'05 CL 65 : stay stock or tune 641 bhp & 811 ft-lbs ?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
'05 CL 65 : stay stock or tune 641 bhp & 811 ft-lbs ?
Hi all 
We own our C215 CL 65 AMG since 2008, it currently has 52 000 miles and is still an astonishing BEAST
We are going to remove the 155 mph speed limiter. Pretty frustrating when driving on the german highway
We've also been proposed an ECU tune, which could bring us to 641 bhp and 811 ft-lbf.
I'm still wondering weather remapping the ECU or not... because the car has already plenty of power but as I can notice most 65 AMG's owners (especially in the US) all have their cars tuned, and even more than 641 bhp.
My only question is about the reliability. Sure, we are not aiming 700 bhp but as we all know, the torque had been reduced by AMG so that the transmission can handle it.
Is there any risk on short / long term to make the jump to 641 bhp and 811 ft-lbf ? I bet most of you guys will tell me NO as I guess you're all around 680 bhp
Thank you very much for your advice !
Best regards from Paris,
Armen
We own our C215 CL 65 AMG since 2008, it currently has 52 000 miles and is still an astonishing BEAST
We are going to remove the 155 mph speed limiter. Pretty frustrating when driving on the german highway
We've also been proposed an ECU tune, which could bring us to 641 bhp and 811 ft-lbf.
I'm still wondering weather remapping the ECU or not... because the car has already plenty of power but as I can notice most 65 AMG's owners (especially in the US) all have their cars tuned, and even more than 641 bhp.
My only question is about the reliability. Sure, we are not aiming 700 bhp but as we all know, the torque had been reduced by AMG so that the transmission can handle it.
Is there any risk on short / long term to make the jump to 641 bhp and 811 ft-lbf ? I bet most of you guys will tell me NO as I guess you're all around 680 bhp
Thank you very much for your advice !
Best regards from Paris,
Armen
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 80
From: Anchorage
05 CL65
Id say do it. The throttle response will be sharper making the car feel more responsive. I doubt that power level will hurt the car. Since the tune I have put 14,00 miles on my car and a lot of passes (about 200). Now at 55,000 miles, no issues related to the tune yet.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
Thank you very much for your reply, Matt.
I guess this would be a "simple" ECU tune but not a TCU one. I suppose this is not necessary for that power level ?
Besides, can I ask you how much bhp and ft-lbs does your car develop ?
Cheers
I guess this would be a "simple" ECU tune but not a TCU one. I suppose this is not necessary for that power level ?
Besides, can I ask you how much bhp and ft-lbs does your car develop ?
Cheers
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 80
From: Anchorage
05 CL65
Don't not really know what it makes. Had dyno issues the day i tried to find out. I care a lot more about track #'s than dyno #'s though so I doubt I'll put it on the dyno again. Best guess for power is using this based on my car weighing about 4900# at the track with me driving using this calculator:
http://vexer.com/automotive-tools/1-...MPH-calculator
http://vexer.com/automotive-tools/1-...MPH-calculator
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
Duk hayeren khasknak?
I have had my car since 2009 and the tune since 2010, totaling roughly 15-16k miles with the tune (or a revised tune to accommodate additional changes to my car). It wasn't until maybe 2014-2015 when I add more mods. As mentioned, the basic ECU/TCU will make the car much more of a pleasure to drive with more power and better response. I don't feel there is any loss with normal everyday driving. Just realize if your coils have not been replaced since new with the updated coils, then there is a very good chance they will fry from the ECU tune. Its been a common problem regardless of the tuner. It can also happen without a tune. My understanding is the newer coils with an updated part number do not fail as a result of an ECU flash. I hope that helps. Good luck.
I have had my car since 2009 and the tune since 2010, totaling roughly 15-16k miles with the tune (or a revised tune to accommodate additional changes to my car). It wasn't until maybe 2014-2015 when I add more mods. As mentioned, the basic ECU/TCU will make the car much more of a pleasure to drive with more power and better response. I don't feel there is any loss with normal everyday driving. Just realize if your coils have not been replaced since new with the updated coils, then there is a very good chance they will fry from the ECU tune. Its been a common problem regardless of the tuner. It can also happen without a tune. My understanding is the newer coils with an updated part number do not fail as a result of an ECU flash. I hope that helps. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
Ayo, hayeren gkhossim. Du hay es ? 
Thank you very much for your reply. For sure coils have not been replaced since new. Besides, what is the reference of the updated coils ?
I think we'll try with that "light" ECU tune to 641 bhp.
Thank you very much for your reply. For sure coils have not been replaced since new. Besides, what is the reference of the updated coils ?
I think we'll try with that "light" ECU tune to 641 bhp.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
As far as the coils, the originals failed and were replaced with a newer updated part. If you search, you will see each side has its own part number. The newer part number has been trouble free for cars with and without a ECU tune. Many have suffered coil failure with original coils after having a tune, regardless of the tuner. If you are willing to accept the risk with possible replacement, you will really appreciate the overall gains.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
Es al 100% Hay em peytz Franciaum em znenvel. 3rd generation as well ete guzes hayastanci hayeren gernam khossel eli endanig unim at LA
Ok thanks for your advice. In fact were are still not sure about increasing the power as in France we can't drive fast... removing the speed limiter is just when we travel to Germany
ete guzes hayastanci hayeren gernam khossel eli endanig unim at LA Ok thanks for your advice. In fact were are still not sure about increasing the power as in France we can't drive fast... removing the speed limiter is just when we travel to Germany
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
Well, we decided to remove the speed limiter without increasing the power.
