1999 Mercedes Benz Cl600 Problems & Reliability

When it comes to luxury cars from the late ’90s, the 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 stands out as a symbol of opulence and engineering prowess. With its sleek design and powerful V12 engine, this grand tourer was the epitome of automotive excellence at the time. However, like any classic car, the CL600 has its fair share of quirks and issues that owners and enthusiasts should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems that have been reported with the 1999 CL600 and discuss its overall reliability, helping you decide if this iconic vehicle is worth the investment. As a 30-year-old car enthusiast, you might be drawn to the allure of owning a piece of automotive history, but it’s essential to go in with your eyes wide open. From electrical gremlins to suspension woes, the CL600 has a reputation for being both a dream and a challenge to maintain. We’ll explore these issues in detail, providing insights into what you can expect in terms of maintenance and repair costs. Whether you’re considering purchasing one or just curious about this classic Mercedes, this post will give you a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to own and maintain a 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

  • Closing Assist/Door Lock Issues Due to Pneumatic System Problems

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 has some reliability concerns, particularly with its closing assist and door lock systems, which are prone to issues due to pneumatic system problems. These issues can be frustrating, as they affect the convenience and security of the vehicle. While the car offers a luxurious driving experience, these recurring problems can be a hassle for owners.

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is a classic ride, but it’s not without its quirks. One issue to watch out for is cracked driveshaft flex discs, which can lead to some annoying driveshaft movement or vibration. While this problem can be a hassle, addressing it promptly can help maintain the car’s overall reliability and keep it cruising smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Wire Connector on Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 has a known issue with the wire connector on the transmission, which can leak fluid and potentially damage the control module. This problem can lead to costly repairs and affect the overall reliability of the vehicle. If youre considering this model, its something to keep in mind and possibly have checked out by a mechanic.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Replace Brake Rotors When Pads are Worn and Squeaking

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is known for its luxurious ride, but like any older vehicle, it has its quirks. One common issue is the need to replace brake rotors when the pads are worn and start squeaking, which is a typical maintenance task for a car of this age. Overall, while the CL600 can be reliable with proper upkeep, staying on top of these maintenance needs is crucial to keep it running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Flush Brake Fluid Every Two Years

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it has its quirks. One key maintenance tip is to flush the brake fluid every two years to ensure optimal braking performance and avoid potential issues. Keeping up with this routine maintenance can help maintain the car’s overall reliability and keep it running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Leaks Develop at Differential Seals/Cover on High Mileage/Older Vehicles

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is known to develop leaks at the differential seals or cover, especially in high mileage or older vehicles. This issue is pretty common as the car ages, which can lead to some maintenance headaches if not addressed promptly. Overall, while the CL600 is a classic luxury vehicle, its reliability can be compromised by these types of age-related problems.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor Causing Erratic Engine Operation and Poor Fuel Economy

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 has some issues with the mass air flow sensor, which can lead to erratic engine performance and poor fuel economy. This problem can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re trying to keep your ride smooth and efficient. While it’s a known issue, addressing it promptly can help maintain the overall reliability of this classic car.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Tandem Hydraulic Pumps May Leak From Either Section

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz Cl600 has some reliability concerns, particularly with its tandem hydraulic pumps, which are prone to leaking from either section. This issue can lead to performance problems and potentially costly repairs if not addressed promptly. While the car offers a luxurious driving experience, it’s important to keep an eye on this specific problem to maintain its overall reliability.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Repair Leaks From Head Gasket/Timing Cover Gasket Before Oil and Coolant Intermix

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is known for its luxurious features, but it does have some reliability issues, particularly with leaks from the head gasket and timing cover gasket. Addressing these leaks before oil and coolant intermix is crucial to maintaining the vehicle’s performance and preventing more serious engine problems. While the car offers a smooth and powerful ride, staying on top of these repairs is essential for keeping it running reliably.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Radiators Break Due to Degradation of the Plastic Tanks and Fittings

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 has some reliability issues, particularly with the radiators, which tend to break due to the degradation of the plastic tanks and fittings. This problem can lead to coolant leaks and overheating, which are definitely not fun to deal with. If you’re considering this car, it’s something to keep in mind, especially if the radiator hasn’t been replaced or upgraded.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Service Cooling System on Older Vehicles Even if Mileage is Low

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is known for its luxurious features, but one area to keep an eye on is the service cooling system, especially in older models, even if the mileage is low. Over time, components like hoses, radiators, and thermostats can wear out, leading to potential overheating issues. Regular maintenance and timely servicing of the cooling system can help maintain the car’s overall reliability and performance.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Poor idle quality due to oil feed tubes falling into crankcase

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is a classic ride, but it’s not without its quirks. One issue to keep an eye on is the potential for ignition lock and tumbler failures, especially in vehicles that see a lot of use. While this can be a hassle, addressing it promptly can help maintain the overall reliability of this luxury coupe.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Window Regulator Failure is Common

Analysis:

The 1999 Mercedes Benz CL600 is a classic ride, but it’s not without its quirks. One common issue that owners often face is window regulator failure, which can be a bit of a hassle. While this problem doesn’t overshadow the car’s overall luxury and performance, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Conclusion

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