I'm thinking of getting a CLS550 for next car, what's the reliability like?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
2001 Lexus GS430
I'm thinking of getting a CLS550 for next car, what's the reliability like?
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?
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 443
Likes: 91
CLS400 4Matic EC Tuned
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
2001 Lexus GS430
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.
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.
Will definitely look at Canadian Auto trader.
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 223
Likes: 82
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 Weistec 540/715 tuned CLS 550, 2008 E350, and '07 Jaguar S-Type R
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 
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 3
2001 Lexus GS430
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.
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 223
Likes: 82
From: Phoenix, AZ
2013 Weistec 540/715 tuned CLS 550, 2008 E350, and '07 Jaguar S-Type R
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.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CLS550
Also looking to get 2012-2014 CLS550
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
