peterinmadrid,
You dont renew a CPL, it is a licence. You renew "ratings". After achieveing your frozen atpl then all you need to keep current for job purposes is the IR. The MEP will probably become irrevelant as you will undoubtedly be applying for TP or perhaps jet jobs, where you will be issued with a new rating. The IR however has to remain current to start a Type Rating course. The first renewal can be done in the sim, the second must be done in the aircraft. WWW's estimates of 8 hours plus test etc are perhaps a bit OTT. Myself and pals included have had to renew IR's recently - an hours sim refresher and a second trip with an exaimner has been more than sufficient.