One year, two days, and 20,000 miles in the CL55

[noy91]

Last Sunday saw the end of my first year of CL ownership and the (rather alarming) realisation that I'd done 20,000 miles and put £5k of fuel through it.

The miles were probably split 60:40 between motorways and fast A and B roads, with my average speed showing as 48mph, with a shade over 22mpg as the average. Highlights include an early March Paris trip and a longer Ardenne sojourn over New Year, both of which were dispatched effortlessly in at times quite challenging conditions. The refinement and ride quality made the most lasting impressions, and while pace has certainly never been lacking I only really notice just how facilitating the torque is when driving other cars!

Its undergone a few refinements and additions, notably a Eurocharged HE, pulley and remap in addition to a Quaife LSD and in2digi DAB unit and aux cable, while a B service and some other work has been taken care of by PCS. 4 new Michelin Pilot Super Sports rounded off the maintenance work.

Some dubious accessories from the previous owner have been removed, leaving the grille as the only non-OE exterior part. I will hopefully address that in the coming months, along with sorting out the side window seals which are starting to let a bit of wind whistle in. New discs and pads all round will likely be the big job for 2015, along with ball joints.

A new job starting on the 9th will probably see next year's mileage substantially lower, but I do have an Austrian trip pencilled in for Easter, and possibly a tour of Polish castles in the summer, which will really let it stretch its legs.

 

[Mr Kripling]

I've only had mine for just under 5 months but am enjoying it as well (after coughing up for a new EIS, B service, four new ContiSportContact 5s and a few bits & bobs at PCS).

That said, I haven't yet taken it on a properly long jaunt so this Saturday will be popping down to Epernay to fill up with one of the few liquids more expensive than petrol

Harry

 

[trapperjohn]

^Safe and fun journey to you.

 

[noy91]

That said, I haven't yet taken it on a properly long jaunt so this Saturday will be popping down to Epernay to fill up with one of the few liquids more expensive than petrol Harry

It will shine on that sort of journey I'm sure. Enjoy!

 

[nico2014]

Brilliant report. Thank you Jonathan!

 

[TomsAmg]

Great to hear! I think you bought yours just before I bought my clk55, good to hear it's all going well, I'm just up the road , often round chichester way!!

 

[C43AMG]

Great review Jonathan, good to meet up at the Brooklands GTG. So you are going to be employed as from the 9th as to self-employed good luck with your new adventure.

The CL was produced as a Grand Tourer. I did over 3000 miles last September which was effortless, as you say the torque

 

[martyp87]

Nice review, I remember you got yours when I was looking for a CL. I'm still thinking about buying the single slat grille probably will get one and see if I like it.

Know what you mean about the door seals - guess just above the tweeter splitting? They are £75 from MB so not that bad and will stop the noise. Need to take a look at the DAB unit, I already have a AUX in the glove box but with FM shutting down soon will need DAB, if only for Absolute 80s!

Glad to hear you've had a trouble free time over 20k miles and exactly what I plan to in regards to mods!!

I'm coming up to one year with mine, probably done about 6k miles (which is huge for me) but have spent an absolute shed load on it! Not much left to do and it will be as near to showroom condition as reasonable. Then it will be onto ramping up the power (and traction lol) for the 1/4 mile track. Will be back to doing just a couple of thousand miles this year as she is now a weekend toy.

 

[noy91]

Great review Jonathan, good to meet up at the Brooklands GTG. So you are going to be employed as from the 9th as to self-employed good luck with your new adventure.

The CL was produced as a Grand Tourer. I did over 3000 miles last September which was effortless, as you say the torque

Thanks Peter, was great to meet you and see what must be one of the best CLs out there!

Yes, am starting with Alpina GB in Nottingham. Less money to start with, but more consistent and cheaper living. Will keep the current setup as a sideline though, just not actively market it.

Will see you at Benz on the Green no doubt

 

[noy91]

Nice review, I remember you got yours when I was looking for a CL. I'm still thinking about buying the single slat grille probably will get one and see if I like it.

Know what you mean about the door seals - guess just above the tweeter splitting? They are £75 from MB so not that bad and will stop the noise. Need to take a look at the DAB unit, I already have a AUX in the glove box but with FM shutting down soon will need DAB, if only for Absolute 80s!

