ND-Photo.nl's 2005 CLS55 Build thread
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Went to the dealer to pickup:
Original Coolant temp sensor
Original thermostat + housing
Original upper radiator hose
Original lower radiator hose
Now to pickup some 10L of coolant (I still have 5 Liters in stock) and perform the work anytime soon
Original Coolant temp sensor
Original thermostat + housing
Original upper radiator hose
Original lower radiator hose
Now to pickup some 10L of coolant (I still have 5 Liters in stock) and perform the work anytime soon
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
@bbirdwell For rubber rings you need a silicone based lubricant right?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
I am happy with silicone-based lube as well as it is longer lasting if I am slow to assemble an O-ring-sealed joint. Water-based lube evaporates faster so assembly time is less forgiving. I generally avoid petroleum-based lube unless I'm sure the item is designed for contact with petroleum, e.g. crank seals, etc.
FWIW, my car is *still* in the shop.
Almost all work completed (one broken exhaust manifold replaced, the other exhaust manifold cracked but repaired). New seat covers are being installed this week and then I get her back. At least I'm getting the opportunity to drive my '96 Miata around the countryside.
FWIW, my car is *still* in the shop.
Almost all work completed (one broken exhaust manifold replaced, the other exhaust manifold cracked but repaired). New seat covers are being installed this week and then I get her back. At least I'm getting the opportunity to drive my '96 Miata around the countryside.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 326
Likes: 48
CLS55AMG
On my R500 the IR emitter stopped working so I had to solder the really small wire back together. I ended up getting 2 new fobs for the R500 and 1 new key for CLS55 since I already had a newer key fob. The original fob for my R500 was in rough shape buttons were all cracked. Expensive yes but at least ordered through a dealer by VIN they came programmed for the cars.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
@CDC55AMG I dont think I have the finesse to solder that small wire together haha
If Im not mistaken, my recently bought Autel should be able to code keys to the car
If Im not mistaken, my recently bought Autel should be able to code keys to the car
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Inspired by this thread, I upgraded the fans of the cooled seats: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...mic-seats.html
92x25mm 55CFM dual ball bearing fans
The 60mm Papst fans vs the 92mm upgrade fans
All in place!
92x25mm 55CFM dual ball bearing fans
The 60mm Papst fans vs the 92mm upgrade fans
All in place!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
@hyperion667 I think that is mainly because of the dynamic seats. The black box holds the airlines for blowing up the airbags in the chair for additional support in corners
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
CLS63 AMG
Airmatic Suspension
Been away from this thread for a while (having some fun in Eastern Europe) and dude, you still have an eye for detail and a love for your car, great read.
All caught up now, love the new wheels!
My 2007 CLS63, I am not in love with at the moment, my suspension is a mess.
The left rear kept dropping down after a few days of sitting.
Got that bag replaced, brought it home, car dropped again, this time both sides of the rear and the front left.
After going back and forth with my mechanic, I could see that this was another expensive rabbit hole we were about to go down.
Firstly I don't have good luck with air suspensions (Range Rover, Cayenne) and now this.
I am considering swapping it out with a spring suspension kit, forever eliminating the hassle, unreliable and expensive Airmatic once and for all.
This is not my daily driver, mostly my fun car that I break out on weekends when I feel the need for speed. (my daily is a very simple Jeep Wrangler)
I really miss her, she is dirty and sagging at my mechanics...very sad sight
Thoughts on switching out the suspension?
All caught up now, love the new wheels!
My 2007 CLS63, I am not in love with at the moment, my suspension is a mess.
The left rear kept dropping down after a few days of sitting.
Got that bag replaced, brought it home, car dropped again, this time both sides of the rear and the front left.
After going back and forth with my mechanic, I could see that this was another expensive rabbit hole we were about to go down.
Firstly I don't have good luck with air suspensions (Range Rover, Cayenne) and now this.
I am considering swapping it out with a spring suspension kit, forever eliminating the hassle, unreliable and expensive Airmatic once and for all.
This is not my daily driver, mostly my fun car that I break out on weekends when I feel the need for speed. (my daily is a very simple Jeep Wrangler)
I really miss her, she is dirty and sagging at my mechanics...very sad sight
Thoughts on switching out the suspension?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
@hyperion667 I think that is mainly because of the dynamic seats. The black box holds the airlines for blowing up the airbags in the chair for additional support in corners
Been away from this thread for a while (having some fun in Eastern Europe) and dude, you still have an eye for detail and a love for your car, great read.
All caught up now, love the new wheels!
My 2007 CLS63, I am not in love with at the moment, my suspension is a mess.
The left rear kept dropping down after a few days of sitting.
Got that bag replaced, brought it home, car dropped again, this time both sides of the rear and the front left.
After going back and forth with my mechanic, I could see that this was another expensive rabbit hole we were about to go down.
Firstly I don't have good luck with air suspensions (Range Rover, Cayenne) and now this.
I am considering swapping it out with a spring suspension kit, forever eliminating the hassle, unreliable and expensive Airmatic once and for all.
This is not my daily driver, mostly my fun car that I break out on weekends when I feel the need for speed. (my daily is a very simple Jeep Wrangler)
I really miss her, she is dirty and sagging at my mechanics...very sad sight
Thoughts on switching out the suspension?
All caught up now, love the new wheels!
My 2007 CLS63, I am not in love with at the moment, my suspension is a mess.
The left rear kept dropping down after a few days of sitting.
Got that bag replaced, brought it home, car dropped again, this time both sides of the rear and the front left.
