TonyJ89117

Hey guys,

I sold my 2005 E55 last year, since I did not like the handling characteristics compared to my previous M5. However, the E55 smoked the M5 from an acceleration perspective, but speed is secondary to handling for me.

I bought a 2007 M6, but can't stand the SMG transmission, so I coming back to Mercedes. However, the car sounds simply awesome with my E-Race exhaust.

I am considering either a CL55 or 03'+ CL600. Which one is better overall? Is there much of a difference in handling between the two cars? Does AMG tune the car more aggressively? I know that the CL55 has the huge AMG brakes and sportier seats, but that the CL600 has that torque monster turbo V12. Is there any moderate mods that will compare in performance to a CL600 with a tune and exhaust? How much in mods are required on a CL55 to keep pace with a tuned CL600?

Finally, how do these cars compare in handling to my previous 2005E55? Will the AMG tuned CL55 come close to the M6's handling or am I dreaming?

Thanks for the help

DFW01E55

Forget about handling in a CL. You want handling in an MB, get a CLK Black.

CL600 will be faster stock for stock tuned for tuned on the top end and quarter.

The 55 will respond with louder, quicker acceleration and a slight edge in handling due to 200 pounds lighter weight but forget handling.

Ride quality is better in the CL than the M6 because of the ABC system.

The torque converter is looser on the 600 so it feels like it accelerates in a heavier manner but it's still faster.

Those are my experiences, ymmv.

arrowax

I think if you want more performance feel get the 55..it is noisier, harder ride than the 600

600 is very2 smooth.

Both of them behave differently. From what I've read, you probably like the 55 more.

None of them can handle. they are big heavy cars. Your M5 should handle better. If I am not mistaken, your M5 is lighter too. CL's are grand tourers.

TMC M5

Why not go with a CL65...the prices are way down and there is one out there with RennTech tune ($5,800 value) being sold below $65K. You get much bigger brakes, better wheels, AMG seats, suspension, bigger heat exchangers for the intercoolers...etc...over the CL600.

Tom

TonyJ89117

The CL65 is also another car I am seriously considering. The CL65 is A LOT of car for the money today at a third of its price new.

However, I have seen 03' CL55's selling for under $30k now and 03' CL600's for about the same price. Is the CL65 twice the car?

I can't believe how much depreciation these cars have taken over the last 5 years. However, it's a great thing for buyers like myself

Thanks

TMC M5

Not to come off as a jerk....but if you had an E55 and an M6....there were cheaper models that you could have gone with but you made the judgement in the past that you were willing to pay a premium for incremental increases in performance and amenities...why would you need me to answer that for you?

BTW '03's are all out of warranties....all CL65's pretty much should have some factory warranty left...that has to be worth something. Also compare CL65's with the mileage you are looking at for the other cars....it won't be double the price...

Tom

TonyJ89117

Unfortunately, the real estate market has not been to kind to me during the past year. Also, vacant rental homes have impaired my cash flow somewhat and have necessitated me to downsize a little.

However, I still want a very fast and luxurious sports coupe. I never considered the CL65, but maybe I should give them a second look.

Addicted2Speed

I agree 100%. If you can afford a 2007 M6, buying a CL65 shouldn't be a problem at all. The difference between CL65 and CL600/55 is huge, its like comparing a 650i and M6.

V12Godspeed

Unless.................you have a CL600 that is tuned by AMG itself and runs tens cough*JAYCL600*cough......lol!

Other then that go for the 65...

Dr. No

Get the CL 65! You will love it!

D.

RDD

I would think an 05 E55 and the CL's you are considering will handle similarly (i.e. not like your e39 M5). If you want a good handling luxurious coupe how about the new M3?

TonyJ89117

I am starting to consider the CL600 over the CL55 due to the ability to make serious power.

Do you think a CL55 with headers, pulley and tune keep up with a stock CL600? E55's with the same mods makes good power gains, but don't translate to lot quicker car for some reason.

How much quicker will a tune improve acceleration on a CL600? I have read the Renntech website and somewhat skeptical of the gains they quote based strictly on a tune.

BlownV8

I gained around 125 RWHP with just the ECU/TCU Renntech tune on my old CL600. My old 600 was putting around 525 RWHP to the ground. It takes a good chunk of money for the 55 to put that kind power to the ground and it still won't have the torque of the modified 600.

