RoCL

Hello All!

I'm a newbie in the process of trying to decide which CL to purchase. I've read a variety of threads on this forum and have obtained a good understanding of the differences between the CL55 and the CL600 & CL65.

I would like more info on the CL63. From what I can tell, the CL63 is the replacement version of the CL55. I really like the look of the W216s and would prefer the CL63. Still, I'm trying to make sure I don't overspend on the car and have nothing left for maintenance/repairs. Thus, I'm researching the differences between the CL55 and the CL63.

Specifically, I would like to know people's experience with ownership of the CL55 vs CL63. How do they perform differently? Are maintenance costs different? Any repairs/issues more readily found in a CL55 vs a CL63? I'm a big DIY guy.

I'm located close to Dallas, TX. Any reputable shops around?

Thanks!

layzie12g

My bone stock CL55 was a little bit faster then a CL63 from a 50-120 race with an absolutley dead even start.

nidyanazo

I'd imagine the supercharged motor in the 55 is much easier to work on then the twin turbo in the 63.. It's actually very easy to do all the maintenance procedures on it.

alx

the 63 he is referring to is the 6.2 n/a motor i think

i have driven both and the 55 feel torque-er at lower speeds around town, but once at highway speeds the 63 motor with its higher redline and dense 7 gears is faster. the 55 cars pretty much fall on their face around 120 courtesy of the tall 4th and 5th gears.

the 63 motor is also more vocal.

RoCL

That's the perception I have. If you're willing to put forth some elbow grease, time, and do some research, maintenance and repair costs are dramatically reduced.

Can you tell me, do you need to purchase any special equipment/tools to be able to work on a CL55 ro CL63? (above and beyond the normal, common, automotive tools one might have.)

Thanks!

RoCL

I'm missing something here....I thought the 2008 CL63-present were all twinturbos. Are some TT and some N/A?

alx

you need a das setup which is the mercedes-specific odb-based diagnostic tool and a few sets of metric triple square male and female sockets and torxes. this is the minimum to service your mercedes at home.

there are many procedures that are best left to the capable indy or the dealer, but most of the maintenance work you can do yourself.

nidyanazo

The newest models are the 5.5L TT (even though they are called CL63 confusingly)
The older w216 are NA 6.2's, but still called CL63's.

alx

2007-2010 are 6.2 n/a motors

2011- are 5.5 twin turbo

if you get the 6.2 motor you can use das (star) c3.

if you get the 5.5 twin turbo you have to use das (star) c4.

c3 chinese das is 100% compatible with the original.

c4 chinese das has issues and you really need to know what you are doing to keep it running.

RoCL

Thanks

RoCL

So "das" and "star" are the same thing? What does "c3/c4" mean? Chinese version as opposed to German version?
I imagine I can purchase one on eBay?

RoCL

Would you mind listing the procedures that are best left to capable....?

nidyanazo

NO.

w215 is up to 2006. The AMG models were the V8 kompressor (supercharged 5.5L CL55) and the v12 biturbo, CL65.

From 2007 on, the body style was known as the w216
The first few years, from 2007 to 2010 were the 6.2 naturally aspirated engine, but called the CL63.

2011, 2012 and 2013 they got the 5.5L twin turbo, but kept the model name CL63.











my w215 CL55





and a sick W216 cl63

alx

assuming you can do oil/filter changes, brake work (pads/ rotors/ flushes) and all mechanical suspension work yourself- the following things are generally best left to the pros.

changing tranny oil on the 7g transmission
most abc- related work
most electrical/ troubleshooting work (even with das those cars are formidable challenges when experiencing especially intermittent electrical problems)
coding of replacement modules (this can be done at the dealer only)
replacing engine mounts

alx

das is the actual diagnostic piece of star. star also includes epc and wis which are parts and document sub systems. with a c3 it all runs on a single laptop (usually ibm t30 or a virtual machine mimicking a t30). c4 can run with a laptop or be stand-alone with limited capabilities.

c3 and c4 are the generations of star hardware. c3 is cheaper than c4 and c4 is geared towards 2011+ cars.

yes, you can find them on ebay. there are many many suppliers. some are good, some are bad. i am not going to tell you which one to get as i dont know - it is all second hand knowledge to me. i dont use a clone.

RoCL

agree with most these....however, if you have the time, why not abc issues? is it simply lack of knowledge? other than the highly complex nature of the system, what makes it so challenging? specialized benz tools? car lift? etc.
Thanks!

alx

lift and skills. and das.

RoCL

What about comparing supercharged motor in cl55 to the 6.2 n/a in the cl63?
Also, the maintenance procedures you refer to....are they in regard to the supercharged motor?

nidyanazo

Did you read the private message I sent you?

Here's a list of maintenance porcedures and how to videos and guides I made for the Supercharged w215.

https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...os-guides.html

Take a look and see for yourself

RoCL

Thanks...I did read the PM, I just didn't match your name with your post. Sorry, but thanks for the clarification. Your guides are awsome by the way!

RoCL

Anyone else have experience owning/experiencing a CL63 vs a CL55?

e500slr

CL63 purely because the new CL is such a massive leap from the older one. The interior is just perfect, it's too good, it's a piece of art and the exterior is fresh and beautiful. The C215 is a classic but it's dated and the interior doesn't even come close to the newer one. This should be a no brainer.

nidyanazo

I disagree. While the car is newer and of course more technologically refined, it's not 'art' in my opinion. Maybe a Ferrari is, but this? Not for me.

Here is a CL63.

The wheel is terrible. Symmetry is off, the vents looks like a pair of wings or something, the double hump over the dash for the gauges and nav is no good... ugh.

BlkLightning

Look at the pictures





Also, the leather in the newer CL are not soft to the touch, and have a cheap feel to them.
The only knock on the W215 is the dated design, overall its stand apart from its competitor at the time. The W216 doesn't stand out enough. Also The Newer CL65 utilized the same engine and transmission as the W215

nidyanazo

Good comparison photos.
Design is way better looking on the w215 in my opinion.