I am in the market for a CL AMG - I prob want the 7-speed for fun & perf advantage so makes it a 63 turbo - starting in maybe 2010?
I am put off by the lower performing & potencial engine problems of the 6.2L n/a.
I was originally interested in the CL65, the 5-speed trans and slower performance has steered me in the 63 bi tubo direction. - so appreciate any input.
Would someone be so kind as to steer me to a link for such comparisons that include reliability and problem areas please? I've been searching when I have time but no joy as yet.
Is there a posted (sticky) breakdown as to what the C & W designation correspond to?

I'm all about performance & styling

thanks

 

Will hit quickly on a few things.

The W & C designations are chassis types. Sometimes interspersed, such as with the W215 and C215. C is used for the 215 as it is a coupe and from what I gather is actually the correct nomenclature. Since the sedan version of the 215 is the W220, it gets the W by default in informal instances, I suppose.

Ya, the M156 is N/A, and comparatively speaking, its numbers aren't as good as the rest, but it certainly is no slouch and responds well to modification. I had tubes, tune and other goodies on my W211, and man did she sound incredible. My buddy has a C series M156 with a wesitec supercharger. Quite fun. Lot's of headbolt discussions as well. It's also one of the engines built and designed from the ground up by AMG, and not an MB motor with snails or blower tacked on.

The 5.5 Bi-turbo is also very responsive to mild mods for performance. Although, stock to stock, the bi turbo will usually take a '65 off the line, at about 60 mph, the '65 starts pulling and doesn't stop, so slower is subjective. Minor mods can make the '65 a monster, so don't dismiss it. Sure, it has some pricey bits like coil packs, tons of spark plugs, etc., but the 5.5 has the ol' oil in the wiring harness issue. Like the M156 headbolt stuff, much discussed, some get it, others never will. You never know, but the oil/harness can be a pricey fix.

Search is your friend, so make the time. There are too may threads on your wide ranging questions to link, so just be patient and do your due diligence. Also, drive an example of each model you are interested in. Best advice I ever got or gave. Then, buy what you love. I had a beautiful W211 E63 and had a ball with it. In deciding, I drove numerous W212 and newer models and could have bought whichever I wanted, so I did. It wasn't the newest model, or even the fastest of the E63's. But it spoke to me and I loved it, and regret the hell out of selling it. Then when I was ready to get back into a toy, I started looking into W(C)215 CL55's and '65's, and W(C)216 CL63's and '65's. Although a new S63 or 65 would take a bite out of my discretionary income, I could do it if I chose. But again, I bought what really spoke to me. Now, I'm having fun renovating it and getting it back to damn near perfect before I start putting in LSD, trans and engine tune, exhaust, etc. So, the tip here is, experience each one you're interested in and buy what speaks to you. You may be surprised which one it is.

 

Thanks for you reply - guess thats it here

 

perfect writing !

 

Ive had CL55(facelift with kompressor) and now have a CL63 (with the "6.3"). The "6.3" is the real 63. The bolts are issues. So pre-plan and budget the preventive maintenance for it in the price of the car. The exhaust noise of the M156 is beautiful. A few small mods and its over.