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Looking at a 2013 CLS550 for 16k with 120k miles on it, should i buy?
Hi, I just recently joined the MB forum and I’ve been wanting to get some questions answered about the W218 CLS550. So i’ve been eyeing this car for quite a while now, and I see them all over the market for around the $16,000 area, but they usually have high mileage. I’ve heard the CLS 550 has a pretty good reputation of being a decently reliable Mercedes, correct me if I’m wrong, but would getting one with 100,000 miles or more be a bad decision?
Another question is about how much does it cost to insure this car? with it being four-door it should help insurance cost a little bit, but it does have a V8 which would make my premium more expensive I would believe. it probably doesn’t help any that i’m only 18, but does any one have a rough idea of insurance costs? Thanks!
Welcome aboard. Great site, and lots of useful information from some very knowledgeable folks.
As an owner of a 2016 CLS400 4Matic, I can tell you regular maintenance on these cars is costly. Unless you plan on DIY, be prepared to spend $$ to keep it in good shape. My car is serviced regularly, with synthetic oil changes every 5000 miles. Of course I only allow the dealership to touch my car—others will let you know how crazy they think this strategy is. She just had her B-service ($750). And it’ll need front brakes soon ($1000). That’s fine of course . It’s just the way I choose to maintain my car; having only certified MB techs’ hands inside my Benz makes me feel more secure. Of course I can afford the costs—wouldn’t dare own any MB if I couldn’t. But as these cars age, the frequency of repairs will only increase, and become more costly. And don’t dismiss the fuel costs either. They need Premium fuel (currently at $3.16/gal here in Massachusetts). Were or will you be provided the service history on the car? I would never buy any car w/o seeing its history.
Personally, I think the CLS is one of the nicest, prettiest Benz’ ever. This is my Benz (“Mimi”)Please post a pic here; we’d love to see the car.
Last edited by drjohn08318; Jan 23, 2021 at 05:07 AM.
Wow! Yours is beautiful! I’m planning on getting one probably within the next year, but for now i’ve just been looking around, not at one specific listing. I plan on getting most everything done by mercedes, but me and my dad are very good with cars so i’m sure we could do some DIY as well. I also strongly believe in getting a full vehicle report and making sure that all previous work done to the car was done by a mercedes certified mechanic.
For right now, all i’m wanting is to get a few questions answered so i can just make the right decision when i buy my next car. I’m prepared to pay some good money for the service, but what i really want to know is how much it’s gonna have to go into the shop and a rough idea of insurance costs. Thank you so much for helping me.
You’re very welcome. And thank YOU for complimenting “Mimi” . Everything I can find online about CLS reliability tells me this is one of the most reliable Benz’ in recent years. I don’t think your insurance, even at such a young age, will be cost-prohibitive. You know you’re going to pay more—no sugar-coating that fact. And you’ll pay more to insure a higher-end Benz. But buying a 2013 means you won’t be paying the premium you would for a new car.
Being able to do your own DIY is awesome; I have zero mechanic skills, so no other option for me—except to NOT take her to the dealer. Which is certainly not an option I’d even consider.
Which other vehicles are you considering?
With everything you’ve said, it sounds as if you’re well-informed, mature, and definitely more than ready to make such an important buying decision. Best of luck to you. And please let us know how it turns out.
Yes i will for sure let you know when i pull the trigger! I’ll probably end up getting the 2012-2014 body style due to it being cheaper, but i love the 2015 facelift. I don’t really think i’d consider buying any other vehicles, i’m really heart set on the CLS. I’m really trying to find one that has just around 100k miles and in the 15-17k area which is pretty easy these days. I’ve also read that the W218 CLS is one of the most reliable mercedes you can get. Thanks again!
Good luck on your search OP! Just do yourself a favor and make sure to get the 550 over the 400 and thank me later! The refreshed 400s may seem "nicer" but I would rather spend my money on a pre-refresh 550 imo, especially with a stage 1 tune these things are monsters and so much fun to drive! As others have said, just keep up with maintenance and you should be good... so as long as you can afford to do so. Good luck again!
