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

04 vs 06 CL55?

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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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Mark.D's Avatar
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04 vs 06 CL55?

What are the main differences between say an 03/04 and an 06 CL55? Any improvements made to the ABC system during the life cycle? I've got a C55 that has been mechanically very good. If I were to upgrade to a CL55, my primary concern is the jump in maintenance. Are the 06's any different than the earlier models in this regard?
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Old Feb 25, 2012 | 08:08 PM
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I don't think the ABC is any different. But I'm no expert on that. The biggest difference in the cars you mention is between the COMAND systems. The 03 is CD based and the 04 and later got an upgraded system that uses a DVD.
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 09:02 PM
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Thanks! I'm sure I'm the same boat as everyone else - ABC is holding me back from owning one of these super coupes!! Damn you Mercedes!!
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 09:19 PM
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I love ABC! It's worth it.
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark.D
Thanks! I'm sure I'm the same boat as everyone else - ABC is holding me back from owning one of these super coupes!! Damn you Mercedes!!
That is a very good reason. It's the only thing keeping me from CL ownership again. The ABC is to money as the Cookie Monster is to cookies.
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 09:47 PM
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What are you saving up for? A ventilator?
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 11:14 PM
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No ABC issues here(Knock on wood) for the 06. 2006 is the last year made for the 215 body so it may be best to pick one up when it comes to getting the bugs worked out of it. Now always true however. Not sure if there is ABC changes but I doubt it very much so. Get a PPI and you will save yourself trouble.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 09:50 AM
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Go with an 05 or 06 all other things being equal. The updated Abc parts started coming online then from the service I had done on my car under warranty. I decoded the warranty codes and with a wink and a nod from some insiders those are the ones to get.

Every car is an individual. Look at my post of the MB service menu as well as the posted Bulletins to do a PPI.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 04:30 PM
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Several of the parts have revisions. The valve blocks I know have a revised design. I believe the pump was revised as well. These are generally small changes but they can result in improved reliability.

Bear in mind, if you buy an older model, it may well have the revised parts, as well. When you change the valve blocks out, you would get the new revision. So in other words, a 2006 could have 50k miles on revised valve blocks, and a 2003 could have only 10k miles on a revised valve block because they were changed recently.
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Old Feb 27, 2012 | 06:01 PM
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For 2006, the CL55 got upgraded 19" Rims and Tires as standard verses the 18" which is the standard wheel/tire for previous CL55's. The Mileage ratings also changed for 2006, but not sure why. For some reason, the 2006 CL55 was rated at 15/22 City/Highway verses 14/21 for prior years of the CL55. Horsepower and Torque numbers remained the same.
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Old Feb 28, 2012 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by saintz
Several of the parts have revisions. The valve blocks I know have a revised design. I believe the pump was revised as well. These are generally small changes but they can result in improved reliability.

Bear in mind, if you buy an older model, it may well have the revised parts, as well. When you change the valve blocks out, you would get the new revision. So in other words, a 2006 could have 50k miles on revised valve blocks, and a 2003 could have only 10k miles on a revised valve block because they were changed recently.
I agree. Every car is an individual case. Buyer be careful!
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Old Mar 2, 2012 | 01:28 AM
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Thanks for the replies.

The one I'm looking at has only two points in the service history I'm wondering about: "Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed" and each subsequent service has "Engine/powertrain computer checked"

Not sure what that means, could it hint at potential electrical gremlins?
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Old Mar 2, 2012 | 08:08 AM
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My guess is something with a software update. That may be something standard and not related to any specific problem. I would inquire with the seller, though.
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Old Mar 2, 2012 | 06:36 PM
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Just drove an 07 S600 for an hour. Nice...fast...sadly boring.
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Old Mar 3, 2012 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by bob55
For 2006, the CL55 got upgraded 19" Rims and Tires as standard verses the 18" which is the standard wheel/tire for previous CL55's. The mileage numbers also changed for 2006, but not sure why. For some reason, the 2006 CL55 was rated at 15/22 City/Highway verses 14/21 for prior years of the CL55. Horsepower and Torque numbers remained the same.
Forgot to mention that only 182 CL55's were produced with USA specs for the 2006 model year. That makes the 2006 CL55 more rare and difficult to find.
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