I take comfort in the durability of our high HP engines.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
I take comfort in the durability of our high HP engines.
Yes, It still feels like new, and I grin all the time. What I have noticed after about 8,000 miles is that I never get a chance to use the power on tap. Even when I passing and risking tickets (3 lately) it barely hits 3,000 rpm. When I first got it, I floored it several times, but it is so fast you have to get off it immediately. I ran down a particularly vacant tollway one night at 130, and it used no motor at all.
When I was younger, I always worried about the rings and valve train going due to being pushed hard for a long time (abused as I perceived it). Also, I presumed the makers had them tuned to the ragged edge and they were pushing themselves internally, just by running at all. With these 55's and 65's, I think the shear power they produce down low in the rpm range essentially prevents such abuse as any significant portion of the car's history. I don't read here about using oil, or failures in the valve trains or rings on stock cars. All the failures seem to relate to electronics and some rubber parts. Sure, they are expensive, but once replaced, it's like a new car.
My car is tight, smooth and perfect. 76,000 miles. I'm going to get anything fixed that fails, without complaining. Personally, if the interior was in top shape, I would not be afraid of a high mileage version of the 55 or 65. They have been loafing along for their entire lives. The engine, transmissions and the rest of the drive train is made to tolerate massive torque and horsepower, which they almost never see. I say be confident.
When I was younger, I always worried about the rings and valve train going due to being pushed hard for a long time (abused as I perceived it). Also, I presumed the makers had them tuned to the ragged edge and they were pushing themselves internally, just by running at all. With these 55's and 65's, I think the shear power they produce down low in the rpm range essentially prevents such abuse as any significant portion of the car's history. I don't read here about using oil, or failures in the valve trains or rings on stock cars. All the failures seem to relate to electronics and some rubber parts. Sure, they are expensive, but once replaced, it's like a new car.
My car is tight, smooth and perfect. 76,000 miles. I'm going to get anything fixed that fails, without complaining. Personally, if the interior was in top shape, I would not be afraid of a high mileage version of the 55 or 65. They have been loafing along for their entire lives. The engine, transmissions and the rest of the drive train is made to tolerate massive torque and horsepower, which they almost never see. I say be confident.
Last edited by JHouse; Feb 16, 2012 at 10:35 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
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From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
So today on the way to work I cruising at 80 with the tach at about 2K (21.1 mpg). The supercharger doesn't even kick in until 2700 rpm. Even when I goose it to pass or get clear, I usually don't need that many rev's. I'm telling ya, they just loaf along. It's like they're just winking at the other cars, and thinking "go ahead and wring its little neck, we're barely breathing over hear." 
I remember a story about a 120 year old industrial engine that had run consistently for that entire time, apparently it was way over-engineered, but it wasn't working against much load. Hence, lasted forever.
I remember a story about a 120 year old industrial engine that had run consistently for that entire time, apparently it was way over-engineered, but it wasn't working against much load. Hence, lasted forever.
Last edited by JHouse; Feb 14, 2012 at 02:18 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
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From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
So true. Only thing we are noticing over in the E section is lots of younger guys buying these cars( as they are no more than a new Mustang in price now)....driving the living snot out of them, then whining that the car threw a piston etc.
They are over engineered but not tard proof. You treat it like a race car....then be ready to rebuild it regularly LIKE A RACE CAR!
Great thread and as always AMG =
They are over engineered but not tard proof. You treat it like a race car....then be ready to rebuild it regularly LIKE A RACE CAR!
Great thread and as always AMG =
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
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From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
And I guess if you are at the drag strip going full out repeatedly, you might have a problem here and there.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 410
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From: Northern VA
CL55, SL500, E350
If I haven't said so, I like you Jhouse. Keep the funny stuff going.
I've got to ask, how the hell can you get 21 mpg at 80mph? If I drive like an old lady, I get about 14.8 mpg 70% highway. I am riding on 20" tho (2005 CL55 at 36K miles currently).