This will be done on next Thursday by one of the greatest "tuners" in Paris (they charge $400 for that - around 3/4 hours of labor he told me, same than ECU tune, but without the dyno).
In fact we don't need more power. A more useful mod for us would be the Qaife LSD to get a better traction at 25-30 MPH.
This will be done on next Thursday by one of the greatest "tuners" in Paris (they charge $400 for that - around 3/4 hours of labor he told me, same than ECU tune, but without the dyno).
In fact we don't need more power. A more useful mod for us would be the Qaife LSD to get a better traction at 25-30 MPH.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 5
From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
Thank you for your opinion Matt, as you have a Quaife LSD on your car
I've browsed the different threads talking about it and it seems to be indeed such an improvement !
And this CL 65 AMG... WHAT A CAR
I've browsed the different threads talking about it and it seems to be indeed such an improvement !
And this CL 65 AMG... WHAT A CAR
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
cl65,996 tt, R35, R32, zo6 tt,69 Chevelle, GN,Monte SS, TTA
diff and line lock
hello Matt, i'm a newbie here in fact this is my second post so i don't think i can receive a PM. What was the ball park cost and source of the Quaife diff and line lock installed? thanks, Carmelo (Nj)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...-lsd-305s.html
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
cl65,996 tt, R35, R32, zo6 tt,69 Chevelle, GN,Monte SS, TTA
thanks for the infos RaceHorse and i''l look into it sounds like you do a lot of racing, i'm not far from you (Cherry hill, NJ) and have my shares of visits from Atco and Englishtown Raceway with my other toys. I was invited to a 1/2 mile race in Pa the end of this month and thinkin of taken my CL 65 and see what it can do you wanna come?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
Today is officially 7 years since I bought my car. I still enjoy it, as I have added to it little by little over the years. I am not that big of a racer, since ownership, I have been to the track 3 times and 1 airport event. My personal best at Atco was minus a bunch of mods, so an attempt better my time & speed is much needed. As far as the PA 1/2 mile event at the end of the month, I am already registered. It should be fun, maybe I'll see you there.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 471
Likes: 33
From: Germany
SL65 R230
A good ECU-Tune gives you more midrange power which you especially notice on the Autobahn.
But don't expect too much - you will notice even more, that the "small stock Turbos" cannot deliver enough for the top-end. Not only Max.HP is important. You have to look at the whole power curve, also at the Top-End.
Better intake and downpipes help to solve a little bit- but this is more cosmetic in my opinion.
For faster reving-up especially in 4th and 5th you need bigger Turbos. Especially with the long 5-Speed gear ratios.
I will test drive new SL65 R231 soon, tuned with approx. 830HP (bigger Turbos etc.), new 7Speed-transmission.
What I have seen so far from this car is unbelievable. The 7 Speed tranny is a BIG Difference in terms of better gear ratio and much faster shifts and wakes up the car even with Stock 630 HP. Now add real 200HP and you will get a unique Autobahn-Monster, with all comfort and luxury. Great Car.
I don't know who is offering for old CL65 a qualitiy tune for 400$, but o.k. the car is on the market for a long time. Seems like an old box tune.
Be careful with the tranny - I would not go over 1200NM without reinforcing, no burnouts etc.
But don't expect too much - you will notice even more, that the "small stock Turbos" cannot deliver enough for the top-end. Not only Max.HP is important. You have to look at the whole power curve, also at the Top-End.
Better intake and downpipes help to solve a little bit- but this is more cosmetic in my opinion.
For faster reving-up especially in 4th and 5th you need bigger Turbos. Especially with the long 5-Speed gear ratios.
I will test drive new SL65 R231 soon, tuned with approx. 830HP (bigger Turbos etc.), new 7Speed-transmission.
What I have seen so far from this car is unbelievable. The 7 Speed tranny is a BIG Difference in terms of better gear ratio and much faster shifts and wakes up the car even with Stock 630 HP. Now add real 200HP and you will get a unique Autobahn-Monster, with all comfort and luxury. Great Car.
I don't know who is offering for old CL65 a qualitiy tune for 400$, but o.k. the car is on the market for a long time. Seems like an old box tune.
Be careful with the tranny - I would not go over 1200NM without reinforcing, no burnouts etc.
Last edited by AMG-Driver; Mar 2, 2016 at 07:40 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
cl65,996 tt, R35, R32, zo6 tt,69 Chevelle, GN,Monte SS, TTA
Today is officially 7 years since I bought my car. I still enjoy it, as I have added to it little by little over the years. I am not that big of a racer, since ownership, I have been to the track 3 times and 1 airport event. My personal best at Atco was minus a bunch of mods, so an attempt better my time & speed is much needed. As far as the PA 1/2 mile event at the end of the month, I am already registered. It should be fun, maybe I'll see you there.
