The 2020 CL215 Owners Register

[splitpin]

Hey All, just joined the forum. I own a 2003 silver CL500 with black leather interior
Received it in a pretty unorthodox fashion in that it was given to me! It’s only got about 48k on the clock and the engine is absolutely mint.
Am having some issues with it though:
1. Terrible battery drain - something is clearly pulling overnight as it can die in a couple of days
2. Central locking. Probably airleaks but the pump has been refurbed but still challenging
3. Water is getting into the boot - but I can’t tell where - could be terrible condensation? No idea but it’s starting to mould.
If anyone has any tips or any advice on any of the above or advice on choosing a reliable and reasonable Mercedes specialist garage I would be most appreciative

Aside from the above, it’s absolutely pukka and a joy to drive.
Although may be short lived due to ULeZ extension…..

Thanks
Liam

Welcome to the Register Liam, a pleasure to have you with us.
That is certainly a low mileage car.
Have you checked your ABC fluid.... (Nice & green ?)

 

[splitpin]

Thanks Matt, I will have a good check on all of the suggestions, seemed such a lot of water but it had been stood for some time whilst waiting on parts and drying out now back with me although not out in the open now.

Both my rear lights were affected, causing corrosion & malfunctioning on the offside one.

 

[splitpin]

Both my rear lights were affected, causing corrosion & malfunctioning on the offside one.

Incidentally Liam Wayne Gates (Harrow) is well recommended by forum members & if you are in South London
Alexforti is not too far away ! & he might let you see what he is doing to his CL !!!

 

[splitpin]

The post by Mattk is a reminder that there are, like him, several past members who retain there interest & affection for the CL215.
Five of them spring to mind:- m2287,C43AMG, mattk1,Flyinspanner & Renault12ts.
These Honorary members are invaluable to us when they share their considerable knowledge, here, on the the Register.

 

[splitpin]

SNIPPETS UPDATE April2023

1.Guide toCL215 2000-2007 (Glasses Guide) >>>> Page2
2. ABC Strut Boots >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Page 2
4. Body Materials & Structure >>>>>>>>>>>>> Page 3
5. Current Members Feb:2021 >>>>>>>>>>>>> Page 4
6. Looking for a CL215 ? Buying advice >>>>>>> Page 4
7 .CL63 AMG & all 215 Performance Details >>>>> Page 5
8 .CL55 Details by Wikii >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Page 5
9. Seat Settings & Throttle Reset >>>>>>>>>>> Page 5
10.CleaningWindscreen Drains >>>>>>>>>>>> Page5
11. AirCon hidden Menu + Live Data by MBMedic Page 5
12.Cleaning Sunroof Rails >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Page 6
14 .Valve Blocks & Valves >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > Page 6
15.Authentic CL variants & images >>>>>>>>> Page 6
16. CL Windows detailed information>>>>>>> Page 6
17. Dutch firm selling CL components + ABC details Page 6 & 7
18. German firm producing /repairing CL components Page10
19.ABC warnings/Emergency action >>>>>>> Page 11
19. ABC warnings/Emergency action >>>>>>> Page 11
20. Fitting wider wheels on the CL215>>>> Page 14
21. Galvanic/Bimetallic corrosion>>>>>>>> Page 14
22. Care of the ABC system & pump>>>>>> Page 15
23. Personalised servicing checklist @150k Page 15
24. Action to take after ABC warning>>>>>> Page 16

 

[splitpin]

ChatGPT reply to my query.​

What precautions should I take with a Red Warning on my Mercedes CL215 ?

A red warning light on your Mercedes CL215 indicating an issue with the ABC system requires immediate attention to prevent potential damage to the system or other components of your vehicle. Here are some ABC precautions you should take if you see a red warning:

Pull over safely: When you see a red warning light, it's important to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a red warning light on could cause further damage to the system or other components of the vehicle.

Check fluid levels: One of the most common causes of a red ABC warning light is low fluid levels. Check the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir, located in the engine compartment, and top it up if necessary. Be sure to use the correct hydraulic fluid specified in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Check for leaks: If the fluid level is low, there may be a leak in the system. Check the hoses, lines, and fittings for any signs of leaks, such as fluid on the ground or on the components themselves.

Avoid harsh driving: Until the issue is resolved, it's important to avoid driving your vehicle in a way that could cause further stress or damage to the ABC system. Avoid sudden or aggressive acceleration, braking, or turning, and drive at a slower and more cautious speed.

Get the system checked: The ABC system is a complex and critical component of your vehicle, and diagnosing and repairing issues with it requires specialized knowledge and tools. Therefore, it's important to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or technician as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the issue.

Ignoring a red warning light can lead to more severe and costly damage to your vehicle, so it's important to take immediate action to address the issue.


What did you think to that ??.........splitpin

 

[splitpin]

Did you trace the passenger door problem " Not closing without being slammed" ?

My instance of this I left for some time but after checking PSE vacuum pump & finding output was down
I brought it back up to 3 bar (42 psi) using the Youtube video :-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwlFbqw0ul4&t=0s.
Frequently the turbine becomes fractured with age but mine was OK, so I left it alone. There are plenty of these ready available
at low prices now from our Chinese friends.
Soft close now working.

