Reliability-CL55 vs CL65
06-06-2010, 10:11 PM
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08 bmw 328i
Reliability-CL55 vs CL65
I am new to the forum and looking to buy an 05-06 CL55 or CL65 as my daily driver. Does anyone have any insight into the long-term reliability of the V8 or the V12 engines?
I hadn't been considering the CL65, but I've been seeing some decent deals lately. I may look more closely at the CL65 if reliability is not any different.
I hadn't been considering the CL65, but I've been seeing some decent deals lately. I may look more closely at the CL65 if reliability is not any different.
06-07-2010, 10:29 AM
#3
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The most common problem afflicting the whole W215 CL range is the ABC suspension. On my CL65 I had two sensors go bad in the hydraulic struts which caused both to be replaced. I had the DiamlerChrysler Service contract which entirely covered the ABC repairs (about $5,600 for parts and labor at the dealership). I also had 2 control arms prematurely go bad which was also replaced under warranty (about $700 each). You should try to find a warranty that covers ABC/suspension repairs. My warranty (which I don't believe they still underwrite MBs) covered nearly $10K in repairs with absolutely no hassles.
Other than that there wasn't any reliability issues at all in 31K miles of ownership. The only non-reliability issues are the maintenance costs. Be sure to know how much life is left in the brake pads and rotors. To completely replace the fronts you are looking at about $3.5K+ at the dealership. The rears are "cheaper". The spark plug replacement at the dealership is a $1,200+ job (6 hours of labor) and is recommended every 5 years or 60K miles. So a 2005 or 2006 model is likely to need it now/soon just based on the date of production. Also, depending on mileage you might need to replace motor mounts. If the spark plugs are being changed anyway it isn't too much additional time as they are already there.
Tom
Other than that there wasn't any reliability issues at all in 31K miles of ownership. The only non-reliability issues are the maintenance costs. Be sure to know how much life is left in the brake pads and rotors. To completely replace the fronts you are looking at about $3.5K+ at the dealership. The rears are "cheaper". The spark plug replacement at the dealership is a $1,200+ job (6 hours of labor) and is recommended every 5 years or 60K miles. So a 2005 or 2006 model is likely to need it now/soon just based on the date of production. Also, depending on mileage you might need to replace motor mounts. If the spark plugs are being changed anyway it isn't too much additional time as they are already there.
Tom
06-07-2010, 10:31 AM
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His mama. Traded y0 mama in because she was squeaking.
Knock on wood, I haven't had any electrical or front suspension issues with my 65.
The ABC on the other hand... Let's just say that I'm glad I have a CPO Warranty.
The ABC on the other hand... Let's just say that I'm glad I have a CPO Warranty.