Same driving style, I get 17.5 on my SL500. I've always hear guys with pickup trucks saying they get 25 mpg.
Are you guys on drugs or something?
I've got to ask, how the hell can you get 21 mpg at 80mph? If I drive like an old lady, I get about 14.8 mpg 70% highway. I am riding on 20" tho (2005 CL55 at 36K miles currently).
Same driving style, I get 17.5 on my SL500. I've always hear guys with pickup trucks saying they get 25 mpg.
Are you guys on drugs or something?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
So true. Only thing we are noticing over in the E section is lots of younger guys buying these cars( as they are no more than a new Mustang in price now)....driving the living snot out of them, then whining that the car threw a piston etc.
They are over engineered but not tard proof. You treat it like a race car....then be ready to rebuild it regularly LIKE A RACE CAR!
Great thread and as always AMG =
They are over engineered but not tard proof. You treat it like a race car....then be ready to rebuild it regularly LIKE A RACE CAR!
Great thread and as always AMG =
.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
If I haven't said so, I like you Jhouse. Keep the funny stuff going.
I've got to ask, how the hell can you get 21 mpg at 80mph? If I drive like an old lady, I get about 14.8 mpg 70% highway. I am riding on 20" tho (2005 CL55 at 36K miles currently).
Same driving style, I get 17.5 on my SL500. I've always hear guys with pickup trucks saying they get 25 mpg.
Are you guys on drugs or something?
I've got to ask, how the hell can you get 21 mpg at 80mph? If I drive like an old lady, I get about 14.8 mpg 70% highway. I am riding on 20" tho (2005 CL55 at 36K miles currently).
Same driving style, I get 17.5 on my SL500. I've always hear guys with pickup trucks saying they get 25 mpg.
Are you guys on drugs or something?
I get MPG in the lows 20's with my CL600 and I'm on 20" wheels also.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
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From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
SLCL, as to gas mileage, this is how I did it. I washed all the bugs off the car. I got on the straightest, flattest highway in Texas and reset the gizmo and held my breath for about 30 miles. Slowing at any slight rise and gaining speed on any downslope. I watched it go from the normal reset beginning point of 15.7 (Normally I get 15.7 combined) and watched it climb, more and more slowly as I approached the ultimate number. Then I had to turn. I can live with that.
Last edited by JHouse; Feb 14, 2012 at 04:52 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Toronto
V12TT
I can certainly say these 55k engines are made to last. Friend of mine has a G55 with over 350,000KMS. Unfortunately my car had been a victim of a bad tune which led my engine to destroy pistons 8 and 6 last year. However, like many of us on this board I am also one of those monkeys that can't drive my cars stock. But now pulley and EC tune = 
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
I can certainly say these 55k engines are made to last. Friend of mine has a G55 with over 350,000KMS. Unfortunately my car had been a victim of a bad tune which led my engine to destroy pistons 8 and 6 last year. However, like many of us on this board I am also one of those monkeys that can't drive my cars stock. But now pulley and EC tune =
The tunes often run too lean and the pistons overheat and fail. Very common with tweaking. But if you've got the money and engine failures don't hurt your feelings, then have at it. My problem is that I nearly anthropomorphize my cars. They're like the family pet. I love them too much to risk their health. Man's best friend.
Last edited by JHouse; Feb 16, 2012 at 01:47 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: San Luis Obispo
2015 SL63
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
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From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
Of course I can put the peddle to the floor, rocket down the road and watch the MPG drop, but I'll be smiling all the way to the gas station.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
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From: San Luis Obispo
2015 SL63
BTW how do you like the speeddriven ECU/TCU? I have been thinking about it
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: the uk
CL500
I noticed people stating that ECU/TCU upgrades make 55k engines run leaner, thus may cause them heavier usage and make them less reliable, does it significantly increase the risk of spoiling the engine?
