Alec's W216 CL 4.7 BiTurbo Project
- Thread starter alecescolme
- Start date
but good choice of wheels, they look awesome. 
Had mine for about 3yrs now and thought i'd share some running costs and some thoughts on the overall ownership experience. It's a 2011 (4.7 TT) in Obsidian black with Aubergine interior. I tried to upload some pic's but the file size seems to be too large - will try again soon. In my ownership the mileage has gone from 42k to currently at 78k. I purchased from a MB dealer so it came with the tier 1 warranty for the first year - just as well !!...
1) A few months after buying, and as the weather got colder I noticed the heated rear screen wasn't working - at first the dealer refused to accept this as a warranty claim - it's 'glass' sir, not covered - I escalated to MB Customer service and to their credit they agreed with me and replaced the rear screen under warranty. I would have lived with it not working if it came to it, as they were quoting over a £1k plus labour to replace it.
2) About 8 months into ownership the car refused to start and turned out to be a faulty fuel pump - this was quickly corrected by the dealer again under warranty.
3) About the same time there was a strange intermittent sound coming from the passenger side of the car that seemed to increase with revs but would disappear as quickly as it came. Managed to get the service manager at the dealer to ride shotgun with me and he recognised it as the pulsation damper - part of the ABC suspension system. Again they were very efficient and booked it in and replaced the offending part shortly afterwards.
I have to say that at this point whilst i was enjoying the car i was beginning to get a bit nervous about what would be next,,,,
Luckily it behaved itself for a whole year and then one day last summer it refused to start...long story short it turned out to be the starter motor, which was fair enough ...8yr old car, etc,...however, when the second recovery truck came to collect the car i'm sure they did 'something' whilst charging the battery (it was dead by this point due to repeated attempts to restart over the weekend) it 'blew' something and the whole car went completely dead. The dealer diagnosed the starter motor and the Gateway controller ..total bill £1500. As it was outside of warranty it was all mine to pay
I did try and argue that their recovery man was responsible for damaging the gateway controller but got nowhere with them/MB customer car...hey ho, that's life.
In the year since then no real issues (touch wood). The 'D' service last year including spark plug change came to £800 at the main dealer. I took it out of the dealer network and used a local MB specialist this time for the 'E' service and it came to £375 ('A' service plus gearbox oil change) ...i know that means i am no longer covered by the MOBILO life, but the money i saved still allowed me to get same level RAC breakdown with plenty left-over. During my time i have gone through 2 sets of front tyres and the same at the rear. I now need to replace a rear tyre and the front pads and discs. Tyre is on order to be fitted this week and i'm comparing costs for the brakes - i may do it myself , time allowing. In the last few days i've noticed the electric steering wheel won't adjust up or down ...a known problem on Merc's ...it doesn't cause any issues so I will live with it for now.
Fuel economy has been a pleasant surprise given the size and nature of the engine. My commute is made up of approx 50% A road/motorway and 50% town and i'm averaging 23mpg. I regularly drive to Birmingham for work on the M1 and M6 and the trip shows around 32mpg most times...the speed restrictions in the roadworks help !!
Driving impressions:
1) Incredibly refined - hardly any road or wind noise. Mine rides on the 20inch wheel which can get caught out sometimes but still rides impressively considering.
2) Seats incredibly comfortable - nappa, heated & ventilated
3) I find the low rev engine response can sometimes be a bit lethargic and hesitant - no fault codes recorded , however, i've noticed the turbo wastegate actuator on one side is moving in and out on idle (the other side moves in and stays there as it should) - i've been quite frustrated by my usual indies as they all say I will have to replace the entire turbo on that side, but i'm sure i can get hold of just the actuator ? - although it does look awkward to get to as there's a heat shield in the way - would really appreciate any tips/experience you may have on this. Anyway, apologies for the long post but i've decided to keep this car for longer and want to sort out the few issues i have . Great to see the progress on the project car ...i'm jealous !
1) A few months after buying, and as the weather got colder I noticed the heated rear screen wasn't working - at first the dealer refused to accept this as a warranty claim - it's 'glass' sir, not covered - I escalated to MB Customer service and to their credit they agreed with me and replaced the rear screen under warranty. I would have lived with it not working if it came to it, as they were quoting over a £1k plus labour to replace it.
