Advice on CLS coupe
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Joined: Jan 2025
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Advice on CLS coupe
Hi all!
Wanted to know other thoughts on the matter. I have been looking at CLS w218 for a long time now, but have never actually gotten to the stage of buying one and would love to hear some advantages and disadvantages for the car from actual owners.
I currently drive a 2017 e350 hybrid and while the car is superb, I do miss the sound. Thats why I have once again started to consider getting a CLS550 either in a good condition or with minor damages, maybe even importing one from US as high liter motors seem to go for a lot cheaper there than in Europe. What are some of the things that I should consider before making this change? What are the main issues that could arise over time and what should be looked at when buying it? What is it like to live with one? Maybe what mods could be done to it?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Wanted to know other thoughts on the matter. I have been looking at CLS w218 for a long time now, but have never actually gotten to the stage of buying one and would love to hear some advantages and disadvantages for the car from actual owners.
I currently drive a 2017 e350 hybrid and while the car is superb, I do miss the sound. Thats why I have once again started to consider getting a CLS550 either in a good condition or with minor damages, maybe even importing one from US as high liter motors seem to go for a lot cheaper there than in Europe. What are some of the things that I should consider before making this change? What are the main issues that could arise over time and what should be looked at when buying it? What is it like to live with one? Maybe what mods could be done to it?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
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
Hi all!
Wanted to know other thoughts on the matter. I have been looking at CLS w218 for a long time now, but have never actually gotten to the stage of buying one and would love to hear some advantages and disadvantages for the car from actual owners.
I currently drive a 2017 e350 hybrid and while the car is superb, I do miss the sound. Thats why I have once again started to consider getting a CLS550 either in a good condition or with minor damages, maybe even importing one from US as high liter motors seem to go for a lot cheaper there than in Europe. What are some of the things that I should consider before making this change? What are the main issues that could arise over time and what should be looked at when buying it? What is it like to live with one? Maybe what mods could be done to it?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Wanted to know other thoughts on the matter. I have been looking at CLS w218 for a long time now, but have never actually gotten to the stage of buying one and would love to hear some advantages and disadvantages for the car from actual owners.
I currently drive a 2017 e350 hybrid and while the car is superb, I do miss the sound. Thats why I have once again started to consider getting a CLS550 either in a good condition or with minor damages, maybe even importing one from US as high liter motors seem to go for a lot cheaper there than in Europe. What are some of the things that I should consider before making this change? What are the main issues that could arise over time and what should be looked at when buying it? What is it like to live with one? Maybe what mods could be done to it?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Our '13 CLS550 has 65K miles and has been very trouble-free. The 4.7-liter engine is awesome and is the main reason I love this car—I would have little interest in it if it had the smaller engine(s).
If I were looking for one, I would pay special attention to cam chain noise or engine rattle, which could indicate worn cam guides or piston wobble.
There are other posts here that outline common problems with the W218, but like most cars, the likelihood of serious issues increases with mileage. I personally would not purchase one of these with more than 60K - 70K miles and have no intent of keeping ours past 100K miles due to the possible expense.
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No problem, this is a bit of an older model, but I love everything about it and have wanted one for a while now 
And thank you for the response, I will keep it in mind, maybe any extras that I should consider or you find to be really valuable? I know that they come with seat heating and cooling and heads up display appeared later. I also have pneimo for my current one, where they any good back then?
And thank you for the response, I will keep it in mind, maybe any extras that I should consider or you find to be really valuable? I know that they come with seat heating and cooling and heads up display appeared later. I also have pneimo for my current one, where they any good back then?
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 79
Likes: 32
2005 S55 AMG
Common issues are timing chain, coolant lines, oil leaks into the harness, struts, air suspension compressor, and various minor electronic issues. Definitely a good idea to set some money aside for repairs. I rolled the dice on a cheap high mile one and only the suspension compressor has got me so far. Great cars when they're working right. Mine went 0-60 in 4.6 and 12.82 at 109 stock and 4.3 and 12.50 at 112 on a 91 octane tune.
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
Common issues are timing chain, coolant lines, oil leaks into the harness, struts, air suspension compressor, and various minor electronic issues. Definitely a good idea to set some money aside for repairs. I rolled the dice on a cheap high mile one and only the suspension compressor has got me so far. Great cars when they're working right. Mine went 0-60 in 4.6 and 12.82 at 109 stock and 4.3 and 12.50 at 112 on a 91-octane tune.
