So I've been trying to find a fun fast sedan, but my budget is small. I'm not wanting a big car note. The 6.4 Mopars are too high, BMW and Audi I don't trust. The CTSv are high.


Ive been a big Mercedes fan for the longest and feel like a CLS550 will give me the best bang for buck. I see a lot Around $27k and a weistec tune will put me over 500hp.

My question is, how reliable are these cars? So far I've read about coolant oil leaks, timing chain issues, scorched cylinder heads, and a gasket behind the cover that can cause oil and coolant to leak.

https://youtu.be/wiF-ocleal.


Lastly, how hard is DIY on these cars for beginners?

They're pretty reliable, make sure there's some service history in the one you're buying. DIY isn't anything crazy for beginners. I believe you can get a 2015 around that $30k mark. 2015 and up look super modern still from the exterior, they've aged extremely well.

If you're in the northern US, look at the Canadian Autotrader as 99% of the 2015-2017 CLS550's come fully spec'd out, and are all 4MATIC. The currency exchange will work out in your favour. Options like rear climate control settings don't come in the US ones I believe, and rear heated seats are pretty rare in US ones as well. These options are in all Canadian ones.

They're like a woman....treat it right and look after it, and it'll look after you.
Routine servicing and maintenance is key.

I haven't seen any 2015s for $30k, that'd be perfect if I did find any. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong area?

Will definitely look at Canadian Auto trader.

We're finally seeing 2011 - 2013 CL550 prices drop back to the low 20s for 100K cars and mid-20s for lower mileage examples. I've had my Weistec tuned '13 for nearly 3 years now and outside of an oil change, haven't touched it. I seriously love this car

That's good to hear. How's the power feel with the tune? The torque you get is massive and its AWD. I want tune and downpipes, but I may be limited to tune only because I live in Illinois, not sure yet. Should be able to smoke those Scat Packs regardless.

In normal driving, the car is definitely Jeckyl and Hyde. Push the pedal just a tad too far and it can startle you as it suddenly gets angry. Full acceleration kick-downs in lower gears are fairly violent, especially for a large luxury car. My last driver was a 500 HP Doug Rippie DRM 480 Grand Sport Corvette and this car pulls as hard even hauling an extra 1000 lbs which I find amazing. I can't imagine what gaining more power through downtubes would be like, but frankly, for my needs, the current power level (so far) satisfies me.
Unfortunately, my car is not a 4matic but the original owner did add a Quaife limited slip when he did the ECU tune. Turning off traction control annihilates the rear tires, so I leave it on.

Hey guys I'm also looking to get a CLS550 what are some key things to check or look for at the dealer before purchasing? Also, for anyone who owns a 2012 would it be less reliable than a 2013 since it was the first-year model for new generation? and it is possible to update the old infotainment to the ones in the 2014 and up? The one I'm looking at has missing pixels in the screen is that something that can be fixed or does the whole unit needs to be replaced. Thanks guys