DanVerch

Hello,

I'm new to this forum, I'm a 2004 BMW 730d owner, and I love it.
However, I want something faster.. something really fast, so I've been looking at the CLS.

The CLS looks very sexy, both inside and out, I especially like it with the beige interior inside.

I'm looking into getting a CLS 55 AMG, it seems like a real beast, incredibly fast. I haven't driven anything faster than my 220 hp 730d , so the CLS 55 AMG is a real beast compared to it.

Only thing I'm concerned is the comfort. I'm loving the comfort in my 7 series, very smooth ride, and the 7 series has a massive look and great appearance on the road. Could anyone tell me how's the comfort like in the CLS. I've heard that the seats they have are really good and a comfortable. Is the ride stiff in the CLS? I assume that the air suspension helps you adjust the ride stiffness to your liking, correct?

I'm looking for something that is on one end sporty and fast and on the other end luxurious and comfy. I believe the CLS has that.

Can anyone give me some insight on the CLS 55 AMG, based on the info I provided, I'd really appreciate it.

UDWANIT2

just buy it the best move u ever made....if money is no issue id go for the 63 naturally aspirated

DanVerch

Thanks, I'm pretty convinced it's the right car for me.

I have a decent budget. The 63 is a bit higher than my budget allows, and the CLS 55 AMG is within what I'm willing to spend.

This is what I'm currently looking at:

http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/sh...g=&tabNumber=1

It has less than 100.000 KM, the type of interior that I like.

ppilot

That's a 2006 model with electric brakes. The 2007 CLS550 has the new motor, 70 more horsepower and regular brakes. I have owned both (neither an AMG however) and really like the regular brakes, I never could come to a smooth stop with the electric brakes.

bigben320e

I have a CLS500, with the SBC, no issues so far. However, there are some legitimate concerns about the SBC failure and lack of braking power if it fails.

I would opt for the 2007-2008 CLS550 if I were looking at the market today, I concur with Ppilot. Actually, DanVerch, the CLS 550 would be a great choice for you as it has 382HP. If you have to have the CLS55, it is an awesome beast at 469HP but it does have the electric (SBC) brakes.

The choice is yours, but any route you go, the CLS is a sexy quality car, great power options, and combine the comfort/sporty feel. The airmatic has three settings to suit your taste, and the comfort/sport setting as well.

ocpun

I too plan on buying a 2006 CLS 55 AMG or 2007 CLS 550! What's the three features that the airmatic suspension has and what do they do exactly? Also I've heard about the comfort, sport 1, sport 2 features as well. What exactly does it do?

Kar don

sport 2 rides similar to a non sport pkg BMW, stiff but not too harsh. Comfort kinda floats around and isn't really that comfortable imo. Sport 1 is what I leave it on, good balance. Sport 2 makes a lot of noise with the "dead body in trunk thud", just search the forum and you'll see what I'm talking about.

ppilot

I guess I'm too old (70) or am insensitive (my wife has mentioned that) but I can't tell the difference between any of the three air-matic selections. I remember the English speaking tech lady at the factory showing me my 06 CLS500. She said "Just leave it here" (the comfort, no light on position).
I do like "raising the car" feature to clear curbs but that is a different switch and function.

ocpun

I've heard about the lowering and raising features too. What are they and what exactly do they do?

Kar don

Raises the car by an inch or two... looks like an SUV. Good for approaching steep driveways.

ocpun

What modes are there available for the leveling feature?

Kar don

Not sure what you mean. For vehicle height there is only two settings, "raised" mode where the light on the button is illuminated and "normal" mode where the light is off on the button.

Also, if you drive the vehicle in raised mode over like 40 or 45mph it automatically goes back into normal mode. Not sure what the exact speed is where it lowers, but something like that.

LETO

That "thud" has been driving me crazy. I only have 500miles on my car so far. I only hear that in sport 2 at low speeds after going over bumps. I thought I was hearing things

I have been keeping the car in sport 1 unless I am on very smooth roads then sport 2. Comfort makes me feel a bit floaty and disoriented. Although, it works on really terrible construction zone quality roads (or every other PA, NJ road)

konigstiger

Bring it in and suggest they inspect the spare wheel well - floor panel and shield directly below. Installing foam rubber strips may resolve the matter.

Kar don

konigstiger... i thought the "thud" was a normal trait of airmatic? I remember somebody on his 04 E500 had basically the whole rear airmatic system replaced and it still made the noise.

LETO

I dug up that thread

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-my-trunk.html

konigstiger

Case in point replacing suspension parts does not resolve the matter. Tire, battery, etc. rests on panel that rests on the shield below. There was a DTB released for the 221 concerning trunk noise over bumps recommending installation of foam rubber strips in this area - process of elimination that may or may not work.

Kar don

Yup thats the thread. I'm not gonna bother trying to let the dealer pursue it... I personally think they'll say its normal and I'm just gonna live with it.