Kyle Matthews

Hey guys. I'm new here (although not new to forum life - I own modmyi.com and modmymobile.com) - just traded up my 2008 C350 for a 2005 CL65 AMG (pics above, I am picking up the car Monday).

My first Mercedes (the C350) got me hooked on the cars, so I decided it was time to upgrade. Getting the car for $47k (which is also how many miles it has on it) from Isringhausen in Springfield (although I'm in Tampa these days). It is certified.

I had a few questions which I've been researching a while but would like to hear some feedback and thoughts from y'all since you've been doing it a while. Here goes:

1. What's the best way to integrate my iPhone/iPod into the COMAND system? On the C350 I had the UMI installed, but the sound has always been too quiet (CDs can reach almost twice the volume the iPod does).
2. Is there a way to upgrade the screen itself in the car?
3. What sort of upgrades are available on this engine?
4. Are there any stellar body kits for the car? Refined still but a bit more aggressive.
5. What else should I pay attention to or check out?

jgh1987

I do not have the answers to your questions but wanted to say very nice find, enjoy it. I would not personally add a body kit.

Silver looks great on 215 CL65's

Kyle Matthews

Yah, that was added kind of as an afterthought - the more I look at it the more I agree with you.

saintz

1. What's the best way to integrate my iPhone/iPod into the COMAND system? On the C350 I had the UMI installed, but the sound has always been too quiet (CDs can reach almost twice the volume the iPod does).
Check the Dension iPod kits from Enfig.

2. Is there a way to upgrade the screen itself in the car?
You can get a dash kit to swap in a standard double DIN stereo, like the Pioneer AVIC. Look into the steering wheel controls.

3. What sort of upgrades are available on this engine?
Biggest are a tune and anything to get rid of heat, like bigger intercoolers or heat exchanger. You could also look at an LSD.

Kyle Matthews

Seems like the Gateway 500 is the best one of those for this car?

Those look awesome - do they work correctly with the steering wheel controls and all? That would eliminate the need for the iPod connection kit, too.

Awesome, thanks.

hyelifeCL

Beautiful car.

I would not add any body kit including any spoilers or lips. Anything. The car looks too clean and classy too mess with it.

Enjoy it.

saintz

Yes, I think the Gateway (you need MOST not D2B based on the year of your car) would work.

I'm pretty sure you can find steering wheel control integrators for the AVIC. You'd have to search around here for tips. Make sure it is on a similar car, too, as the older C class integrations may have different electronics.

Kyle Matthews

Alright, this is good information. I think after this discussion and further reading, I'm looking at either updating the existing COMAND system to the 2009 version or the Pioneer AVIC Z130BT.

The Pioneer looks like a better, cheaper option, but I'd like to know if it's going to connect seamlessly with the cars existing components (steering wheel controls, COMAND wheel - not necessary i suppose, existing stock Bose speakers and amp). Of course I expect a few extra wiring necessities to accomplish that.

The threads I've been reading aren't entirely clear on that, and many are 3+ years old. Does anyone have any specific knowledge for this model and those components? Tampa is notorious for NOT having any high end car audio establishments, so I'm looking here for help.

danlnyc

.

Kyle Matthews

Thanks! I've sent them a message!

Ha - can you remove the pics from the quote of my OP so the pics aren't doubled up? lol, pet peeve.

Cartronics

We offer a ton of items for the CL, including our iTronic kits for bluetooth, iPod, A2DP (bluetooth) streaming, satellite radio, video in motion, backup cameras, front cameras, laser jammers, etc.
VERY nice car.... I have the same one, same year (in black)

Give me a call and I can talk to you about things to watch for, dos/don't, etc. I have had mine performance tuned, limiter removed, stealth laser jammer/radar installed in mirror, LED lighting package, Halo headlights, backup camera and video in motion, etc - many things I can give advise on and some learned the hard way on some service issues. Overall GREAT car though. One of the best I have ever owned.

Bryan 678-528-3443

Kyle Matthews

Cool Bryan I'll give you a call tomorrow, busy today.

I'm looking more to completely replace the COMAND unit in it with either the 2009+ model (the newer, widescreen COMAND with DVD playback etc and a nicer screen) or even better the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT if I can get a kit which will allow it to work with the existing amp, Bose speakers, and steering wheel controls (all stock).

Thoughts on that?

Cartronics

Both are SERIOUS overhauls. The newer COMAND would require redoing nearly everything in the car, as they are not compatible with the existing system. Also, the CL is the only class that the radio is actually mounted to the wood console and uses it as part of its frame. I would take a lot of fabrication to get something to mount up aftermarket. However, the 05 CL is a Siemens head unit, and can't be separated from the amp. If one goes, they all go - so you would have to replace it all....again a ton of work for very little gain. MUCH easier to upgrade the current system with accessories...
I have thought about the same things as you, but lose too much car integrity and way to much work for not much gain.

chawkins2001

Sick find Kyle. Ecu tune on that car will blow your mind, if you like roasting your tires at 60mph, then that mod should be right up your alley. I would add a front carbon fibre lip, lowering links so you can slam it.

fatmike

Welcome Kyle. Just wanted to say... modmyi made my iphone how it is today. great site!

You'll love the car.

zneB-sedecreM

??? On the CL

Cartronics

Some lighting changes made, while doing our complete LED overhaul of interior, trunk, puddle and driving lights. These are our CCFL Halo for the Mercedes kits...

zneB-sedecreM

That's cool, how much and what needs to be done to the lights so the Halos work

Cartronics

The kits are $189 for the Halo kit. The headlights have to be heated in the oven for 15 minutes at 250F and the lens will come right off. Install the Halo and reheat for another 10-15 minutes and put lens back on. Pretty easy. It just takes some time, but very simple to do.

We will do it for you for $499 (which includes the Halo kit) plus shipping, if you don't want to do it yourself.

zneB-sedecreM

Cool! Do you make them in diff intensity's?
Any more pics, I'm interested

zneB-sedecreM

Also, do they illuminate well, or do you still keep the stock main lights as well?

Cartronics

Not in different brightness intensities, but we do have different color temperatures. Red, Yellow, Blue, Green and White. White and Blue are a stocked item, the other colors are special order. Just give us a shout and we can send a kit out. 678-528-3443 -

We specialize in Mercedes/Porsche/BMW/Audi/Ferrari/Lambo - but we have them for all car's and motorcycles that can fit a CCFL ring.

Cartronics

They are very bright, but the stock projector headlight remains intact. These are added as running lights... if the car is on, these are on. Basically think the way the BMW lights work. Same thing in appearance.

danlnyc

haha sorry, removed them.

zneB-sedecreM

Could you show me pics of how the kit looks? I customized my headlight housings, so I just want to get an idea of how they look inactive. Thank you for answering my questions