Red Marko

I 've just got a call from my dealer regarding any changes in '09 CL production. Nothing major, no new V12, no new navigation system. Rumor I heard was Apple/MB navi. system, putting japanese ones to shame. Not next year, maybe the following one.
A few minor ones are: Bloetooth will be integrated with Comand system (no more big puck occupying center compartment), New algorithm on voice recognition (no more spelling the destination word by word) and new color (didn't know the name).
And of cource price increase (didn't know exact #'s).
'09 models should be in US -> July/August.
That's basically it.

WSH

Markopolo, very helpful....thx

So, no downshift blips on '09 CL63?

If not, at least for my driving needs/preferences, will have to closely consider SL63 030...at least until SL Blk arrives.....

Dubious reliability of 65 motor and its nose-heavy wt balance makes its superior straight-line/dry/smooth pavement tq less relevant vs an interesting linear, NA motor w/a more compatible, higher-tech gearbox, esp for wkend mtn twisties driving....

transferred

So no June build 09 CL65 anymore? That would've been a great buy in my view

Dr. No

I bet we can coax WSH back into the V-12 with ALL that torque!!!

How about a poll? Should WSH get the CL 65 or 63???

You NEED all that power to pass on those windy roads to Mendocino

D.

Dr. No

CL 65 reliability issues.....hmmmmm, I think we need to hear from an owner(s) of the new CL 65 to get a good handle on this...

Any one out there with some experience?

WSH

Haven't yet decided which route I'll take....may get an SL63 030 for ?May deliv; or '09 CL63 030 for ?Jul-Aug deliv...or '09 CL65 for ?Jul-Aug deliv....

IMO, each is a great choice w/obvious issues&weaknesses....SL's poor safety (relative to CL) and archaic tech (aside from MCT); CL63's just-adequate tq and plasticky leather interior; 65's reliability issues, codgerly quilted leather and clunky wheels....

65 reliability issues are motor-specific....anecdotally, know too many guys who have had new 65s bought back by MB for lemon law issues related to motor....suspect, given low vols, AMG is unable to profitably solve 65 reliability issues....thus, I remain hopeful that a new-tech V12 is in near-term pipeline....

jimand7

there is not one offered on the 600 in the US

TMC M5

I am not sure the "nose-heavy" connotation is correct. The previous generation CL65 had 51/49% weight distribution.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ecs_price.html

Tom

Dr. No

Hi Gang

Just got the word on my 09 CL 65 build slot = end of June with ETA approx August 15th....photos to follow....it'll be a long wait....

D.

iguess

you should def. go for the 600. If i had the option, i would, and then add the AMG body kit myself. You get the big V12, and the looks.
R8 would nice, but is way overpriced, and wont compare to the power you get in a 63/600.

Red Marko

The last week is the hardest . Those looooong sleepless nights...

Red Marko

Yes, that is correct, 600 it will be. But I think I owe it to myself to compare '08 inventory vs. '09 rather stiff prices.
So "many" decisions to make, so little time...

MikeRPA

omg but cl63 is so much better looking , like 1000983439 times better , and it's louder etc, cl600 doesn't feel sporty at all and it handles much worse i have no clue what made you choose 600 over 63 ?????????
=() <-----confused as fcuck

iguess

i look for fun on ebay sometimes, and they've offered about 10-12k off a 08 600. I'm sure if you were patient, the 09's would turn out with same discount. If you order an 09 now I dont think you would pay any less than MSRP........however, i also dont know if that really matters to you. good luck and great car to pick!

Dr. No

LOL...you are exactly right my friend....it'll be a loooooong wait for the new "baby"...and after this Wisconsin winter that STILL is lingering I sure don't want to rush thru summer...except for that TORQUE monster waiting for me

D.

bzliteyear

I could relate to many of what you say. I used to wear all those name brand clothing during the 90's. Now as I reflect, what a stupid waste of money and energy, but at that time, it was the game to play.
Now, I'm in jeans 1/2 the time and the other 1/2, I rotate my 10 pairs of khaki and blue color pants. If I need to be dressy, I'll put on a sports jacket. I still want to wear clean and neat clothing, but I no longer feel the need to be flashy with what I wear(except a nice watch)...and I no longer want to stress of keeping clothes imaculate if I ever get stains on them. I guess this philosophy also shows in my current cars, including my 1995 E320 Cabiolet. Wherever I go, that car says I'm enjoying life and I'm in no hurry...and I usually have big grin on my face.
Cheers.

