PedalPusher

I recently traded my 04 E55 for a new C63 and have strong buyers remorse due to its smaller size. Knowing my disappointment, the dealer is offering me a great deal to trade back in and move up to a CL class.

I drove the CL63 which looks awesome in black/black and AMG perf 20" wheels.

However, as we discussed the deal, the GM offered me a new black/black 2008 CL600 (with IPod and 19" wheels) for a (net) of $14,500.00 less than the CL63! This means in true dollars they are selling the CL600 for about $115K. (152K sticker)

I drove the two cars back to back and they have some distinctly different feels. The most obvious is the torque of the 600 vs the sound, looks, and great 7-speed trans of the CL63.

The "seat of the pants feel" of the 600 was incredible and the car felt faster even though the window sticker claims virtually identical 0-60 times for both.

To further confuse me the GM also offered to install the AMG grill, AMG front fascia, AMG rocker panels for an additional $8,500.00. I would also likely do the ECU/TCU tune.

I know that the ideal car would be the 08 CL65, but the price is too high for my situation.

Does anyone here know why the CL600's are at such a deep discount? I saw elsewhere that MB may be updating the V12 TT in the near future and that they may drop the CL name in favor of an S type designation?

Since I bought the C63 impulsively and now regret my purchase, I did not want to jump again without asking for advice. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Ferri

The update sound a bit steep, though right in line with their cost most likely. You should seriously consider asking them for upgrade on brakes too (65 or 63) if you throw a couple of thousand more into the mix. Then, you might not be missing much from the 65.

TMC M5

Slightly used 08's can be had for under $150K. I would think that once you got done with all the upgrades to the CL600, you are approaching that figure. The CL600 won't have the AMG brakes, carbon fiber engine cover, relatively better resale value (not much better), better exhaust system, and better cooling system for the I/C.

Tom

Al E

We love our SL63

Satan

as long as you're gettin a cl that's all that matters. Personaly I'd take the CL600 with the sport package. Unless I had the option of cl65 then no question 65

gaazmon

Personally, I'd go with the 600 and just do the renntecfh ecu/tcu tune and CF airbox, resonator delete, AMG brake kit (I think the SL600's come with a bigger brake set than the SL550, almost like a 63's, does this apply for the new CL's as well cause it didn't for the W215?) Another reason I like the 600 is because it comes with pretty much every option. Saves me a lot of time for looking around on that part.

But again, it's up too you. You want the body kit, rims, suspension, brakes, big natural V8 OR you want pretty much all the options, the V12TT and mod it yourself?

As always, drive both yourself, that always makes the difference.

Z356

PedalPusher: Re: "Does anyone here know why the CL600's are at such a deep discount? I saw elsewhere that MB may be updating the V12 TT in the near future and that they may drop the CL name in favor of an S type designation?". First, let me address the second question. I doubt the CL name will be dropped. There is a tradition here regarding the history and the model name for the top-of-the-line 2 door coupe in the Mercedes range. Besides, I don't think it would make sense to confuse the market with a 2 door and a 4 door version of the S class. The new CL600 was introduced as a 2007 model worldwide, so it is going to be around (in this chassis form) a little longer than even the new S class, which was introduced at least one model year+ earlier. Many of us believe the biturbo V12 engine in the CL (and S class) will be around for a long time (do a search / CJF Moraga has posted several good threads on this subject) and this engine is a wonder of high technology and even frugal in fuel consumption considering its incredible power & torque. The discount you correctly observe in the CL600 market, in my opinion, is the result of the inherent limited market for these types of cars (two doors not as practical as four), its sky high MSRP and the oversupply in which MB has produced. Simply, they are building more CL600 than there is current demand, at least for the past two years in our US market. Yet for those of us (and maybe you) who appreciate the new CL600 unique looks & design, its smaller size (built on the more agile short wheel S class platform that is not available in US) and its distinguished pedigree of MB history, high tech content & comfort, it is worth considering the investment. Other than the hyper expensive AMG 65 versions, there are few mechanical thrusts that compare to the one a new CL600 provides at speed! And given the temporary inbalance between supply and demand of the new CL600 at the moment, my advice to anyone that can use a luxury 2 door MB vehicle like this is to buy it at the best discount you can negotiate and then enjoy its multiple advantages - including the fact that there will be few others seen at any given stoplight in your travels. Saludos, Z356.

