Kubazzz

1. Hi, I'm going to buy a new CL 600 because of it's engine, but i want it with AMG kit. But i'm not sure about one thing.
Is it possible that the CL 600 with AMG kit will be looking exactly the same as the CL 55 AMG???(everything: grill, spoilers,wheels, 4-way exhaust). I tried to compare the CL 55 AMG and CL600 and i'm still not sure in this case.Now it seems for me that CL600 with AMG kit is more smooth than CL55 AMG - they don't look exactly the same. But maybe there are two or more levels of AMG exterior tuning??What do You think about. I have not asked dealer about it, yet.
2. Which combination of CLs ext/int colors do You prefer??
I still don't know which color i schould choose.
Should it be -silver, maybe black, maybe green or blue. I think sometimes about DESIGNO styling.
Please give me some advice-in which colors(interior and exterior and wood-or maybe DESIGNO stone trim) CL look best/which would You choose.(Please, write Your prefered combination:ex:Almandine Black/Anthrazit int./dark Wood)
3. And one more little question: Should I take a CL 55 AMG (silver,dark leather) that is standing by a Dealer(and don't bother about all these color/version stupid problems and getting it in one week) or should i choose my own version of CL600 and wait for it few months.
I'v always wanted a CL600 beacuse its V12 but Cl55 is not bad...
4.ups....
i have almost forgotten. CL600/CL55AMG suspension -are there big differences??

awiner

The '03 CL600 has a dual exhast while the '03 CL55 gets the quad exhaust.

Only the '03 CL55 gets the AMG Split Spoke Wheels. The '03 CL600 with the sport kit gets the AMG 5 Spoke (ML Look) wheels.

Only the '03 CL55 gets the AMG sport seats, sills, etc.

** edit ** The '03 CL55 has an AMG tuned springs for a slighty more sporty/firmer ride.

The '03 CL55 also has the AMG tuned speedshift transmission with fingertip steering wheel controls, whereas the '03 CL600 has the standard MB auto trans.

The '03 CL55 gets the AMG 8 Piston Front calipers and 4 Piston rear calipers while the '03 CL600 has the standard 4 Piston front/2 Piston rear calipers.

Minor things like the AMG ergonomic steering wheel, AMG 200 MPH speedo, AMG stainless steel polished door sils are included on the CL55.

On the flip side, the CL600 gets the twin turbo V12, some extra interior wood and an alcantara headliner.

www.mbusa.com should allow you to see and read about the differences in particular.

Either vehicle is a winner and you will be happy.

muhri

Go for the CL55 - you can't go wrong with an AMG car - & for the reasons awiner mentioned also

SteveChod

Go for the 55 it holds its value better than the 600

davepl

Adam, where'd you get this secret idea that the 55 has different software tuning?

I dispute this because:

(a) Same part number for 55 and 600 modules in the parts system
(b) I spoke to engineers at Mercedes tech center who claim its the same software
(c) There is no separate software download available for dealers in case a reload is required. Just CL, no differentiation.

On what do you base your claim?

awiner

As Quoted from German Car Fans on a story they did a while back. Information was from DaimlerChrysler AG.



"AMG sports suspension with Active Body Control (ABC) as standard

Both V8 supercharged top models (Mentioning the CL55 and S55) are fitted as standard with Active Body Control, which significantly reduces side tilt on bends as well as pitch and roll. The driver can also select between comfort-oriented or sporty characteristics at the touch of a button. Stiffer, AMG-specific tuning of the spring struts and the high-performance braking system with internally ventilated, perforated discs all round and eight-piston fixed callipers at the front axle do justice to the increased dynamic potential."

Looks like the AMG gets tuning of the spring struts rather than the ABC module software. I actually had to wade through a ton of pages before I found the right one where I had read this months ago.

awiner

I was cleaning my wheel liners today and took some pictures of the shocks with the wheels off.

awiner

2:

awiner

Here is the part # for reference.

davepl

The guy at the MB parts counter told me that the part numbers were the same for the CL55 struts vs. the CL600 struts... unless there's a part number for that AMG sticker, I guess he's wrong!

victoryroad

I can attest to a significant difference in suspension performance between my 02 CL500 Sport and the 03 CL55. The two cars are quite different and not just because of the hp/torque difference. I also have heard that the extra weight of the V12 upsets the balance vs the V8 engines. Certainly the brakes are very different between the CL600 and the CL55. The CL600 is easier to modify becuase of the turbo setup vs. the supercharger, but it is probably not difficult to modify the CL55 with a remapped ECU and diferent pulley for the belt to push closer to 600 bhp and reduce quater mile times by a bit. the 55 transmission is much better than the 500 or 600 transmission, despite the fact that I do not use the manual shift mode with the wheel mounted buttons. Also, do not underestimate the AMG front seats, as they are far better than the 500 or 600 seats. Too bad that MB does not use Alcantara in all CL's, as they clearly should.

davepl

Go easy with the "better than" declarations. Yes, they're different, but if pressed I'd submit that the 600 seats, interior, and numerous other items are "better than" the 55 by a wide margin. It's more friendly if we stay away from such subjective statements.

victoryroad

Davepl
Point taken. The fact is that at this level of automobile, most observations are quite subjective. I certainly respect one's personal choices when it comes to cars at any level.

Klint

If your after a V12 AMG CL, go for the CL63, when it comes out.

And the question of "If it comes out in the US?", well MBUSA AMG has the vehicle on their website, wouldn;t be there for nothing.

victoryroad

Klint
In Europe the CL65 is available. where is the MBUSA link to the CL63? The speculation here has been about the CL65.

Klint

Thanks Victory,

My mistake. Yeah it's the CL65 AMG not the CL63 as I mistook as the previous "AMG Special".

Here's the link.
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/amg/e/cars/kleinserie.htm

With it being ".com" I presume it's American. Unless it's just the main MB website.

bonte

sorry Klint.. but the CL65AMG isn't supposed to come to the USA ...

and this is the USA site for the CL: http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container...=cl_class_main

the .com is indeed MB main site