What to check on a high mileage CLS?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 21
From: South West of France.
2010 E550(S212), 2006 Chrysler Crossfire (SLK 320 R170 in disguise), 2012 CLS500 (x218)
What to check on a high mileage CLS?
Hi,
I currently am looking at the CLS shooting brake in th EU and it's hard to find a low mileage one.
So I'm considering buying one with a fairly high mileage, in the 100 000 to 150 000 miles, but the reviews of the engines fitted to these models are scaring me a bit. They report issues in the $10k repair with cylinder scoring for example.
I wanted to have your opinion on the matter, see if any of you has a high mileage CLS500, 550 or 63 as they share similar blocs and if you have tests that can be done, things to watch out for so I lower the risk of ending up with a car eager to go to the junkyard.
Thanks.
I currently am looking at the CLS shooting brake in th EU and it's hard to find a low mileage one.
So I'm considering buying one with a fairly high mileage, in the 100 000 to 150 000 miles, but the reviews of the engines fitted to these models are scaring me a bit. They report issues in the $10k repair with cylinder scoring for example.
I wanted to have your opinion on the matter, see if any of you has a high mileage CLS500, 550 or 63 as they share similar blocs and if you have tests that can be done, things to watch out for so I lower the risk of ending up with a car eager to go to the junkyard.
Thanks.
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
I agree about the Airmatic - you want to make sure the car holds its height for at least several days since run.
Also, check for excessive oil seepage at the two front cam sensor covers - it the wiring harness below gets saturated it can be an expensive fix.
As for the M278 engine, listen carefully for piston slap, especially upon startup. If there's any suspicion, pay to have the cylinders bore scoped to make sure there's no excessive scoring. Remember, this only affects some engines; often ones that have had infrequent oil changes.
Another common problem area is motor and transmission mounts.
Also, check for excessive oil seepage at the two front cam sensor covers - it the wiring harness below gets saturated it can be an expensive fix.
As for the M278 engine, listen carefully for piston slap, especially upon startup. If there's any suspicion, pay to have the cylinders bore scoped to make sure there's no excessive scoring. Remember, this only affects some engines; often ones that have had infrequent oil changes.
Another common problem area is motor and transmission mounts.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 21
From: South West of France.
2010 E550(S212), 2006 Chrysler Crossfire (SLK 320 R170 in disguise), 2012 CLS500 (x218)
Thank you very much for these pointers, I'll check as much as I can and will monitor these issues after buying so I can get back to the seller if it's too bad.
If I understand correctly, a good maintenance history should make the piston slap/bore marks much less likely, which is a relief.
I hope I'll find one I like and can share pictures early 2024
If I understand correctly, a good maintenance history should make the piston slap/bore marks much less likely, which is a relief.
I hope I'll find one I like and can share pictures early 2024
