CL55 or CL600???
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 9
From: Chicago
W215 V12TT Build by Speedriven, W221 S550 4Matic
CL55 or CL600???
Which one to buy since they are both in the same price range? I had a 55k motor before and like the idea of having a V12 TT instead but I love the interior and exterior of the AMG. Can anyone please help me out here? Mods for car in future mostly cosmetic.
Thanks
Thanks
MBworld Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 10
From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
In my personal opinion, I'd go 55. I love what the 55 offers that the 600 does not:
Interior: AMG seats, speedo, steering wheel
Exterior: Brakes (better front calipers), kit, wheels, quad exhaust (AMG tuned suspension as well)
What the 600 has the 55 does not:
Interior: More wood accents, suede headliner, leather driver's airbag
Exterior: No benefit
But...the 600 is an absolute freight train (almost 100 lb ft more torque stock, significantly more tuned). If you care more about performance than anything else, go 600. If you have more to a checklist than sheer power, go 55 in my personal, humble opinion.
Interior: AMG seats, speedo, steering wheel
Exterior: Brakes (better front calipers), kit, wheels, quad exhaust (AMG tuned suspension as well)
What the 600 has the 55 does not:
Interior: More wood accents, suede headliner, leather driver's airbag
Exterior: No benefit
But...the 600 is an absolute freight train (almost 100 lb ft more torque stock, significantly more tuned). If you care more about performance than anything else, go 600. If you have more to a checklist than sheer power, go 55 in my personal, humble opinion.
Last edited by OCKlasse; Jan 23, 2012 at 01:05 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
The CL600 can be had with the sport package, which includes AMG wheels and bumpers. If you get that, the exteriors are virtually identical (only differences should be the exhaust, dual vs quad, and the V12 vs V8 badging).
Interior, you get more leather and suede on the 600, you get the AMG seats and wheel on the 55.
Interior, you get more leather and suede on the 600, you get the AMG seats and wheel on the 55.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
It really depends on what you like.....
- The CL55 will feel more RAW and untamed in most all ways. AMG extras built in. Fairly EZ to add power but can be pricy.
- The CL600 will feel so smooth and quite you will have to check to see what is propelling you down the road. Not all have the AMG body kit, this was a must for me as it makes the car look so much better. Crazy cheep to add boat loads of HP/TQ, once you do this to a V12TT you will not want to go back to a 55.
If you test drive ether car be SURE TO DO THE ECU RESET, especially on the CL600 as most CL owners drive their cars very lazy.
Also for some reason I found better deals on the CL600 that the CL55 and items like steering wheels and seats are pretty ez to upgrade.
Get and 2004+ if you can, they made a few improvements
Example ......
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
This one is priced way under market for some reason.......
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
PS - I'd love to see you get a CL, cant wait to see what you do with it, your SL rocked !
.
- The CL55 will feel more RAW and untamed in most all ways. AMG extras built in. Fairly EZ to add power but can be pricy.
- The CL600 will feel so smooth and quite you will have to check to see what is propelling you down the road. Not all have the AMG body kit, this was a must for me as it makes the car look so much better. Crazy cheep to add boat loads of HP/TQ, once you do this to a V12TT you will not want to go back to a 55.
If you test drive ether car be SURE TO DO THE ECU RESET, especially on the CL600 as most CL owners drive their cars very lazy.
Also for some reason I found better deals on the CL600 that the CL55 and items like steering wheels and seats are pretty ez to upgrade.
Get and 2004+ if you can, they made a few improvements
Example ......
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
This one is priced way under market for some reason.......
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
PS - I'd love to see you get a CL, cant wait to see what you do with it, your SL rocked !
.
