Tag: w211

Sep18202218 September 202218 September 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing the 722.6 Gearbox Conductor Plate & Transmission Fluid Refresh

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

As part of the big preventative maintenance, I swapped out the conductor plate for the 5-speed 722.6 automatic torque converter gearbox (which is pretty much bulletproof) and also did a fluid refresh. Its almost impossible to get all the fluid out, that is done better with a flush (done with specialist equipment).

10 liters of LiquiMoly Top Tec 1800 ATF fluid
Febi Bilstein Transmission service kit (gasket, filter, bolts, drain plug, copper washer, connector)
New conductor plate
New conductor plate
Valve body & old conductor plate. See the black residue, time for some cleaning
More of that black residue…
New conductor plate fitted, cleaned the valve body as much as possible
Valvebody back in place, new filter mounted

I replaced almost 6 liters, the rest remains in the system off course in the coolers and the rest of the transmission plumbing. Maybe somewhere next year do this again, but also replace all/some solenoids and go to a transmission specialist.

Pro tip: Transmission adaptation reset is mandatory! I used method 2 of the video below


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Sep11202211 September 202211 September 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Ball Joint Special Tool

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

As preparation of refrshing the front suspension, I bought the special tool to press out (and in) the ball joints which are housed in the knuckle on the W211/W219 platform.


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Aug29202229 August 202229 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Vinyl Steering Wheel Cover

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

I love a thicker steering wheel and a simple way to do it is with a steering wheel cover. I have done this mod a number of times on previous cars with great succes, and this one worked out great as well. Very happy with the result, as it gives way more grip.

On pictures it looks like a big color difference, but in reality its not that bad. I have chosen a black inlay and black yarn, as a color would look out of place.

Starting situation
Almost done 🙂
End result!

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Aug24202224 August 202224 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing The Engine Mounts With Meyle Mounts

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

As part of further preventative maintenance, I replaced both the engine mounts with fresh new Meyle engine mounts. Unfortunately no HD version available. Next time I will probably replace them with Mercedes Black Series mounts, as these are a popular upgrade.

It’s highly recommended to replace them, as it makes a major difference!

Location of the engine mount (another one on the other side of the engine)
New mounts with the covers
Meyle (new) on the left and old on the right. I almost thought that I ordered the wrong ones as there was a clear height difference. But they sag over time, so that is to be expected.
Its highly recommended to have this tool ready as this makes it a lot easier to undo the top nut!

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Aug24202224 August 202224 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Damina Performance DM04 19 Inch Black Wheels

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

Was able to score another set of wheels just across the border (in Germany). The design from the Damina Performance DM04 wheels looked like something that I thought would look great on the CLS.

But after fitting them it left me with an underwhelming feeling. Sometimes, things can look good on paper, but in reality it doesn’t work out. For me, it was with these wheels. They look absolutely great, but I dont like the way they look on the CLS.

So they are up for sale again: https://link.marktplaats.nl/m1864897698

Whenever I buy new wheels, I make these selfies (sort of a tradition) 😀


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Aug15202215 August 202215 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing The Supercharger Idler Pulley

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

I noticed that the supercharger idler pulley had quite some dirt accumulation on it and also felt a bit of play, so decided to replace it with a new pulley. I made the right decision as the grease was escaping and therefore attracting the dirt.

Runs smooth again with the new pulley. When I will upgrade with billet pulleys, I will also replace the tensioner itself.

Old (+dirty) and new pulley

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Aug15202215 August 202215 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing The 4 AMG Exhaust Rubbers

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

Replaced all 4 exhaust rubbers with OE AMG exhaust rubbers. Each AMG logo adds approximately 1 HP, which is good value for money 😛

I bought a special tool to make this easier, and I can highly recommend it! Made replacing them way easier and faster without the need for cutting them up or using flathead screwdrivers etc.

Partnr: A2034820444

Partnr: A2034820444
Before shot (with old rubbers)
After (with new rubbers)

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Aug15202215 August 202215 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Solving AirMatic Issues

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

I was suprised with this look, which is a horror type of situation for every CLS owner with Airmatic suspension. In the end I tracked the issue down to a leaking compressor air line (to the valve body), which solved the issue.


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Aug15202215 August 202215 August 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing The Power Steering Reservoir & Fluid

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

The power steering reservoir on the W211 & W219 platform have a filter built in. This filter is not serviceable, meaning that you need to replace the reservoir if you also want to replace the filter.

I took the liberty to replace the reservoir/filter and also flush the complete system and put fresh new synthetic oil in.

I used a vacuumpump to get most of the old red mineral fluid out. Then replaced the reservoir and used the “lock-to-lock” steering motion to pump all the old fluid out. Temporarily cap off the return line on the new reservoir and extend the return line to any suitable container for the old fluid.

I used about 2 liters to flush the system and 1 liter to fill the system. Febi Bilstein CHF 11-S Nr. 06161 is the correct fluid for this system.

Steering goes noticeably lighter after this service!

Old fluid coming out
Almost done flushing (fluid is becoming more green/blue-ish)
Made this shot after removing the reservoir. It clearly shows why replacing the serpentine belt is a bit of a hassle there…

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Jul13202213 July 202213 July 2022NoCommentby Andy Ramdin

Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219, Replacing The Airmatic Compressor

Posted in Mercedes CLS55 AMG W219

With 186k kilometers on the clock and 17 years old, its good to start replacing parts as a preventative measure. After 17 years, rubber will be hard and brittle and electrical components might show fatigue or arent as “snappy’ as 17 years ago.

The Airmatic compressor (and relay) works hard to keep the 4 air springs inflated and after 17 year, its time for a rebuild or a pension 😉 I chose rebuild (and pension), so I always have a good one as spare. For good measure, also swap the Airmatic relay!

The Airmatic compressor on the drivers side, right behind the bumper.
New vs Old Wabco compressor
The new compressor in place. Unfortunately, the new compressor has a slightly different layout, so I worked around that by extending the air line. I used reinforced 4mm ID vacuum line to get it to work
Unfortunately, normal silicone boost/vacuum line is not suitable for 10-14 BAR working pressure 🙂 It went bang on me!

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