New CLS55 owner - First imp/ - Suspension/Steering Notes - Advise appreciated
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 9
From: Always Sunny & beautiful, Costa Rica
CLS55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Cayenne S
New CLS55 owner - First imp/ - Suspension/Steering Notes - Advise appreciated
Guys,
I finally got my 2006 CLS55 on Friday, already driven it for about 200 miles, I love the power, the noise, the looks...
I do have a few concerns,
1- When the seats inflate on the sides and in the lower back, it feels REALLY uncomfortable after sitting there for a long time
IS there a way to "soften" the seat support a bit?
2- The ride feels HARD!, VERY ROUGH (even on comfort mode it feels like someone is taking my blood pressure... using my lower back!), when compared to my CLS500. The suspension feels very unforgiving... my CLS500 felt more "cushy", does that make sense?
Perhaps
Bad shocks?
Ball joints maybe?
There's a little "clunk" noise coming from the passenger side, I can clearly hear it with the windows closed, but with open windows, I cannot...
3- Steering feels super soft, like I could handle the car with one finger, the car doesn't feel "planted", is that normal?
-----And the steering wheel pulls to the right.
I get the feeling like the car's "*** is in the air" or something, the rear feels loose to me... this one is more annoying because this, coupled with the soft steering, makes the beast feel clumsy on its feet,... IS IT BECAUSE I NEED TO GET USED TO THE CAR?, Owners please chime in
I just think the car's should "FEEL TIGHTER", know what I mean?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I finally got my 2006 CLS55 on Friday, already driven it for about 200 miles, I love the power, the noise, the looks...
I do have a few concerns,
1- When the seats inflate on the sides and in the lower back, it feels REALLY uncomfortable after sitting there for a long time
IS there a way to "soften" the seat support a bit?
2- The ride feels HARD!, VERY ROUGH (even on comfort mode it feels like someone is taking my blood pressure... using my lower back!), when compared to my CLS500. The suspension feels very unforgiving... my CLS500 felt more "cushy", does that make sense?
Perhaps
Bad shocks?
Ball joints maybe?
There's a little "clunk" noise coming from the passenger side, I can clearly hear it with the windows closed, but with open windows, I cannot...
3- Steering feels super soft, like I could handle the car with one finger, the car doesn't feel "planted", is that normal?
-----And the steering wheel pulls to the right.
I get the feeling like the car's "*** is in the air" or something, the rear feels loose to me... this one is more annoying because this, coupled with the soft steering, makes the beast feel clumsy on its feet,... IS IT BECAUSE I NEED TO GET USED TO THE CAR?, Owners please chime in
I just think the car's should "FEEL TIGHTER", know what I mean?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Last edited by Kelvin07; Apr 28, 2012 at 10:59 PM.
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From: NOMAD
EQS AMG, E53 AMG, GLE63s
Coming from E-Class, CLS is completely different. I took a 200 mile road trip today and my back was killing me! I forgot that I can adjust everything since we have dynamic seats. The last 30miles were fine with the "pulse" on.
The suspension is 1000x tighter than any other mercedes I have driven.
The suspension is 1000x tighter than any other mercedes I have driven.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 9
From: Always Sunny & beautiful, Costa Rica
CLS55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Cayenne S
Coming from E-Class, CLS is completely different. I took a 200 mile road trip today and my back was killing me! I forgot that I can adjust everything since we have dynamic seats. The last 30miles were fine with the "pulse" on.
The suspension is 1000x tighter than any other mercedes I have driven.
The suspension is 1000x tighter than any other mercedes I have driven.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Brooklyn, NY/Tampa, FL
2005 BLK/BLK E-Double Nickel.
the fact that the car is pulling to one side, usually means an arm or joint needs to be replaced. Which could also be why the car does not feel planted.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
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From: FL
CLS55
The AMG suspension is tuned completely different than your previous CLS. My co-worker has a cls550 and our cars are night and day. The comfort setting is a little sloppy. Either drive in Sport 1 or get your car lowered via STAR. That tightened up the ride considerably.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 9
From: Always Sunny & beautiful, Costa Rica
CLS55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Cayenne S
Took it today to check on the suspension, turns out all of my wheels were heavily bent/repaired, thankfully I had previously bought a CLS55 OEM set of wheels here in the forum, plugged those in and the ride became a lot smoother immediately.
They did mention that I probably have joint problems in the front, and shock issues in the rear, so I should take it to the dealer and try to get as much as I can on the warranty they gave me, well, I'm hoping the dealer won't screw me over, whatever happens, I'm in a cloud with my new CLS55!!
PS: Why does every sport biker I encounter needs to challenge me?, lol! as if it would be a contest! (smug, I know!, pretty awesome feeling having all that power!