Last edited by 1995E320Cab; Jan 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: spring tx
2003 cl 600 brabus, 2008 bmw 750LI sports package, F25o
ARE THE COIL PACK'S THE SAME ON THE CL 600 VS CL 55
In my personal opinion, I'd go 55. I love what the 55 offers that the 600 does not:
Interior: AMG seats, speedo, steering wheel
Exterior: Brakes (better front calipers), kit, wheels, quad exhaust (AMG tuned suspension as well)
What the 600 has the 55 does not:
Interior: More wood accents, suede headliner, leather driver's airbag
Exterior: No benefit
But...the 600 is an absolute freight train (almost 100 lb ft more torque stock, significantly more tuned). If you care more about performance than anything else, go 600. If you have more to a checklist than sheer power, go 55 in my personal, humble opinion.
Interior: AMG seats, speedo, steering wheel
Exterior: Brakes (better front calipers), kit, wheels, quad exhaust (AMG tuned suspension as well)
What the 600 has the 55 does not:
Interior: More wood accents, suede headliner, leather driver's airbag
Exterior: No benefit
But...the 600 is an absolute freight train (almost 100 lb ft more torque stock, significantly more tuned). If you care more about performance than anything else, go 600. If you have more to a checklist than sheer power, go 55 in my personal, humble opinion.
ARE THE COIL PACKS THE SAME??
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
It's all in what ever you can afford. If you can afford only business class you go business class, if you can afford first class you go first class. It is all relative to your budget. The 600 is first class and the Cl 55 is business class. It also depends on if you can afford to pay for the repairs on a 600. If not then buy the 55. Either way you cant go wrong, it's just how they make you feel. I did the 600 and special ordered it exactly how I wanted and didn't skip an option. If I had liked the 65 I would have bought it but I'm not into the seat pattern or the lack of a wood on the steering wheel and the loud exhaust note that turned me off to 65, plus the 600 is plenty fast and can beat almost any car on the road so why would you need anything else? It's just how I feel, that is why there are different flavors of ice cream for those who just don't want chocolate or vanilla. One last note if you are planning on buying any CL buy a 2005-2006. They finally changed the electronics to the newer system. I have the MBrase change over from the old system. The 2004 is known for MOST issues. The 03 is good but uses old technology and you do not want a 2000-2002 V-12, major engine problems.
Last edited by 2014CL600; Feb 16, 2012 at 07:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
That was very funny!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smart thinking!!!!!. I'd say better than coach but if you didn't have anything but the three then I guess it would. At least it isn't steerage. Listen, I just went to look at an S550 and I'm not kidding that dash board was like a changing station for a baby's diaper. It was HARD as wood and the color didn't even come close to match.ing I was very disappointed in that. All kidding aside the 500 isn't anything to sneeze at. They are magnificent automobile's. The MB tech dash and door panels and trim are like real leather. If you didn't know any better you would actually thing it was real leather. The appointments are dead on and the car is a masterpiece. The only thing that plagues the 500 is the 7 speed transmission, and they could have bumped the power up from 301 to 350 maybe 380 even 395 to keep it competitive and carry its own weight better. I wouldn't complain about owning a 500 though.
Last edited by 2014CL600; Feb 17, 2012 at 11:33 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 79
2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
In a manor of speaking
It's a special class of its own. When you get to that point it is a matter of taste. I wanted a 600 series with the 65 engine but MBZ couldn't do that for me, trust me I tried. I didn't want to settle for harder ride, louder exhaust and lack of the wood and leather steering wheel and I personally wasn't happy with the seat pattern. I also didn't need shift buttons on the wheel. I don't need to race to show the size of my genitals. When you can beat 99% of any car on the road why would you need to push for that other 1%. If I could have bought the engine without having to sacrifice my other wants I would have paid the extra but it wasn't an option that could be obtained. I guess I could have bought a 65, replaced the seats, steering wheel and exhaust along with putting on smaller wheels to get the ride quality back. It just wasn't an option for me and to be honest these cars drop like rocks in water in price so the only other thing would be to have it re-tuned to get the engine modification and have my cake and eat it too. That is only about a 5k price. Much cheaper than other way. I'm very satisfied with my decision and also, to be honest I have done a few little damages even with the power of the 600 engine. Meaning the parts that keep the car together can't really take the torque of what the 600 delivers. You would have to do alot of modifications to keep up with that much torque and power so not to just rip out the entire drivetrain.