Oh no, i am not getting anything but the 550. I personally like the 2012-2014 style as well. gives it more of its own “CLS class” look rather than the 2015 which is when all mercedes begin to all look the same. I plan to tune it an get some CLS63 cosmetic and performance parts for it as well.
550 is 8-cylinder, right. The extra HP is cool, of course. Although the 2016 400 is 329 hp, which is nothing to sneeze at. There has never been a situation where I shake my head and wish she had more ummpph. 329 hp (as opposed to 402 for the 550) with 354 lb ft of torque is plenty perfect for me. Other than that, there are no other differences between the two. Oh, there is the V8 that will cost more to repair in the long run. But you did say you’ll be doing a lot of DIY. so you’ve got that covered.
Best of luck!
550 is 8-cylinder, right. The extra HP is cool, of course. Although the 2016 400 is 329 hp, which is nothing to sneeze at. There has never been a situation where I shake my head and wish she had more ummpph. 329 hp (as opposed to 402 for the 550) with 354 lb ft of torque is plenty perfect for me. Other than that, there are no other differences between the two. Oh, there is the V8 that will cost more to repair in the long run. But you did say you’ll be doing a lot of DIY. so you’ve got that covered.
Best of luck!
on dynos the v8 puts down closer to 450hp crank. Look closely at tuner dynos. Yes it is ~100hp more stage one then rated. But only about 50hp more than dyno’d. Stage 2 gets you closer to the 100hp more.
I’m gonna fully straight pipe it, high flow cats, straight all the way. Except i might leave the stock mufflers or put amg mufflers on it to clean up the tone. I will be tuning is as well, would like to make around 600-700 hp. Any good tuning companies i should know of?
But i will for sure be getting the 550 for the Twin Turbo V8 sound. I’m sure the CLS 400 is plentiful of power, but i need that V8 grumble along side those turbos 😉.
CLS400-3"downpipes cls63 exhaust and bbk BMS intake AMR rv3.1, 12.1@119mph 1.9 60'
Originally Posted by nysupraman
Good luck on your search OP! Just do yourself a favor and make sure to get the 550 over the 400 and thank me later! The refreshed 400s may seem "nicer" but I would rather spend my money on a pre-refresh 550 imo, especially with a stage 1 tune these things are monsters and so much fun to drive! As others have said, just keep up with maintenance and you should be good... so as long as you can afford to do so. Good luck again!
CLS400-3"downpipes cls63 exhaust and bbk BMS intake AMR rv3.1, 12.1@119mph 1.9 60'
Originally Posted by spencerwhitman
I’m gonna fully straight pipe it, high flow cats, straight all the way. Except i might leave the stock mufflers or put amg mufflers on it to clean up the tone. I will be tuning is as well, would like to make around 600-700 hp. Any good tuning companies i should know of?
But i will for sure be getting the 550 for the Twin Turbo V8 sound. I’m sure the CLS 400 is plentiful of power, but i need that V8 grumble along side those turbos 😉.
Yes I agree the v8 does sound better. Good luck in your search
Tuned a CLS400 iirc puts down 380 hp which is about what a CLS550 puts down stock. Stage 2 tuned CLS 550 is about as fast as a CLS63s. At the absolute max I've seen with startline motors 10.49 800hp for CLS550 with hybrid m157 turbos and methanol and 850hp 10.3s for a E63s. I've seen some incredible numbers for CLS 63 with ethanol, I haven't seen any CLS 550 ethanol monsters, and I haven't seen a CLS 550 with aftermarket turbos (e.g. like the Weistec w.4 kit)
I don't know about a CLS400 with downpipes tbh, or with methanol etc.
Tuned a CLS400 iirc puts down 380 hp which is about what a CLS550 puts down stock. Stage 2 tuned CLS 550 is about as fast as a CLS63s. At the absolute max I've seen with startline motors 10.49 800hp for CLS550 with hybrid m157 turbos and methanol and 850hp 10.3s for a E63s. I've seen some incredible numbers for CLS 63 with ethanol, I haven't seen any CLS 550 ethanol monsters, and I haven't seen a CLS 550 with aftermarket turbos (e.g. like the Weistec w.4 kit)
I don't know about a CLS400 with downpipes tbh, or with methanol etc.
