markyoussef

I've been doing research, and all I can find is that this car is extremely unreliable. What exactly is unreliable about this car, or is it just people saying the stereotypical saying that German cars are unreliable?

Dr Matt

The W215's are definitely unreliable, but when working are wonderful to drive. What's unreliable? well, ABC SRS, ignition coils, ignition transformer, radiators, ABC, drivers door wiring, ABC, oh and did I mention the ABC system???

markyoussef

How often are you repairing your CL? I'm very well aware that ABC is unreliable but how bad truly is it?

Dr Matt

I've spent thousands of dollars repairing my CL ove 25,00 miles of driving. Keep in mind I do all of my own work except small things like programming the passenger seat occupancy sensor (dealership), programming a new key (dealership), and recharging the A/C system. Granted I've made almost 300 1/4 mile passes, and drive it year round in Alaska, so mine hasn't had an easy life. Still, lots has gone wrong that had nothing to do with racing it, like failed idler pullies, multiple ABC parts, door wiring, passenger seat occupancy sensor, SRS control module, trunk opening hydraulic pump, but mostly suspension. However, the ABC is one of the best things about the car, so I'd sell the car before swapping to coil overs. Repairs take place a few times per year on average. Some of that is due to racing, like front brakes wearing out in 25,000 miles & snapping the pinion gear in 1/2 though. I've worn out 4 sets of drag radials with this car and one set of street tires though so I don't baby it by any means.

markyoussef

All of a sudden I'm not as interested in a CL anymore.

WikedV12

And THAT is why these wonderful cars are so cheap. People get scared away so easily. I really don't understand this type of answer. You want a 450-600 hp car,that originally cost anywhere from $140-$200k dollars and is 12-15 years old, but don't expect there to ever be any problems?? That is an unrealistic expectation. ANY car can have problems. The fact that I bought my CL65 for less than the price of a used Hyundai makes me willing to take on the occasional problem. I've only had my car for about 8 months, but I look forward to every drive. Have you ever driven one of these cars? If not, take a test drive first before you let a great opportunity for driving nirvana pass you by. Good luck!!

Exotic-metal55

They are great cars and at super low prices but is best to hold money back for repairs. I know many of Cl55`s that have very few issues and especially if normal maintenance is kept up. My ABC system treated me very well over 50K of driving and lots of racing but I kept the fluid changed and filters. The factory plastic idler pulleys fail all the time and one reason everyone upgrades them to billet.

markyoussef

Don't get me wrong, I expect a car to have problems, but, I'm not willing to give that much money into an older car, especially when there are other cars that are far more reliable and are even cheaper.

Dr Matt

You are correct, there are a lot of wonderful cars that are cheaper and more reliable, but in spite of all the issues I've had on my CL65, I wouldn't trade it for any of those others. Like WickedV12 said, if you haven't had the pleasure of driving a CL65, or better yet a tuned CL, you can't imagine what a wonderful car it really is. Such wonderfully luxurious and comfortable, yet ready to lay waste that occasional arrogant Hellcat driver at any speed. The biggest disappointment is not the fact that it is high maintainance, but the stock stereo system. With the sound system mine has (both the stereo and straight pipes) it is glorious music every time I drive it. My last toy was a 2004 Ford Lightning that had about 800HP by the time I sold it. It was very streetable, but when you cracked the throttle much it was violent in it's reaction. I compare it with the CL like this, slamming open the throttle on the Lightning was like ripping open the gates of hell. It was loud, brutal, and obviously dangerous. Slamming open the throttle on my CL is like the hand of almighty God is cradling you while moving you smoothly accelerating you in utter comfort but amazingly fast to the speed of light. Soooo satisfying, not terrifying.

Geraldius

The newest W215 car is 13 years old by now.
How many 13-20 year old cars are considered "reliable"?

Geraldius

I grew up in Alaska. Alaska is very tough on cars. Dr Matt's experience probably represents worse-case conditions for any car -- brutal environment and part-time racing.

Puerto Rick

Dont be discouraged! The suspension can be serviced and if you want to get rid of it the swap is also available. Do yourself a favor and look up FCP Euro for service parts and VRP for performance upgrades. These cars are really reasonable on prices for service parts. Performance parts can be had for about what it would cost to do a cobra mustang by comparison. Like others say test drive one before you make the decision.
Rick

RonCL55

RonCL55

BlownV8

I had all my issues with both ABC equipped vehicles.between 70k and 95k miles. They both needed ABC pumps around 85k miles. The CL chewed through 3 pumps while I owned the vehicle. Not to mention, the coilpacks failed, ABC lines blew, needed a new stereo amp, seat fan failed, and .... Point is, if you had/have a reliable CL, you are a statistical outlier and not the norm. I found maintenance does not decrease the likelihood of failure. Now, I regret not replacing every rubber ABC line by 70k miles but hindsight is always 20/20. Also, cars in hotter environments seem to have more issues.

C280 Sport

I cannot say the car itself has been unreliable. My CL600 has been fine but the ABC system as years go on tends to act up. Other then that I have had no real issues with the car. Once the ABC goes I will convert to coil overs.

C280 Sport

I am only at 50,000 miles. Is it common for the pumps to blow out around 70-100k?

C280 Sport

Nope they do not. Not even close. Also, the build quality is 100X better on a CL.

C280 Sport

Ya but the guy who told you had all of these problems just told you as well My CL has not had a easy life lol. Ok so take that with a grain of salt.

RonCL55

C280 Sport

Good solid past as well. I love my CL600 and my CLK55 AMG Coupe the most. Coupe> Convertible. I just am over the rag tops and that is why I am on the hunt for a SLK. This way it looks cleaner. But that is a roadster.

bonspy

... on any car that's 16 years old.
In the case of my car, the previous owner took meticulous care of it and I do the exact same thing. I have no interest in doing any modifications and just look forward to driving the car in stock condition as the car is perfectly fine the way that it runs.The primary reason for owning a 2003 CL 55 AMG for me is the joy of driving it around our little community and for serious road trips, which is where the car shines as far as I am concerned. I just let the seat back a bit, turn on the cruise control and flip on the seat massage while the engine hums along at 80 to 85 mph all day long. It works for me, but to each their own.

ctravis595

if you convert to coilovers these cars are largely reliable. besides the wiring in the doors, the delaminating windows, the corrosion that can be found on these cars. everything else is basically routine maintenance. yes i consider CPS, and 13 pin transmission connector to be routine maintenance, as should anybody with a m113/722.6 benz if theyve done any research. with coilovers i have 0 doubts about taking this car cross country. m113 engine is considered bulletproof, 722.6 is also considered bulletproof. its when you also want a car with a supercharger, and hydraulic suspension that you start asking for problems on these cars IMO

edit: what supercharged car on hydraulics DOESNT have problems though?

RonCL55

I totally disagree. I had a supercharged CL55 for 10 years and had 0 problems with both the ABC and the supercharger. The ABC and the supercharging ARE what makes the car so special. Without that you simply have a 15 to 20 year old run of the mill car.

BlownV8

How many miles did you pu on your 55?