Glad to hear you've had a trouble free time over 20k miles and exactly what I plan to in regards to mods!!

I'm coming up to one year with mine, probably done about 6k miles (which is huge for me) but have spent an absolute shed load on it! Not much left to do and it will be as near to showroom condition as reasonable. Then it will be onto ramping up the power (and traction lol) for the 1/4 mile track. Will be back to doing just a couple of thousand miles this year as she is now a weekend toy.

I liked my single slat to start with, but the plastic chrome is pitting and having looked through some of the original press pictures, I'm really liking the standard one at the moment.

My seals are frayed above the tweeters, but I think the problem is that they are not sealing 100% where the two pillarless windows meet, so I get a bit of wind rustle right next to my ear. £75 is surprisingly reasonable, but I will attempt to treat them first in case that's enough.

The DAB works well, although I do occasionally have to reseat the contact pad to the aerial. Am also a fan of Absolute 80s. Planet Rock was the other station I got it for, and Kisstory can be a guilty pleasure.

In terms of the mods, I'd say they're certainly a good starting point, but I consider the LSD to be the real key, although that may just be the amount of tight but fast t-junctions around me. I blow hot and cold on Kleemann manifolds, but am cautious of not making it too loud and destroying its refinement as a GT.

Would be good to see yours one day if we ever overlap.

 

[noy91]

I'm still thinking about buying the single slat grille probably will get one and see if I like it.

Thinking about this, if you do and decide to stick with it, I'd be happy to buy yours off you.

 

[jotter22]

I liked my single slat to start with, but the plastic chrome is pitting and having looked through some of the original press pictures, I'm really liking the standard one at the moment.

My seals are frayed above the tweeters, but I think the problem is that they are not sealing 100% where the two pillarless windows meet, so I get a bit of wind rustle right next to my ear. £75 is surprisingly reasonable, but I will attempt to treat them first in case that's enough.

The DAB works well, although I do occasionally have to reseat the contact pad to the aerial. Am also a fan of Absolute 80s. Planet Rock was the other station I got it for, and Kisstory can be a guilty pleasure.

In terms of the mods, I'd say they're certainly a good starting point, but I consider the LSD to be the real key, although that may just be the amount of tight but fast t-junctions around me. I blow hot and cold on Kleemann manifolds, but am cautious of not making it too loud and destroying its refinement as a GT.

Would be good to see yours one day if we ever overlap.

What do you plan to use to treat the rubbers?...I keep meaning to do mine but can never decide on a suitable brand..
Tony.

 

[martyp87]

Thinking about this, if you do and decide to stick with it, I'd be happy to buy yours off you.

I would but if I sold the original one I'd probably find myself wanting to put it back on after a week!

Agree the LSD is the key component by far! Mine is now slightly louder with the Eisenmann back boxes, so maybe headers wouldn't make too much of a difference. Need to draw the line on spending somewhere though...

What do you plan to use to treat the rubbers?...I keep meaning to do mine but can never decide on a suitable brand..
Tony.

Get yourself one of these, quick and easy and the best there is for the job.

Link

 

[V8 Supercharger]

Need to draw the line on spending somewhere though...

Yeahhhh, let us know when you find that line . . . . .

 

[Mr Kripling]

Well, after blitzing to France and back I think I've fallen in love with the CL all over again.

It wafts along like jet-propelled double cream and yet the savagery of the acceleration when the peage barrier goes up still surprises me. I'm also amazed that a motor which disappears into the background on the motorway can make such an angry roar (with a supercharger top note) when given the beans.

It's not quite as refined in the cruise as the Phaeton but the performance difference is compensation, especially when an Audi has decided to latch on to the rear bumper... Thinking of which, it felt just as good at cruising as the current model A8 which is pretty impressive for a 16 year old design. Fuel consumption wasn't marvellous but 22mpg over 180 miles at an average of 85mph isn't too bad.

Oh, and it had enough space in the boot to bring some cargo back with it too

Harry

 

[tanuie]

Get yourself one of these, quick and easy and the best there is for the job.

+1

 

[martyp87]

Like the look of the haul you've brought back! That should last you a couple of months.

One of the great things about the CL as a GT is the boot space, it is absolutely huge.

 

[Mr Kripling]

Like the look of the haul you've brought back! That should last you a couple of months.

I reckon I could get used to having some at breakfast