Red Marko

Better looking ? ...yes. Outside only and the looks may wear off quickly. I could install aftermarket AMG body kit, if I'm bored, but try to fit V12 into 63 (65 is not an option in my case).
Inside, 600 is a clear winner. I'm spending much more time inside of the car, than outside, just staring at it...

I'm still chuckling, you have to give me the formula to this one, I came out with different numbers
Louder...exactly right. After my long years of loud listening to Pink Floyd, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and like..... Quietness and tranquility is my name of the game right now. And if I need the car to be louder, little pin ***** (nail & hammer) in the exhaust pipe will do the trick (just kidding ). I still remember in my high school years few experiments I did with my Father's Fiat and the time after he beat the crap out of me
No question 63 handles better + much, much better brakes, but in my situation (long rides) 600 is more logical choice.
And I will give you one more clue. TORQUE, TREMONDOUS TORQUE . Trip every time you press that pedal.

zzboba

Hm, I don't understand why the CL 600 is nicer inside... you can get the full leather kit and alcantara for CL 63 as well, or opt for "designo" leather if you'd like.

CL 600 comes with wood steering wheel, which of course is a matter of taste, but I don't like it -- this is a high tech vehicle, a space ship, no Rolls Royce or steam driven ocean liner.

The AMG's steering wheel is thicker as well, and comes with paddles, the AMG's dark trim IWC timepiece is cooler either -- and the carbon interior kit is available (not for 550/600).

And you get more to play with if you're inside your car -- the AMG menu with gear indicator, shift up instruction, engine oil temp and on board voltage.

And the racertimer.

Benzboy13

Well i can tell you dont seem like the modding type.

But maybe you should get the 600, and upgrade to the oem AMG look. Maybe even do an exhaust upgrade to make the v12 sound like the amg v8 ( or better).
Upgrade brakes... etc.

That way you have the beastly engine and the look of the 63. Wouldnt that make your choice easier?

im sure it would cost a bit of money, but if you can afford these types of cars... im sure you can afford these upgrades.

Red Marko

Yes, you are right.
Modding is not my cup of tea. Never was, especially aftmkt body work. My take on this issue is simple (I'll be gentle). I know , lots of members like+do it. (That's why we invented horse race tracks. Different strokes...) I strongly belive, that when any car manuf. (especially MB) develops a new model, tons of time, money, effort, R&D, 3-D modeling, "blind" tests, top designers, etc, etc, is spent. Those guys really know their stuff, have proper background, etc. Final product comes out like S or CL which we all love and adore. Same or even more goes with AMG.
I'm not going to start w/Armani suit comparison again. Just picture a pink scarf, or white shoes w black sacks with that suit. 95% of the outcome IMO is ... questionable or lets say gently... interesting.
Only upgrade I will consider is Renntech 1 or 2.
And than oem AMG (after couple of 2000 Chateau La Mondotte)

GMBALL

Sorry to bump the old thread, but damn, I just bought a CL63 and besides the ABC pump issue I am very happy with the car. One thing that I find quite odd is the suspension - it is stiff sometimes. It is worse than CL500 I had a ride in before.

Anyways, after reading this thread I am thinking whether I should have test driven CL600 before I bought the CL63. As a matter of fact, I went for CL63 without even considering the 600. Here in EU the 600 are ultra rare, 63 are more common. What is interesting; CL600 is cheaper than CL63. I could have bought a really decent CL600 for less money than my CL63.

Many people here say that 63 are not very impressive acceleration wise. I can't honestly imagine what you drive guys (probably 600 ), if the 63 is not that impressive. When I first hit the throttle on the 63 I thought - what a rocket.

Well, anyways, thanks for a good read!