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

04 vs 06 CL55?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-25-2012, 06:21 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mark.D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2005 C55 AMG
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?
Old 02-25-2012, 08:08 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
JHouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
Posts: 603
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
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.
Old 02-26-2012, 09:02 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mark.D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2005 C55 AMG
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!!
Old 02-26-2012, 09:19 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
JHouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
Posts: 603
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
I love ABC! It's worth it.
Old 02-26-2012, 09:33 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
BlownV8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: In my garage
Posts: 8,549
Received 1,067 Likes on 856 Posts
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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.
Old 02-26-2012, 09:47 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
JHouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
Posts: 603
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
What are you saving up for? A ventilator?
Old 02-26-2012, 11:14 PM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
C280 Sport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Saratoga Springs, New York & Sarasota, Florida.
Posts: 3,503
Received 423 Likes on 349 Posts
MB’s
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.
Old 02-27-2012, 09:50 AM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
grane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA and CA
Posts: 1,324
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
G350 Bluetec
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.
Old 02-27-2012, 04:30 PM
  #9  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
saintz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
GL450
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.
Old 02-27-2012, 06:01 PM
  #10  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
bob55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,447
Received 328 Likes on 292 Posts
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
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.
Old 02-28-2012, 12:24 PM
  #11  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
grane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: USA and CA
Posts: 1,324
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
G350 Bluetec
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!
Old 03-02-2012, 01:28 AM
  #12  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mark.D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2005 C55 AMG
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?
Old 03-02-2012, 08:08 AM
  #13  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
saintz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
GL450
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.
Old 03-02-2012, 06:36 PM
  #14  
Super Member
 
JHouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
Posts: 603
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
Just drove an 07 S600 for an hour. Nice...fast...sadly boring.
Old 03-03-2012, 11:23 AM
  #15  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
bob55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,447
Received 328 Likes on 292 Posts
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
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.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: 04 vs 06 CL55?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:37 PM.