CL-Class (W215) 2000-2006: CL 500, CL 600

Deciding on a CL 600 from 2003 with Renn-Tech

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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 06:49 PM
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Deciding on a CL 600 from 2003 with Renn-Tech

hey Guys,
Okay, I have it narrowed down to a 2003 cl600 with full Renn-Tech conversion. The wheels alone are to die for. It has 20K miles! Clean, clean, clean! But I know NOTHING about these cacs or Renn-tech, except that the car looks beyond beautiful and is ungodly fast.

Help!

Is the 2003 cl600 known to be dependable? Or is it known to be a troublesome car, always in the shop? I really know nothing at all about them and I do not work on cars.

I will use this car as my daily driver. I do not mind taking special care of such an amazing car, but I do not want it in the shop all the time, either.

What is the 03 600s reputation for solid dependability? And finally, what is a fair market price for a spotless 03 with Renn-tech and 20K miles?

Thanks very much. I have a lot to learn.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 06:55 PM
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pick up
Post some pictures man...
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 07:11 PM
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I will post pics if I buy it!

So I just did some bare bones research and.... I see the ABC is a serious issue?

Is this a repair-hell car?

Out of warranty, BTW--and would be my first Benz, but man..... strictly the most gorgeous cl I have ever seen.

help!
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by mostel
So I just did some bare bones research and.... I see the ABC is a serious issue?

Is this a repair-hell car?

Out of warranty, BTW--and would be my first Benz, but man..... strictly the most gorgeous cl I have ever seen.

help!
I would stay away from the V12, they have a lot of engine problems. Get the CL55 its as fast. There are problems with the ABC but its worth the car, and not all the cars have ABC problems, but that will be the only problem that you will have on that car.
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Old Feb 19, 2009 | 09:50 PM
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Mercedes CL500
Think of it as a high maintenance girlfriend. If treated right, then it'll draw all the attention you'll ever need no matter where you take her.

Whether how problematic the car really depends on what experiences you have with other makes/models. Simply put, I have two Lexus cars, one with 260k miles and another one with 85k miles on the clock. In the past three years, these two Lexus cars have made fewer trips to the service shop combined than my Mercedes has in 3 months.

Granted, my CL had Starmark warranty so I might have been taking advantage of the coverage while it was still in effect. However, had my CL been a Lexus, I would simply have slept through the warranty without thinking twice.

I wouldn't recommend using a CL as a sole daily driver, not because it doesn't deserve to be driven but rather, just in case if something goes wrong and it has to be serviced, you don't ever want to be stranded without a backup car at all.

Jon

Last edited by Baby ///M3; Feb 20, 2009 at 03:13 AM.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 02:01 AM
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Thanks

My seller tells me that the car has had zero ABC issues in the year he's had it. He says it has been flawless--I get the impression he's a straight shooter.

Well... so--can anyone tell me what fair value is in today's market, for this car? Again renntech, 20K miles, spotless o3 cl600.
Thanks
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:16 AM
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Mercedes CL500
Given the market condition, I'd say I wouldn't be surprised if the car sells way below what KBB or Edmunds suggests.

You should be on the winning side if you're able to buy this car in the low $30k range.

Jon

Originally Posted by mostel
My seller tells me that the car has had zero ABC issues in the year he's had it. He says it has been flawless--I get the impression he's a straight shooter.

Well... so--can anyone tell me what fair value is in today's market, for this car? Again renntech, 20K miles, spotless o3 cl600.
Thanks
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:45 AM
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CL600, E30 325i Previous ride CL55 2004
Originally Posted by mostel
My seller tells me that the car has had zero ABC issues in the year he's had it. He says it has been flawless--I get the impression he's a straight shooter.

Well... so--can anyone tell me what fair value is in today's market, for this car? Again renntech, 20K miles, spotless o3 cl600.
Thanks
Is it a black 03 with Fiorano wheels? if it is, get it! It is a beautiful car.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 11:53 AM
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Thanks

Asking is 42. I appreciate the guidance very much. It has Renntech wheel which are stunning. Amazing!!!!
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 12:11 PM
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CL600, E30 325i Previous ride CL55 2004
That's a different car, one of our friend's brother sold a beautiful CL600 rentech 03 with low miles very very cheap, only 25000.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 12:17 PM
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For the 215 CL in general, there are a handful of known issues. ABC pump, ABC hoses, ABC valve blocks, MAF, SAMs, O2 sensors and other electronic issues that may affect you. Proper maintenance is key in these vehicles. Make sure you have a good service history and continue the good service during your ownership. If you're the DIY type, even better.

