Realistic lifespan of CLS350? (Petrol)
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Realistic lifespan of CLS350? (Petrol)
I have often read that the practical lifespan of a modern car is generally around 7 years after which time the cost of potential repairs (Labour/materials) may be disproportionate to the market value of the car.
I understand that the CLS bodies were galvanised which suggests one may not need to worry about rust to the degree seen in 'lesser' makes and any worn interior trim could always be repaired by a good automotive trimmer. Electronic control modules (eg., windows, seats etc.) could presumably be rebuilt by independent electronic specialists? Suspension bushes (in control arms) and other body/engine mounts could be replaced as with other service 'Wear' items. I therefore look at the 'Hard' parts which make up the driveline viz.,
a/ Differentials. As with most cars they usually outlive the rest of the car even though I've heard that CLS diffs. can be prone to leakage (Keep a check on the oil level!)
b/ Transmission (722.9) whilst known to have some issues could be rebuilt as are many automatics across a wide range of cars by a range of specialists.
c/ The engine (perhaps the main part) is as we know a good but complex engine being multi-valve, quad cam with variable valve timing and variable induction etc. With that level of modern complexity is it likely that it will uneconomic to rebuild one of these V6's (even circa 2007 after balance shaft issues etc. were fixed) when they have effectively worn out which invites the question - with regular oil changes, no general neglect/abuse, overheating episodes etc., what could be reasonably expected from them - 250,000, 300,000 or more kms?
Although my question might be akin to 'How long is a piece of string?' I reflect upon a gent I know who bought one of the first Lexus' in 1990 (Quad cam V8 etc) and had to send it to the crusher 30 years and 475,000 kms later because although its body/interior were still in condition '8/10' (Garaged all its life) the engine had simply worn out where the cost of rebuilding it was twice the market value of the car.
I would be most interested in owners comments and of course those from people who work upon M.B's for a living.
I understand that the CLS bodies were galvanised which suggests one may not need to worry about rust to the degree seen in 'lesser' makes and any worn interior trim could always be repaired by a good automotive trimmer. Electronic control modules (eg., windows, seats etc.) could presumably be rebuilt by independent electronic specialists? Suspension bushes (in control arms) and other body/engine mounts could be replaced as with other service 'Wear' items. I therefore look at the 'Hard' parts which make up the driveline viz.,
a/ Differentials. As with most cars they usually outlive the rest of the car even though I've heard that CLS diffs. can be prone to leakage (Keep a check on the oil level!)
b/ Transmission (722.9) whilst known to have some issues could be rebuilt as are many automatics across a wide range of cars by a range of specialists.
c/ The engine (perhaps the main part) is as we know a good but complex engine being multi-valve, quad cam with variable valve timing and variable induction etc. With that level of modern complexity is it likely that it will uneconomic to rebuild one of these V6's (even circa 2007 after balance shaft issues etc. were fixed) when they have effectively worn out which invites the question - with regular oil changes, no general neglect/abuse, overheating episodes etc., what could be reasonably expected from them - 250,000, 300,000 or more kms?
Although my question might be akin to 'How long is a piece of string?' I reflect upon a gent I know who bought one of the first Lexus' in 1990 (Quad cam V8 etc) and had to send it to the crusher 30 years and 475,000 kms later because although its body/interior were still in condition '8/10' (Garaged all its life) the engine had simply worn out where the cost of rebuilding it was twice the market value of the car.
I would be most interested in owners comments and of course those from people who work upon M.B's for a living.
Last edited by Grey350; Oct 5, 2021 at 07:03 AM. Reason: Need to add
