I ran into this poor guys horor story and it really made me second think the cl55, I have read that there are alot of issues with the air ride, which is normal for all cars with air ride systems but all the other problems he states, I was wondering if anyone else has seen some of these issues.

I want to drive the hell out of this car and put more than 50k miles on it before in need to trade it in, or spend $10k to fix... Are there anyone that has more than 100k for miles on one or does everyone sell them at 95k?

Any words of wisdom?


jicl55
Senior Member



Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Diego
Posts: 328
Drives: 2003 cl55


Take it 2 a MB dealership and pay the 200 or 300 or whatever for the inspection. Make sure it has a MB warranty and not some other aftermarket BS warranty.... and if it doesn't be prepared to shell out about $4k for one and it would be well worth it and this is why:
My ABC pump went out, not covered under BS warranty: $3000 outta pocket
My Nav quit, not covered under BS warranty: like 3 or 4k for refurb. Instead replaced with whole custom setup: paid $8000.
Numerous other things: SRS warning came on.... $600 for some sensors, pixels on climate control went out.... $600 (got a deal on it otherwise would have beenmuch more).... did have the visor problem....$135, trunk closing mechanism $600 and thats just the crap I remember (theres been a whole lot more) and I've only had it a year! Cl55s, especially 2003s are known for electrical problems, so, in retrospect, I probably would have gone a different route. End result is that I dropped the BS warranty company and bought a MB warranty so I feel much better now..... just wish I had done that in the beginning..... also, don't forget to check the brakes/rotors, and definitely take it to a autobody place to tell you if it has been repainted. I had mine "inspected" at an independent place (who didn't do that great of a job obviously) but it wasn't an autobody place.... So happens it was in a good accident on the left rear quarter panel and everything was replaced and repainted. Not shown on carfax (carfax=pretty much BS). Now, the clearcoat is showing cuz they did a crappy job repainting it but moreso it was sold to me as a car that had not been in an accident..... oh yeah, and they sold it to me with 3 cracked rims too. Less owners= better and make sure it was not a leased car. k, i'm done now.
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I feel the cars are well made but having a good warranty is worth it. You have the chance of a lifetime to buy a world class car for 1/4 th the original cost. Most in excellent condition. There is reason the parts cost a lot to replace. The car cost 120K.

PS, E55 have air ride , the CL, S and SL have ABC and are a form of electronically controlled hydrualics.

 

Keep in mind the "horror story" car was involved in a major accident unbeknownst to the new owner (and apparently even carFAX, yikes). Judging from responses I have read that specific car has had a much worse history than most; I have never seen such a huge amount of problems in just one year. I agree on the MB review - if they catch problems you may even be able to use them to negotiate a better price.

 

Frankly to say, I like where this thread is very interesting to discuss.


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I am aware the cars are 120k new, and I know thats why the parts are so horribly expensive... $1600 for one rear strut? And I absolutly love the cars style, throw in a supercharged v8 and what more could you want?

I dont want to sell the car just because my warranty is going to expire... does anyone have a car with over 100k for milage? If i buy one that has 30 or 40k that means I will get about 3 years out of the car before I have to sell it? that doesnt sound right....

I guess the next question is has anyone eliminated the ride control and put on regular srtut spring setup, or even a adjustable coilover? And I guess from what I gathered it a problem is with the pump not the rest of the ride control system, right? How much are the pumps? 1k, 2k, 3k?

Are the drivetrains stable? I have experience with the v6 amg s/c in a srt crossfire and that car was fast and reliable as anyone could want so I assume the v8 version is comperable......

The bottomline is I'm a little gun shy anymore because I had a 750il bmw that was a money pit once it hit 100k miles and I don't want to get stuck in that trap again, anyone have great stories of 80,000 trouble free miles?

 

p.s. sorry i'm throwing so many q's out there but I own a speed shop and am in the middle of looking for a new project car and want to educate myself before my next purchase.

I think a double adjustable qa1 coilover setup and a larger kennybell blower, or twin turbo setup would make the car a high 10 or low 11 sec supercar that would be different from the corvette viper crowd, and also solve the few issues that the car does have....... any thoughts?

 

Also here is a list of the tech bulletins from MB on a 2002 cl55 maybe some of you have or will have an issue, i figured i would share the info of things to keep your eye on or what to look for if going to purchase one...






