Considering CL55 purchase
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'03 CL55, '04 G35X, '62 Morgan +4
Considering CL55 purchase
Hello....much like the thread title might indicate, i'm considering the purchase of a CL55....'03 with 32k miles.....its currently at the dealership getting every wire harness replaced due to water that got into the fuse box.....see attached.....not sure what else is being replaced while they're in there but will find out before i make an offer.....any suggestions for what i should check for?.....common electrical problem areas, sensors, etc.?.....any specific non-electrical areas you recommend having checked out?.....especially on a low mileage car that's probably had extended periords of rest.....appreciate the help.....thanks, Scott
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2005 CL65 (current), 2001 CL600 (chopped)
Everything... absolutely everything. First and most important question: why was there was in the fuse box in the first case? Was it flooded? Check for rust underneath the car, check for signs of corrosion especially near electrical connectors, check to see if every single button in the car works as and does what it should. All lights inside and out, windows, a/c, sunroof, nav unit, etc. Drive the car for at least a little while and make sure no errors come up on the dash. Take a peek while the carpet is out to see if there's any rust on the body itself.
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2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
Make sure they offer some kind of warranty be it 90 days or a year. Find out why it was flooded. Was it an insurance scam? Did someone leave all of the windows open in a hurricane?
Also with this much work, will the car come with a salvage title? If that's the case, low ball them if you still really want the car.
Goodluck and keep us posted.
R.K.
Also with this much work, will the car come with a salvage title? If that's the case, low ball them if you still really want the car.
Goodluck and keep us posted.
R.K.
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From: Clearwater, FL
CL55 AMG
If your like me, and always buy the cheapest you can find super cars, that you do all the work to them yourself to see how cheap you can do it for, and then get a great car out of the deal, then buy it. If you do not want the biggest pain in the *** and a serious money vacuum, then stay away.
If these cars get wet, I hate to see what happens to them, it's hard enough to keep up with the electronics on them when they are bone dry.
If you are a DIY guy, get it for real cheap, like 7-8K and spend hours and days and even weeks schooling yourself on this and other forums, so you can fix the many repairs that will come. These are great cars!
I got my 03 for under 13K with no signs of water damage, I need to dump about $800 worth of parts in to it , but after that It will be lots of fun. If it had to go to the dealer for the repairs it would probably be more like 4-5 k to get it fixed.
If these cars get wet, I hate to see what happens to them, it's hard enough to keep up with the electronics on them when they are bone dry.
If you are a DIY guy, get it for real cheap, like 7-8K and spend hours and days and even weeks schooling yourself on this and other forums, so you can fix the many repairs that will come. These are great cars!
I got my 03 for under 13K with no signs of water damage, I need to dump about $800 worth of parts in to it , but after that It will be lots of fun. If it had to go to the dealer for the repairs it would probably be more like 4-5 k to get it fixed.
Last edited by KENCO; Dec 19, 2011 at 01:03 PM.
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'03 CL55, '04 G35X, '62 Morgan +4
Thanks all for the feedback....some good tips.....don't have all of the details surrounding the "flooding" yet, but the MB service manager led me to believe it was just a matter of some rain water getting into the fuse box that for whatever reason wasn't properly covered/sealed.....fortunately the seller is a good friend (not the dealership) and i'm confident i can get the full story, but unfortunately as a private sale there will be no warranty......seller is currently overseas and has authorized dealership to release it to my custody upon completion, so i'll have plenty of opportunity to give it a thorough inspection.....will also def make sure title remains clean - good tip, Mr. radride!!
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From: Los Angeles
04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
Thanks all for the feedback....some good tips.....don't have all of the details surrounding the "flooding" yet, but the MB service manager led me to believe it was just a matter of some rain water getting into the fuse box that for whatever reason wasn't properly covered/sealed.....fortunately the seller is a good friend (not the dealership) and i'm confident i can get the full story, but unfortunately as a private sale there will be no warranty......seller is currently overseas and has authorized dealership to release it to my custody upon completion, so i'll have plenty of opportunity to give it a thorough inspection.....will also def make sure title remains clean - good tip, Mr. radride!!
I just hit 70k miles on my car and I haven't had any issues other than a cracked motor mount (which I immediately replaced through warranty). Oh yea, warranty might be a good idea on these cars. There are ABC failure horror stories all throughout this forum.The CL55 is an amazing car. You will love it!
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'03 CL55, '04 G35X, '62 Morgan +4
Yeah, been reading all about the ABC horror stories......problem is, it appears warranty prices have since been adjusted accordingly.....MB dealership quoted me $14k for 6yr/72k miles, $8,600 for 3yr/36k......i found other companies are offering packages for $3k, but they don't cover suspension which i assume is what ABC would fall under.....back in the day when you could get a full coverage warranty for $4k i'm sure it was a no brainer, but i think those days are done....if anyone has any suggestions i'm all ears!!......thanks, Scott
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From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
Hopefully the dealer will back their repairs, but my fear is human nature/effort/concentration/attention to detail. Taking that many parts out and replacing them, it would be hard to be perfect, even if you do have a big Star on your chest. I suppose their computer diagnostics should tell the tale on function. But from the picture, they are absolutely tearing that car apart.
