Purchase considerations: 2012 CLS550 (or 2010 E63)...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, VA
MB CLS550, Maserati Spyder
Purchase considerations: 2012 CLS550 (or 2010 E63)...
Hello all...
Any significant issues to consider or watch out for when purchasing a 2012 CLS550?
I'm considering either a 2012 CLS550 or 2010 E63. Similar performance, and similarly priced in the $30-40K range. I've done quite a bit of research throughout MBWorld, and it sounds like the 4.7L TT engine is much more reliable than the 6.3L AMG (if not as powerful). Coupled with much improved fuel economy, and very similar performance, I'm really leaning toward the CLS550. It'll be a daily driver, 80 miles RT each day.
I appreciate ANY feedback, comments, advice from current C218 owners. I'm new to MB and the forum... ...I've found BMW and Maserati forums very useful, and I'm sure I'll have the same experience here...
Thanks much!
Any significant issues to consider or watch out for when purchasing a 2012 CLS550?
I'm considering either a 2012 CLS550 or 2010 E63. Similar performance, and similarly priced in the $30-40K range. I've done quite a bit of research throughout MBWorld, and it sounds like the 4.7L TT engine is much more reliable than the 6.3L AMG (if not as powerful). Coupled with much improved fuel economy, and very similar performance, I'm really leaning toward the CLS550. It'll be a daily driver, 80 miles RT each day.
I appreciate ANY feedback, comments, advice from current C218 owners. I'm new to MB and the forum... ...I've found BMW and Maserati forums very useful, and I'm sure I'll have the same experience here...
Thanks much!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 11
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Based on what you've listed and not mentioning the need for a 5th seat, the CLS should be the choice hands down.
Similar performance though? Drive both and report back. AMG's will literally pin you in the seat until you let off the throttle, regardless of what you may see in the specs.
The CLS is rare in most markets (+1 there) and it sounds like mpg is a concern (another +1 for the CLS). You'll go through fewer tires in the CLS (another +1) and maintenance will be a tad less (yet another +1 for the CLS).
With all that being said, do yourself a favor and look at both AMG versions in person and drive them. I'd be surprised if you go with the CLS550.
It's nice having the power on tap and the styling cue differences for both models are enough to seriously consider going the AMG route IMHO.
Good luck with whatever you choose and please let us know what you decide on.
Cheers!
Similar performance though? Drive both and report back. AMG's will literally pin you in the seat until you let off the throttle, regardless of what you may see in the specs.
The CLS is rare in most markets (+1 there) and it sounds like mpg is a concern (another +1 for the CLS). You'll go through fewer tires in the CLS (another +1) and maintenance will be a tad less (yet another +1 for the CLS).
With all that being said, do yourself a favor and look at both AMG versions in person and drive them. I'd be surprised if you go with the CLS550.
It's nice having the power on tap and the styling cue differences for both models are enough to seriously consider going the AMG route IMHO.
Good luck with whatever you choose and please let us know what you decide on.
Cheers!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, VA
MB CLS550, Maserati Spyder
Thanks Gents!
Wasupdu, your assumptions are about right. My kids are in college or older, so while I want the ability to transport 4 adults, rear seat room is not a big concern.
I drive 20,000 miles a year. The difference in gas mileage equates to about $600 a month. A concern, but again, not a big one.
I live in Northern VA... the area is full of BMWs, MB, Audi... E-Class's are all over the place. I see at most one or two '12-'15 CLS's a day. I definitely get the "sense of pride" for driving a distinctive car.
I've driven an '09 CLS63 AMG and '12 CLS550. The AMG was definitely quick, loved the responsiveness. I assume a '10 E63 will be similar. The '12 CLS550 was great too, and I liked the interior a lot better than the '09 CLS. Again, here the '10 E63 has a more up to date interior as well.
MY MAIN CONCERNs are performance (I'll most likely keep it stock), interior comfort/technology and maintenance. Seems the first two are almost a wash between the E63 and CLS550. I can get an '10 E63 $3K-$4K cheaper than a '12 CLS550. BUT I don't want to do that if I'm just buying a money pit and will end up sinking more money into the E63. The M156 engine is known to have head bolt issues and potential lifter problems.
So I guess the bottom line question for this forum... Are there known issues/concerns with the '12 CLS550 that make it a "maintenance risk"?
Cheers!
Wasupdu, your assumptions are about right. My kids are in college or older, so while I want the ability to transport 4 adults, rear seat room is not a big concern.
I drive 20,000 miles a year. The difference in gas mileage equates to about $600 a month. A concern, but again, not a big one.
I live in Northern VA... the area is full of BMWs, MB, Audi... E-Class's are all over the place. I see at most one or two '12-'15 CLS's a day. I definitely get the "sense of pride" for driving a distinctive car.
I've driven an '09 CLS63 AMG and '12 CLS550. The AMG was definitely quick, loved the responsiveness. I assume a '10 E63 will be similar. The '12 CLS550 was great too, and I liked the interior a lot better than the '09 CLS. Again, here the '10 E63 has a more up to date interior as well.
MY MAIN CONCERNs are performance (I'll most likely keep it stock), interior comfort/technology and maintenance. Seems the first two are almost a wash between the E63 and CLS550. I can get an '10 E63 $3K-$4K cheaper than a '12 CLS550. BUT I don't want to do that if I'm just buying a money pit and will end up sinking more money into the E63. The M156 engine is known to have head bolt issues and potential lifter problems.
So I guess the bottom line question for this forum... Are there known issues/concerns with the '12 CLS550 that make it a "maintenance risk"?
Cheers!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: vancouver
CLS550 my2012
The cls has air suspensions which are not as reliable as springs but they offer a nice ride. The led lights are very nice on the cls and it looks more modern. Not much issues with the cls for me.
