My name is Andy, 40 years old and I live in a small town in the Netherlands. It has always been a dream of mine to drive a car with a serious V8 powerplant. And a little while ago, I was able to make my dream a reality!

I can only describe this car as the dreamcar, I didn't know was my dreamcar.

Why a CLS55?

I have been searching for quite some time and started with a W211 E55. But I noticed that I found the looks to be a little outdated and I looked a bit further. I ended up with Audi, investigated cars like the S5 B8, S4 B7, RS4 B7, the S6 & S8 with the V10 engine. I was almost certain that I wanted to buy a Audi S5 B8. Until something in the back of my mind triggered me to look at the E55 again. And then I found out that the CLS55 is almost identical, but with better looks (subjective), better interior styling and I believe a somewhat better chassis.

After finding the right one near me (there were only 3 or 4 on sale in my price bracket in the whole of Netherlands), I was able to call the owner. Talked about an hour, felt good and made an appointment for a testdrive. The testdrive confirmed the talk we had earlier and the deal was made!

Very happy with the car, but I have noticed that not all was told in all honesty (which is almost always the case with 2nd hand buying). My plans: do a proper "stage 0", then add some power. I dont have big power in mind, as this car is very fast already (at least for me haha!)

I like to document, so this thread will be picture heavy.

Some options:

• Dynamic Seats
• Seat cooling
• Seat heating
• Massage function
• Keyless Go

When I bought it:













Plans and progress

Engine
New OE AMG Harmonic Balancer done!
New OE AMG SAI Hoses done!
New OE AMG Intake pipes done!
New OE Rocker Cover Seals done!
New OE AMG Supercharger Grommets done!
New OE AMG Oil Filler Cap done!
New OE Dipstick Cap done!
New OE Air Intake Temperature sensor done!
New OE Thermostat+housing done!
New OE Coolant Temp Sensor done!
New OE AMG Gates Serpentine Belt done!
New OE Oil Level sensor done!
New OE S55 / S63 AMG Intake Hose done!
New OE Fuel Dampener done!
New Oil Level Dipstick done!
New Oil filler cap done!
New Nachi Supercharger Pulley bearing done!
New Supercharger Belt Tensioner done!
New Beru UPT14 Spark plugs (16x) done!
New Coil packs done!
New Mobil Jet Oil II Supercharger oil change done!
New Fabtech Double Idler Pulley done!
New JR Air Filters done!
New Vaico Waterpump done!
New Idler Pulley done!
New Serpentine Belt Tensioner done!
New Gates RPM Supercharger Belt done!
New Power Steering Pump Reservoir + Oil Refresh done!
New AC Aircon pulley done!
New AC Airco Condensor done!
New EVAP Canister done!
New Bosch Voltage Regulator done!
New Bosch Injectors (8x) done!
New Bosch Crank Position Sensor done!
New Oil Filter Housing Gaskets done!
New Lemforder Engine + Gearbox Mounts done!
New Supercharger Scatter Shield done!
New MAP sensor done!
Air intake mod done!
Airbox Gold Heat Reflective Tape Phase 1 / Phase 2 done!
Intake Pipes Heatwrapped done!
Oil Service LiquiMoly 5W40 Ceratec done!
Custom 4" Velocity Stack Intake Phase 1 / Phase 2 done!

Supercharger Split Cooling modification
Supercharger Belt Wrap kit upgrade
Propshaft bearing replacement
New HT leads

Cooling
New Coolant Expansion Tank done!
New Coolant Expansiontank Cap done!
New Bosch 010 Intercooler Pump done!
Primary Intercooler upgrade done!
Coolant Hardpipe Repair done!
G11 Coolant refresh done!

Gearbox
LiquiMoly ATF 1800 Gearbox Oil Refresh done!
New Conductor Plate done!
New Gearbox Oil Filter done!
Modified Transmission Control Unit (TCU) done!

