my first post...please help out a newbie
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 5
From: The Beach, SoCal
'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
my first post...please help out a newbie
Hello all....
I have been a Lexus enthusiast for the past 10 years. Lexus vehicles are incredible cars that are highly reliable but lack the upside in regards to HP & TQ as I'm sure most of you know.
From the preliminary research that I have done, it seems that dollar for HP and ECU tuning upside, you can't really beat the CL600 V12 from a used car perspective.
I am thinking about buying this vehicle and wanted to get your thoughts. '04 CL600 with 43K miles for $42K. Has some nice upgrades that I like, but needs to be lowered still.
http://www.eurocaroc.com/showroom/12...600?cond=10426
Would like to get everyone's thoughts on the price and any other suggestions you may have. I will immediately be doing the Renntech ECU/TCU upgrade.
Any concerns with the V12? Are their electrical problems with '04 CL600s?
I really appreciate any input given.
I have been a Lexus enthusiast for the past 10 years. Lexus vehicles are incredible cars that are highly reliable but lack the upside in regards to HP & TQ as I'm sure most of you know.
From the preliminary research that I have done, it seems that dollar for HP and ECU tuning upside, you can't really beat the CL600 V12 from a used car perspective.
I am thinking about buying this vehicle and wanted to get your thoughts. '04 CL600 with 43K miles for $42K. Has some nice upgrades that I like, but needs to be lowered still.
http://www.eurocaroc.com/showroom/12...600?cond=10426
Would like to get everyone's thoughts on the price and any other suggestions you may have. I will immediately be doing the Renntech ECU/TCU upgrade.
Any concerns with the V12? Are their electrical problems with '04 CL600s?
I really appreciate any input given.
Last edited by slowdiver; Jul 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 0
From: ATL
2012 S600
I've owned 2001 CL, 2003 CL & 2004 S600. I would pay to have the car inspected by a local MB dealership. AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IS A MUST!!
If possible get as newer 600 as you can afford with as much factory warranty remaining as you can find. The cars as a beast but very very expensive to repair.
GOOD LUCK!!
If possible get as newer 600 as you can afford with as much factory warranty remaining as you can find. The cars as a beast but very very expensive to repair.
GOOD LUCK!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 5
From: The Beach, SoCal
'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
regarding the cost of repairs....
isn't it possible to find a MB Master Technician that is local and has an independent shop?
that is how I have always avoided Stealership prices for labor on the install of aftermarket products and general warranty repairs.
isn't it possible to find a MB Master Technician that is local and has an independent shop?
that is how I have always avoided Stealership prices for labor on the install of aftermarket products and general warranty repairs.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 358
Likes: 2
Mercedes CL500
Welcome to the forum!
Where in Southern California are you located?
If you're interested, I don't mind PMing you information to a couple of local Mercedes specialists who service my car.
As a Lexus owner, I have to tell you that we have all been spoiled with Toyota's bulletproof reliability and therefore, it's going to take some time for you to get used to maintaining a Mercedes. I definitely recommend buying the CL600 as a weekend driver rather than a daily commuter.
At any rate, in my opinion the Mercedes CL600 still has one of the best interiors (in terms of quality and feel), best looking exteriors and obviously, most powerful motors compare to 99.9% of cars out there.
Good luck!
Jon
Where in Southern California are you located?
If you're interested, I don't mind PMing you information to a couple of local Mercedes specialists who service my car.
As a Lexus owner, I have to tell you that we have all been spoiled with Toyota's bulletproof reliability and therefore, it's going to take some time for you to get used to maintaining a Mercedes. I definitely recommend buying the CL600 as a weekend driver rather than a daily commuter.
At any rate, in my opinion the Mercedes CL600 still has one of the best interiors (in terms of quality and feel), best looking exteriors and obviously, most powerful motors compare to 99.9% of cars out there.
Good luck!
Jon
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 5
From: The Beach, SoCal
'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
Welcome to the forum!
Where in Southern California are you located?
If you're interested, I don't mind PMing you information to a couple of local Mercedes specialists who service my car.
As a Lexus owner, I have to tell you that we have all been spoiled with Toyota's bulletproof reliability and therefore, it's going to take some time for you to get used to maintaining a Mercedes. I definitely recommend buying the CL600 as a weekend driver rather than a daily commuter.
At any rate, in my opinion the Mercedes CL600 still has one of the best interiors (in terms of quality and feel), best looking exteriors and obviously, most powerful motors compare to 99.9% of cars out there.
Good luck!
Jon
Where in Southern California are you located?
If you're interested, I don't mind PMing you information to a couple of local Mercedes specialists who service my car.
As a Lexus owner, I have to tell you that we have all been spoiled with Toyota's bulletproof reliability and therefore, it's going to take some time for you to get used to maintaining a Mercedes. I definitely recommend buying the CL600 as a weekend driver rather than a daily commuter.
At any rate, in my opinion the Mercedes CL600 still has one of the best interiors (in terms of quality and feel), best looking exteriors and obviously, most powerful motors compare to 99.9% of cars out there.
Good luck!
Jon
thanks so much for the referrals...I will send you a PM.
what do you guys think about the price of the CL in the link I posted?
