CL55 vs CL63
#1
CL55 vs CL63
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!
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!
#3
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550HP+ ///AMG CL55 Kompressor, Ducati 916bp, Yamaha R1 WSBK replica
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.
#4
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.
#5
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!
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!
#6
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.
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.
#7
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!
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!
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.
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#9
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.
Last edited by alx; 01-11-2013 at 03:54 PM.
#10
#11
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.
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.
I imagine I can purchase one on eBay?
#12
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.
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.
#13
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550HP+ ///AMG CL55 Kompressor, Ducati 916bp, Yamaha R1 WSBK replica
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
![](http://www.dupontregistry.com/photos/detailslarge/nc-2012-mercedes-cl63-amg-(14).jpg)
#14
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
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
Last edited by alx; 01-11-2013 at 04:32 PM.
#15
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.
#16
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
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
Thanks!
#17
#18
Also, the maintenance procedures you refer to....are they in regard to the supercharged motor?
#19
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550HP+ ///AMG CL55 Kompressor, Ducati 916bp, Yamaha R1 WSBK replica
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
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
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#20
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![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#22
MBWorld Fanatic!
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.
#23
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550HP+ ///AMG CL55 Kompressor, Ducati 916bp, Yamaha R1 WSBK replica
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.
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.
![](http://autoinsurancequotesus.com/sites/default/files/cl63_mercedes_interior.jpg?1328382733)
#24
Look at the pictures
![CL55 vs CL63-mb-cl65amg_5.jpg](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/cl55-amg-cl65-amg-cl63-amg-c215-c216/252033d1542238418t-cl55-vs-cl63-mb-cl65amg_5.jpg)
![CL55 vs CL63-2012-cl.jpg](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/cl55-amg-cl65-amg-cl63-amg-c215-c216/252034d1542238418t-cl55-vs-cl63-2012-cl.jpg)
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
![CL55 vs CL63-mb-cl65amg_5.jpg](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/cl55-amg-cl65-amg-cl63-amg-c215-c216/252033d1542238418t-cl55-vs-cl63-mb-cl65amg_5.jpg)
![CL55 vs CL63-2012-cl.jpg](https://mbworld.org/forums/attachments/cl55-amg-cl65-amg-cl63-amg-c215-c216/252034d1542238418t-cl55-vs-cl63-2012-cl.jpg)
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
Last edited by BlkLightning; 01-23-2013 at 02:47 PM.
#25
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Look at the pictures
Attachment 252033
Attachment 252034
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
Attachment 252033
Attachment 252034
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
Good comparison photos.
Design is way better looking on the w215 in my opinion.