2009 Mercedes-Benz CL600
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL600 is a luxury coupe known for its powerful V12 engine and opulent features. Other engine options for this year included a 5.5L V8 in the CL550 and a supercharged 5.4L V8 in the CL63 AMG. The CL600’s 5.5L twin-turbo V12 produced 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, offering effortless acceleration. Owners often praise the car’s smooth ride, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, but common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, particularly for complex systems like the suspension and electronics.
Engine
5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. Can be intermittent or constant.
- Solution: Replace faulty coil pack.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per coil pack.
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the power steering pump area, ABC warning light illuminated, suspension dropping or malfunctioning. Note: This is technically part of the suspension system but directly related to the engine as it’s engine-driven.
- Solution: Replace the ABC pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on location and complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Transmission Fluid Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed shifting, and difficulty engaging gears. A leak may cause low fluid levels and damage internal components.
- Solution: Replace faulty transmission fluid pan gasket or drain plug washer, and any damaged or worn internal transmission components. Refill with compatible fluid according to your service manual.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ depending on the severity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear shifts, especially at lower speeds. Can also present as a general lack of power and poor acceleration.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ including labor.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- ABC Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Suspension sagging, uneven ride height, harsh ride, ABC warning light illuminated. Can affect one or more struts.
- Solution: Replace faulty ABC strut(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ per strut, including labor and recalibration of the system.
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC Hose Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks, suspension malfunction, ABC warning light. Hoses can become brittle and crack with age.
- Solution: Replace leaking hydraulic hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location and number of hoses needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Multiple electrical issues, including lighting problems, malfunctioning wipers, issues with door locks, and other seemingly unrelated electrical faults.
- Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty SAM unit. Coding is required after replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ including diagnosis, parts, and coding.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dying, especially after being parked for a short period.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty module or aftermarket accessory.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnosis, plus the cost of repairing or replacing the faulty component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Pixels missing on the display screen, flickering or dimming of the instrument cluster, or complete failure.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on repair vs. replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Malfunctions (especially Bi-Xenon)
- Description/Symptoms: Headlights not turning on, flickering, uneven light output, or failure of the auto-leveling system.
- Solution: Replace faulty headlight bulb, ballast, or leveling motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the specific component needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, unusual noises when locking or unlocking, or inability to open the door from the inside or outside.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing, unresponsive buttons, navigation issues, or complete system failure.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the issue and repair method.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making unusual noises, or leaking.
- Solution: Repair or replace sunroof motor, track, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the severity.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL600, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is prone to a number of issues, particularly within its complex engine, suspension, and electrical systems. The ABC suspension system and the various electrical components are frequent sources of problems. Repairs can be costly due to the specialized parts and labor required, making thorough pre-purchase inspections crucial for potential buyers. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, making budgeting for potential repairs essential for owners.