bluto

Both cars have low milage 80,000km (49,000miles) and both silver. Both the same price.

I have always wanted a CL , I prefer coupes over four doors. But AMG is going to have better brakes, suspension and hold its price better??

radride

The CL600 is will make more power when modifing. The problem is the small brakes and the lack of AMG body kit (unless yours has that installed). The ABC system is very expensive to replace/maintain. The E55 is an AMG but its also one of the most common AMG's on the road. The CL is more rare. It all comes down to how deep your pockets are for repairs and whether or not you need seating for 5 (E55) or 4 (CL600).

R.K.

ghaffar23

Coming from a person that had a 2004 CL600, I would opt for the E55. The repairs on the air suspension alone is enough for me to turn away. I take that back...the air suspension AND the ignition coilpacks. Those two will definitely take you to the poorhouse; that is, unless you do your own repairs.

The E55 also has the AIRMATIC suspension, but I don't think that anything is as fussy as that TT-V12. I will admit that there's nothing like a TT-V12. Not too many vehicles on the road will give you that type of performance and comfort wrapped into a neat package. Plus, they're so rare!

If you haven't done so already, test drive both and sleep on it. That way you can at least make an informed decision. All the best.

boost420

^very accurate recommendation.

bluto

I see alot of threads about the suspension, How many miles do people usually get before they are a problem?

Are there aftermarket upgrades for the suspension or is it a case of waiting untill they give out and then re-hauling the original?

The coils are in packs? so 2 packs, one for eack side of 6 cyclinders? That dosnt sound 2 expensive $2k every 100,000miles?

I like the look and ride of the CL, and I have always prefered big coupes. Ive got a old 98 E320 now and its boring.

Does the AMG CL have the same problems with suspension?

BlownV8

Except for the fact that the CL has a hydraulic suspension and not air.

The E will be much more reliable. ABC and coil packs are the most expensive. ABC issues can quickly run over $10K in a short time if you let the dealer do the work. The coil packs are around $1,200+ each not including labor.

bluto

$10k, ouch. When do most people have this problem? 100,000miles?

The coils packs are $1200 for each side? so $2400 every $100,000miles?

BlownV8

Problems with ABC can happen at 40K, 50K, 60K...... There really isn't a set mileage but most start have problems around 70K. My pump went out around 70K and then again a few thousand miles later.

Coil packs can fail every 50K but many last closer to 80K. Once again, no real set limit on the failure.

The CL is beautiful but the maintenance and reliability is horrible due to the ABC. Do not get this car if you can't afford $2K to $5K a year in maintenance and repairs.

bluto

Thanks mate,

Il double check the service history, and get a full mechanical check before buying. See is the coils have been replaced yet, and if the suspension has had any problems yet.

I really like the look of the CL, all it needs is rims and its got such a nice look.

jungleizmassiv

my CL500 with 190K km (~120K miles) has no problems with ABC. 2 months ago ABC fluid was leaking, but ABC hose replace + 2 liters of new fluid did the job. and roads here are in very bad quality, even here in capital city there is a hole in every 10 meters.

boost420

Missed that. I had my abc pump go out, it was about $2k to r&r. Not that airmatic is problem free, it just doesn't cost your firstborn, more then likely, just an arm and a leg.

dtohio

I've had two CLs an 04 &05 with the usual amount of grief, there is one positive people forget when they have to shuck out to keep them and thats how much they saved buying them as thier used price reflects thier maintance costs. I would do it over for such a special car keeping in mind setting aside enough funds for repairs. If thats too much I'd suggest the more frugal option.

BlownV8

Most are suckered in with the low price and think the car will have normal Mercedes costs associated. However, the car is very expensive to maintain and repair along with being less dependable than a typical Mercedes.

cjcalo

Since you've owned both, how would you compare the ride quality between the CL600 and E55? Basically looking to see how abc compares with airmatic.

And to OP, coil packs usually last 40-60k. On abc cars its very common to replace hoses, valve blocks and pumps. For abc cars I would definitely put money aside for repairs and maintenance and find a good indy.