 

[PeteCL55AMG]

Hi All

Great news, my CL55 is back on the road finally, although still have a few teething issues.

ABC all sorted finally after delays with pump so I am hoping that is the last of my air suspension issues.

Water in the boot was down to rear light seals which have now been replaced and garage found a bodywork issue that was contributing which was a quick and cheap fix.

Had my amp and cd changer replaced with second hand parts from a Mercedes breakers too.

Garage have given my car a thorough check over and service and they tell me it’s a ‘keeper’.

Hoping for some trouble free enjoyable motoring for a while now.

Peter

 

[splitpin]

Very good Pete, you certainly seem to have got on top of your problems and got spares too ! Sincerely hope that you now have a clear run for a good many k miles..

 

[splitpin]

It's been very quiet here for many weeks, surely some of you have something of interest with regard to your car to share ?
Have you still got your CL ? Have you even used it ? I know that several members just keep them stored with occasional engine runs
to keep ABC & other system seals lubricated & operated. I have no yet heard of anyone "Bagging" their CL for long term storage but it
will come soon, if not here certainly in the USA.

 

[splitpin]

Small update on my car... I have been considering upgrading the sidelights (originals are yellowish & poor lumens by today's standards) & taking into account numerous posts on the main forum, tried LED without success. I now want to use upgraded standard
bulbs, has anyone got a recommend ?

 

[PeteCL55AMG]

Very good Pete, you certainly seem to have got on top of your problems and got spares too ! Sincerely hope that you now have a clear run for a good many k miles..

Thanks, fingers crossed. Still not quite resolved battery drain and had an odd situation on Friday which might be a clue to the issue. Flat battery after leaving at the train station for the day, but had my portable battery starter with me (great bit of kit) and fired up but noticed rear passenger lights out, checked all bulbs which were fine. Light error messages on dash.

Arrived home and put on trickle charge overnight and next morning rear passenger lights working fine!

So letting garage know as hoping a clue to this battery drain.

 

[Swotty]

Thanks, fingers crossed. Still not quite resolved battery drain and had an odd situation on Friday which might be a clue to the issue. Flat battery after leaving at the train station for the day, but had my portable battery starter with me (great bit of kit) and fired up but noticed rear passenger lights out, checked all bulbs which were fine. Light error messages on dash.

Arrived home and put on trickle charge overnight and next morning rear passenger lights working fine!

So letting garage know as hoping a clue to this battery drain.

May or may not be relevant but I have a drain which I believe is down to the boot lock. I can hear it - not always, but often - recycling for several minutes after locking. Temporarily fixed by using a battery conditioner. No faults on dash.

 

[splitpin]

Pete, battery drain on the CL215 is a "guessers paradise" !
To save money, time & frustration it needs the codes as a starting point.
Star or a good OBD code reader will provide these & a smart /good "Indie"
will do the rest.
Nevertheless we all go for the cheap option first & with a 20 year old car
there is a mass of informed experience/opinion to be found on the main forum
from past Register owners. Simply put "Mercedes CL215 battery drain" into Google
& look in "MBClub UK " headings !!

Do you use a code reader ? Have you got one ?

Swotty has given a suggestion, m2287 found that the PSE pump & comand system
were popular causes & Dash1 provided a thesis on detailed DIY drain tracking.
Keep us posted please.

 

[splitpin]

Alex seems to have gone rather quiet on the subject of his CL215 restoration. (Have I missed his posts ?}

How is it going Alex ? Can you update us please?

 

[alexanderfoti]

The project has stalled, as my colleague left me on the lurch and went home without notice, so I have been doing the jobs of two people.

I have been burning my fingers doing 10+ hour days, so unfortunately this has gone onto the back burner, but rest assured it is still very much alive and not abandoned.

 

[splitpin]

Genuinely sorry to learn that Alex, most unfortunate & hard going for you. I have noted that most
"Indies" work in pairs which gives some respite, especially for the garage owner with many additional
facets to manage apart from working on cars.
I hope that you soon find a suitable replacement & that you may then get back to the CL.
Best wishes,
Simon

 

[alexanderfoti]

Genuinely sorry to learn that Alex, most unfortunate & hard going for you. I have noted that most
"Indies" work in pairs which gives some respite, especially for the garage owner with many additional
facets to manage apart from working on cars.
I hope that you soon find a suitable replacement & that you may then get back to the CL.
Best wishes,
Simon

We had 3 chaps, but not to worry, I'm sure we will find somebody new soon

 

[Neils65]

Hi guys, just joined and wondered if anyone has an idea what I can do with my rear O/S tail light, the top led tail light isn’t working it’s fine on the N/S and also, the sidelight indicator on the dash doesn’t work, the dipped and high beam are fine.

 

[splitpin]

Hello Neils65
Welcome to the mbclub forum.
We are a Register for the CL215 cars.
It would be much more helpful to you if you started a new post in the main forum under the Electronics section where there are experts on your C220. You will get much better advice there.