Mercedes-Benz CL C215
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
Most Elegant V12 Coupé of Its Era — No Tantrums
Fun to Drive!500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz CL C215 is available with 5 engine variants — from 272 to 630 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 500 (Benziner, 299–306 PS) has the M113 (4.3-5.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG (Benziner, 360–367 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (1999–2002, Be Careful) und M113 (1999–2002, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the CL 55 AMG!
The Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG Kompressor (Benziner, 500 PS) has the M113K (5.4L V8 Kompressor) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (Benziner, 367–500 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M137 (2000–2002, Stay Away!) und M275 (2002–2006, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the CL 600!
The Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG (Benziner, 443 PS) has the M137 (5.8L V12) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC suspension valve block defective The ABC hydraulic suspension on the C215 is the most expensive weak point. Each axle has a valve block (approximately €1,000 without fitting). Contaminated hydraulic oil damages the proportional valves. Symptoms: Vehicle drops after parking, uneven ride height, ABC warning message, pump noise from 100,000 km | High | |
| ABC Suspension: Valve Block Wear The two valve blocks of the ABC suspension wear through hydraulic contamination. Once the vehicle immediately sags after being switched off, the valve block is defective. Delayed intervention leads to pump and line damage. Symptoms: Vehicle sinks noticeably immediately after switching off; one-sided sagging front or rear; hydraulic oil leaks under vehicle from 100,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz CL C215 (1999–2006) — 34 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M137 (5.8L V12), M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Rust, HVAC.
CL (M113, 1999–2006) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 299–306 PS.
CL (M113, 1999–2002) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 360–367 PS.
CL (M137, 2000–2002) — Stay Away!: ZAS Cylinder Deactivation Valve Defective, Ignition Module Bank Failure (Both Banks), Cylinder Bore Wear and High Oil Consumption. Power: 367 PS.
CL (M137, 2001–2002) — Stay Away!: ZAS Cylinder Deactivation Valve Defective, Ignition Module Bank Failure (Both Banks), Cylinder Bore Wear and High Oil Consumption. Power: 443 PS.
CL (M275, 2002–2006) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 500 PS.
CL (M113K, 2002–2006) — Be Careful: Supercharger Bearings — Wear at High Mileage, Cooling System — Hoses and Thermostat Age, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch — Wear and Slipping. Power: 500 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz CL? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz CL C215 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee