I am what used to be a proud owner of a 2008 CL 550 w/AMG sport package. I have had nothing but problems since I bought the car. At 12k miles the command controller went out and needed to be replaced. Also, I had to replace the front and back breaks and rotars at only 12k miles. At 13k miles one of the bladders in the driver seat needed to be replaced. At 17k miles the Cam seals started to leak and needed to be repaired. Also, during the 17k mile range, the subwoofer and rain sensor went bad. I am now at 33K miles and one month outside of my last service, which included service A, and a transmission flush, and I have an extreme whining noise coming from what appears to be the transmission. I have an appointment for service on Monday 2/11/2013. I am hoping I don't need a new transmission at 33k miles. I also own a 1997 Acura Rl with 257k miles and I have not had to repair anything outside of normal maintenance items. I would expect a $115k+ car to be more reliable than this.

 

Submitted by CA-B200's husband: Similar problems with my 2007 CL550. By 30K miles, cam seals replaced, rear window shade inoperative, rear deck speaker failed, left outside mirror won't lower in reverse, head unit failed, passenger side ventilation seat inoperative, ABC pump replaced, harmonic damper replaced. At 45K miles ABC hose failed (really big issue since on same circuit as brakes). At 56K miles ball joint replacement.

Since MBZ claims "The Best or Nothing", I've got nothing. HOWEVER, this is still the most fun car I've owned, despite tire wear in 20K miles, annoying trips to dealer, etc. Compared w/Ferrari, Maseratti owners I'm OK. Our dealer Penske, and Monterey MBZ has been good about taking care of us.

 

I thought I was the only one who experienced similar problems with this car. I have a 2007 CL550 with the AMG package in which I purchased at 25k miles. I am now at 50k. The whining noise is your idle pulley and not the transmission. I have had it replace twice. It's not that costly but it's a faulty part that will only last maybe 15-20k. MB, are aware of this. I doubt anything is serious wrong with your transmission at 33k miles. I have had the transmission and motor mounts replaced, all 4 windows reprogrammed several times, transmission fluid flushed, transmission shift controller module replaced, transmission reprogrammed because of jerky shifts, CPU flashed because driver's seat and steering wheel not retracting, ABC hoses replaced, both batteries replaced, suspension height readjusted. I will agree it's not the most reliable car but if you owned a CL500 then you will know the CL550 is much more reliable in terms of the ABC suspension system. I don't have a extended warranty so you can imagine my repair bills. I am going to trade my CL550 at the end of the year towards a Maserati GT-S. I'm done with Mercedes and BMW.

 

My latest problem turned out to be the ABC pulsation damper.
I was really afraid it would be the transmission. The whining was
so loud I thought the car was falling apart.

 

If you think Benz's are unreliable and expensive to fix wait until you find out how many problems the Maserati's have and how much it cost's to fix!

 

I have had my CL near on 1 year now, and been basically all OK. Bought it at 39k miles and now 49k coning up.

I thought the 216 was a much better car than the 215, but you certainly have had some problems with yours.

 

its time to switch dealers, i drive a 08 cl 600, and i refused to accept anything the dealer tells me. So i demanded that they check their workers, and they had to fire a few mechanics...

 

I am wondering if anyone has experienced a problem with condensation from the AC dripping on the exhaust pipes causing a frying noise. I took my car to the dealer and they told me there was really nothing that could be done. The drain tube appears to be too short and I was hoping it could be extended to allow the water to drip below the exhaust pipe.

 

Cityvic..I heard that noise yesterday. .I was wondering what that was.

 

I have one of the first CL550s built (build date Sept 2006) since Nov 2006 and it has been nearly trouble free. Only failure was the rear window sunshade.
A minor oil leak was discovered a few years ago from a couple of grommets in the valve covers which was repaired under warranty.

My vehicle is a launch edition which has all of the options except for radar cruise control.

Did Mercedes get lax on quality control after the first vehicles? Usually I would expect the very first vehicles to have the most problems, but this has NOT been the case.

My only concern is the potential for excessive wear of the cam shaft idler pulley which could result in an expensive repair.

 

Hi can you please tell me how much the bill was to replace the gear shifting module?

 

Oh my god after reading this Im so happy I didnt bought the CL65 for my wifes sister...guys I was so close to do her that favour. I just said I needed some time ...thank god I checked this forum today.
All I can say THANK YOU!
My wife owns an C63 I think thats what her sister will get, still a little undecided...

 

What happened when your command controller went out? Was it just the command feature or did you have other issues because at the moment my command feature and iPod plug aren't working and my nav won't find my location and I'm having issues with keyless go im wondering if this could all be because of my command controller.also how much did it cost to replace

 

I am looking to buy one of two CL Class vehicles.


2013 CL 550 4 Matic with 10,260 miles, this is a CPO car.
2011 CL 63 also with 10,000 miles, also a CPO car.


Both are 1 owner cars, sold, serviced and being re-sold by a Mercedes dealer. No accidents or paint work of any kind. I have a tendency to keep my cars for more than 5 years. I owner an E class wagon years ago. So what issues if any can I expect.

 

I am currently looking at both of those as well. Did you buy either and if so how has reliability been?

 

Am I in for a big bill?

Each morning about 2 seconds after starting the car a loud clunk sound emits from the driver side front fender/wheel area. No dash/warning lights.
Anyone?

Thanks eh!