2008 Mercedes-Benz CL600

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL600 is a luxury coupe renowned for its powerful V12 engine and opulent features. Other engine options available included the CL550 with a V8 engine. The CL600 boasts a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Owners appreciate the CL600 for its smooth ride, abundant power, and luxurious appointments. Common dislikes include high maintenance costs, complex electronics prone to failure, and the car’s overall weight.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12 (M275)

• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. Often caused by heat and age.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ 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 the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure (Associated with Engine)
  • Description/Symptoms: ABC warning light, suspension malfunctions, harsh ride. The ABC pump is driven by the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during gear shifts, particularly at low speeds. Slipping during acceleration, especially under load.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter. Ensure proper flushing of the transmission cooler lines to remove debris.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, getting stuck in a gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sagging on one or more corners, ABC warning light, hydraulic fluid leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking ABC strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per strut (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC System Hoses and Lines Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks, ABC warning light, suspension malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hoses and lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (parts and labor, depending on the location and extent of the leaks).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Common culprits include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, and improperly shut down systems.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with various electrical functions, such as lights, wipers, windows, and door locks.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Display malfunctions, flickering lights, inaccurate readings.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not moving in one or more directions, making clicking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat actuator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per actuator (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Command System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frozen screen, navigation malfunctions, audio problems.
  • Solution: Update the software, or replace the faulty Command unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (parts and labor).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL600, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is prone to a number of potentially expensive issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the complex ABC suspension system, the aging V12 engine’s components (coil packs, gaskets, turbos), and various electrical gremlins. The transmission, though robust, can also suffer from torque converter and valve body issues. Owners should be prepared for potentially high repair costs, making a thorough inspection and maintenance history review essential before purchasing.