I picked up a 2004 CL55 last fall and drove it for a month or so then parked it for the winter. Well earlier last week, I got the itch and am planning on getting it ready for spring in the next couple of weeks. Is there anything special I need to do before I start the driving season? I added two bottles of seafoam when I filled the tank up for winter and plan on idling that out, then changing the oil. I know the ABC system is prone to issues but I honestly don't have a clue as to what to look for.

Thanks in advance

Get a Pulley and Tune and you are all set for the new season

I saw a couple posts about tunes and pulleys and I'm not sure if I want to mess around with that just yet. This is the fastest car I've owned so I'll probably wait awhile before getting crazy with it.

the seafoam was an excellent move.

mercedes also recommends chevron techron if you want to stick to the guidelines.

on upgrades- wait for your abc to barf (it will) and once you fix it and get a taste of the repairs- consider go-fast goodies if you are inclined to do so

until then... wash and polish the car often, detail interior and enjoy.

Congrats ! i just picked up the same car last fall .
may want to consider upgrading the idler pulleys and yes i have had ABC problems and i agree with alx wait till it happens , i brought my problems on by flushing the system and if you can do the work yourself it's really not that bad to deal with .
lot's of great members and info here to help out .

Dave

Go to a friendly MB dealer with the VIN and see what the service history is. Check any service records that came with the car. Consider having them change the oil (0-40 M1), oil filter, ABC filter and replace the brake fluid. Don't tell them anything about seafoam. Make sure all the Bulletins have been done on the car. You can find them at the top of this Forum thread.

If they tell you your rotors need to be replaced because they are rusty laugh to yourself and tell them iron rusts esp. when the car was in storage

all good info here.

yea just get it looked at thoroughly id even say be 2 different shops just to be sure. Get whatever maintenance done and out of way before you start modding is a good idea as well.

I heard about that so I had the dealer look through everything before I bought it. Lucky for me, it was meticulously maintained and had all the services done at that dealership. Literally every May and September since it was new except for the last one which I'm guessing was only because he was selling it.

Be careful. Service details are available only at the servicing dealer. The other dealers in the network get summaries of what was done.

The dealer I got the service history from did all the service work on the car since it was new.

Fill me in on upgrading idler pulleys, please

I read that they fail so I ordered one last fall but now I understand there may be an aftermarket one that is better. The one I bought was really expensive so I'd hate to have to replace it again soon.