Current SL500 owner, love MB. But have never owned an AMG version. So, the CL55, (2003 to 2004), if this car has been maintained, are they fussy and temperamental, or are they pretty solid?

I'm lusting after one, but my conservative nature has me a bit twitchy. Are the particular things to look out for in regards to the engine? i know all about the ABC and other miscellaneous electronics, but as far as the engine on this car, I'd love to get your input.

Thanks guys (and gals)...

I have owned 4 55 Mercedes (S, CL, E and SL) and never had any problems with the drive trains on any of them. The most problematic of the 4 is the CL but the majority of the issues were with the electronics. If you do buy one make sure that the instrument cluster has been replaced. Above all make sure you get an aftermarket warranty or a CPO car.

Things on that front should be fine since the engine is the best bit of the car.

I have a 2004 CL55 which I purchased new.

I don't have many miles on the car (less than 10,000 in four years).

The engine has been faultless. No problems, whatsoever.

The only issues with the car have been having to take it in to the dealer to have the ABC line replaced under warranty (no cost). One Tire Pressure monitoring sensor need replacement, again a warranty item. And, I have had the battery replaced because I had not driven the car for a month or so. Service technician came to the house, and replaced the battery on the spot, all at no charge.

Overall, I would characterize the car as relatively trouble free and very enjoyable to drive. An elegant, powerful vehicle.

JDB

Any evaluation of your Black Series?

I really enjoy the car. Excellent car for driving in the foothills and mountain roads in the area. The car has been performing excellently. Now have about 3,500 miles on it. Really enjoy taking it on the back roads to the Napa Valley.

The car is fast, but not ungodly fast. The straight line performance reminds me of my prior experiences with 427 & 454 Corvettes from back in the late '60's. That seems to be in line with the 1/4 mile times that I have heard reported for the car (High 11's to low 12 second E.T.'s). Also impressive when you consider that the Black Series is geared to achieve a top speed of 186, whereas the Corvette's that I was referring to were running 4.56:1 & 4.11:1 rear gears, which would give them a top speed of only 117 & 130 MPH respectively at 6,500 RPM. I imagine that having a rear end ratio of less than 3.08:1 especially with the old Muncie 4-speeds would have killed the quarter-mile times (for relatively stock high-performance 427's and 454's) to where they would be lucky to turn in anything that would be sub 13.0 seconds.

But, where the Black Series is really incomparable to anything that I have driven is in its road-holding capability - especially in the higher speed curves. Of course, it's virtually impossible to find anywhere where one can legally test the limits of this car. It makes all of the speed limits seem ridiculously low. And, all of the other drivers around you seem to be driving way too slowly.

The suspension is quite a bit stiffer than what one would expect in a M-B, but I think that most owners of this car would gladly accept the trade off for the excellent handling.

The car seems to be a superbly engineered, extremely well thought out package for anyone who enjoys performance.

Also, I will note that the car has been trouble-free. No dents in the fenders or mis-matched wheels (as mentioned in some posts on mbworld). Really enjoy the fact that the car is relatively low-profile as well. Only people who are really knowledgeable about performance cars have any idea that this is any different from a regular Mercedes-Benz. But, it's enjoyable to have enthusiasts recognize the car and give it respect.

JDB

Great BS series eval. Every time I hear someone talk about one, I want one.

As for the 55...... I have had my SL55 since '03, and it has been bullet proof, with only a couple of minor problems over the last 5+ years! I can't believe that I have had it that long, and it still puts a smile on my face.

Don't drive it, your "want" will turn into need or lust.

JDB, I may have read your comment about IIt makes all of the speed limits seem ridiculously low. And, all of the other drivers around you seem to be driving way too slowly. previously. Good thing there's cruise control.

To the OP, the engine seems bullet proof, the other systems are where the gremlins lie.

Also in regards to the original post, that is my opinion as well.