My stage 1 550 4matic is faster than a stock 63amg. I’m not even trying to brag... tuners have it dialed in and dyno proven 😁
I found a 2013 CLS550, perfect black paint, all service was done by MB certified mechanics, all possible maintenances have been done to it, interior is mint, has the AMG appearance package, he is the only owner which is awesome everything seems great. Except it has 130k miles on it...
Would buying a car, especially a mercedes with 130k miles be a bad choice, please help me make the right decision. I’m not to concerned about maintenance costs to a point, but i’m not trying to pay for a new transmission or some garbage like that. Thanks all!!!
With 130K miles, your first worry would be the airmatic suspension system. That is provided that all maintenance has been done per Mercedes's requirements.
With 130K miles, your first worry would be the airmatic suspension system. That is provided that all maintenance has been done per Mercedes's requirements.
Ok so airmatic, what are prices to get that repaired? Also, if it were to go out, is it necessity or can it be left alone? Thanks!
I just had my airmatic fixed I had a leak in the in the airmatic valve unit and there was air leaking out of the valve unit and paid 776 for the repair I have 127k miles on the clock now and mine is a 14 rwd. I bought mine with 97k and just to give you an idea of how much it’s cost me
I’ve replaced serpentine belt, coolant tank, tires tires tires lol, brakes on the front going on third set of rotors and pads, rears only replaced once and are still in good shape, I had an issue with my command center which was a complete pain in the a$$ and very expensive if you can’t find a matching one and tech willing to try and reprogram your vin, I got lucky and it replaced for 675 (500 for a command off eBay from same car and 175 to the tech shot out to John at Mercedes Orlando North lake Mary location)
the airmatic issue is the first issue I’ve had there. Then normal services. All in all if I had to do it over I would not buy this car with that many miles, 50-75k miles sure but that 100 mile mark and up can be costly and next time I’ll get a CPO no doubt about it. Ive also added catless downpipes, tune, asv and new chargepipes which i couldn’t of done any of that with a warranty. I’m happy with the car and I’m stoked about my next m278 or m157 depending on sales this year 😈 The capabilities, the style, the comfort, the performance is awesome just wish I bought mine with less miles on it .
Sure if you don’t want to mod the car and run it stock, CPO is great, but I bought my car with a specific intent to be tuned and have catless downpipes because the Escalade wasn’t cutting it for me , now that I’m working on that and upgrading the turbos this spring, I need a new daily and that will be a cpo or brand new but as you know if you plan on modding, the extra money for the cpo is worthless. I’d look for one with lower than 130k miles for sure either way
Welcome aboard. Great site, and lots of useful information from some very knowledgeable folks.
As an owner of a 2016 CLS400 4Matic, I can tell you regular maintenance on these cars is costly. Unless you plan on DIY, be prepared to spend $$ to keep it in good shape. My car is serviced regularly, with synthetic oil changes every 5000 miles. Of course I only allow the dealership to touch my car—others will let you know how crazy they think this strategy is. She just had her B-service ($750). And it’ll need front brakes soon ($1000). That’s fine of course . It’s just the way I choose to maintain my car; having only certified MB techs’ hands inside my Benz makes me feel more secure. Of course I can afford the costs—wouldn’t dare own any MB if I couldn’t. But as these cars age, the frequency of repairs will only increase, and become more costly. And don’t dismiss the fuel costs either. They need Premium fuel (currently at $3.16/gal here in Massachusetts). Were or will you be provided the service history on the car? I would never buy any car w/o seeing its history.
Personally, I think the CLS is one of the nicest, prettiest Benz’ ever. This is my Benz (“Mimi”)Please post a pic here; we’d love to see the car.
$1000 for just the front brakes, or the rotors too? Does this include labor?
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. It’s just the way I choose to maintain my car; having only certified MB techs’ hands inside my Benz makes me feel more secure. Of course I can afford the costs—wouldn’t dare own any MB if I couldn’t. But as these cars age, the frequency of repairs will only increase, and become more costly. And don’t dismiss the fuel costs either. They need Premium fuel (currently at $3.16/gal here in Massachusetts). Were or will you be provided the service history on the car? I would never buy any car w/o seeing its history.
