2009 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is a high-performance grand tourer known for its powerful V12 engine and luxurious features. Aside from the CL65 AMG, the 2009 CL-Class was available with a range of engines including the CL550 4MATIC with a 5.5L V8 producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, the CL600 with a 5.5L Twin-Turbo V12 making 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, and the CL63 AMG with a 6.2L V8 generating 518 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The CL65 AMG, the focus here, boasts a hand-built 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 engine producing a staggering 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Owners often praise the car’s immense power, comfortable ride, and opulent interior. Criticisms often revolve around the high maintenance costs, complexity of the systems, and potential for expensive repairs.
Engine
6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 (M275)
- Coil Pack Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. The coil packs are prone to failure due to heat and age.
- Solution: Replacement of the 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 around the valve covers, burning oil smell. The gaskets become brittle over time due to heat exposure.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noise from the engine, check engine light. The turbochargers can experience issues such as bearing failure or wastegate malfunction.
- Solution: Turbocharger rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $6000+ per turbocharger (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC (Active Body Control) Hydraulic Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the pump, “Visit Workshop” message on the dash, suspension sagging or not functioning properly. While technically related to the suspension, the ABC pump is hydraulically driven by the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the ABC pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Cooler Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the front of the engine, visible oil dripping. The oil cooler lines or the cooler itself can develop leaks over time.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler lines and/or cooler.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-Speed Automatic (722.6)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This often indicates an issue with the torque converter lock-up clutch.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission stuck in gear, or failure to shift. The conductor plate houses the speed sensors and valve body solenoids.
- Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- ABC Strut Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Suspension sagging, uneven ride height, “Visit Workshop” message. The ABC struts are prone to leaks due to age and wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking ABC strut(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ per strut (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- ABC Hose Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Hydraulic fluid leaks, suspension malfunctions. The high-pressure hydraulic hoses can develop leaks over time.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking hose(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per hose (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, car not starting after sitting for a short period. The complex electrical system can have parasitic draws.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the battery drain, often involving module replacement or wiring repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or other electronic systems failing.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
- Solution: Replacement of headlight seals, or potentially the entire headlight assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on severity and solution)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Delamination
- Description/Symptoms: The leather or material on the dashboard separating from the underlying structure, creating bubbles or wrinkles. Common in hot climates.
- Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or professional repair and re-upholstery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $4000+ (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Navigation issues, audio system problems, screen freezing or failure.
- Solution: Software update, component replacement, or complete COMAND unit replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the issue and solution)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, while offering exceptional performance and luxury, is prone to several potentially costly issues. Engine and suspension problems, especially those related to the ABC system and turbochargers, are common and can be very expensive to repair. Electrical gremlins and interior issues like dashboard delamination are also frequently reported. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, and the cost of repairs can quickly escalate given the car’s complex engineering and the expense of AMG-specific parts. Prospective buyers should factor in these potential maintenance costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.