looking to get a 2014-2015 CLS550

Always had Infiniti but I don't like the direction they are going in and reliability has dropped quite a bit too. Had a 2007 G35 coupe for 7 years (sold 2 years ago), my wife has a 2013 JX35 (had for 2 years), now I have a beater Saturn and in the summer I drive my 1967 Impala SS.

First time looking at a MB always liked the way they look but always have been afraid of their reliability. I have read though that it has improved quite a bit in recent years.
I'm defiantly looking at an AWD one being that I live in Wisconsin.

Are there any common issues to look for?
Options you recommend?

thanks!

 

They did a facelift in 2015 so it would make more sense to go for the facelift version. If you don't car about the V8 you can get the CLS400 which is a little cheaper. I definitely recommend the 550 though.

 

thanks. Yeah I definitely want the V8

 

I think the Airmatic suspension is the most problematic part of the car. Mine had a leaking airbag when I bought it, I haven't had issues with anything else.

I'd say the Premium and Driver Assistance packages are a must. I've got the Lane Tracking package and Parking Assistant on mine and I've turned the lane tracking off (it's dragged me through more pot holes than I can remember!) and have yet to use the parking assist. I have a 2012 so the surround view wasn't an option. My wife's car has it and it's nice but I get by just fine without it.

 

14 CLS 550 - owned from brand new, Euro Delivery. Distronic Package ( driver assistance ) - really like the package. My air suspension has been perfect. My Parktronic has intermittent failures - something to do with its own back up battery failing .... When the car is little used and is cold, there is greater probability that the Parktronic fails in my case. Did a CLS63 AMG rear carbon fiber spoiler add on because I ordered my car with no spoiler - unique look - 550 with a 63 spoiler. I bought it after market and self installed. While the soft high end leather is desirable, I chose the lower grade leather because I think it will last better over time. 4 years + and going strong.

 

Thank you for the info!

 

I'm looking for the same thing ( 2014 CLS). I'm coming from an 07 CLK. Thanks for the info everyone. djw88 what do you think of this one in PA? It's a bit closer to you than me. Who likes the Red interior???
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/i...LJ9BB5EA103418

 

[QUOTE Who likes the Red interior???
https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/cpo/i...LJ9BB5EA103418[/QUOTE]


I love the red, I was actually looking for a red interior when I was buying. I also have 2014 but I have black seats. If you get that car and you don't like the red. Let me know, I will come to you if you want to switch.

 

Such a fun car! looks so different! I have the 2014 with pretty much all the packages minus distronic, but it is still amazing! you will love it! im getting mine tuned (have a thread up for it) on monday so im hoping thats when the real fun begins!! good luck!

 

When you guys say the 2015 got a facelift... the only difference I see is the command unit screen in the center being brought forward and made larger. The rest of the car pretty much looks similar. So two cars having roughly the same mileage on them would you take the 15' CLS400 with newer software and smaller engine over the 14' CLS550 with the larger engine? I'm really have a hard time with this and I plan on buying one really soon.

 

The facelift has the newer COMAND unit and everything that comes along with that and the exterior has been updated.

I'd take the 2014 CLS550 over the 400 every time. I'd take my 2012 550 over a newer 400. The V8 engine in the 550 is absolutely brilliant.

 

Totally agree. I've never driven a CLS400 but I read reviews and they all stated its adequate but is not as spirited as the CLS550. Also keep in mind the changes to the exterior are not major and can be retrofitted. The bumpers and side skirts are a straight swap. Not too sure about the headlights but 15s ship with both headlights. Also, if you want the floating screen look, that can also be retrofitted in a 14 through Chris the Swede.

 

the 400 can not be compared to the sound and feel of the 550! granted, they are not AMGs, BUT, for what it's worth, they are awesome! and when you get a tune, you have a whole other beast on your hands! do yourself the favor, get the 550!!!!!!

 

I'm leaning toward the 550 because of the engine (as I can tell you all like). But what will I be giving up? You say "newer COMAND unit and everything that comes along with that " By everything do you mean the looks or is there actually some newer technology in there? (I don't care if the navigation maps look a little older). Feature wise is it the same?

 

I don't think there's anything major. Off the top of my head - the reversing camera is upgraded (it has guide lines), I *think* there's a 360 camera in the newer version, the interface is upgraded. Someone with the newer model will be able to give you a more comprehensive list. Like someone said, if the COMAND in the 2014 doesn't have all the features you want, you can replace it with an Android unit that extends the COMAND functionality.

I have a 2012 with an NTG4 COMAND (the most basic available) and it fulfills all of my needs - bluetooth music and phone, iPhone/iPod connectivity, nav, CD multi-changer, memory card, 10GB HDD for music, reverse camera. It just looks really old and brown.

IMO there aren't enough features to make up for losing 2 cylinders under the hood

 

Thank you. I'm starting to think the same (not enough to make up the 2 cyl

 

 

There are a couple options that he offers. I was referring to the Android screen upgrade but he also does the complete ntg5 upgrade, this option is very expensive and requires a new amp among other hardware and rewiring. I suggest you check out a few of the videos on youtube.

Seller website
http://www.mbscashopen.com/cls/w218-11/

YouTube demo of Android screen

 

Wow that site has some great stuff! Thanks

 

Fwiw, I was going back and forth debating this same question I bought a 2015 after I saw it.. Lol. Love the facelift and updated tablet etc.

 

2015 is the first year you can get cruise control that will automatically brake if someone is too close in front.

 

No it isn't. My 2012 has it.

 

distronic has been an option since 1999 and will automatically keep a distance from the car in front and is available on 2012+ cls.