2) About 8 months into ownership the car refused to start and turned out to be a faulty fuel pump - this was quickly corrected by the dealer again under warranty.
3) About the same time there was a strange intermittent sound coming from the passenger side of the car that seemed to increase with revs but would disappear as quickly as it came. Managed to get the service manager at the dealer to ride shotgun with me and he recognised it as the pulsation damper - part of the ABC suspension system. Again they were very efficient and booked it in and replaced the offending part shortly afterwards.
I have to say that at this point whilst i was enjoying the car i was beginning to get a bit nervous about what would be next,,,,
Luckily it behaved itself for a whole year and then one day last summer it refused to start...long story short it turned out to be the starter motor, which was fair enough ...8yr old car, etc,...however, when the second recovery truck came to collect the car i'm sure they did 'something' whilst charging the battery (it was dead by this point due to repeated attempts to restart over the weekend) it 'blew' something and the whole car went completely dead. The dealer diagnosed the starter motor and the Gateway controller ..total bill £1500. As it was outside of warranty it was all mine to pay
In the year since then no real issues (touch wood). The 'D' service last year including spark plug change came to £800 at the main dealer. I took it out of the dealer network and used a local MB specialist this time for the 'E' service and it came to £375 ('A' service plus gearbox oil change) ...i know that means i am no longer covered by the MOBILO life, but the money i saved still allowed me to get same level RAC breakdown with plenty left-over. During my time i have gone through 2 sets of front tyres and the same at the rear. I now need to replace a rear tyre and the front pads and discs. Tyre is on order to be fitted this week and i'm comparing costs for the brakes - i may do it myself , time allowing. In the last few days i've noticed the electric steering wheel won't adjust up or down ...a known problem on Merc's ...it doesn't cause any issues so I will live with it for now.
Fuel economy has been a pleasant surprise given the size and nature of the engine. My commute is made up of approx 50% A road/motorway and 50% town and i'm averaging 23mpg. I regularly drive to Birmingham for work on the M1 and M6 and the trip shows around 32mpg most times...the speed restrictions in the roadworks help !!
Driving impressions:
1) Incredibly refined - hardly any road or wind noise. Mine rides on the 20inch wheel which can get caught out sometimes but still rides impressively considering.
2) Seats incredibly comfortable - nappa, heated & ventilated
3) I find the low rev engine response can sometimes be a bit lethargic and hesitant - no fault codes recorded , however, i've noticed the turbo wastegate actuator on one side is moving in and out on idle (the other side moves in and stays there as it should) - i've been quite frustrated by my usual indies as they all say I will have to replace the entire turbo on that side, but i'm sure i can get hold of just the actuator ? - although it does look awkward to get to as there's a heat shield in the way - would really appreciate any tips/experience you may have on this. Anyway, apologies for the long post but i've decided to keep this car for longer and want to sort out the few issues i have . Great to see the progress on the project car ...i'm jealous !
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alecescolme
Active Member
Hi Suhail, thanks for sharing your experience with your CL. Starter motor issues seem common on these, I have noticed hesitation at times, hopfully it is just the battery getting old...
My economy is very similar to what you are getting.
Regarding low down hesitation, that is one of my gripes with this engine (my first turbocharged car) coming from a highly responsive BMW M6 V10 and Jaguar Supercharged V8, it isn't really that much different with the slightly bigger AMG turbos. I do have the stock 4.7 turbos in excellent condition if they are interest to you?
My economy is very similar to what you are getting.
Regarding low down hesitation, that is one of my gripes with this engine (my first turbocharged car) coming from a highly responsive BMW M6 V10 and Jaguar Supercharged V8, it isn't really that much different with the slightly bigger AMG turbos. I do have the stock 4.7 turbos in excellent condition if they are interest to you?
Thanks Alec, this is my first turbocharged car having come from six cylinder petrol BM's in the past. Good to hear that my 'lag' issue may not be unique - maybe a remap would improve this aspect. Will certainly let you know if I end up needing a turbo - at the moment trying every option to avoid this for now !
