CL55 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG (C215, C216) 2000 - 2014 (Two Generations)

Newbie with 03 cl55amg issues

Old Oct 11, 2011 | 12:40 PM
  #1  
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Angry Newbie with 03 cl55amg issues

Hello all I just bought a 03 cl 55 amg with 58k miles. Noticed the car is leaking oil.. I removed the under cover and think it's leaking from oil pan gasket. I also noticed that the valve cover gasket leaking a tiny bit on both sides. I feel screwed!!!! Does this mean the previous owner ran it hard??? How much am I looking in labor to do this?? I don't know what I gotten into.
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Old Oct 11, 2011 | 01:25 PM
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clean up the leaks and start fresh. you never know who poured what and where on that motor.

in a week or so once you know where it leaks from you will have a better idea what you are up against.

leaky valve covers does not mean the car was ran hard. more like the car sat for a while and things dried up...
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Old Oct 11, 2011 | 07:25 PM
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[QUOTE=alx;4869553]clean up the leaks and start fresh. you never know who poured what and where on that motor.

in a week or so once you know where it leaks from you will have a better idea what you are up against.

leaky valve covers does not mean the car was ran hard. more like the car sat for a while and things dried up...[ok I'll do that should take it to dealer?
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Old Oct 11, 2011 | 07:27 PM
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I'll do that, should I take it to the dealer?? Also when I step on the gas at take off it kinda lags is that norm?? It only does it from 1st to 2 Nd gear. Sml bog.
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Old Oct 11, 2011 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by 559cl55amg
I'll do that, should I take it to the dealer?? Also when I step on the gas at take off it kinda lags is that norm?? It only does it from 1st to 2 Nd gear. Sml bog.
take your traction control off, it should help, get a warranty, it would be in your advantage to do so, as you know everything on this exclusive car is very expensive, pay close attention to service maintenance on this car, take care of the car as it will take care of you.

Welcome to the forum,
Pete
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 12:52 AM
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Thanks Pete I'll deff do that. I'm loving the car so far
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 01:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 559cl55amg
I'll do that, should I take it to the dealer?? Also when I step on the gas at take off it kinda lags is that norm?? It only does it from 1st to 2 Nd gear. Sml bog.
LOL yes, that is the infamous Mercedes throttle lag....I have the same issue with my CL55 as well. Only way to get rid of it is resetting your ECU or installing a sprintbooster (highly debated though...it's a love it or hate it thing I guess)
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 02:16 PM
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[QUOTE=danlnyc;4871432]LOL yes, that is the infamous Mercedes throttle lag....I have the same issue with my CL55 as well. Only way to get rid of it is resetting your ECU or installing a sprintbooster (highly debated though...it's a love it or hate it thing I guess)[Dan so how do you reset the ecu???
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 02:17 PM
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How do I reset the ecu guys?? And about the spint booster where can this be found
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 02:21 PM
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search the forum for "sneaky ECU reset", and anything else you need to know while youre at it... quite a mine of info already on here.
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Old Oct 12, 2011 | 06:54 PM
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Nice I'll do that! This forum is awesome!
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Old Oct 13, 2011 | 02:53 AM
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Originally Posted by 559cl55amg
Nice I'll do that! This forum is awesome!
yes, and everything you asked about is already on here. So take some time and investigate, it will be time well invested.

