Please, before anyone goes crazy over the "Use the search!" please be understanding and if you provide the info required I am even willing to pay so please, I just need some help here.

The 2006 AMG CL65 was my dream machine but was too costly so I bought an Audi RS6 instead. Great car, tons of modifications and is very very quick but I am in Texas and want more but also wish to retain an automatic which I can not do if I want any more power out of my Audi. Things have changed and I have come into some money so I started the CL65 hunt again. I am familiar with the ABC issues and coil packs when tuned as well as a few other things but now my sights have shifted.
I just drove a 2014 CL63 and am in love with the interior and all the system integration as well as the spectacular seats. I like all the gadgets it has over the C215 even though I am partial to the C215 body.
Now with my RS6 I thought I had all the info i needed but after purchase learned of the hell that is their maintenance schedule as well as their limitations.

So here is where I am at. A 2008-2010 CL65 with low miles is what I am going to get. Prices are far better than the facelift cars and I kinda prefer the pre-facelift. It will be sent to Speedriven for their Stage 4 setup as well as the LSD and lowering module plus they will install the carbon wing, spoiler and diffuser.

So onward with the questions!
1: Since the 08 I want seems to have a tape deck below the CD changer is it possible to swap it out to the newer one with the SD slot?
2: Does the 08 have the ability to connect to an iPod and control it if I cant swap the CD section out. Seems that the tape drive is maybe the navigation drive?
3: What are their known issues? Like are the ABC components problematic like earlier cars? Do they suffer from coil issues as well? Is there anything I should know about and look for before I drop my cash on one?
4: Will its bluetooth link to a Android like a Turbo or Turbo 2?
5: What is the widest tires I can fit on the back and also maintain the proper front/rear height ratio as to not mess up the cars ESP system.


I appreciate all the help and look forward to this next part of my dream car journey.

 

I can't really say a lot, as I have 2009 CL63 AMG, but important thing is to check the ABC pump. It must make no noise at all. I have been told that ABC pumps tend to go away anywhere between 40k-60k miles. That is the information from the official Mercedes dealership. So, if your car will have these kind of miles, or even more, make sure that ABC pump is without any problems. The replacement costs about 4200USD with labor. It is quite known issue on these cars. I think it is the same for both CL63 and CL65.

Check the suspension (dampers, etc)....these are also very expensive to replace.
Check the brake rotors ... also very expensive to replace.

If I were you I would look at 2009+ years as you will ge the SD slot and other things that came with facelift cars (I did get in my car - 07/2009). It is never good to buy the first production year, so that's why 2009 would be better.

BIG suggestion, go for the DESIGNO version of the interior (better leather, etc.).

Hope it helps.

 

Thank you sir! I wasn't sure if the C215 and 216 had the same ABC system in them and am familiar with the earlier issues. Was hoping they didn't carry over to the newer body. I know several people with 05-06 CL65s that have had the ABC system serviced every 15-20k and have nearly 100k on the systems without issue.
So much like my Audi, service history is key.


I am also looking at a 2012 that only has 21k on it and has the carbon fiber interior that I think is killer so I may spend the extra 30k for it. Not sure yet. The 08 I am looking at is just so dang perfect exept the SD drive.

 

I can't speak for all '08's but mine doesn't have a tape deck, but a PCMCIA card slot. Aside from being a bigger ugly hole, it takes a $20-40 adapter that SD cards plug directly into. There are no issues with the door opening, etc. I honestly can't imagine an '08 having a tape deck; I've had '04, '05 & '06 MB's and none of them had tape decks.

I don't have an ipod, but my '08 also has the ipod adapter in the glove box, so I assume it works. The one you're looking at might not have it, but in theory it could be added at some price point.

 

The C216 has different ABC system, much better, much more reliable. Even though I find C215 CL65 absolutely stunning, I would never buy it mainly because I would be afraid of the ABC system. The 216 had all of the issues pretty much sorted. It is just the ABC Pump that tends to go away relatively quickly.

As speaking of SD thing. Did you have a look in the "glove compartment" on the passenger side? I have there a slot for USB and plug my flash drive there. I even never use the SD slot at all. Take a look there, it might sort your MP3 problem

 

Nice. Big help guys!


