2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is a high-performance luxury coupe known for its powerful V12 engine and opulent features. The CL-Class offered other engine options including a CL550 with a 4.6L twin-turbo V8 producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, and a CL63 AMG with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 producing 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque (or 563 hp/664 lb-ft with the Performance Package). However, the CL65 AMG boasts a hand-built 6.0L twin-turbo V12 engine generating 621 horsepower and a staggering 738 lb-ft of torque. This immense power delivers exhilarating acceleration. Owners often praise the car’s luxurious interior, sophisticated technology, and comfortable ride for a high-performance vehicle. Criticisms often include the high cost of ownership, complex systems prone to failure, and relatively poor fuel economy. All CL-Class models use a 7-speed automatic transmission except for the CL65 AMG, which is equipped with a 5-speed automatic, the only transmission available for this car.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty coil pack(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per coil pack.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling noise, smoke from the exhaust, oil consumption.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $8000+ depending on the extent of the damage and whether one or both turbos need attention.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC (Active Body Control) Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning message on the dashboard, suspension malfunctions, car sagging or sitting low. The ABC system relies on hydraulic pressure to maintain ride height and control body roll.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ABC pump. Flushing the system can help to extend the life of other components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears, shift harshly, or fail to shift properly.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change may resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body repair/replacement or a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $6000+ (rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds or when accelerating, stalling, or poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• ABC (Active Body Control) Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car sagging on one side, uneven ride height, bouncy ride. The ABC struts are prone to leaking hydraulic fluid.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABC Hose Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks, warning lights, suspension malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is parked. This can be caused by various issues, including a faulty voltage regulator, a parasitic draw from an electrical component, or a failing battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including lighting issues, problems with power windows or locks, and communication errors with other control modules.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the SAM unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (infotainment) can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not adjusting properly, error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the headlight assembly or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, overheating, or only working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG offers incredible performance and luxury, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive repairs. Issues related to the engine, transmission, suspension (especially the ABC system), and electrical components are common. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements. The ABC suspension system and potential turbocharger problems are major concerns for owners, due to their high costs. Despite the potential issues, some owners find that the experience is well worth the high cost of ownership.