enjoy the car
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Old Oct 13, 2011 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 559cl55amg
Hello all I just bought a 03 cl 55 amg with 58k miles. Noticed the car is leaking oil.. I removed the under cover and think it's leaking from oil pan gasket. I also noticed that the valve cover gasket leaking a tiny bit on both sides. I feel screwed!!!! Does this mean the previous owner ran it hard??? How much am I looking in labor to do this?? I don't know what I gotten into.
when I read your post it immediately me of some serious motor trouble I ran into w/ my CL55 around the mileage your at. The valve cover was leaking at the front noticeably on both sides as you suggested. The car bogged out as you mentioned and before it crapped out completely I had it towed to my dealership where they determined (under ext warranty thank god) that I had cracked a piston. W/O the warranty I was looking at like 9k in repairs, tons of labor $$ from the dealership to take the heads off the motor. Be careful, if it doesn't feel right, have it checked out. One big problem will take you out of this car w/o a warranty unless you've got deep pockets. Best of luck to you.
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Old Oct 13, 2011 | 09:15 PM
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Oh no wow!!!!!scary!!!! Dam I better get ext warranty. And take it in. Dang I'm worried
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Old Oct 14, 2011 | 07:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 559cl55amg
Hello all I just bought a 03 cl 55 amg with 58k miles. Noticed the car is leaking oil.. I removed the under cover and think it's leaking from oil pan gasket. I also noticed that the valve cover gasket leaking a tiny bit on both sides. I feel screwed!!!! Does this mean the previous owner ran it hard??? How much am I looking in labor to do this?? I don't know what I gotten into.
OP giving good advice. For peace of mind I would do a complete 50k mile service with an MB specialist indie. This service should be outlined in your owners manuals. Take the VIN to the stealer and get a complete service history. If there are any campaigns outstanding make srevthey don them as freebies and they can replacevbrake fluid and check adjust alignment. I get my genuine MB parts from sponsor

www.mymercedesparts.com

At a deep discount. Use 0-40 Mb1 only you can get it on sale periodically. Oh when you drain the oil, drop the oil pan and replace the gasket and don't forget new screws and copper crusher washers. ( sorry there's babble on bottom but I'm on a tablet and can't remove it.)

The service includes replacing the cabin air filters, B service, drain and replace transmission fluid (oem MB only), replace tranny filter gasket and clean filter, brake fluid, replace both belts and plastic idler pulleys, drain and replace coolant, replace MB air filters, check all hoses for dryness, change plugs per owners manual, - don't use gimmick plugs, check alignment and ABC system, replace valve cover gasket and fuel filter, begin using Techron and Shell 93 petrol per bottle instructions. Wash with double bucket system, polish with 3m glaze and wax with Mothers or other favorite Carnuba wax. Wash undercarriage of car too and check for rust and line leaks. Remove wheels and clean insides with turtle wax P31 or if bad Lestoil and rinse thoroughly. If wheel bolts are corroded clean up, degrease and spray with Rustoleum Aluminum. Use a bit of lithium grease on threads. Touch up any paint minor scratches with Dr Color Match after wash but let sit according to directions bforeglaze and wax. Debadge it.
Drive It for about 500 miles and get used to it before any ECU tunes. This is arguably the most panache and performance there is.

No doubt I've probably left something out some here will correct me.

Due this

Here are s

Last edited by grane; Oct 14, 2011 at 07:37 AM.
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Old Oct 14, 2011 | 08:01 AM
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Find a local independent MB service garage. Forum members can help if you provide your region. Leaking gaskets are just that. Simple repair. The lag you mention is common, however we don't know if you are talking about "normal" lag, or something else. Ill bet you a dollar you do not have a cracked piston.

I think your crank is bent, (just kidding!!!)

Have the gaskets replaced, and had the indy look it over.
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Old Oct 14, 2011 | 08:53 AM
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Valve cover gaskets leak on the V8. Just retighten them (not too hard). Only if it keeps leaking, and leaks a lot, do you need to replace them.

Try to pinpoint the other leak.
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Old Oct 20, 2011 | 12:41 AM
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No such thing as a cracked piston.... Lol ok good advice guys it don't lagged to bad just if I smash
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Old Oct 22, 2011 | 08:59 PM
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Long time CL55 owner. The motors on the 03 CL55's go bad around 240,000 KM's I noticed. Happened to mine last year.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...read-pics.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...k-stomach.html

I wouldn't keep this car without a warranty at all
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