The 03+ V12s are pretty solid compared to the 00-02 V12s.

Regarding price, FWIW another forum member just sold an 04 CL600 Renntech for $32K fairly recently.
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...-renntech.html

Last edited by ~CL500~; Feb 20, 2009 at 12:20 PM.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by ~CL500~
For the 215 CL in general, there are a handful of known issues. ABC pump, ABC hoses, ABC valve blocks, MAF, SAMs, O2 sensors and other electronic issues that may affect you. Proper maintenance is key in these vehicles. Make sure you have a good service history and continue the good service during your ownership. If you're the DIY type, even better.

The 03+ V12s are pretty solid compared to the 00-02 V12s.

Regarding price, FWIW another forum member just sold an 04 CL600 Renntech for $32K fairly recently.
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...-renntech.html

The 2003 CL600 should have one less potential issue that you listed...no MAF on the V12TT's..

Tom
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by TMC M5
The 2003 CL600 should have one less potential issue that you listed...no MAF on the V12TT's..

Tom
Really? I never knew that. Thanks for the info Tom!
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 03:25 PM
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[QUOTE=mostel;3364178] He says it has been flawless--I get the impression he's a straight shooter.

Careful, this is what they used to say about Bernie Madoff. Buyer beware...good luck.
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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what type of renntech mods are fitted on the car?
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 08:09 PM
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the car is fitted with

I am told the car was refitted with RENNtech ECU upgrade, RENNtech TCU upgrade, RENNtech 20 Staggered Forged Aluminum Monolite Wheels, Rear RENNtech Spoiler and Rear and Side RENNtech badges. \ Full RENNtech package.

Does this change what the asking should be?

Thanks for all input. The car, I'm told, has been meticulously maintained and has had ZERO ABC issues...

I would drive it at least a few days a week--it would only sit unused when I went on vacation.

More input please!
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Old Feb 20, 2009 | 10:07 PM
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No Renntech carbon fiber airbox?
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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I'll ask.

nt
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Old Feb 26, 2009 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by mostel
My seller tells me that the car has had zero ABC issues in the year he's had it. He says it has been flawless--I get the impression he's a straight shooter.

Well... so--can anyone tell me what fair value is in today's market, for this car? Again renntech, 20K miles, spotless o3 cl600.
Thanks
I have an SL600.
The engine itself is pretty solid, never had any problems...but the ABC, that piece is prone to problems. It will eventually break, so when he tells you he had no problems with it, it has probably never been replaced before and you would want that item to be replaced before you step in the car. Its like a wear and tear item IMO.
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Old Mar 2, 2009 | 02:30 PM
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Thanks very much

Seems to be the prevailing opinion that this is not a good primary car choice, but a thrilling 2nd or 3rd car...

I'll probably not get it, since I need an 'everyday' car,
Thanks to all for opinions and help!
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Old Mar 3, 2009 | 11:02 PM
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'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
if you don't mind, post the link to the car.
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 12:09 PM
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Hey slowD

simply search autotrader for CL's within 100 miles of zipcode 91604
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Old Mar 9, 2009 | 10:23 PM
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'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
yeah that thing is nice.......actually seen it on autotrader before. Very low miles, but even with the Renntech mods, there is no way they are going to get that price for an '03.

As far as my experience with used vehicles, absolutely no credit is ever given for mods. Especially in this economy. Sucks if you are trying to sell a car. It would be better just to hold on to it and enjoy the beast.

What I want to know is why this one has been for sale for so long? Anyone have any additional info on this beast? Its been on autotrader forever. Very nice Brabus edition. Best aftermarket front bumper in my opinion.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Last edited by slowdiver; Mar 9, 2009 at 11:11 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 02:02 AM
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If they're asking that much for it, then you might as well look at this car...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
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Old Mar 10, 2009 | 10:43 AM
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'08 CL65 AMG Prior Design Wide Body
Originally Posted by xlr8tin
If they're asking that much for it, then you might as well look at this car...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
wow....it appears the 65s are still depreciating.

we may see high 30Ks by the end of the year.........any thoughts?
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