On my quest to acquire one of these beautiful machines, I test drove another CL55 last night for about 45 minutes. And of course, I now have more questions.

I apologize for the lengthy post...I researched these issues last and could not really find enough info. These issues don't seem major...just curious about other people's experience. Any info/feedback is greatly appreciated!

1. Would any of you guys agree that your stock headlights do not illuminate the road "enough?" Meaning, they seem to be pointing down. I expected this a little bit since it is a sports car. However, the first 5 - 8 feet in fron of me is lit up like no other. But that's it. Not much more depth than that.....?

Can you adjust the headlights? BTW, high-beams are awesome!!! Those definitely light up everything! Fog lamps are also working.

2. Can any of you provide commentary regarding engine noise? Car is relatively quiet. However, I couldn't help but notice what seemed to be a rough idle or some kind of noise making the engine sound "louder" than it's supposed to. This was observed at idle and under basic cruising. Obviously, when you stomp on it, the engine roars...however, when you are not hammering it and just taking it easy, do you hear much any noise? Keep in mind windows were up, sunroof closed, and radio & AC were off.

3. Any idea how to make the cabin of a CL55 quieter? Quieter like the cabin of a CL600?....is this possible? has anyone tried? does anyone know what makes a CL600 SOOOO quiet?

4. Regarding the supercharger kicking in....if you stay under 2K rpm, does it kick in? I believe the computer in the cars maps out your driving style and adjusts fuel/air mixture, throttle response, shift response, and whatever else based upon the way you drive the car. So, if you drive the car "slowly" and hardly ever stomp on it, will the supercharger also get programmed to come on only when you hammer it?

5. Have any of you heard a noise coming from the air vents? No, it's not the air coming out when it's on full blast...on the lowest setting, I heard some kind of slight hissing sound. I also heard what seems to be some kind of mechanical noise....like a whirring sound coming from a motor/lever that needs lubrication...wierd? AC was blowing cold though!

6. Have any of you ever noticed the car adjust the ABC by itself after being in park and idling for 15 minutes? This happened twice. Once, when I got out of the car to inspect the exterior and underbody...when I got back in the car, the driver's side lifted....(maybe my 195lb self caused that much of an imbalance??)

The second time happened, when I returned to the guys house, and I parked the car in his driveway...guy has a very steep driveway...we are standing and discussing the car and all of sudden, the ABC does something to lower the car on the passenger side....?!?

From what I can tell, no seepage, leaks, etc on ABC struts/lines...although I didn't run each line the entire length of the car.

Basically, I'm trying to find out if this is "normal" behavior for the ABC whenever it determines the weight in the car and then you change it substantially...does it always adjust the side that increased in weight?

 

Bump.....any insight anyone?

 

imo, you need to have the car checked out by a good inde, or dealer. they can check everything and do a computer check. they can actually hear and see what your talking about and give you proper feedback. i believe the lights can be adjusted.

 

Don't know a good indie...have experienced terrible customer service from dealers. I'm a big DIYer and just trying to learn more about these cars. I live an hour north of Dallas, TX...just in case anyone has a referral for a good indie.

Thanks for the lights confirmation. Based on the google and forum searches, there exists screws on the headlight housing that control the direction the light is directed.

Regarding the quietness, another forum member posted a really good thread showing the installation of dynamat on the door sills and door frame. He also tightened the screws holding the trim in place in the same area. Nifty idea I had not considered.

 

Will answer you in about 12-24 hours if thats ok? :-)

 

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated. The more detail, the better.

Thanks a million!

 

I have a few comments, see them with your questions below in bold.

 

1. i adjusted my lows, like them now. Theirs 2 screws youll see for the low adjustment, super easy. highs are amazing never touched them.

2. Keep in mind road noise is partially dependent on tyres. but i can tell clear as day coming from a LS400 to CL, the road noise is soooooo quite. im putting new tyres (PSS's) on soon so im sure itll be a tad better.

3. no idea

4. i use a obd-wifi thing. about 2k rpm ill hit boost. my s/c clutch has the "squeak" so i'll hear that as well. But yes having a s/c clutch it'll kick in when its "needed". i believe the cpu or just the s/c clutch is set to balance power and economy.

5. i think you may hear the HVAC's fan that takes the interior air and "sucks" it in so it knows the the interior temp is. its located on the passenger vent switch, center console. other than that i don't hear anything odd

6. never seen it readjust the height whenever i get out or in. yes when i have 2-3 people ill see it. but since CL has 4 height sensor's it may have adjusted it self knowing it was at an odd angle. If you havent through get the ABC checked out.

 

So, the CL55 is quieter than an LS400?!? Road nois is an issue with tires and even pavement. I'm just picking the car apart for kicks. This purchase represents a complete toy...not necessary at all on any basic, fundamental level. Since I'm extremely picky about a variety of things, I want to know as much as I can about this car before I buy.

Didn't know this car sucks the interior air out...lol...makes sense though

 

Thanks for the response Blkvip and lphillips1117...the puzzle is coming together

 

1. Yes the stock "bulbs" getting weak over the years and after around 10 years if they are never replaced the loose around 50% of light strength.
A good replacement are some aftermarket Phillips HID/Xenon "bulbs" super bright, or super-blue whatever the name was and those "bulbs" are now OEM to Mercedes and Audi. They are the strongest/brightest legal HID/Xenon "bulbs" you can buy for money.
The headlights are self-adjusting by some car-level sensors. Everytime you switch the light off and on, you see the headlight adjusting by moving the lenses up and down for a second. If not then this feature is broken.

2. Yes the M113K make a whole lot of loud noises especially when idling. It sounds "rough" and they are all the same. Just watch some youtube Videos about it with good headphones.
And If you hear a constant "tick" "tick" sound, its most likely NOT a lifter, but the oil pump chain slapping. Nearly all M113Ks have that issue unfortunnately. More about it here: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ing-video.html

Other noise sources are all the pulleys and their bearings. Sometimes also an exhaust manifold cracks and produces ticking sounds.

3. No real idea. I find my cabin quiet actually. Sure the CL600 is quieter because its a "non-AMG-tuned" V12 engine - but also less sporty.

4. It kicks in depending on load and throttle-flap position. Pretty early already according to my findings - but with very low throttle and cruising down inner city it quickly disengages again.
With windows down you can clearly hear that squeaking sound for less than a second when it engages - also on Pulleys/clutches that are worn you can feel a distinctive jerk through the entire car in the very moment it engages.

5. Yes known problem when you put some vents to allow less than 50% flow through em.

6. Have never noticed this, but makes sense. It should level always perfect, with or without "crew"

 

Yes quieter than my old LS400.....but i would hope so CL is priced wayyyy higher than a LS lol. well not out like out side but it just takes it and you can say computes the temp.

yea i was learning stuff 2 months after i had it lol

 

Thanks for the detailed response! Gives me an idea of what else to look for and what causes it.
Cheers!

 

Plus 1 to the forum...GREATLY appreciate everyone's contribution!!!