All Technical Service Bulletins InformationNumberDateTitleS-83_30-74N04/15/2009 S-83_30-74N - 04/15/09S-27_19-82D03/25/2009 A/T - Electro-Hydraulic Control Module ID/OrderingP-42_45-10703/20/2009 ABS/TCS - ESP Service Required Mssg/Multiple Codes SetS-82_70-475A03/20/2009 Cell Phone - Calls Dropped Or Cut OffS-14_30-15F03/13/2009 Emissions - Multiple Codes Set/MIL ONS-83_55-11803/10/2009 A/C - No Or Low A/C Cooling PerformanceS-40_10-6903/10/2009 Wheels/Tires - Alloy Wheel Radial Crack InformationS-83_55-87F03/10/2009 A/C - Various Compressor Noise With A/C ONS-35_00-0803/04/2009 Drivetrain - Axle Mount Service GuidelinesP-46_20-16E02/27/2009 Steering - Leaks At Steering Gear/Hose JunctionS-18_00-40A02/09/2009 Engine - Excessive Oil ComsumptionS-40_10-6602/05/2009 Wheels - Approved Alloy Wheel Cleaning ProductS-67_00-2502/05/2009 Body - New Window Glazing Adhesive Repair KitS-46_50-34A02/04/2009 Steering - Speed Sensitive Steering Malfunctions/DTC'sS-98_00-13O02/02/2009 Body/Paint - MBUSA(R) Approved Refinishing ProductsS-40_15-6501/29/2009 Tire Monitor System - Steel Valve Stem Cap PrecautionsP-42_45-10401/15/2009 ABS/TCS - ESP Visit Workshop Message Is DisplayedP-63_50-1601/09/2009 Body - Corrosion At Roof/Rear Fender JunctionP-67_00-2401/09/2009 Body - Windshield/Rear Window Body Seam CorrosionP-82_60-227A01/07/2009 Audio System - AM/FM Interference With Rear Defogger ONP-82_10-66801/07/2009 Lighting - Low Beam Check Bulb Message DisplayedS-80_00-5301/05/2009 Keyless Entry - Various MalfunctionsS-68_05-47A12/19/2008 Accessories - Can't Program Garage Door OpenerP-54_18-20812/15/2008 Electrical - Suspension Message Displayed In ClusterS-46_30-40B11/26/2008 Power Steering - Fluid Filling/Bleeding PrecautionsP-32_50-34E11/24/2008 Suspension - Vehicle Lowers After SittingS-54_35-193A11/19/2008 Electrical - Horn Replacement InformationS-82_10-598A10/30/2008 Lighting - Exterior Light Bulb Replacement InformationP-63_50-07A10/29/2008 Body - Corrosion Between Roof And Quarter PanelP-32_50-35C10/29/2008 Suspension - Height Randomly ChangesP-54_65-104B10/29/2008 Parking Assist System - Triggers For No ReasonP-72_29-39B10/29/2008 Body - Front Door Window Motor Locks Up When ClosingP-00_00-73B10/27/2008 Body - Wind Noise Diagnostics/RepairP-54_65-132A10/27/2008 Parking Assist System - Sensors Loose/Come Out Of BumperP-40_15-6310/17/2008 Tire Monitor System - False Warning Message DisplayedP-33_15-22A10/06/2008 Steering/Suspension - Front End Squeak/Thump NoiseS-18_00-17G09/26/2008 Vehicle - Approved Service Products On WISP-54_65-86A09/17/2008 Parking Assist System - Erroneous ActivationS-82_30-63409/16/2008 Lighting - Auto Lamps/Rain Sensor MalfunctionsP-77_10-24D09/04/2008 Body - Sunroof Water Leaks/RattlesP-33_15-12D09/04/2008 Suspension - Front End Knock/Thump On Bumps200808000409/01/2008 Recall - Acceleration Sensor Inspection/ReplacementNHTSA08V40500008/01/2008 Recall 08V405000: Acceleration Sensor ReplacementS-32_25-19E06/04/2008 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replace GuidelinesP-88_70-39A05/23/2008 Body - Door Mirror Seal DamagedP-88_70-48B05/23/2008 Body/Lighting - Moisture in Mirror Turn SignalsS-82_35-62105/20/2008 Wipers/Washers - Maintaining Wiping QualityS-18_00-36A05/20/2008 Engine - Oil Level Display and MeasurementS-49_10-1105/14/2008 Exhaust System - Exhaust Pipe Chrome Tip CareS-40_10-6005/01/2008 Wheels/Tires - Nitrogen Usage RecommendationsS-68_30-7504/15/2008 Interior - Interior Damage From Scent DispensersS-68_05-7404/08/2008 Garage Door Opener - Range Too Short/Can't ProgramS-83_00-16104/04/2008 A/C - Control Module/Control Functions/DiagnosticsS-83_00-11503/26/2008 A/C - Unpleasant Odor From Air Conditioning VentsS-91_18-15103/24/2008 Interior - Seats are Dirty/StainedS-46_25-37A03/01/2008 Steering - Power Steering Diagnostic TipsS-98_30-2202/11/2008 Paint - Adhesive Residue RemovalS-40_10-18A02/01/2008 Wheels - Recommendation Against Chroming Alloy WheelsP-27_00-47F01/24/2008 A/T - Fluid Leaks at The Electrical ConnectorP-42_45-9401/10/2008 ABS/TCS - ESP/BAS Visit Workshop Message/Codes SetP-54_30-73B12/21/2007 Instruments - Displaying Vehicle Voltage InstructionsP-83_55-87B11/30/2007 A/C - Compressor/Drive Belt NoiseP-46_20-57A11/27/2007 Steering - Steering Gear Apparent Leakage InformationP-46_30-40A11/27/2007 Steering - Flow Noises/Fluid Foaming After RepairsP-35_30-0311/06/2007 Drivetrain - Rear Axle Surface CorrosionP-80_35-4311/02/2007 Keyless Entry - LED on Transmitter Key Not FunctioningP-32_25-19D10/18/2007 Suspension - Shock/Strut Replacement GuidelinesP-83_00-97A09/24/2007 A/C - Fluorescent Dye Leak TestingS-27_00-10108/01/2007 A/T - Throttle/Brake Pedal Application PrecautionS-91_00-3707/31/2007 Interior - Seat Noise ComplaintsP-42_45-7807/19/2007 ABS/TCS - ABS/ESP Lamps ON/Codes C1140/C1540P-82_95-546A07/07/2007 Digital Tele Aid(R)- Control Module RetrofitP-33_20-03007/01/2007 Drivetrain - Front Axle Grinding Noise DiagnosisP-97_00-0307/01/2007 Body - Replacement Sheet Metal With Seam

