2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is a high-performance luxury coupe that boasts a hand-built 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Other engines available in the CL-Class lineup for 2005 included various V8 options. No other transmissions were available for the CL65 AMG; it was exclusively paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the CL65 for its immense power and luxurious features, but common complaints revolve around its high maintenance costs, complex systems, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, check engine light. Can be intermittent.
  • 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, burning smell, visible oil around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC warning light, suspension issues, ride height problems, pump noise. While technically a suspension component, the ABC system is heavily reliant on the engine for power and can cause engine strain when failing.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise, smoke from exhaust, oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the turbochargers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during gear changes, jerky shifts, transmission not engaging properly.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may help in early stages. Valve body replacement or transmission rebuild are often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 (fluid flush), $1500 - $4000+ (valve body/rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Conductor Plate Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, fault codes related to speed sensors or solenoids.
  • Solution: Replace the conductor plate (also known as the valve body).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking struts, uneven ride height, bouncy ride, ABC warning light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ABC struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Hose Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Power steering fluid leaks, loss of ABC function, low fluid warnings.
  • Solution: Replace leaking hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the hose (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, car not starting, steering wheel not unlocking.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS. Requires programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, lights not working, wipers not working, error messages.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit. Requires programming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This can be time-consuming and require specialized tools and knowledge.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain (diagnosis and repair).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially Around Wheel Arches and Underbody)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on body panels, bubbling paint.
  • Solution: Rust repair and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on severity (body work and paint).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, making noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replace sunroof components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Command System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Navigation not working, radio problems, screen freezing or going blank.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of Command unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (diagnosis and repair).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, while offering incredible performance and luxury, is known for its potential for costly repairs. The engine, transmission, suspension (specifically the ABC system), and electrical systems are particularly prone to issues. Repair costs can be substantial, often exceeding several thousand dollars per incident. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential maintenance burdens and factor them into their ownership budget. The severity of these issues are substantial, but common.