CL55 AMG, CL65 AMG, CL63 AMG (C215, C216) 2000 - 2014 (Two Generations)

New to me 2003 CL55 Black/Black

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Old Jul 22, 2022 | 07:08 PM
  #1  
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
New to me 2003 CL55 Black/Black

Hi folks-

Haven't been on here since 2015.... Life issues... But, just bought a W215. Need to swap out the pedal sets for the sport pedals. Being an 03, it's got the old man rubber pedals. Waiting on the accelerator pedal now... others are on...

Want to replace all the old incandescent bulbs with LED, at least on the front end... Can I do this without a "resistance nightmare" and the system telling me I have a bulb out? I hear the rears are a real pain... flashers don't work, etc... Any suggested vendors? Would like to just order a kit, vs. 1 by 1...

Also want to see what I can find for an updated wheel with paddles, not buttons. Anyone aware of one that works for the OEM airbag in US cars? Lots of options if I want to go to Germany/Latvia. Below is the link... Picture attached....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26543914806...xoC1cUQAvD_BwE




Anything else I should consider? It just turned 40K miles... Has had regular dealer service,,, Headlight switch looks 'gummy'. Sure it's a fortune to replace. The dash cluster has a small display issue, think I found a good source to repair that. Glove box 'button' is worn... Need to replace that, but it's NLA for the assembly... and when it was available, was $700! YIKES... A bit different that my E55 parts prices... but ya wanna play, ya gotta pay!

Any easy way to tell if it has the 'updated' radiator? The early ones had a poor design tranny cooler in them. They blew and leaked anti-freeze into the ATF, and ruined the tranny...Want to ensure that won't be an issue for me...

Thank you in advance...
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 02:12 PM
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I used cheap make-up remover wipes from Walgreens on my sticky buttons. Takes some patience but keep rubbing gently and they are fine.
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 03:19 PM
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
Thank you Louis- Great tip! Much appreciated!

Well, just like that, BAM! Drivers door lock no longer actuates... Great... Well, guess I am now a member of that club!
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 11:49 PM
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
Originally Posted by Tom_Boy
Thank you Louis- Great tip! Much appreciated!

Well, just like that, BAM! Drivers door lock no longer actuates... Great... Well, guess I am now a member of that club!
Follow-up post... Wow... they do work GREAT!!!!
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 11:59 PM
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View this post on Instagram

you will need a paddle module if you want to install new style amg paddles

the thin ones that replace the buttons using the same housing honestly stink
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 12:02 AM
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
Originally Posted by lthlc63
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYq9vohr..._web_copy_link

you will need a paddle module if you want to install new style amg paddles

the thin ones that replace the buttons using the same housing honestly stink
Bummer...I do remember a post when I had my E55, someone doing "surgery" on the buttons to install paddles & seem to recall that.... Not sure how much of a hassle that is... Guess I'll need to do more research, see if it's even worthwhile...
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom_Boy
Bummer...I do remember a post when I had my E55, someone doing "surgery" on the buttons to install paddles & seem to recall that.... Not sure how much of a hassle that is... Guess I'll need to do more research, see if it's even worthwhile...
you can install upgraded paddles without the module but youre going to be transfering the internals from the button to the paddle, soldering and a bunch of other nonsense.
or you can buy a set of 2015+ paddles for like $80-90 and a paddle module for 200. slightly modify the back of your wheel to fit the new aluminum paddles, and your done.
wont need to do any crazy electrical work
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 12:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom_Boy
Bummer...I do remember a post when I had my E55, someone doing "surgery" on the buttons to install paddles & seem to recall that.... Not sure how much of a hassle that is... Guess I'll need to do more research, see if it's even worthwhile...
That someone youre talking about would be bayhus on his SL55. he is the current owner of Eurocharged Boston
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 12:20 AM
  #9  
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From: Justin, Texas
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Originally Posted by lthlc63
you can install upgraded paddles without the module but youre going to be transfering the internals from the button to the paddle, soldering and a bunch of other nonsense.
or you can buy a set of 2015+ paddles for like $80-90 and a paddle module for 200. slightly modify the back of your wheel to fit the new aluminum paddles, and your done.
wont need to do any crazy electrical work
Ok, that's something I can handle... not too crazy... When you say Paddle Module, are you speaking of an MB/OEM part, or an aftermarket gizmo? That was soooooo long ago when I had the E55, I could not remember the details,,,,Would be great to buy the parts turn-key if someone sells a 'kit'... I'll see if Eurocharged does...Thank you for all the details...
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom_Boy
Ok, that's something I can handle... not too crazy... When you say Paddle Module, are you speaking of an MB/OEM part, or an aftermarket gizmo? That was soooooo long ago when I had the E55, I could not remember the details,,,,Would be great to buy the parts turn-key if someone sells a 'kit'... I'll see if Eurocharged does...Thank you for all the details...
Message rucarbon on IG they will get you setup with everything you need
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Old Aug 16, 2022 | 03:50 PM
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
So- Took the CL55 in for service to my local dealer. I have used them for years. Took great care of me. New front pads/rotors/sensor & caliper bolts, brake flush, ABC/PS flush & new filter, Oil service, Anti-Freeze flush, tranny flush/service, and diff flush. Did a number of other fixes as well; re-loaded ECU firmware, lower control arms, motor mounts, fuel filter, 4-wheel alignment, state inspection, V-belts, door trim R&R, etc.. Now with 40.5K miles, it's a real dream. Could not be happier-
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Old Sep 18, 2022 | 09:45 AM
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CLK430
How’s it holding up?

I came across an auction for a low mileage 03 CL55 and I’m tempted to get involved in the bidding. I figured I would come here and see what the consensus is regarding maintenance as well as problems I should look out for prior to becoming an owner.

What are the pain points of the car? Are the ABC issues I’ve been seeing hard/expensive fix? Electrical issues? I used to own a CLK430 and every once in a while it had some electrical stuff to deal with but it usually meant just replacing a cheap switch or component. What has been owners experiences with the CL55?

Would love to hear any and all feedback from owners and the wise.

Thanks in advance!
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Old Sep 19, 2022 | 06:44 PM
  #13  
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From: Justin, Texas
2003 CL55
This one?
https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/d...5-amg-designo/

I bought a super clean 1 owner black/black 2003 for 29,900. Was in great shape and still needed ~10G's worth of work. These are NOT for the faint of heart. I love the ABC, so I paid to have it fully flushed/serviced. God help me when it does go paws-up. I guess I'll do coil overs & a sway bar. Good news.... There are a lot of parts available off used/wrecked cars and many are shared with the S/Class. Bad news, for unique parts, get the checkbook out, especially if new. I had an E55 new in 2005. Loved it. This is a beautiful car, I really enjoy it. Just make sure you have 10G's put away, they can make you cry.

Let us know what you do!!!!!
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Old Jan 10, 2025 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by lthlc63
Message rucarbon on IG they will get you setup with everything you need
Along with RUcarbon, you can also get the module ("Mercedes Paddle Converter" module) from DCTmotorsports, or if you are in Europe contact ComandonlineUK . OR,,, you can send me a note at Latemodel21@yahoo.com if you want to get one directly or need more info (I am the designer/manufacturer). This module makes paddle shifters plug-and-play in 2003-2006 SL55/65, S55/65, CL55/65, SLR McLaren, and 2003-2004 E55 & CLK55.

Cheers,
Chris

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