W215 CL 55
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W211 E55, W210 E55, 94 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX, (Sold)W203 C55/C32, (Sold)04 S211 E320 Designo
W215 CL 55
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?
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From: Anchorage
05 CL65
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???
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W211 E55, W210 E55, 94 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX, (Sold)W203 C55/C32, (Sold)04 S211 E320 Designo
How often are you repairing your CL? I'm very well aware that ABC is unreliable but how bad truly is it?
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From: Anchorage
05 CL65
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.
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W211 E55, W210 E55, 94 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX, (Sold)W203 C55/C32, (Sold)04 S211 E320 Designo
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.
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cl65
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!!
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Texas
2003 CL55
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.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
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E63 Biturbo, UPD Cold Air induction kit, UPD performance crank pulley and UPD adjustable rear suspension with ride height adjustment.
CL55 UPD Cold Air Boost kit, UPD 3000 stall converter, UPD 77mm SC clutched pulley and beltwrap kit, Custom long tubes, UPD crank pulley , UPD suspension kit, UPD SC pulley, Aux. HE, Trunk tank w/rule 2000 pump, Mezeire pump, UPD 5pc idler set, Aluminum rotor hats.
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instagram @ultimate_pd
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W211 E55, W210 E55, 94 Daihatsu Mira TR-XX, (Sold)W203 C55/C32, (Sold)04 S211 E320 Designo
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!!
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From: Anchorage
05 CL65
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.
Last edited by Dr Matt; Dec 17, 2018 at 04:19 PM.
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From: NC
'15 GLK350, '05 CL65 AMG, '04 C320 4matic
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.
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From: Greenville, South Carolina
2003 CL55 AMG Komp.
Rick
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Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
I had my 05 CL55 for 10 years and 80,000 miles. Most reliable car I have ever owned. Just regular maintenance and no significant problems. The key is good maintenance.
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Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
Hyundai’s are definitely more “reliable” and cheaper to maintain. But they dont go from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds, look like a CL, handle like a CL or have the creature comforts of a CL. So it is comparing apples to oranges and you have to figure out which one is more important to you.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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.
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MB’s of all kinds.
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.
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MB’s of all kinds.
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.
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MB’s of all kinds.
Hyundai’s are definitely more “reliable” and cheaper to maintain. But they dont go from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds, look like a CL, handle like a CL or have the creature comforts of a CL. So it is comparing apples to oranges and you have to figure out which one is more important to you.
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MB’s of all kinds.
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Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
So which one was/is your favorite?
I have had a 1999 CLK55, 2001 E55, 2005 C230, 2005 CL55, 2011 SL550 and a 2016 S550. I would have to say in my case the CL followed very closely by the E (even though they were totally different cars and i liked them for totally different reasons) were my favorites. My least favorite was the SL.
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MB’s of all kinds.
C280 Sport. Nice MB stable, past and present!
So which one was/is your favorite?
I have had a 1999 CLK55, 2001 E55, 2005 C230, 2005 CL55, 2011 SL550 and a 2016 S550. I would have to say in my case the CL followed very closely by the E (even though they were totally different cars and i liked them for totally different reasons) were my favorites. My least favorite was the SL.
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From: Eastern Shore of Virginia
M-B CL 55 AMG, M-B CLK550, Ford Sport trac, Honda Shadow Aero, Suzuki GZ 250, JD 790, BLM MUSTANG
Hmm, I love these cars though I anticipate that things will break down ..
... 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.
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.
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2002 CL500 to CL55 conversion
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?
edit: what supercharged car on hydraulics DOESNT have problems though?
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Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
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?
edit: what supercharged car on hydraulics DOESNT have problems though?