If speed is what you want, go for the 600. If you like the looks of the 55, get the 600 with Sport body and add some nice wheels and you are set.

chiphomme

You're dreaming. CLs are huge. They weigh hundreds of pounds more than an E55. And if handling is important to you this is another step backwards.
Go buy a C63 or CLK63 Black.
I don't get why anyone would dislike SMG. It kicks the crap out any Mercedes gearbox.

TonyJ89117

Thanks for the feedback.

In regards to SMG, it is awesome when you are going full throttle for maximum acceleration. It shifts lightning quick and the paddles work almost instantaneously compared to the leisurely delay in the E55. Though, it shifts almost a little too aggressively in the S6-P500S mode.

However, when in "auto" mode, it shifts so slow and the downshift logic is terrible. I rarely drive my M6 in auto mode because I get frustrated with the shifting.

Would the CLK55 and CLK63 (non Black series)be similar to the BMW in handling?

chiphomme

I had an M6 too. I have a real love/hate opinion of the car. I didn't care for the motor but loved the gearbox. I would really like to test drive the DCT they're putting in the new M3s.

I am not sure about the non Black CLKs. My CLK63 beats up on my M6 in the handling dept. pretty easily. But the M6 was a better long distance GT type vehicle. Both are lacking in practicality.

Why not try a C63? Or an M3 w/DCT? Tons of power and fun. Plus they can actually be used day to day.

FTLAndy

Witness the CL65 on "Top Gear":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg-Ooec7OIU

Enough torque to possibly make the planet spin backwards

But so heavy that the final track number is kind of mid-pack.

-- Andy

Patentmat

I have seen this before and it is not always true. The oldest CL500s weigh <4000 lbs, but we don't want of those.

The CLs you do want actually have quite a bit of range in their weights. The 215 CL600 (4473 pounds) and the CL65 (4654! pounds) are getting up there, the W215 CL55 only comes in at 4255 lbs. For comparison, the W211 E55 weighs 4087 pounds.

In pounds per horsepower the CL55 has the E55 beat, at 8.63 lbs per hp for the CL and 8.71 pounds per hp in the E. The CL600, while weighing more and having a lbs per hp less than the E, more than makes up for it with its monstrous torque. The CL65 takes em all.

BlownV8

That's if you actually believe the CL55 has more hp than the E55. From dynos I've seen, there is no difference in hp between the two. Look at dragtimes and compare stock 1/4 mile times from an E55 and CL55. The lighter E55 has the CL55 beat in terms of acceleration and actual hp/lb.

DFW01E55

Sorry Patent, I've gotta' disagree on the weight.

I weighed it at the track, MB says 4,250 lbs, so I figured 4,450 with driver and stuff.

Nope, 4,650 pounds! Less than 3/8's of a tank and no computers, boat anchors or golf clubs in the trunk.

CL55.

JDB

Was your weight of 4,650 including driver?

If it did include the driver, does he weigh less than 400 lbs?

JDB

chiphomme

CLs are nice cars but they are rather large (so are E55s). The guy wants handling. CLs are highway beasts that can't (and dont try) to compete with BMW in that respect.
I think he should opt for an M3 Sedan with DCT or a C63 (both of which would beat up on any CL, even in a straight line, except the 65).

CT3

i owned a 2005 cl65 for about 2 years, and as many have said, on the highway the car is a giant, 604 hp and 738 ft-lbs... however you start pushing the car on the back roads and thats when its slight weight problem becomes more obvious

you said that handling was your priority, i simply cannot advice the cl65, if you were a drag racing fiend who enjoyed only straight line performance, the cl65 is truly topnotch!

DFW01E55

Wise guy.
But yes, the driver is below 400lbs, it would be a bad day to see 200 lbs on the scale.

Patentmat

The subject of the thread says speed and handling. I'm only speaking to the speed for now.

Damn! That sucks I was using MB numbers. I wonder what explains why it would weigh so much more than they say it does. You need to put that car on a diet~!

I know we all slam the magazines, but the first check I did from Road & Track back in '03 found the E55 sedan hitting a 12.4-sec. quarter mile at 116.4. Car & Driver from the same year has it at 12.7 @ 117. Motor Trend in their "Speeding Shootout" cover story has the CL55 at 12.38 @ 114.45 with a 0-60 of 4.27. Looks roughly about the same to me.

And yes I know this has nothing to do with handling . . .