They did mention that I probably have joint problems in the front, and shock issues in the rear, so I should take it to the dealer and try to get as much as I can on the warranty they gave me, well, I'm hoping the dealer won't screw me over, whatever happens, I'm in a cloud with my new CLS55!!
PS: Why does every sport biker I encounter needs to challenge me?, lol! as if it would be a contest! (smug, I know!, pretty awesome feeling having all that power!
Last edited by Kelvin07; May 1, 2012 at 04:46 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 259
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From: Ann Arbor, Mi
2019 E 450 4 matic wagon, cadilliac CTS AWD performance ,2018 VW Tiguan SUV 2006 CLS55 030pkg modded
CLS 55 ride
I agree with the other posters that u need to get the suspension checked and these cars definitely handle , a lot better when the lowered and sport settings. I have always lower my premium cars the handling and look is night and day . Lower center of gravity and proper suspension adjustment will make a big difference .
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Spring/Houston, TX
CLS 55 AMG, FX45, F-350, Top Secret Widebody Supra (Sold) and other vehicles on another Planet
+1 on lowering.
Kelvin07, let me know if you are interested in an ELM V2 with remote. I know of someone that can get you a slick deal on one.
.
Kelvin07, let me know if you are interested in an ELM V2 with remote. I know of someone that can get you a slick deal on one.
.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,671
Likes: 60
From: NOMAD
EQS AMG, E53 AMG, GLE63s
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 561
Likes: 9
From: Always Sunny & beautiful, Costa Rica
CLS55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Cayenne S
Well guys, my car came with some serious suspension issues, the dealer quote the repair and parts, it's $8,000. It includes complete front and rear shocks.
Thankfully, here in CR, BY LAW, you get a 1 month warranty that covers everything not related to reckless driving.
So, I'm golden!!!, getting new suspension, now THAT is awesome!
Thankfully, here in CR, BY LAW, you get a 1 month warranty that covers everything not related to reckless driving.
So, I'm golden!!!, getting new suspension, now THAT is awesome!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 4
From: Ann Arbor, Mi
2019 E 450 4 matic wagon, cadilliac CTS AWD performance ,2018 VW Tiguan SUV 2006 CLS55 030pkg modded
CLS 55 suspension
WOW , that's a lot wrong with this cars suspension. I'm glad your covered by a warranty of some kind. That's a smart move to stay right on this situation while its new and not waiting . They would have screwed "U" brother .. You'll be alright now .. Badm
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
CLS55 AMG
Well guys, my car came with some serious suspension issues, the dealer quote the repair and parts, it's $8,000. It includes complete front and rear shocks.
Thankfully, here in CR, BY LAW, you get a 1 month warranty that covers everything not related to reckless driving.
So, I'm golden!!!, getting new suspension, now THAT is awesome!
Thankfully, here in CR, BY LAW, you get a 1 month warranty that covers everything not related to reckless driving.
So, I'm golden!!!, getting new suspension, now THAT is awesome!
holy cow! I'm very happy for you that law exists 
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
CLS55
Guys,
3- Steering feels super soft, like I could handle the car with one finger, the car doesn't feel "planted", is that normal?
-----And the steering wheel pulls to the right.
I get the feeling like the car's "*** is in the air" or something, the rear feels loose to me... this one is more annoying because this, coupled with the soft steering, makes the beast feel clumsy on its feet,... IS IT BECAUSE I NEED TO GET USED TO THE CAR?, Owners please chime in
I just think the car's should "FEEL TIGHTER", know what I mean?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
3- Steering feels super soft, like I could handle the car with one finger, the car doesn't feel "planted", is that normal?
-----And the steering wheel pulls to the right.
I get the feeling like the car's "*** is in the air" or something, the rear feels loose to me... this one is more annoying because this, coupled with the soft steering, makes the beast feel clumsy on its feet,... IS IT BECAUSE I NEED TO GET USED TO THE CAR?, Owners please chime in
I just think the car's should "FEEL TIGHTER", know what I mean?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
It's taking some getting used to, but I still wish it had more solid steering.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY/Tampa, FL
2005 BLK/BLK E-Double Nickel.
Just switched over from 20 years of Bimmers, to the CLS, an AMG no less. And was quite surprised at how loosey goosey the steering is. Whether in my 740i or my old M6, or even older 325i, they all felt more firm and confident on the road. This beast feels like it could fly off the road in any direction at any moment. And with 500HP, that's a little scary!!!
It's taking some getting used to, but I still wish it had more solid steering.
It's taking some getting used to, but I still wish it had more solid steering.
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
CLS55
This car will not fly off the road no matter how hard you push it. Get some good tires and point the nose then slide slide slide! The CLS for a big heavy car handles great! I have 640hp and its grips. understeer is another thing! ; )