Suspension / drivetrain
New OE Differential Plugs done!
New OE Rear Left Wishbone Cover done!
New OE Rear Right Wishbone Cover done!
New OE Acceleration sensors done!
New Airmatic Compressor done!
New Airmatic Compressor Line To Valve Block Repair done!
New Rear Drop links done!
New Rear Airmatic Bags/Springs done!
New Meyle Engine Mounts done!
New Meyle Transmission Mount done!
New Front & Rear Hardy Discs done!
New Front Wishbones / Thrust Arms / Ball Joints done!
New Inner & Outer Tie Track Rods done!
New Airmatic Compressor Rubber Isolators & Springs done!
New Airmatic Valve Block done!
Differential Oil Change (LiquiMoly 75W140) done!
Proper alignment done!

New suspension bushings etc
New Front drop links
New ARB / bushings (front and back)

Brakes
New DOT4 Plus Brake fluid done!
New OE Brake Light Switch done!
New OE SBC Pump (replaced under warranty) done!

Epytec Bracket for 390mm Brake upgrade
2 Piece Front 390mm Brembo discs
2 Piece Rear 330mm discs (do they exist?)
Braided brake hoses

Exhaust
New OE AMG Exhaust Rubbers done!
New Exhaust Clamp Secondary cats done!
New V-Band Clamps Catback done!
New Bosch Primary O2 sensors done!
New Bosch Secondary O2 sensors done!
Polished AMG Exhaust Tips done!

Shorty PLM style headers (or Moscow Supercharge)

 

Wheels & Tyres
New Mercedes Black Hubcaps done!
New Gloss Black Hubcaps done!
20" Japan Racing SL01 SL-01 Matte Black wheels (weight comparison) done!
19" Damina Performance DM04 (sold again) done!
19" E63 AMG Replica Black Chrome (sold again) done!

Lights
New Hella OEM Passenger Side Headlight done! (comparison vs old)
New Osram Xenarc Classic D2S Lights done!
New LED Hella T10 Sidelights done!
New LED License plate lights done!
New LED Bullvision D2s dipped beams done!
New XEOD T10 6000k LEDs done!
New MaxGTRS Festoon LEDs done!

Facelift Tail Light cluster
New wire loom driver side door (lights are not functioning)

Interior
New OE Sunroof Window Trim done!
New OE Interior Temperature Sensor done!
New Overhead Control Panel (OCP) N70/b1 Temperature Sensor Repair done!
New Cupholder done!
New Steering Wheel Vinyl Cover done!
New Steering Wheel Cover (Perforated Look) done!
New Light Switch Cover done! (video)
New Kreezi RX11 Pro Phone holder done!
New Cabin Air Filter done!
New Rubber Boot Mat done!
New Leather Shift Gaiter done!
60 > 92mm Fans Cooled Seats Upgrade done!
Fan Grills on Cooled Seats Cooling fans done!
Trunk Cable Repair done!
GPS Speedometer done!
1440P Copdorn Dashcam done!
Cigarette Lighter Conversion to 2x USB + Voltagemeter done!

Vantrue Dashcam

Exterior
New OE Ambient Temperature sensor done!
New OE Air Guide done!
New OE Plastic Skid plate (Replacing the steel skid plate) done!
New OE Mercedes bonnet logo done!
New OE Trunk Weathersealing done!
New OE Subframe Jack Pad & Airbox Isolators done!
New Gloss black trim B/C-style done!
New Bonnet struts done!
New Side Mirror done!
New SL65 AMG Style Front Grill done!
New Bosch Aerotwin Wipers done!
New SWF wipers done!
Adjusted / Aligned Frameless Windows Front Doors done!
Windshield Wiper trim paint job done!
Carglass Nano Coat done!
Removed Neochrome Dressup Bolts done!


Miscellaneous
New OE Alarm Horn done!
New style Battery Control Module BCM A2115403845 done!
New Keyfob batteries CR2025 done!
New Varta Silver Dynamic AGM Main Battery done!
New Exide Auxilary Secondary Battery done!
New Portable Tire Inflator done!
New iCarsoft Diagnostic Tool v3.0 done!
New Nokia Car Phone Battery done!
New Intact Battery Guard (monitor) done!
OE Pre-facelift Wiper Fluid Reservoir Cover done!
Special tool for engine mounts done!
Special tool for Coil pack change done!
Lifehammer Evolution done!
Autel MaxiPRO MP808-TS done!
Bypass Navigation NTG Comand unit done!
AMG Garage Flag Vanity done!
Schone Sterne 2023 Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3
Dyno Run 457BHP 717Nm done!

 

Checked why the drivers side puddle lights didnt work. Apparently the lint cable (with the blue plug) is broken, so will have to buy a replacement for that.

Also took the time to align the front windows, as there was a small gap between the window and rubber seal. There is a single 10mm bolt (you can access it through the rubber flap in the door (with the round plug). I used a 1/4" ratchet with extension. Slacken the nut and the window is able to tilt, so it sits flush with the rubber door seal again.

 

I wanted to do a LED conversion on the rear tail light cluster, but I didnt know that Mercedes made that virtually impossible. Damn shame that you have to purchase the complete backplate when 1 bulb fails...Maybe in the future I will do a facelift conversion, but its low on my priority list

 

Made a small modification to the air flaps in the front, so in theory the air is able to enter the intake pipes directly. I will add some baffling later to allow more air. The plastic was quite brittle, so effort needed

Left original, right side modified



Modified



Stock

 

Replaced the dipped beams with new Osram Xenarc Classic bulbs, which are almost on par with the Nightbreakers. I bought these after I checked the video of Sergiu Gabor (recommended!)

 

I absolutely love this sight, the "V8 kompressor" badge, the 19" AMG wheels, the 8 pot AMG caliper and the drilled 360mm disc

 

Bought a new coolant expansion tank cap and a oil filler cap. The oil was seeping out the oil filler neck and the coolant cap is a mechanical component (spring loaded) so makes sense to replace it every once in a while.

 

A home mechanic needs to be able to clear codes and see data, so bought myself an iCarsoft v3.0 . Very happy with this, as it does quite a lot. Will be looking into Xentry, as more information is better. Any help/guide is welcome!

 

Off course I also shoot a video once in a while. One of the previous owners deleted the center resonator, so on WOT it sounds just that little bit better This is just a cold start video though

 

Small modification which makes the car look more modern, LED license plate lights. In the end, I added a bit of tint film, to tone it down a little. Too bright looks 'chav" imho, as can be seen in the 2nd picture (tint film was not yet applied in this picturen)

 

This is my first car with such wide rear tyres...285/30/19 , Hankook S1 Evo3. I like them and they arent that expensive either. In the background, my Dewalt DCF899, which is an absolute beast! Check this video where I tested it against its Parkside brother from another mother, back when I drove a Volvo S80 2.4T 5 cilinder turbo

 

This mod I can highly recommend, as it freshens up the exterior. New gloss black trimpieces for the B & C pillar.

 

A common reliability thing, replacing the supercharger pulley bearing. I pushed it out with my workshop press and used the hot/cold method for getting the bearing in the pulley housing again. Even though I have a workshop press, the hot/cold method seemed easier (in hindsight, not so much )











This is the guide that I used

 

Upgraded the T10 side lights with Hella T10 LEDs. They do not give an error on the canbus system, which is great. The light is nice and white and complement the dipped beams great (Osram Xenarc Classic). I bought these also after seeing a review from Sergiu Gabor



Halogen bulb



The Hella T10



Front view



Review from T10 LEDs

 

Bought the special tool for making replacing the engine mounts easier. Still have to do it, have Meyle engine mounts waiting to be mounted

 

Replaced the faded bonnet logo with a fresh new one. Some of the chrome was also chipped off, so that didnt look nice...Small change makes a big difference. Its very easy to change as you just push it in. Off course clean the surface first

Partnrs: A0008171701 A1298880116 (57mm logo)





Logo changed design a little bit

 

Replaced both intake hoses, as 1 was ruptured pretty badly. Luckily they werent that expensive (11 euros each). I applied the gold heat reflective tape as a supporting mod (which was quite tedious )



Broken hose



Golllldddddd


This is how it looks in the engine bay!





