2000-2002 CL600 Common Problems
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Royal Oak, Michigan
1999 Corvette
2000-2002 CL600 Common Problems
I am fairly new to this forum and am here to learn more about the W215 CL class vehicles. I love their looks and would like to have one as a daily driver. I’ve heard horror stories about their lack of reliability, but I have not been able to find a good source of information on what the true issues are with these vehicles and what can be done to mitigate and/or permanently fix the common problems with these cars. The purpose of this thread is to start to collect this information about the 2000-02 CL600.
If you have owned one of these vehicles and have had problems with it, I would like for you to reply with an explanation of your problem in the following format:
1. What problem did you have?
2. How was this problem detected?
3. Why did this component fail? Please describe the root cause of the issue, such as a design flaw in the component, damage from road debris, etc.
4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again? For components that have a design flow, has M-B issued a revised component to permanently fix this? Is it subject to a recall?
5. How do you fix this? Please include as much information as possible including the repair process, part cost, labor cost, etc.
Your input will benefit the forum as a whole. Please help to build this knowledge base on the 2000-2002 CL600.
If you have owned one of these vehicles and have had problems with it, I would like for you to reply with an explanation of your problem in the following format:
1. What problem did you have?
2. How was this problem detected?
3. Why did this component fail? Please describe the root cause of the issue, such as a design flaw in the component, damage from road debris, etc.
4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again? For components that have a design flow, has M-B issued a revised component to permanently fix this? Is it subject to a recall?
5. How do you fix this? Please include as much information as possible including the repair process, part cost, labor cost, etc.
Your input will benefit the forum as a whole. Please help to build this knowledge base on the 2000-2002 CL600.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
Yes!
Well, it really does depend on if you get lucky with the CL-Klasse that you buy. Some people have been problem free for the most part. Others, like me, have had atleast a couple of issues per year. The main problem is the ABC (Active Body Control). It's basically a dynamic, anti-roll, smooth ride mechanism. Also known as the "grandfather suspension" for its smooth ride. The issue I've had is that the ABC fluid gets dirty and messes up the entire system. There's not much one can do except watch out for it and maybe change the fluid at regular intervals. Another common problem for the CL, especially the V12 engines are the spark plugs, coil packs, and oxygen sensors. I've gone through quite a few of them and can't completely figure the cause. This car has 4 catalytic converters so it can get expensive. In any case, the CL is a world-class luxury coupe/grand tourer. It's more like a 2-door sedan because of how roomy it is. One should be prepared to spend a couple of thousand dollars per year on repairs, maintenance, and preventive maintenance. The fact that the MSRP is in the 6 figures makes it a bit more simple to understand such high costs of ownership...it's all relative.
With depreciation in mind, there are very few cars out there with this level of performance, luxury, and looks than can compete with the CL. You can get a bargain on a used one but prepared to spend unhesitatingly .
With depreciation in mind, there are very few cars out there with this level of performance, luxury, and looks than can compete with the CL. You can get a bargain on a used one but prepared to spend unhesitatingly .