After going back and forth with my mechanic, I could see that this was another expensive rabbit hole we were about to go down.
Firstly I don't have good luck with air suspensions (Range Rover, Cayenne) and now this.
I am considering swapping it out with a spring suspension kit, forever eliminating the hassle, unreliable and expensive Airmatic once and for all.
This is not my daily driver, mostly my fun car that I break out on weekends when I feel the need for speed. (my daily is a very simple Jeep Wrangler)
I really miss her, she is dirty and sagging at my mechanics...very sad sight
Thoughts on switching out the suspension?
Were you a member before today here?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
CLS63 AMG
I have always really enjoyed the dynamic seat bolsters too.
Just last week I had the airmatic compressor and valve replaced. The valve wasn't releasing the air causing a really 'rough ride'. It's def riding much better now after that.
Were you a member before today here?
Just last week I had the airmatic compressor and valve replaced. The valve wasn't releasing the air causing a really 'rough ride'. It's def riding much better now after that.
Were you a member before today here?
Tried multiple times to get back in with my old username but it kept rejecting me so I just created a new account.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
@MB Moneypit thanks for the kind words! On the shortlist are replacing the waterpump / radiator hoses / airco condensor / thermostat+housing / coolant temp sensor. So stay tuned 
Where did you go in Europe?
@UncleBenz55 ditched the Airmatic on his E55 and can tell you more about it. I love the Airmatic system as its so comfortable. But I have to admit, only when its working. I had an issue with the rear left sagging. I replaced both bags by now, but that did not solve the issue. I also replaced the Airmatic compressor and relay. Also I used 2 jubilee clips for the connection to the small reservoir. And it has been good since then.
The Airmatic system isnt that complex and only has a couple of elements to it. FCP euro have an article on it: https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definit...pension-system
Where did you go in Europe?
@UncleBenz55 ditched the Airmatic on his E55 and can tell you more about it. I love the Airmatic system as its so comfortable. But I have to admit, only when its working. I had an issue with the rear left sagging. I replaced both bags by now, but that did not solve the issue. I also replaced the Airmatic compressor and relay. Also I used 2 jubilee clips for the connection to the small reservoir. And it has been good since then.
The Airmatic system isnt that complex and only has a couple of elements to it. FCP euro have an article on it: https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definit...pension-system
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
CLS63 AMG
Well everything that UncleBenz55 went through is what I am now trying to avoid.
Any tips or insight appreciated, this may happen next week.
I was in Germany, Poland and Ukraine doing work for a DoD contractor.
It is quite a ****show over there, glad to be back.
Any tips or insight appreciated, this may happen next week.
I was in Germany, Poland and Ukraine doing work for a DoD contractor.
It is quite a ****show over there, glad to be back.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Ow ****, indeed. I stopped watching the news a little while ago, but some news seeps in from time to time. We also have a housing crisis within the NL which received extra (negative) attention, as priority was given to house refugees as a direct result of the war. Our native inhabitants felt like they were left in the cold, which is understandable.
But enough about that, lets talk more about fast V8's
But enough about that, lets talk more about fast V8's
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
CLS63 AMG
Well after doing the math, I think I am going to move forward with the Airmatic to coil conversion.
The cost of the entire kit for the coil conversion is the same as one OEM airbag.
Here is my current dilemma.
There is a $500 difference in price between the kit that has the sensor that supposedly defeats the suspension warning light.
Spending $500 to defeat a dash light is a bit high.
But I hate dash lights and I do not know how long I will keep this thing.
My mechanic says he may be able to disable that light with his computer, but no guarantees.
Certainly one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't situations"
Anybody with any type of experience with this please speak up.
The cost of the entire kit for the coil conversion is the same as one OEM airbag.
Here is my current dilemma.
There is a $500 difference in price between the kit that has the sensor that supposedly defeats the suspension warning light.
Spending $500 to defeat a dash light is a bit high.
But I hate dash lights and I do not know how long I will keep this thing.
My mechanic says he may be able to disable that light with his computer, but no guarantees.
Certainly one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't situations"
Anybody with any type of experience with this please speak up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Well after doing the math, I think I am going to move forward with the Airmatic to coil conversion.
The cost of the entire kit for the coil conversion is the same as one OEM airbag.
Here is my current dilemma.
There is a $500 difference in price between the kit that has the sensor that supposedly defeats the suspension warning light.
Spending $500 to defeat a dash light is a bit high.
But I hate dash lights and I do not know how long I will keep this thing.
My mechanic says he may be able to disable that light with his computer, but no guarantees.
Certainly one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't situations"
Anybody with any type of experience with this please speak up.
The cost of the entire kit for the coil conversion is the same as one OEM airbag.
Here is my current dilemma.
There is a $500 difference in price between the kit that has the sensor that supposedly defeats the suspension warning light.
Spending $500 to defeat a dash light is a bit high.
But I hate dash lights and I do not know how long I will keep this thing.
My mechanic says he may be able to disable that light with his computer, but no guarantees.
Certainly one of those "damned if I do, damned if I don't situations"
Anybody with any type of experience with this please speak up.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 499
From: The Netherlands
2005 CLS55 AMG W219 C219
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
CLS63 AMG
That 3rd link was really good as well.
I like the advice of ripping out the air compressor as well.
Less stuff the better.
Anyone change the brake caliper cover color (while I will have everything off....)
Mine are a boring silver, but the AMG is still very legible.
I like the advice of ripping out the air compressor as well.
Less stuff the better.
Anyone change the brake caliper cover color (while I will have everything off....)
Mine are a boring silver, but the AMG is still very legible.
