rockstarinlife

I have always loved the CL series and wanted to pick one up as a 3rd car.

I found a few 2001-2004 CL55 AMG's local to me that have between 60k-90k miles on them priced between $10-20k.

Also looking at the CL600 but read a lot of bad stuff on how they are crazy expensive to have worked on and parts etc.

My question:

Any suggestions on buying a used CL55 AMG or CL600?

Is it a bad investment to go with this series with 60-90k miles on them?

Would love to get some feedback,tips and advice from current owners :-)

anton28

01-02 cars are completely different from 03-04 which are supercharged 55s and twin turbo 600s.

Get the lowest mile car you can afford and make sure to review all the service records.

Even though these cars are cheap now, remember you are still buying a 100k+ car which will cary a 100K+ car expense bills.

With that said. Get a 03-04 car with the lowest miles possible and enjoy. There is nothing on the market that compares in the same price range.

Blkvip

Many threads on this. ABC is the most expensive to fix. So make damn sure its in great shape and been takin care of. Getting 3rd party warranties is possible but you'll be looking at 6k(what i was quoted ABC included) and something like under 75k miles. Get any repair info and get a PPl by a specialty shop. I would almost say don't use MB dealer for PPl their sheets blow. I used a specialty and their write up was far more in depth. 55k's are super easy to maintain unlike the v12's.

rockstarinlife

Thanks for the reply and tips.

I will go with a 03-04 now that I know they are that different.

rockstarinlife

Yea... I have been reading all the threads I can find on the subject and starting to go cross eyed...lol

I have read all about the basic stuff and how the ABC will go out as well.

I will def get a PPI.

If I only pay 15-20k for a used 120k car... I am ok spending 1-2k in repairs here and there :-)

Just didn't want a endless money pit that would always be in the shop...lol

Thanks.

C280 Sport

They key to finding a good quality CL55 or CL600 is making sure the ABC is working, has been upkept, the engine and tranny are solid with the right upkeep, making sure the car has FULL records, clean title and no wild cob job mods. 03-06 C215 is what you want. The 00-02 where just far too many issues. Get a PPI! Inspect! Inspect Inspect!

rockstarinlife

Thanks and will do

I am also looking at the CLK55 as well.

Tough decisions...lol

BlownV8

Sounds like the 215 CL may not be for you. Even if you get a PPI and everything is flawless, the car can and will still require costly maintenance and or repairs. If you want a more dependable car, remove the ABC system and replace with a coilover system. You can always re-install the ABC components at a later time.

The CL600 can be upgraded to over 600 hp with just a tune. The CL55 will require much more extensive and expensive modifications to get that number. Drive each one and see what you like.

rockstarinlife

Any idea on much it would cost to have a mechanic replace the ABC with a coilover system?

Welwynnick

People talk about the 600's like you should always avoid them, and ABC is the worst culprit. Well, the 55's have ABC too, but I think the V12 is the more reliable engine. Coil packs and ABC pumps usually have to be replaced at some point, but remember this has already been done on many cars.

If you depend on an MB dealer to maintain your car, then you're going to get cleaned out, but if you read these forums, there are always better ways. ABC is quite maintainable, there are lots of preventative maintenance things you can do, and it gives you warning before it fails. Sure, its more complex than coil-overs, but I wouldn't dream of going there with my car.

nick

rockstarinlife

I am still thinking about the CL600.

Do you recommend the 03-04 and up over the 01-02's?

radride

Get the 03+. Stay away from the 01-02's. They're cheap for a reason.

R.K.

Welwynnick

Absolutely, I've had both, there's no comparison

rockstarinlife

Ok thanks