Advice NEEDED (buying 2014 CLS 550)
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cls550
Advice NEEDED (buying 2014 CLS 550)
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- Hey! I need advice, I am debating on whether or not I should get a CLS 550 or a 340, I kind of like the cls 550 look so I'm leaning towards the benz. I am looking at CLS 550'S that're 2014 and around 120,000km/65,000Miles Anything I should look out for?
- I was wondering what maintenance I should be wanting to see when looking at the report/car fax? How reliable are these cars? I have read about knocking and rattling on cold starts due to timing chains, the front two cylinders scoring and causing misfires on the m278, does this affect the 2014+ models?
- I plan on keeping it for 2-3 years and am hoping it won't give me too much trouble, any common leaks/issues I should look out for when I go to inspect/buy the car? I read that the air suspension was an issue for some issues if someone can that break down between the models? what I should expect from an AMG package one (does it come with the air suspension or is it the base ones that have air suspension OR do all CLS 550's have air suspension.)
- Are there any alternatives that're more reliable, should I attempt to get a 2014+ E550/S550? what're the main differences? despite classes and looks etc
- Thank you!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 335
Likes: 103
From: Saddlebrooke, AZ 85739
2013 CLS550 4Matic OE Tuned
1. Your budget?
2. Can you do oil changes, etc?
3. How many miles does the car you're looking at have now? This goes back to #1
4. Are you looking for a drag car or just a hot daily driver?
5. Plan on any mods, like tuning?
6. What is your maintenance budget?
2. Can you do oil changes, etc?
3. How many miles does the car you're looking at have now? This goes back to #1
4. Are you looking for a drag car or just a hot daily driver?
5. Plan on any mods, like tuning?
6. What is your maintenance budget?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 303
Likes: 15
2011 E550 (RIP), 2014 CLS 550C4
My wife drives a well optioned '17 440 convertible. While undeniably a nice car, even with the suspension set to its sportiest mode the front end still floats more than my '14 CLS 550 4M. The steering response is nothing special. It just feels "soft". Her previous cars was a '04 330i convertible with the sport suspension package, it handled superbly. These days, to get the traditional BMW feel I think you need to set up to an M car.
My well optioned '14 CLS has just under 30k Miles. No issues with it whatsoever. Well, except the parking brake wasn't releasing without a manual assist. Since fixed.
This is my 3rd Mercedes with Air Matic. First was a '05 E500 (love/hate relationship with that one) and second was a '11 E550. First two accumulated over 100k miles. None have ever had a problem with the system.
I believe all US spec '14 CLS 550's were equipped with Air Matic.
The AMG package is cosmetic, but I do like the steering wheel.
The '14 E550 is mechanically identical to the '14 CLS 550, they are built on the same platform. There might be nuanced differences in suspension tuning. I actually wanted another E550 to replace the '11 but they are rare, harder to find than a CLS 550.
My well optioned '14 CLS has just under 30k Miles. No issues with it whatsoever. Well, except the parking brake wasn't releasing without a manual assist. Since fixed.
This is my 3rd Mercedes with Air Matic. First was a '05 E500 (love/hate relationship with that one) and second was a '11 E550. First two accumulated over 100k miles. None have ever had a problem with the system.
I believe all US spec '14 CLS 550's were equipped with Air Matic.
The AMG package is cosmetic, but I do like the steering wheel.
The '14 E550 is mechanically identical to the '14 CLS 550, they are built on the same platform. There might be nuanced differences in suspension tuning. I actually wanted another E550 to replace the '11 but they are rare, harder to find than a CLS 550.