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2005
- Messages
- 7,538
- Location
- Weybridge. U.K
- Car
- 500L ( W221 ), 2014 AMG CL 5.5 Biturbo ( W216 ) Sold, 2014 Brabus Smart ( 451 Coupe ) Mapped 130bhp
The wheels look great + the Michelin 4s are the best. I had them on the 63 
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alecescolme
Active Member
Bigger fuel pump fitted- been with Acid at MSL while he tweaked the map
The car is making 600hp at the wheels on the current tune- 708bhp at the crank.
Here is the dyno graph where it made 605whp! The current tune is slightly richer at the top end, as apparently this tune was slightly lean:
I make the torque at around 726lb-ft or 984nm- which is capped to keep the gearbox under 1000nm.
The car is making 600hp at the wheels on the current tune- 708bhp at the crank.
Here is the dyno graph where it made 605whp! The current tune is slightly richer at the top end, as apparently this tune was slightly lean:
I make the torque at around 726lb-ft or 984nm- which is capped to keep the gearbox under 1000nm.
A couple of minutes saved on the commute is an extra one hundred and twenty seconds brewing time for the first cup of tea 
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alecescolme
Active Member
John,
Turbos were £1000, plus £1500 to fit them- really the engine needs to be dropped for access.
Turbos were £1000, plus £1500 to fit them- really the engine needs to be dropped for access.
Thanks.
That is a really cheap upgrade for that return on power.
Funnily enough I was talking to someone who asked me what they cost and I estimated probably £2.5k weirdly.
Thought I'd find out for sure in case I was miles out.
I find the stock setup of the 4.7 CL and 4.7 S500 relentless and so well setup - even compared to my once E55K running 492WHP albeit 1845kg.
I imagine it's quite addictive the way your CL delivers the power now?
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alecescolme
Active Member
Yes John, to be fair there is the cost of mapping, exhaust work & fuel pump which bumps the price up too, but still a bargain for a 230bhp increase!
The standard turbos are still very capable, I think around 550bhp mark should be possible stage 2. The 4.7 power output is underated from the factory anyway, mine made around 480bhp crank stock.
492whp in a E55 is some going!
The sensation of the boost building it very addictive, but a great way to burn through petrol. I managed 11mpg coming home from the commute yesterday, for comparison, I calculated around 32mpg driving back from MSL. Very economical off boost, drinks petrol for fun when boosting! This is my daily driver, I think it is trying to compete with my M6 for fuel consumption...
The standard turbos are still very capable, I think around 550bhp mark should be possible stage 2. The 4.7 power output is underated from the factory anyway, mine made around 480bhp crank stock.
492whp in a E55 is some going!
The sensation of the boost building it very addictive, but a great way to burn through petrol. I managed 11mpg coming home from the commute yesterday, for comparison, I calculated around 32mpg driving back from MSL. Very economical off boost, drinks petrol for fun when boosting! This is my daily driver, I think it is trying to compete with my M6 for fuel consumption...
JoshAmg
Active Member
Hey mate, your CL looks epic love the brabus mods you have done. Got to be honest the car looked perfect on them brabus wheels. Out of curiosity what did you do with them ?
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alecescolme
Active Member
Cheers, thanks for the kind words!
The Brabus wheels are for sale actually
I have them on eBay, but could do a discount for a forum member...
JoshAmg
Active Member
How much you looking to get for them? I already have 2 sets of brabus wheels 20 inch and 21inch.Cheers, thanks for the kind words!
The Brabus wheels are for sale actually
the CL63 had the 21's and the E63 is on the 20'sAttachments
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alecescolme
Active Member
£700, takes them, ideally collected, or can post at courier cost.
Ubercool
Member
Crazy amount of power . I thought my CLK at 300 bhp was plenty
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alecescolme
Active Member
A year of ownership completed! However, I have sold my M6 and have a expensive itch to scratch, so sadly it is time to move the CL on. Whoever gets this car will have a tremendous amount of power and car for the money!
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alecescolme
Active Member
Now on eBay, the car has never felt better after the last round of work at MSL! Done 500 miles last week in wonderful comfort.
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alecescolme
Active Member
To round this off... I have replaced my M6, the CL and XJ with two new cars.
The first was an unexpected Range Rover Vogue- which is my new daily driver
I have also bought my dream car, a Audi R8 V10 Manual
Absolutley love it so far!
The first was an unexpected Range Rover Vogue- which is my new daily driver
I have also bought my dream car, a Audi R8 V10 Manual
Absolutley love it so far!
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