I 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 2003-06 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 experience?

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 2003-2006 CL600.

 

1. What problem did you experience?

Parktronic malfunction

2. How was this problem detected?

Light on the parktronic button lit up + 2 red bars on parktronic display with a long beep when you turn the parktronic button on

3. Why did this component fail?

Sensor malfunction.

4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again?

N/A

5. How do you fix this?

Detect problematic sensor with STAR diagnostic tool. Remove and replace sensor accordingly.

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1. What problem did you experience?

Ignition coil / coil packs malfunction

2. How was this problem detected?

Sputter and low engine power to near stall (misfire) on start up, check engine light on, no malfunctions detected on screen. Restarting the car, at times a few tries needed, may clear the problem temporarily, but the check engine light will still be on.

3. Why did this component fail?

Ignition coils malfunction, both sides.

4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again?

N/A

5. How do you fix this?

Replace with new coil packs, spark plugs and fuel filter
Part numbers:
Right hand side: 275-150-06-80
Left hand side: 275-150-07-80

$810.75 USD per coil pack from parts.com

$21.25 CND per spark plug x 24

$148.70 CND fuel filter

Labour: $80.00 CND per hour x 11 hours
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1. What problem did you experience?

ABC fluid low

2. How was this problem detected?

Dash warning in red, just says "ABC ACTIVE BODY CONTROL visit workshop", but not the riding low warning. Vehicle rides high and very bouncy and soft ride, like it's on very soft springs without shock absorbers.

3. Why did this component fail?

ABC fluid leak in the system

4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again?

N/A

5. How do you fix this?

part 1:

Fill the ABC reservoir with ABC fluid(the upper stick by the driver side headlight area, it just pulls off) when the car is off, to the top mark.

part 2:

Found out by mechanic front struts are leaking very little, but enough to leak under the minimum mark over time. 2 front struts replaced
Part numbers:
Front right hand side: 220-320-84-13
Front left hand side: 220-320-83-13

$1023.50 USD per strut from parts.com

part 3:
Quick release coupling for the hydraulic line seized, lower joints on damper also worn, replaced with the following:
2 x 215-330-07-07 lower control arm

$219.65 USD per arm


1 x 220-320-13-72 line

$102.35


1 x 220-997-87-82 hose

$129.95

Labour: $80.00 CND per hour x 12.5 hours including "Rodeo" hydraulic bleeding
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1. What problem did you experience?

Alarm control unit/back up battery malfunction

2. How was this problem detected?

When locking the car, there are no beeping sound (no beep for unlocking either) and fog lights may flash continuously. May be turned off by pressing lock again from the remote. At times it will start flashing again.

3. Why did this component fail?

N/A

4. Is there a revised component that prevents this from happening again?

N/A

5. How do you fix this?

Replaced alarm control unit

Labour: $80.00 CND per hour x 1 hour

 

I have an amazing CL600 for sale, problem free