 

SealerNHTSA07V26300006/07/2007 Recall 07V263000: ABC High Pressure Hose Corrosion200706000206/01/2007 Recall - Active Body Control Pressure Hose ReplacementS-15_40-58A05/01/2007 Charging System - Voltage Regulator Inspection/TestingS-82_95-543A04/01/2007 Digital Tele Aid(R) - Control Module UpgradeP-72_10-7703/08/2007 Interior - Front Door Wooden Trim Panel LooseP-82_30-366C03/01/2007 Wipers/Washers - Wipers Chattering/NoisyP-18_40-29C02/26/2007 Engine - Oil Leaks Between Oil Level Sensor & Oil PanP-32_50-09A02/02/2007 Suspension - Vehicle Raises/Lowers ErraticallyP-82_00-260B01/31/2007 Entertainment System - CD's or DVD's Won't EjectS-82_95-54112/01/2006 Digital Tele Aid(R) - Control Module Overview2006080004A11/03/2006 Recall - Instrument Cluster Inspection/ReplacingS-27_56-8310/24/2006 A/T - Filter Part Number/Replacement InformationP-32_50-4210/11/2006 Suspension - Vehicle Lowers On One Side or CornerP-82_85-53009/27/2006 Navigation System - CD #4 Not RecognizedS-67_00-2008/01/2006 Body - Laminated Glass Chip/Crack Repair InformationP-46_00-4407/21/2006 Steering - Pentosin CHF 11S(R) Power Steering FluidP-82_85-49705/02/2006 COMAND(R) - Control Head Repeatedly Ejects CD'sP-91_60-10904/27/2006 Air Bag System - SRS Lamp ON/Multiple DTC's SetS-54_10-16204/12/2006 Electrical - Voltage Drop Testing at The Fuses2005070017D04/06/2006 Campaign - Alternator/Regulator Inspection/ReplacementP-46_20-25A03/27/2006 Steering - Squealing or Squeaking Noises When TurningNHTSA06V02800002/01/2006 Recall 06V028000: Inadequate Instrument IlluminationP-82_70-47511/14/2005 Cell Phone - Calls Cut Off/DroppedP-77_20-25A10/14/2005 Body - Sliding Roof Won't Open/Close/Tilt Up/Tilt DownP-54_30-92A12/30/2004 Instruments - Cluster Version CodingP-82_10-41912/30/2004 Lighting - Condensation in HeadlampsP-30_30-6112/30/2004 Cruise Control InoperativeP-72_29-3711/16/2004 Electrical - Seat/Mirror/Window Switch Lighting FailsP-15_40-5411/01/2004 Charging System - Insufficient ChargingP-82_30-39910/01/2004 Windshield - Blistering Near Rain/Light SensorP-82_10-201B09/01/2004 Lighting - Front Turn Signal InoperativeP-91_40-67A07/22/2004 SRS - Warning Lamp ON/DTC's B9183/B91A3 StoredP-68_50-2406/01/2004 Interior - Sunblind Chafe Guard/LooseNHTSA04V22800005/01/2004 Recall 04V228000: ABC Pressure Hose CorrosionP-00_45-7702/17/2004 Interior - Squeaking/Creaking Noise KitP-82_95-30502/13/2004 Emergency Contact/Alarm System - System 'Runaway'P-33_15-1002/04/2004 Steering/Suspension - Alignment RequirementsS-01_30-1502/01/2004 Engine - Cylinder Wall Damage AssesmentS-49_10-0802/01/2004 Exhaust System - Rattling/Hissing/Humming NoisesP-40_10-4301/16/2004 Tires - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(R) Tires Not ApprovedP-47_10-2701/05/2004 Fuel System - Fuel Filler Cap Hard to