I read a lot of posts here on the forum about squeaky brakes on all models and years and I would like to know which brake pads seem to be the quietest on CL600. Based on my experience with other high-performance vehicles, softer pads are better (as in "quieter") but wear out faster. Is there such a thing as a quiet (non-squeaky) brake pad for the Benz or are they all squeaky no matter what?

My "first aid" against the squeak is to dust off the pads by braking lightly at first and then applying more pressure on them (for example, after driving on the hwy and taking an exit - going around the curve is great for dusting off the brake pads. That has solved my immediate issue with squeakiness.

Since I am new to CL600 and its 600+ HP, I took the time to read the manual (nothing succeeds like a preventive RTFM...) to learn more about the maintenance schedule. Aside from a todo list for "Service B", I did not find much information about replacement schedule for things like engine/transmission mounts.

I understand that this depends on driving style, torque and other factors but wanted to check with more experienced MB drivers here on the forums.

I already know "everything" about the trunk and its moving parts, struts, pumps and actuators.

Tires. Yokohamas all the way or is there something substantially better (from experience), considering the quietness of the ride as the primary factor?

Emissions. Anything to worry about in this department in terms of maintenance?

I have had great experience with Zmax microlubricant with my other cars.

So far, I am getting 12-15mpg (city) and about 22mpg hwy with this beast. We have another car which is a 4-cylinder with a turbo and it is getting about the same mileage - which is telling me that the V12 is in great shape and purring along.

Gas mileage is a pretty good overall health indicator for the car.

After reading a lot of "horror stories" about the ABC and its failures, what (if anything) counts as preventive maintenance for ABC?

 

600+ hp...?

 

In addition to a base 600hp performance package, it also has an upgraded ECU (Engine Control Unit) and TCU (Transmission Control Unit) which boost the horsepower to 625hp.

I will count the horses again towards the end of the week.

 

For squeaky brakes, I ride the brakes for a half mile and that tends to resurface and re-bed the pads and rotor.

I would only use Mercedes approved lubricant. Generally Mobil 1 0W40 for engine and Mercedes or Fuchs for transmission.

Tires: whatever's sticky. Kumho, Hankook, Sumitomo, etc. There are multiple cheap brands out there that make great tires these days.

ABC preventative maintenance: Make sure the ABC reservoir is full. Check/replace the accumulators if they are old. Replace hoses when old so they don't unexpectedly blow on you.

 

I use the Akebono Euro ceramic pads. I haven't heard a squeak since I put them on, the wheels stay virtually spotless, and I can't notice any difference in the pedal feel from the stock pads. Since I've only had them for a couple of months, I don't know how long they'll last.

 

@saintz: thank you. ABC looks fine for now. As with my other cars, I will ask the technician to check the fluid levels, belts and hoses when the car is in for an oil change.

@Starpower: Akebono Euro ceramic pads - noted. I will look them up and have them ready before I wear out the stock pads.

 

The best tires I've found are Michelin Pilot Sport II, I've tried a few others and after contacting Brabus in California they recommended 3 tires and but for longevity, performance and cost they recommend these

 

Check this regarding tires: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

A lot of people here really like the Hankook V12. I will probably try those next. The Vredestein also get great reviews.

 

great info- thanks! I had a guy try to sell me the Hankooks, but I never heard of them so I passed.

 

Yes, the Vredestein are great tires. I can't believe how quiet they ride and how well they grip. Most tires with directional type treads are incredibly loud but not the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's.