2004 Mercedes-Benz CL600
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL600 is a luxurious grand touring coupe powered by a potent 5.5L twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It was also available with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque and a 5.4L supercharged V8 producing 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the CL600 for its smooth ride, powerful engine (especially the V12), luxurious features, and distinctive styling. Common dislikes include the high maintenance costs associated with the car’s complex systems, electrical gremlins, and the car’s age, which contributes to component failures.
Engine
5.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275)
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, check engine light illuminated.
- Solution: Replace faulty coil pack(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per coil pack (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the engine, excessive smoke.
- Solution: Repair or replace turbocharger(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ (parts and labor, depending on repair vs. replacement and number of turbos affected).
- Recalls: None Found
5.0L V8 (M113)
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks visible on the engine, burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idle, stalling, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K)
- Intercooler Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, especially in hot weather, due to reduced supercharger efficiency.
- Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls or fails to start, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, transmission stuck in gear, limp mode.
- Solution: Replace the conductor plate inside the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, slipping during acceleration, transmission noise.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- ABC (Active Body Control) System Leaks/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Car leaning to one side, ride height issues, “ABC Visit Workshop” warning light. Leaks in hydraulic lines or struts are common.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair leaks, replace faulty struts, pump, or valve block.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per strut (parts and labor), pump replacement $1500-$3000+, hydraulic line repair $200-$800+
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loud whining noise from the pump, suspension not functioning correctly, “ABC Visit Workshop” warning light.
- Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining overnight or within a few days, requiring frequent jump starts.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain, which can be caused by various modules or components not shutting down properly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (diagnostic and repair costs can vary widely).
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or other electrical systems failing.
- Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Pixelation
- Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing or faded on the instrument cluster display.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ (depending on repair vs. replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, making noise when locking or unlocking.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making noise, or leaking.
- Solution: Repair or replace sunroof components (motor, tracks, seals).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the issue and parts needed).
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Control Module Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, memory functions not working.
- Solution: Replace the faulty seat control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ (parts and labor).
- Recalls: None Found
- Keyless Go Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Keyless entry and start features not working consistently or at all.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair Keyless Go system, which may involve replacing door handle sensors, control module, or key fob.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the issue).
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL600, while offering luxury and performance, is prone to several issues due to its age and complex systems. The ABC suspension and electrical systems are particularly troublesome. Engine issues vary depending on the engine option, and transmission problems are also common. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements, making it an expensive car to maintain. The severity of the issues ranges from annoying inconveniences to safety concerns, especially with the ABC system.