My engine is hand built by Andreas Kawula. Thank you Andreas

 

Replaced both rear air bags with new units, they look very well made

 

Copdorn 1440p dashcam, for obvious purposes. I dont have a lot of requirements, just want to have proof, in case something happens.

Link:

 

Weighed one of the rear tyres, which are about 24.5KG, which isnt too bad. Would love to have lightweight wheels, but that is something for later.

Tyre size: 285/30/19 (Hankook S1 Evo3)

 

Replaced the old center caps with fresh new ones. These things make way more impact than you would expect

 

Modified the cigarette lighter with a voltage gauge and 2x USB ports, which is way more relevant nowadays







This is how it looks in action (old picture from my Mini Cooper S R53 John Cooper Works)

 

No reactions so far?

 

Just got here...it's a holiday here! Feel free to post a link in the E55 section; lots of similarities between our cars so your work may be of interest to others hanging out there.

Disconnect the battery when using that wrench on the motor mounts. The extension from the ratchet will get very close to the hot lead on the back of the alternator. One touch to the hot lead and your life will get very exciting.

Air intake tube prices are similar to USA when currency is converted.

Converting the cigarette lighter to USB ports is a good idea; I wish I had done that while I had my center console out to repair the electronic shift module. Your wire stripping tool looks exactly like mine except for color of the handles.

On my car I went with Arnott rear air springs. No external tank for "comfort" mode but it is "don't care" for me. I recommend you use very heavy duty and wide clamps on the connection to the hose to the external tank.

Dash cam is a "Must have". If it supports your side of the story; provide a copy. If it shows you screwed up, you don't mention the dash cam. I once pulled several interesting videos off of my dash cam when my car went into the shop for SBC issue; nothing for me to complain about but the videos were interesting (The video of my car quickly accelerating to very high speed put a smile on my face).

I recommend rotating the rear tires side to side regularly. The right rear spins first under acceleration until the traction control applies the brake on that corner so the inside of that tire wears first. It looks a lot like incorrect toe-in but it's the tire spinning. So...swap side to side regularly. And watch the inside of the front tires for signs of incorrect toe or suspension issues. If the rubber tread blocks start looking "peeled" or "chunked" you need to find and resolve the issue.

If you are looking for a Xentry system, contact BenzNinja via PM here on the forum. He's located in France so at least you'll be in the same time zone and not 6 or 7 hours apart like I am.

On your coolant expansion tank, try grabbing and rolling the edges of the tank using a thumb and forefinger. If the plastic crumbles, it is time for a new tank. I recently did this on both my '99 and '05 E55s. Not very expensive. I paid $40 US for the coolant reservoir and another $22 US for the labels.
--AMG label A000-584-26-11
--High pressure label A210-584-07-21

If you ever have to replace the water pump, that is the time to pull the alternator (much easier with the water pump out!) and have it rebuilt or at least to replace the voltage regulator.

Now...it is time for a cold beer here! Cheers!

Edit: your photos brought back some good memories of a time on leave in the Netherlands. I was stationed in Germany and spoke German pretty well. Knowing Dutch and German were very similar I was speaking German to a fellow there and he was speaking Dutch to me. All is good and then I turned to my then-wife and was speaking to her in English. The fellow blurts out, "You speak English!". To which I blurted out, "You speak English!". We both then proceeded to have a laugh about it... Good times indeed.