Last edited by 2014CL600; Feb 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
I must admit
That is one spectacular CL55. I think it probably the most beautiful one I have seen. That was actually my next choice on the color pallet next to the my favorite color the Bordeaux. I also have a Granite 2006 CL 600 with the charcoal interior as well. I special ordered it as well, because they didn't offer the Granite in 06 but they did allow it. My CL600 in Bordeaux and Java I did change the rear bumper to the CL 55 / 65 because I dont like the smile line in the bumper on the regular AMG version bumper and put on the dual AMG exhaust pipes. I left my Granite CL 600 stock except I just changed my wheels to a newer style AMG wheel and removed the split factory split spoke version to be the new style more angular split spoke like on the 65 in machined and gunmetal. They are really a much needed improvement. My 2011 CL 600 is Boreallo red with Cashmere and I love the smooth front fenders but still love the W215 styling the best. Your car is a work of art.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
It's a special class of its own. When you get to that point it is a matter of taste. I wanted a 600 series with the 65 engine but MBZ couldn't do that for me, trust me I tried. I didn't want to settle for harder ride, louder exhaust and lack of the wood and leather steering wheel and I personally wasn't happy with the seat pattern. I also didn't need shift buttons on the wheel. I don't need to race to show the size of my genitals. When you can beat 99% of any car on the road why would you need to push for that other 1%. If I could have bought the engine without having to sacrifice my other wants I would have paid the extra but it wasn't an option that could be obtained. I guess I could have bought a 65, replaced the seats, steering wheel and exhaust along with putting on smaller wheels to get the ride quality back. It just wasn't an option for me and to be honest these cars drop like rocks in water in price so the only other thing would be to have it re-tuned to get the engine modification and have my cake and eat it too. That is only about a 5k price. Much cheaper than other way. I'm very satisfied with my decision and also, to be honest I have done a few little damages even with the power of the 600 engine. Meaning the parts that keep the car together can't really take the torque of what the 600 delivers. You would have to do alot of modifications to keep up with that much torque and power so not to just rip out the entire drivetrain.
The ezer answer is to get a very well maintained CL600 with the AMG body package and get the ECU / TCU tune done.
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
Where do you get that ECU tune?
I might be interested but how much will it give you in extra BHP. I will not change anything visually. Both of mine have less that 10k miles and I didn't want the AMG kit on my Granite one since I already had the AMG on the Bordeaux one. I liked how it looked and it gave me a different look. One looks very aggressive and the other more understated. It was done on purpose. I didn't want two identical looking cars. Ive bought a new one every year since the started the new body style in 2000. I bought the last two because I had seen what the new CL was going to look like and I wasn't happy. I only started liking the 216 after the 11 model because they took off the Volkswagen cartoon fenders and cleaned up the rear end. I'm still not crazy about the look but the interior is much more refined. Where did you get the ECU tune and what effect will it have on performance?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
I might be interested but how much will it give you in extra BHP. I will not change anything visually. Both of mine have less that 10k miles and I didn't want the AMG kit on my Granite one since I already had the AMG on the Bordeaux one. I liked how it looked and it gave me a different look. One looks very aggressive and the other more understated. It was done on purpose. I didn't want two identical looking cars. Ive bought a new one every year since the started the new body style in 2000. I bought the last two because I had seen what the new CL was going to look like and I wasn't happy. I only started liking the 216 after the 11 model because they took off the Volkswagen cartoon fenders and cleaned up the rear end. I'm still not crazy about the look but the interior is much more refined. Where did you get the ECU tune and what effect will it have on performance?
