth, Dallas, Wimberley etc. It was awesome, shot my first guns, had terrific BBQ food etc. It still amazes me that driving great distances is considered pretty normal in the US. If I would drive 3-4 hours in the Netherlands, I would cross the complete country from top to bottom
Last edited by nd-photo.nl; Jan 18, 2023 at 03:09 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
It shows to me that MB was way ahead of its time, as the CLS is still a beautiful sight to see. Timeless interior and exterior!
You almost dont believe there is only 1 year difference between these cars...
@bbirdwell I highly appreciate thatand I wish more people would document their cars better as there is a lot to learn from eachother
[edit]
We've been to Texas two times, to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Waco, Fredericksburg, Palo Pinto, Fort Worth, Dallas, Wimberley etc. It was awesome, shot my first guns, had terrific BBQ food etc. It still amazes me that driving great distances is considered pretty normal in the US. If I would drive 3-4 hours in the Netherlands, I would cross the complete country from top to bottom
You almost dont believe there is only 1 year difference between these cars...
@bbirdwell I highly appreciate that
and I wish more people would document their cars better as there is a lot to learn from eachother[edit]
We've been to Texas two times, to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Waco, Fredericksburg, Palo Pinto, Fort Worth, Dallas, Wimberley etc. It was awesome, shot my first guns, had terrific BBQ food etc. It still amazes me that driving great distances is considered pretty normal in the US. If I would drive 3-4 hours in the Netherlands, I would cross the complete country from top to bottom
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Joined: Nov 2018
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CLS55 AMG
. Hello from Austin. My wife and I were just down in your neck of the woods exploring the breweries in Boerne in the CLS 55.
