NCShadeTree

Hello all (long-time reader, 1st time poster). I've been looking at a used 2006 CLS500 (36K miles) at my local dealership. I've been following this section of the forum, but I wanted to ask some current owners a few questions prior to pulling the trigger on this one.

Have any of you had any major issues with the CLS (enough to make you regret the purchase)? My daily driver is a lightly modified 2002 Audi A4 3.0 (body kit, 19'' rims, most all avail. options) which I will still drive day-to-day. The Benz would just be a dream car/weekend toy.
I fully intended to get an A6, but the CLS is just way too "sexy" compared to the A6.
I'd really like some thoughts from current owners about how they feel about the car (especially ones who have modified them).

For example, my car is a CVT, which makes it excellent on gas mileage, but not a good choice for horsepower upgrades. I've seen a few people mention they would wait for the CLS550, but I wanted to know opinions based on experience.

Thanks in advance!

silberrosa

I have had good luck with the CLS500. That being said, the MY07 does have the new engine (+80hp / +52tq) and also benefitted from some of the E-Class facelift improvements (SBC deleted). Price would be the big factor as the MY07s are probably a bit higher. How if the car equipped? This can be a big factor also as I would want to have most of the options.

bigben320e

I do agree on that standpoint, I was on the crux about deciding on a 500 or 550. I test drove the 500, 550, and the 55. For the price and options, which you see on my sig, the 500 that I got is fully and I do mean fully loaded,
was about 10-15K less than a 550.

Do I miss the 82 more HP? NO. I thought I would, but to be more forthcoming, I test drove the 550 first, then the 55 (before and after Kleeman kit), and then the 500 last some months later. I could only tell a noticeable difference between the 55 and the 500. Hope this helps you to make a decision, it sure did for me.

Jocampo

I love my cls.

The only thing that "bothers" me is the center door pillar. I'm tall and it makes it a little uncomfortable to get into the car.

ppilot

I've owned both, '06 CLS500 which I sold with 13k miles. Very happy with my '07 CLS550. I don't need the bigger engine, and would have preferred a turbo-diesel but not in the dear old USA.
I did not like the '06 electric brakes as I could not bring the car to a smooth stop. However, they were getting better as the brakes got more mileage on them. Just a subjective opinion.
My only option on both cars was the Parktronic, which I love. All the other niceties that run up the price (nav system, trunk closer etc) are of no interest except in resale but I'm in the minority on that. Let someone else pay for them new and you get them for 50 cents on the dollar used.
Whatever.

NCShadeTree

I've only seen the 55 in pictures, so I felt that I'd never miss its power difference if I never drove it. When I bought my truck, it had enough power for me until I test drove a Lightning (4.6V8 vs. 5.4 supercharged). So, as long as I never sit in a 550 or 55 I'll never feel the need to upgrade?

I ask because all the used CLS500's on the lot have very low mileage, with the previous owners upgrading to a "better" model. Which, for this price, makes me wonder if they truly knew what they were getting into, or if the car is really only for certain drivers. I'm 5' 10'', so I don't think I'll have issues with the space. I am a little concerned with the lack of back seat room (I only have one child).

Any issues with reliability? I like the MB dealership, but I don't want to be hanging out there a lot.

bigben320e

I have only had my car about 2 weeks. My buddy here in atl has had his for four months. I have the CLS500, he has the CLS55. So far both have been excellent, but early in the game. We both bought pre-owned cars, which had clean histories and no issues noted.

Where I can make some solid input in on the size, if you are 5'10" you will be fine for your size. The rear seats can fit people 6 ft or less with no problem.

Mercedes has a sorted history on reliability though, some websites out there have some horror stories, even with cars under warranty. However, I think they went through a bad patch with cars in the 99-03 cars in some models. There is a new CEO, new quality control, and other areas at MB so I got a CLS. I have heard a lot of good things from other owners that have them, just keep your routine service up.

Anyone have a CLS with more than 50K on it? What has your experience been like?

Htowncls

It depends really on your financial position i believe.. I bought my 06' 500 in march with 19k miles on it.. every option except distronics, cell phone (i guess). If money isnt an issue I would go with the 65,63,55... If you will stick with the base model 550.. I have no problems with my car at all, my focus was how much money i wanted to spend on a vehicle.. I bought mine for 57k with 10k trade-off... 800 a month is cool for me in a car i plan to keep. I think i would prefer the new brake system vs. the electronic system the 06 has but it has not been a problem or something i think about at all.. hope that helps.

oh whichever you go with get one with the most upgrades that you can.

Dogshine

confused. i drove the 500 and i own the 55. i still drive my friends 500 from time to time as we travel together. to say that there isn't a complete difference between the two is insane. when he drives in my car he always says 'i should have got this one'. aside from the interior being different (leather, finishing touches) the acceleration is in two different worlds. now, before i got the 55, i drove his and i liked the car, but i love the 55. no disrespect to the 500 guys out here, but unless you really stomp that car, it feels pretty slow. i would suggest going 550 or used 55 if you have a few extra bux.

NCShadeTree

Thanks for all the good info. I think I'll wait for an 07 CLS550. While I will be buying outright and modifying it immediately, it seems like less to modify getting the 550. I had planned on just getting 20'' wheels, lowering it and maybe the Wald front spoiler.

My limit is $55K, not including the wheels and tires. So, until the prices drop on the 550, I'll just be living vicariously through all of you current owners.