This is off of their web site
ECU SOFTWARE UPGRADE $1490
- gain 120 HP, 140 TQ
- top speed increased to 300 km/h
TCU SOFTWARE UPGRADE $695
- quicker, firmer shifts
http://tuningbible.com/?page_id=1174
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 79
2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
It's a special class of its own. When you get to that point it is a matter of taste. I wanted a 600 series with the 65 engine but MBZ couldn't do that for me, trust me I tried. I didn't want to settle for harder ride, louder exhaust and lack of the wood and leather steering wheel and I personally wasn't happy with the seat pattern. I also didn't need shift buttons on the wheel. I don't need to race to show the size of my genitals. When you can beat 99% of any car on the road why would you need to push for that other 1%. If I could have bought the engine without having to sacrifice my other wants I would have paid the extra but it wasn't an option that could be obtained. I guess I could have bought a 65, replaced the seats, steering wheel and exhaust along with putting on smaller wheels to get the ride quality back. It just wasn't an option for me and to be honest these cars drop like rocks in water in price so the only other thing would be to have it re-tuned to get the engine modification and have my cake and eat it too. That is only about a 5k price. Much cheaper than other way. I'm very satisfied with my decision and also, to be honest I have done a few little damages even with the power of the 600 engine. Meaning the parts that keep the car together can't really take the torque of what the 600 delivers. You would have to do alot of modifications to keep up with that much torque and power so not to just rip out the entire drivetrain.
There's a lot more than just different seats and lack of wood when comparing the 600 to the 65. The 65 has bigger brakes, AMG body kit wider wheels and tires for traction. You can't really compare regular cars to AMG models. They will never be close.
The ride quality is excellent with the factory 19's. Its definitely Mercedes Benz soft.
R.K.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 106
Cars
I just didn't want the lack luster of the 65
I really wanted a more opulent interior for my cars. I drove the 65 and the sound of the exhaust was so deep and loud,I just couldn't handle it. I think the car is beautiful don't get me wrong, just like the 600 much better. I wasn't trying to get into a pissing contest of having the fastest car on the road. I would however like just a little more power for those times someone thinks they can kick my *** (which is 99.9% of the time, impossible) only the 65 can do that but a bumped up 600 will do just nicely.
I would like the ECU upgrade, which I would have to do for both CL's but not interested in the transmission upgrade. I don't want a firmer shift that is for sure.
I would like the ECU upgrade, which I would have to do for both CL's but not interested in the transmission upgrade. I don't want a firmer shift that is for sure.
Last edited by 2014CL600; Feb 17, 2012 at 04:09 PM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 730
Likes: 3
Call John at Broadway Performance..he has a lot of tunes to choose from, great customer service, reasonable prices.
973-449-5888, tell him Bruce sent you. I'll actually be at his shop on Tues with two clients of mine that both have his tunes, plus some other goodies.
Bruce
973-449-5888, tell him Bruce sent you. I'll actually be at his shop on Tues with two clients of mine that both have his tunes, plus some other goodies.
Bruce
MBworld Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 10
From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
That is one spectacular CL55. I think it probably the most beautiful one I have seen. That was actually my next choice on the color pallet next to the my favorite color the Bordeaux. I also have a Granite 2006 CL 600 with the charcoal interior as well. I special ordered it as well, because they didn't offer the Granite in 06 but they did allow it. My CL600 in Bordeaux and Java I did change the rear bumper to the CL 55 / 65 because I dont like the smile line in the bumper on the regular AMG version bumper and put on the dual AMG exhaust pipes. I left my Granite CL 600 stock except I just changed my wheels to a newer style AMG wheel and removed the split factory split spoke version to be the new style more angular split spoke like on the 65 in machined and gunmetal. They are really a much needed improvement. My 2011 CL 600 is Boreallo red with Cashmere and I love the smooth front fenders but still love the W215 styling the best. Your car is a work of art.