I have it narrowed down to a 2010 or a 2012. They both are right at 21k miles and both seem near perfect. I am leaning to the 2010 because I really like the CF diffuser and CF front lower spoiler but they do not seem to be available for the facelift.
I really don't like that big chrome square on the face lifted versions.




As for the tape deck thing, that car is 1000 miles away and I had not looked closely at it and just saw the pictures so wasn't really sure what it was but it looked like a tape deck.
I should have known better because if memory serves the last production car to come with a tape deck was the Lexus SC430 I believe.


Getting into big price swings though.
2008 with 41k is $52,000 OTD and in just stunning shape.
2010 with 21k is $77,000 and also beautiful
2012 with 20k is asking 92,000 but 82k is about the most I would go since I want to do about 40k worth of additions.


The 2010 and 2012 both have the carbon fiber interior which I would really like to have.

 

Those are very big numbers for that car.....

 

Really? For a CL65? Well if you know of one with low miles, gray exterior and black interior please do tell. I am always up to save a buck. I thought those numbers seemed in line for cars that don't have a flaw on them.


BTW, I am only looking at ones that are pretty much showroom fresh. I will not get one with blemishes or interior wear.




Also is there any interior changes between the facelift and pre-facelift cars? The steering wheel I can see is different but are there any improvements on the electronics?
I ask because a couple early cars I saw two screen buttons below the ABC/ride height buttons near the brightness knobs that I have not seen on the newer cars. I do not know what they do though as I have yet to play with one.


The buttons I refer to are to the left of the screen and above the brightness (I assume) knob.

 

The newer ones (facelift) also get a few extra functions. Mind you, I have pre-facelift and don't really need any of these functions, but so to let you know, user "2014CL600" wrote about them in one of his posts, here they are;

In addition, a combination of cutting-edge camera and radar-based assistance systems unique in the luxury coupe segment, including the innovation of the Active Lane Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems, makes of the CL-Class a "thinking" partner of the driver. The modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation system and the Direct-Steer system also contribute to enhancing safety and driving enjoyment.

On-board infotainment: the most advanced multimedia technology

In line with its serene character and claim to be a technological masterwork, the CL-Class also sets standards where onboard infotainment is concerned. Thus, the Stuttgart automotive manufacturer equips its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console (standard for the CL 600 in conjunction with Front Seat Entertainment package). This innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different contents simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver e.g. uses the map-based navigation system, the front passenger can be watching a film on DVD.

The standard COMAND control and display system with Bluetooth®, USB and SD card interfaces offers customers the possibility of exporting their stored data to other vehicles and multimedia devices. It is also possible to transfer and update navigation data. In the glove compartment Mercedes-Benz integrates as optional equipment the Media Interface – an interface for mobile audio and video devices – devices such as the iPod® and every other possible customer device.

The optional Navigation package with COMAND APS (standard for the CL 600) features a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40-Gigabyte hard disc, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. Another factor contributing to a high level of navigation comfort is the detailed three-dimension map display including updates free of charge for three years. For musical entertainment COMAND APS provides a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognises music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote® database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour display. Another new function, Music Search, enables CL-Class drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers.

The Navigation package also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice control system that controls the navigation, telephone and audio devices via whole-word input. Benefit: the driver no longer needs to spell out his commands but simply speaks the corresponding words as whole words when entering the destination or choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register, or when calling up a name from the phone book.

The further developed surround sound system with Discrete Logic7® technology developed by Mercedes-Benz together with audio specialists Harman Kardon® delivers an outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers of the CL-Class. Mercedes-Benz offers the surround sound system together with SPLITVIEW and a six-disc DVD changer as part of the Entertainment Package (standard for CL 600).

 

Well that settles it! Thank you!

 

You're welcome BTW, the SPLITVIEW function I have as well. I believe that some of these new functions came with latest pre-facelift cars such as mine (07/2009). Certainly, not all of these functions pre-face cars have. For example, the crosswind function, I believe, came only with face-lifted cars.

As you asked before about the button which makes the screen turn. I believe it was only in older models as even mine doesn't have it and instead it has splitview.

 

I have her picked out! Will be picking it up this weekend unless i decide I just cant wait and play hookie from work. lol
2012 with the carbon interior and one owner. Had them send me some pics from the underside to make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top. Aside from a couple exhaust bolts it looks great!

 

Congrats, man! To me the underside looks very clean! Also, the tire wear seems to be even, which is also good.