Remove/InstallS-18_00-16A12/01/2003 Gasoline Engine - Oil SludgingS-54_21-10110/01/2003 Engine Controls - ECM Flash Process ChangeP-82_85-28809/12/2003 COMAND(R) System - Unable to Enter New DestinationP-54_18-9707/31/2003 Electrical - Drivers' Door Electrical System InoperativeP-07_07-3407/24/2003 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Multiple DTC's SetP-82_85-26407/22/2003 Navigation System - Inoperative/Erroneous GuidanceP-20_10-2305/07/2003 Cooling System - Water Pump LeakageP-91_60-57A05/06/2003 SRS System - Control Module Service PrecautionsP-91_60-5804/16/2003 SRS System - Post Collision Impact Sensor ReplacementP-82_70-22203/21/2003 Cell Phone - Phone Won't Fasten Into Cradle HolderP-67_00-0903/07/2003 Body - Windshield/Rear Glass Body Seam CorrosionP-54_30-82A02/27/2003 Instruments - 'Display Defective DisplayedP-80_57-2002/25/2003 Audio System - RF Interference ExplanationP-54_21-67A02/24/2003 Lighting - 'Check Left Low Beam' Message DisplayedP-54_30-7601/09/2003 Instruments - '00000' Displayed on OdometerP-83_55-6512/18/2002 A/C - Compressor Cycles FrequentlyP-82_62-169B10/28/2002 Audio System - Various CD Player MalfunctionsS-82_70-135B10/01/2002 Fiber Optics System - Configuration/Version CodingS-82_85-20509/25/2002 COMAND(R) System - Various MalfunctionsP-82_85-19708/06/2002 Navigation System - Poor PerformanceP-68_05-1507/30/2002 Accessories - Insufficient Garage Door Opener RangeP-72_30-2702/15/2002 Body - Door Closing Assist InoperativeP-47_10-16A02/07/2002 Instruments - Fuel Gauge InaccuracyP-82_30-17802/06/2002 Wipers/Washers - Wiper Blades Come looseP-83_00-6102/06/2002 Interior - Vinegar Like Smell in High TemperaturesS-82_70-179A02/01/2002 Cellular Phone - V60 Programming InstructionsP-83_40-6001/11/2002 Automatic Temperature Control - InoperativeP-80_57-1411/20/2001 Electronic Ignition Switch - Intermittent CodingP-30_30-0711/01/2001 Cruise Control - Distronic Control Unit ReplacementP-80_30-1311/01/2001 Smart Key(R) - Download TimeP-40_10-3911/01/2001 Tires - Tire Pressure Control System ReactivationP-32_50-5A10/18/2001 Automatic Suspension - Operational CheckP-47_20-1710/10/2001 Fuel System - Hard Start After Fuel Filter ReplacementP-40_10-33A10/01/2001 Tires - Approved Winter/Summer TiresP-83_40-5609/21/2001 A/C - 'EC' Lamp ON/DTC 1256 Stored in MemoryP-82_85-17109/13/2001 COMAND(R) System - Instrument Display Not CenteredP-82_85-17009/13/2001 COMAND(R) System - Incorrect ETA Calculation DisplayedP-80_57-1108/29/2001 Ignition System - Electronic Ignition Switch ReplacementP-54_30-5708/29/2001 Instruments - Odometer ResettingP-18_40-1408/17/2001 Engine Controls - Implausible Oil Level MessagesP-91_60-4808/09/2001 Air Bag System - Side Impact Sensor ReplacementP-99_00-26507/01/2001 Vehicle - Technical Information Update Announcement