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 290
Likes: 16
2018 Mercedes E63 S, Boring SUV, 2015 CLS63 AMR Stage 1 (traded), 2015 Audi S8 w/ APR stage 2 (sold)
My Thoughts!!!
I hope I can help you make your decision since I have a black 2004 Renntech CL600. I think I saw this one on Ebay recently.
I would definitely buy the car. The price is pretty good for an '04 with the AMG sport package. The Lorinser upgrades including the 20" wheels make this car a great buy. Maybe you can get it for $40k and then you really got yourself a very very good buy. Just keep in mind that gas mileage really sux; maybe 15 mpg at best.
It's a real beast with the ECU/TCU upgrade and will do 11.5s in the 1/4; the torque is crazy too. The car really pulls all the way up to 160+. E-mail Adamg on this forum and he can help you with the ECU. I also used him and I'm very happy with the performance.
If you buy this car, then you MUST get rid of that roof spoiler on the rear window. I think it looks so cheezy, especially in person; definitely keep the regular rear spoiler. To me, the car is really nice and looks like a great buy.
Good luck with it!!
I would definitely buy the car. The price is pretty good for an '04 with the AMG sport package. The Lorinser upgrades including the 20" wheels make this car a great buy. Maybe you can get it for $40k and then you really got yourself a very very good buy. Just keep in mind that gas mileage really sux; maybe 15 mpg at best.
It's a real beast with the ECU/TCU upgrade and will do 11.5s in the 1/4; the torque is crazy too. The car really pulls all the way up to 160+. E-mail Adamg on this forum and he can help you with the ECU. I also used him and I'm very happy with the performance.
If you buy this car, then you MUST get rid of that roof spoiler on the rear window. I think it looks so cheezy, especially in person; definitely keep the regular rear spoiler. To me, the car is really nice and looks like a great buy.
Good luck with it!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 290
Likes: 16
2018 Mercedes E63 S, Boring SUV, 2015 CLS63 AMR Stage 1 (traded), 2015 Audi S8 w/ APR stage 2 (sold)
Hello all....
I have been a Lexus enthusiast for the past 10 years. Lexus vehicles are incredible cars that are highly reliable but lack the upside in regards to HP & TQ as I'm sure most of you know.
From the preliminary research that I have done, it seems that dollar for HP and ECU tuning upside, you can't really beat the CL600 V12 from a used car perspective.
I am thinking about buying this vehicle and wanted to get your thoughts. '04 CL600 with 43K miles for $42K. Has some nice upgrades that I like, but needs to be lowered still.
http://www.eurocaroc.com/showroom/12...600?cond=10426
Would like to get everyone's thoughts on the price and any other suggestions you may have. I will immediately be doing the Renntech ECU/TCU upgrade.
Any concerns with the V12? Are their electrical problems with '04 CL600s?
I really appreciate any input given.
I have been a Lexus enthusiast for the past 10 years. Lexus vehicles are incredible cars that are highly reliable but lack the upside in regards to HP & TQ as I'm sure most of you know.
From the preliminary research that I have done, it seems that dollar for HP and ECU tuning upside, you can't really beat the CL600 V12 from a used car perspective.
I am thinking about buying this vehicle and wanted to get your thoughts. '04 CL600 with 43K miles for $42K. Has some nice upgrades that I like, but needs to be lowered still.
http://www.eurocaroc.com/showroom/12...600?cond=10426
Would like to get everyone's thoughts on the price and any other suggestions you may have. I will immediately be doing the Renntech ECU/TCU upgrade.
Any concerns with the V12? Are their electrical problems with '04 CL600s?
I really appreciate any input given.
You sound identical to me. I bought my '04 in September 2006 and I upgraded the ECU/TCU As soon as I got the car. The torque is sweeeeet!! My car runs about even with a C6 Z06. I've raced a few!! My car beat a murcielago and tied a new Ford GT from 40-150; dead even the whole way.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 5
From: The Beach, SoCal
'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
You sound identical to me. I bought my '04 in September 2006 and I upgraded the ECU/TCU As soon as I got the car. The torque is sweeeeet!! My car runs about even with a C6 Z06. I've raced a few!! My car beat a murcielago and tied a new Ford GT from 40-150; dead even the whole way.
Did you do the ECU/TCU install yourself?
I saw the directions on the Renntech website and it looks fairly straight forward.
Also, does the CL600 come with an LSD? Is traction an issue after the Renntech upgrade?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 290
Likes: 16
2018 Mercedes E63 S, Boring SUV, 2015 CLS63 AMR Stage 1 (traded), 2015 Audi S8 w/ APR stage 2 (sold)
Yes, I did the install myself. It's very easy to remove the ECU and TCU and just as easy to put both back in.
Traction is definitely an issue, especially when it's below 60 degrees. I can spin the tires at 50 mph in the winter.
I still get wheel spin at low speeds now and it's 90 degrees. You will learn how to drive the car without too many problems; you will practice, but be careful when you turn off traction control. You probably should leave it on for a while until you get used to the car's power.
Traction is definitely an issue, especially when it's below 60 degrees. I can spin the tires at 50 mph in the winter.
I still get wheel spin at low speeds now and it's 90 degrees. You will learn how to drive the car without too many problems; you will practice, but be careful when you turn off traction control. You probably should leave it on for a while until you get used to the car's power.
