Just bought a CLS500 - loud, leaking differential, and rough ride
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Joined: Dec 2013
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CLS500
Just bought a CLS500 - loud, leaking differential, and rough ride
Hi all. I just purchased a 2006 CLS500 with 115k on it - what a beautiful car!
I noticed it had a leak at the rear differential - I've done some research and found that this is a common problem.
I am however very concerned that the differential has been leaking for a while, and worried that perhaps there has been some damage to it. The car is quite loud under load - is this normal? I figured with a V8 and the dual exhaust, perhaps it's supposed to be kind of loud. Would there be a more distinct, off-sounding noise if it was the differential?
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride.
If you tell me the CLS500 is supposed to be a plush, quiet vehicle, I am going to be worried.
I plan on taking it to a dealership to get checked out, but won't be able to for a bit - was hoping to get some comments in the mean time. Thank you so much in advance!
I noticed it had a leak at the rear differential - I've done some research and found that this is a common problem.
I am however very concerned that the differential has been leaking for a while, and worried that perhaps there has been some damage to it. The car is quite loud under load - is this normal? I figured with a V8 and the dual exhaust, perhaps it's supposed to be kind of loud. Would there be a more distinct, off-sounding noise if it was the differential?
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride.
If you tell me the CLS500 is supposed to be a plush, quiet vehicle, I am going to be worried.
I plan on taking it to a dealership to get checked out, but won't be able to for a bit - was hoping to get some comments in the mean time. Thank you so much in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 54
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Ex BMW IX
The car is quite loud under load - is this normal? I figured with a V8 and the dual exhaust, perhaps it's supposed to be kind of loud. I have a 2007 CLS550 and it sounds like it runs on double cream, even when pushing the engine hard. yours would have the older V8, and I do recall driving an E500 once and the engine was not as soft as I would have expected.
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride. Difference between Sport 2 and Comfort is very noticeable. Less so between Sport 1 and 2. I drive on Sport 1 most the time because it gives the best balance between Comfort and Sport. Have you checked to see if the car raises and lowers when you switch between the three modes?
Ultimately, only a dealer or an indy with STAR would be able to tell if there is something wrong with the car.
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride. Difference between Sport 2 and Comfort is very noticeable. Less so between Sport 1 and 2. I drive on Sport 1 most the time because it gives the best balance between Comfort and Sport. Have you checked to see if the car raises and lowers when you switch between the three modes?
Ultimately, only a dealer or an indy with STAR would be able to tell if there is something wrong with the car.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
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CLS500
The car is quite loud under load - is this normal? I figured with a V8 and the dual exhaust, perhaps it's supposed to be kind of loud. I have a 2007 CLS550 and it sounds like it runs on double cream, even when pushing the engine hard. yours would have the older V8, and I do recall driving an E500 once and the engine was not as soft as I would have expected.
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride. Difference between Sport 2 and Comfort is very noticeable. Less so between Sport 1 and 2. I drive on Sport 1 most the time because it gives the best balance between Comfort and Sport. Have you checked to see if the car raises and lowers when you switch between the three modes?
Ultimately, only a dealer or an indy with STAR would be able to tell if there is something wrong with the car.
Also, the ride is quite rough for what I was expecting. It feels about the same in each sport modes and comfort mode. Is the difference between each mode supposed to be very noticeable? There's no types of indicators telling me if there's actually anything wrong with the suspension. I just assumed it's sort of a rough ride. Difference between Sport 2 and Comfort is very noticeable. Less so between Sport 1 and 2. I drive on Sport 1 most the time because it gives the best balance between Comfort and Sport. Have you checked to see if the car raises and lowers when you switch between the three modes?
Ultimately, only a dealer or an indy with STAR would be able to tell if there is something wrong with the car.
I emptied the differential last night and refilled it. It was at about 2/3 full, but no metal came out, so I think that's fine. I suppose it's just the V8 roaring, might need some new back tires too.
This morning I tried switching between the modes while stopped and did not feel a difference while sitting in the car. Then I tried hitting the different modes and stepping outside the car to see if I saw any difference... I didn't really notice any. I did however hit the "Car Rising" button and stepped out and saw it rise a little bit. If it is indeed not switching between the modes, do I risk anything besides a rougher ride not getting it fixed?
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Joined: Dec 2013
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Ex BMW IX
I will post a video some time of the movement in the various modes, but when you hit the raise button it should raise the car substantially.
Take the car to someone with the tools to diagnose the problem. It may be the airmatic pump or the shocks. Alternatively buy the Arnott coilover kit to replace airmatic altogether.
Take the car to someone with the tools to diagnose the problem. It may be the airmatic pump or the shocks. Alternatively buy the Arnott coilover kit to replace airmatic altogether.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
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CLS500
I will post a video some time of the movement in the various modes, but when you hit the raise button it should raise the car substantially.
Take the car to someone with the tools to diagnose the problem. It may be the airmatic pump or the shocks. Alternatively buy the Arnott coilover kit to replace airmatic altogether.
Take the car to someone with the tools to diagnose the problem. It may be the airmatic pump or the shocks. Alternatively buy the Arnott coilover kit to replace airmatic altogether.
Also, in the speedometer, it currently says "No Messages". Is there anyway to change that to display the speed?
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Joined: Jun 2011
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CLS63
Links???
I suppose I'll have to get it into a shop and see. I'm going to have a friend look at it while I switch modes after work today to see if he notices any difference.
Also, in the speedometer, it currently says "No Messages". Is there anyway to change that to display the speed?
Also, in the speedometer, it currently says "No Messages". Is there anyway to change that to display the speed?
FYI,..if links are installed, and your car is under warranty, any damage to the suspension may not be covered. If possible, you may want to convert back to stock before taking to dealer.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 54
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Ex BMW IX
I suppose I'll have to get it into a shop and see. I'm going to have a friend look at it while I switch modes after work today to see if he notices any difference.
Also, in the speedometer, it currently says "No Messages". Is there anyway to change that to display the speed?
Also, in the speedometer, it currently says "No Messages". Is there anyway to change that to display the speed?
You can however change the screen that displays the outside temp to display the current speed. This can be done through the settings menu.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 54
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Ex BMW IX
Hey bud,
I just created a video of the Airmatic functions. Check it out and compare it with yours.
Airmatic Functions
I just created a video of the Airmatic functions. Check it out and compare it with yours.
Airmatic Functions
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