Untertürkheim

600 over 63 any day.

blazinginder

Go with the 600...worst case you chip it and you'll be looking at power similar to a 65


btw which dealer did you go to? (dont worry, not in the market, just wondering)

PedalPusher

Thanks for all of the advice!

As most have stated, the torque is unique on the V12 TT engines. Driving both cars back to back exposed that the 63 engine lacked the low end needed to accelerate the heavier S class car the way the V12 does. The NA engine does feel very appropriate in the little C63.

I inked the deal on the CL600 today and I am having the dealer install the grill and other AMG front and side ground effects.

I will also likely do the ECU TCU upgrade and look for the 20" AMG PP wheels that I saw on the CL63.

This has been a big decision for me and again I appreciate all of your continued advice and input!

As far as the dealer- I have gotten similar prices in NJ from: Globe, Ray Catena, MB Morristown, and Princeton. PM me for details if needed.

There are also new 08 CL 600's on eBay for the $115+- range which I feel is a real bargain.

BTW, does anyone know if the smoked headlight lenses on the 63/65 are just lenses or are they the entire (and I would assume expensive) headlight assembly?

Mrkhan347

cl600 hands down. v12 engine, more luxurious interior. Many people complain of a cheap plastic interior in the cl63, 550 as compared to the 600. And for 15k less than the 63? no brainer! Good luck and take care

Dr. No

Ditto!

Do the V-12....you will never look back after you get used to the torque

D.

Red Marko

PedalPusher,
Congratulations on a new car, there is nothing better
on the roads right now, except CL65 that is.
But where are the pictures. I know weather is really bad right now on the East Coast (I live close by) so I will forgive you (for now).
Again,
enjoy THE ride.
Mark.

Code3 Performance

+1.. I have to agree.

NJBoy115

The new CL600 is truly an awesome car! What else can you get for the money where your in a V12 and can go 0-60mph in 4.5 secs!! IMO it would be a no brainer to choose the V12 CL600 over the V8 CL63. Plus, you can do a lot more with the V12 engine tuning wise..with a RENNtech ECU/TCU upgrade you could push 645HP and 780lb. ft. of Torque!!..and you won't void the factory MB warranty! I would love to see it with the AMG body effects..Post some pics when you have a chance.

Novaflux

my 600 smokes the cl65 amg baby!!!! a couple grand should have u up there believe me...times trial at the track vs. 65amg got ummmmm!

MBFLO

V-12 TT FTMFW ... + a chip = Monster

NISMO240SSX

I'm in a similar situation minus the C63 purchase. Looking to upgrade from my 05 CL 55. I can't afford the CL 65, but the 63 and 600 are in my range.

Does anyone know if the susp is any different?

In 08 I moved from a 04 500 to a 05 55 and besides the engine, the car felt a lot stiffer.

grane

The 63 will not fit 4 adults, the engine is dodgy and the used 600 is a maintenance nightmare.

Drive the 55 in comfort mode and wait for the new CL 5.5Tt to be out for at least a year before buying. I drove the CLS 5.5tt recently and liked it. Maybe you want a CL550 if the AMG is too stiff?

Maybe you should get an E350 4matic? Do you want a two door?

Just ideas no disrespect intended.
The Cl55 is a classic ESP if one has a Cpo warranty!

NISMO240SSX

Grane - I'm a bit confused by the reply. I like the stiffer susp setup of the 55, and would like to replicate it on my new purchase. In my price range, the 5.5TT will take a couple years. Even the new 2008+ 600s are a maintenance nightmare?

grane

By definition the 12 is going to cost more in maintenance than the 8. My tech says they just are more expensive to maintain in standard or amg versions than the M113 cars. I did not realize you liked the AMG suspension.
I drove the C63. It is an M3 alternative rather than a CL replacement. Nice entry level car but I would have had the same reaction you did.
Have you driven the cars in question? Do the used cars have a Cpo warranty?
If you can afford and like the 12 go with an AMG. The handling package retrofit might make sense if the abc is overhauled too.

You might want to pose this question on the AMG private lounge. You'll need your Vin to register.

Jan AMG

Go with the CL600 if you are deciding between these two.

Both engines will be updated soon anyway (..63 has been replaced already)

andymlow

I placed my vote today.
Just agreed to buy a 2007 CL600. Can't wait!!
looking at extended warranty options, updating the telematics and the nav disc and maybe a ECU upgrade.
The car has 33k - do you think I will need to change engine air filter or cabin filter yet?

Jan AMG

Congrats!
Looking fwd to pics of your new car.

You should change filters for sure.