As an example, the VMI I got (after I bought mine) shows that they swapped out the entire command system in my car 3 times. And it is still buggy as hell.
As an example, the VMI I got (after I bought mine) shows that they swapped out the entire command system in my car 3 times. And it is still buggy as hell.
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'03 CL55, '04 G35X, '62 Morgan +4
Yeah, not sure to what extent the dealer will back the repair for the current owner much less if any warranty will be transferrable to me after sale, will definitely inquire.....work was completed yesterday but dealership is keeping to drive and test for a week to hopefully flush out any bugs before delivery.....at that point i'll get the full rundown on everything that was replaced, inspected, serviced, etc.,....i assume they'll be able to provide full service history for everything performed at MB dealer, right?
Thanks,
Scott
Thanks,
Scott
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MB; 55KCL AMG, SL550 SLS AMG G500 Cabrio 280SL ML350 CLS550 ML500 E55 AMG CL500 S600 SLK32 AMG
No matter if one of the best Merc techs was working on that specific car, with that many parts out of it, it wont even sound how its supposed to sound. These cars are very quiet inside, with all the parts moved out of their original position, it wont have that same seal if you will that came from the factory. These arent the cars to buy after they've been messed up tbh Too many parts that are too expensive and too delicate. Theres plenty more you can look at that'll give you much more piece of mind. If you get that one, I'm sure something will "pop" up sooner than later. After it's out of their hands for the first couple weeks, its not gonna be their problem.
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From: Orange County CA
ML63
keep running sir!
Scott
I would Run, not walk from this deal!
Sounds like a headache!
For some xtra coin buy a Sound car...
Just remember....you get what u pay for.
There are no freebies in life.
Good luck and Merry Christmas
I would Run, not walk from this deal!
Sounds like a headache!
For some xtra coin buy a Sound car...
Just remember....you get what u pay for.
There are no freebies in life.
Good luck and Merry Christmas
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From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
Don't consider purchase unless you get an extended warranty. Being an 03 I doubt if you can get anything beyond a 1 year policy.
Email all MB dealers in the area for waranty costs and term. You will be surprised on the results.
Also, try to negotiate all the fluids to be changed including the rear end and p/s.
Email all MB dealers in the area for waranty costs and term. You will be surprised on the results.
Also, try to negotiate all the fluids to be changed including the rear end and p/s.
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From: Houston, TX
W209 CLK Renntech Widebody, C140 CL600 V12, AP2 S2000, NSX Twin Turbo, R8 V10
My advice, don't by a CL at all. Constant headache, had one from 2000-2011. If you like the way they look, just look at photos like I do. 
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MB; 55KCL AMG, SL550 SLS AMG G500 Cabrio 280SL ML350 CLS550 ML500 E55 AMG CL500 S600 SLK32 AMG
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
More like a supermodel with a coke and heroin addiction. She will rob you blind and drain your savings account.
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From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
Try for a 2005 or 2006 CL55 due to the fact that they are still eligible for extended warranties. Best of all, lots of little mech upgrades from the 2003 MY.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
If you haven't replaced your hoses and accumulator, I would do so as preventative maintenance. That's right when I started to dump big money into ABC repairs. I'd have a good indy remove all the rubber ABC lines, take to a hydraulic hose shop, and replace them with a higher quality hose.
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MB; 55KCL AMG, SL550 SLS AMG G500 Cabrio 280SL ML350 CLS550 ML500 E55 AMG CL500 S600 SLK32 AMG
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From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
If you haven't replaced your hoses and accumulator, I would do so as preventative maintenance. That's right when I started to dump big money into ABC repairs. I'd have a good indy remove all the rubber ABC lines, take to a hydraulic hose shop, and replace them with a higher quality hose.
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From: Texas
2003 CL55
Besides the wiring, I would be very concerned that the 20K ABC suspension system has water, rust and failed parts!
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
www.ultimatepd.com
instagram @ultimate_pd
facebook.com/ultimatepd
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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MB; 55KCL AMG, SL550 SLS AMG G500 Cabrio 280SL ML350 CLS550 ML500 E55 AMG CL500 S600 SLK32 AMG
I don't thnk so. I love the W215 AMGs. Wanted one since the moment I laid eyes on one at 11 years old. I'm on to owning my second one already. Totaled one on March of this year (most comfortable accident I've ever been in, wasn't my fault btw). The one I have now, I spent so much time and money on it, I'm nowhere near finished where I want to go with it. So much more money to put in it. But I don't care either, I'm obsessed with this car. You couldn't ask for more car really, especially mine, it looks the part as well. The ride is sublime. Strong, sexy, fast, comfortable, sporty, elegant, subtle yet still catches eyes than most new Benzes. This car is amazing. But I also won't be blind to the fact that this guy wants to buy an all electrical CL that has been flooded? No way man, his $20+K car will end up turning into $30k + easy. Easy.
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
If you haven't replaced your hoses and accumulator, I would do so as preventative maintenance. That's right when I started to dump big money into ABC repairs. I'd have a good indy remove all the rubber ABC lines, take to a hydraulic hose shop, and replace them with a higher quality hose.
My ABC pump went out about that mileage too....
