CL63 or CL600?

[PedalPusher]

I recently traded my 04 E55 for a new C63 and have strong buyers remorse due to its smaller size. Knowing my disappointment, the dealer is offering me a great deal to trade back in and move up to a CL class.

I drove the CL63 which looks awesome in black/black and AMG perf 20" wheels.

However, as we discussed the deal, the GM offered me a new black/black 2008 CL600 (with IPod and 19" wheels) for a (net) of $14,500.00 less than the CL63! This means in true dollars they are selling the CL600 for about $115K. (152K sticker)

I drove the two cars back to back and they have some distinctly different feels. The most obvious is the torque of the 600 vs the sound, looks, and great 7-speed trans of the CL63.

The "seat of the pants feel" of the 600 was incredible and the car felt faster even though the window sticker claims virtually identical 0-60 times for both.

To further confuse me the GM also offered to install the AMG grill, AMG front fascia, AMG rocker panels for an additional $8,500.00. I would also likely do the ECU/TCU tune.

I know that the ideal car would be the 08 CL65, but the price is too high for my situation.

Does anyone here know why the CL600's are at such a deep discount? I saw elsewhere that MB may be updating the V12 TT in the near future and that they may drop the CL name in favor of an S type designation?

Since I bought the C63 impulsively and now regret my purchase, I did not want to jump again without asking for advice. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

[Ferri]

The update sound a bit steep, though right in line with their cost most likely. You should seriously consider asking them for upgrade on brakes too (65 or 63) if you throw a couple of thousand more into the mix. Then, you might not be missing much from the 65.

[TMC M5]

Slightly used 08's can be had for under $150K. I would think that once you got done with all the upgrades to the CL600, you are approaching that figure. The CL600 won't have the AMG brakes, carbon fiber engine cover, relatively better resale value (not much better), better exhaust system, and better cooling system for the I/C.

Tom

[Al E]

We love our SL63

[Satan]

as long as you're gettin a cl that's all that matters. Personaly I'd take the CL600 with the sport package. Unless I had the option of cl65 then no question 65

[gaazmon]

Personally, I'd go with the 600 and just do the renntecfh ecu/tcu tune and CF airbox, resonator delete, AMG brake kit (I think the SL600's come with a bigger brake set than the SL550, almost like a 63's, does this apply for the new CL's as well cause it didn't for the W215?) Another reason I like the 600 is because it comes with pretty much every option. Saves me a lot of time for looking around on that part.

But again, it's up too you. You want the body kit, rims, suspension, brakes, big natural V8 OR you want pretty much all the options, the V12TT and mod it yourself?

As always, drive both yourself, that always makes the difference.

[Z356]

PedalPusher: Re: "Does anyone here know why the CL600's are at such a deep discount? I saw elsewhere that MB may be updating the V12 TT in the near future and that they may drop the CL name in favor of an S type designation?". First, let me address the second question. I doubt the CL name will be dropped. There is a tradition here regarding the history and the model name for the top-of-the-line 2 door coupe in the Mercedes range. Besides, I don't think it would make sense to confuse the market with a 2 door and a 4 door version of the S class. The new CL600 was introduced as a 2007 model worldwide, so it is going to be around (in this chassis form) a little longer than even the new S class, which was introduced at least one model year+ earlier. Many of us believe the biturbo V12 engine in the CL (and S class) will be around for a long time (do a search / CJF Moraga has posted several good threads on this subject) and this engine is a wonder of high technology and even frugal in fuel consumption considering its incredible power & torque. The discount you correctly observe in the CL600 market, in my opinion, is the result of the inherent limited market for these types of cars (two doors not as practical as four), its sky high MSRP and the oversupply in which MB has produced. Simply, they are building more CL600 than there is current demand, at least for the past two years in our US market. Yet for those of us (and maybe you) who appreciate the new CL600 unique looks & design, its smaller size (built on the more agile short wheel S class platform that is not available in US) and its distinguished pedigree of MB history, high tech content & comfort, it is worth considering the investment. Other than the hyper expensive AMG 65 versions, there are few mechanical thrusts that compare to the one a new CL600 provides at speed! And given the temporary inbalance between supply and demand of the new CL600 at the moment, my advice to anyone that can use a luxury 2 door MB vehicle like this is to buy it at the best discount you can negotiate and then enjoy its multiple advantages - including the fact that there will be few others seen at any given stoplight in your travels. Saludos, Z356.

[Untertürkheim]

600 over 63 any day.

[blazinginder]

Go with the 600...worst case you chip it and you'll be looking at power similar to a 65


btw which dealer did you go to? (dont worry, not in the market, just wondering)

[PedalPusher]

Thanks for all of the advice!

As most have stated, the torque is unique on the V12 TT engines. Driving both cars back to back exposed that the 63 engine lacked the low end needed to accelerate the heavier S class car the way the V12 does. The NA engine does feel very appropriate in the little C63.

I inked the deal on the CL600 today and I am having the dealer install the grill and other AMG front and side ground effects.

I will also likely do the ECU TCU upgrade and look for the 20" AMG PP wheels that I saw on the CL63.

This has been a big decision for me and again I appreciate all of your continued advice and input!

As far as the dealer- I have gotten similar prices in NJ from: Globe, Ray Catena, MB Morristown, and Princeton. PM me for details if needed.

There are also new 08 CL 600's on eBay for the $115+- range which I feel is a real bargain.

BTW, does anyone know if the smoked headlight lenses on the 63/65 are just lenses or are they the entire (and I would assume expensive) headlight assembly?

[Mrkhan347]

cl600 hands down. v12 engine, more luxurious interior. Many people complain of a cheap plastic interior in the cl63, 550 as compared to the 600. And for 15k less than the 63? no brainer! Good luck and take care

[Dr. No]

Ditto!

Do the V-12....you will never look back after you get used to the torque

D.

[markopolo]

PedalPusher,
Congratulations on a new car, there is nothing better
on the roads right now, except CL65 that is.
But where are the pictures. I know weather is really bad right now on the East Coast (I live close by) so I will forgive you (for now).
Again,
enjoy THE ride.
Mark.

[Code3 Performance]

Originally Posted by Untertürkheim

600 over 63 any day.

+1.. I have to agree.

[NJBoy115]

The new CL600 is truly an awesome car! What else can you get for the money where your in a V12 and can go 0-60mph in 4.5 secs!! IMO it would be a no brainer to choose the V12 CL600 over the V8 CL63. Plus, you can do a lot more with the V12 engine tuning wise..with a RENNtech ECU/TCU upgrade you could push 645HP and 780lb. ft. of Torque!!..and you won't void the factory MB warranty! I would love to see it with the AMG body effects..Post some pics when you have a chance.