I am new to the forum.

I am new to the Mercedes-Benz. I have been a BMW (840Ci & M3) follower for years. I love the W215 Body style.

I am looking at purchasing a 2001 CL600 w/ 84K miles. I really want a V12 sleeper. I figure with a performance chip that I could possible get over 400Hp/Torgue

I am looking at Horses for the price. A few more ponies with the CL600 = 367vs. the standard CL500 = 306.

Am I making a good choice with CL600 over the CL500 for power. I know there is also the CL55. No difference in visual looks.

Also, Fuel economy is almost the same at 15 city / 23 highway.

As I stated, I am a BMW owner to turn also Mercedes owner. I do a lot of my own wrench turning. I also have access to a BMW & Mercedes Master Techs


Is Service /Repair: Parts & Labor similar in Price between the CL600 & CL500

Also, what is the preferable manufactured year?

Thanks,

Sir Cas

CL 600 or 500 coming soon!!

Do your own research, but from what I've read(owning 1993 SL600), the older MB V12s are very hi maintenance. I love the CL's also, but IMHO, you're better off shelling out a bit more money at get a 2004+ CL600 or CL55. You'll have a newer car, and I think you will have less trouble and put out more money later. My $.02.
PL

2003 is the model year where they switched over to huge HP so if possible get either one in that year or later. Whether you go 2003+ or not, I would stick to the CL55 as it will be more similar to your M3, and maybe a bit cheaper to maintain than that V12.

Avoid the N/A V12= Problems

The V12 is not only problematic, neutral weight distribution of the V8 is compromised, leading to nose-heavy handling. Go for the CL55 Turbo. Almost the same power, a more robust powerplant and better handling.

I agree with the last couple of posts. 2003+ (either 600 or 55) will give you the best HP/$.

With the 2003+ CL600 and an ECU tune, you're looking at over 600 HP.

i agree with the previous posts, stay away from the the CL600 and buy 03+, simply for the great increase in power.

^^^Fixed that for ya, bud.

But yeah, to echo what everyone else has said here: I would stay away from the N/A V12. From what I understand, the other '02 and previous cars were ok (CL500 and CL55); but both the CL600 and the CL55 got forced induction '03-current. IF you're looking for bang for your buck, they are the way to go. They are really both the same car, with the exception of brakes and powerplant. Both will have Intercooler Pump failures (unless it's already been replaced), but that's a $150 fix if you do the work yourself...plus it's EASY. The 600's can make stupid power with just a tune and the 55's require some additional parts. At the end of the day, though, they are both quick cars. I cannot recall any problem that the V12s have that the V8's don't...again, talking about '03+ here.

I prefer my 600, and others prefer their 55...so it's really to each their own; but if the funds allow, '03+ is REALLY the way to go here. FYI, the '03+ CL600 have a pair of turbos and the '03+ CL55 has a roots blower...but at the end of they day they are both 5.5L engines; so it's really if you prefer the mystique of a V12 and/or supercharger vs turbo.

Before you buy, though, do some research on here regarding the ABC suspension, after battery disconnect reset, intercooler pump, Comand, and central locking (the air pump that shuts the doors). Read up on that first (heavy emphasis on the ABC susp.), then make your decision on if one of these cars is right for you. You will also see that in the '03+ W215s, only the '03 model has a DX (CD) based Nav system, '04+ are DVD based. They are wired totally different from each other, so unless you have A LOT of time on your hands and some donor parts, don't expect to convert. I would recommend an '04+ car for that reason alone.

Doh! The strange is I thought supercharged and typed turbo. Ah well. Having driven my CL500 for a few years and a supercharged V12 and V8 I'm definitely on the hunt for a CL55 Kompressor. Over here in the UK there's loads in silver but very few in the Obsidian black I have my heart set on.

^^^Fixed again. LOL. (I'm really just giving you a hard time...no hard feelings.)

I hear ya, though...it took me a while to find the color combo I wanted.

PS. I called the American dist. for the grille manufacturer...and they said they carry that manufacturer; BUT can't order that specific grille......so back to the drawing board I guess.

And to the OP; right here is a good example of what I was talking about. I prefer my CL600, and AMWebby prefers a CL55. Neither car is truly better than the other, it's just about what you like. Both are VERY powerful cars, especially considering their sleeper nature. Both cars can be in the mid 11's in the 1/4 for minimal $$$. Before you buy ANY W215, you really need to test drive both an '03+ CL55 and an '03+ CL600; and draw your own conclusions!


AMWebby: Good luck in your search. I actually would like to find a low cost (cheap) CL500 to experiment with. I know most of the M-B guys would cringe, but I'd love to put an LSx GM engine in one of them with a solid rear axle and turn some heads with a VERY quick 1/4 mile time.

That'll teach me for surfing from my mobile phone. Amplifies fat finger syndrome by 1,000%!

Ha ha, no worries, we all knew what you meant! Besides, a turbo is actually a version of a supercharger, so technically, you are still correct!