W216 CL63 v CL500 4.7 twin turbo

[paddymccdrc]

IM giving some thoughts to my next car and have always loved the W216 CL so im trying to decide between the Cl63 and the later Cl500 with the twin turbo 4.7 engine.

The pro's for the later 4.7 car are

easily remappable to about 530hp
newer car (was the command info system updated since the early models??? )
lower running costs than the AMG in terms of servicing and consumables

The seats dont look as 'sporty' as the AMG models

The pros for the CL63 6.3 are

Better seats
Its an AMG
Better looking bumpers, wheels on the AMG package

There is that nagging worry about the head bolt issue with the early 6.3 engines.


Has anyone been in the same predicament or driven both cars? I cant do this yet unfortunately as these cars are quite rare here in Ireland.

 

[Riva811]

I had the same dilemma as well but ended up with the Cl500 face-lift for the efficiency and comfort. I wish I had the HUD though which can be retrofitted. Also t the exhaust isn't as loud especially in eco mode

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[paddymccdrc]

I had the same dilemma as well but ended up with the Cl500 face-lift for the efficiency and comfort. I wish I had the HUD though which can be retrofitted. Also t the exhaust isn't as loud especially in eco mode

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How do you find the front seats? The bolsters dont look the most supportive and they look like they are made for the larger bottomed gentleman.

 

[Riva811]

Very comfortable but not too soft and every aspect adjustable like height, depth etc. Lumbar is only for lower back. I never felt crushed against the door at high speeds as the belt fastens when you get excited with the pedal. ABC is really good at keeping the car level. I even got the climatised option which makes it great for long journeys

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[Teego]

You have to go for the AMG. Servicing and cosumable costs are reasonable if you use a good indie. I just had a B service, oil and filter and diff oil change on my CLS55 AMG for £178. My man only does extra work when necessary. For example he checks brake fluid quality rather than automatically changing on a set date. Same with air and A/C filters; he blows through to refresh them if possible.
My car has cost me nothing in the last 10000 miles except rear tyres.

 

[cobra7]

Spoke with my local indy this week about the head bolt issue on early 63's and he said it's nothing to worry about now - basically it would have gone by now if it was one of the faulty ones. So providing you buy a well serviced example with reasonable miles you should be absolutely fine in that respect (fingers crossed!!)

CL63 all day long for me, no comparison when you open up those taps

 

[Riva811]

By the way with remap, exhaust headers and exhaust upgrades you can easily take it to 550bhp. I haven't tried out manual shifting but people complain that it lags a bit, possibly noticeable to more experienced drivers. But the ABC gives you sports or comfort suspension and you also have ECO, Sports and manual transmission. You can always go manual by pressing the gear shifts at any time. In eco mode the steering wheel is very loose while in the other modes very responsive. Most idiots try to race me with their 2 litre diesel bmws but when you floor it and fire up the engine and turbo it literally takes off and you get that aggressive engine sound you expect from a supercar. A spoiler and a lowering kit will help with the feeling of take of if you manage to take it in a large race track at 155mph or more. I suspect the amg model sufferers the same at the body kit is identical minor some grille and day light changes

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[John]

I would try both if you can.

CL500 facelift standard seats aren't really that great at all for me - not to bad for a half hour commute but longer journeys aren't great.

I made the mistake of thinking "Comfort Front Ventilated Seats" meant they were the more comfortable option you can get on some cars (like BMWs) but it just means ventilation for comfort - which is pointless anyways.

I'm 6'4", a shade under 20st but Freddie Flintoff has a similar shape to me - so I don't have a massive **** and your suspicion on that score is correct.

Dynamic Front Seats in my previous E55K were way more comfortable and supportive even without any cushions inflated.

I think you can get Dynamic Front Seats in the CL500 so if you can try that, I would.

I went for the CL500 because it isn't that much slower in the real world but doesn't have the AMG costs.

If you have any intention of making good progress in it a lot and / or intend some spirited driving, the CL63 would be better.

I'm not a huge fan of MCT gearboxes (only had experience in a 14 or 64 plate E63 mind) - I prefer regular slushies.