Hi guys. I'm a former owner of a 2000 Mercedes S430. I currently own a Lexus ES350. I went to Lexus because of the reliability. I prefer the looks of Mercedes sedans. I'm considering getting a second car. If I go back to Mercedes, I'm trying to decide between two vehicles. The E350 cabriolet, 2013 or 2014 model and the Mercedes CLS400, any year. Its obvious that 1 car is a convertible, being the major difference. Looks wise, I love the look of the CLS more. The convertible look and open air of the cabriolet is making me give the E350 cabriolet a hard look though.

First, here is what I'm trying to avoid. I had these problems with my S430 and it scared me away from Mercedes: Air suspension, fiberoptic audio, oil leaks, bad radiator and just poor reliability overall. I like the engine choices in both cars but I've always been afraid of turbo charged engines (CLS400). Back seat space is not a issue with me because this would be a second car. What are the pros and cons of purchasing either car? I will post this in both the CLS forum and the E350 forum to get feedback. Thanks.

Only you can decide if you want a convertible. As a Cab. owner, I vote for that.

I have had both cars (close anyway = E400 cab and CLS 63s). I have also had about 15 other mercs - turbos / N/As, 12 / 8 / 6 cyl. I realize everyone's experience is different and hearing anecdotal stories about reliability is pretty close to useless, but FWIW, none of those cars save the CL600 (12 cyl bi turbo) have ever been mechanically problematic for me. On the contrary, they have been solid. And the CL 600 was not terrible - it just ended up needing engine mounts and coils - which were expensive.

The CLS was perfect from the day I got it 'till the day I traded it in, and the E400 cab has been great. It is amazing with the top down even in very cold weather. With the windows up and the neck scarf running, I can comfortably drive with the top down in 0 degree C weather. For the CLS, mine was 4-matic and had ton of power, so it was a beast - but a controlled one. An absolute blast to drive, but pretty luxurious also. I also loved the look of that series (2014 CLS).

I know this is not helpful, other perhaps to be somewhat reassuring that I suspect either choice will serve you well. I do believe it really comes down to whether you want a convertible.

Have fun -

I have a 2013 E550 cab. I haven't really had any problems and now have 75k miles. It has been wonderful and the twin turbos have been trouble free. Turbos are now old technology and pretty much sorted out. I have the 350 engine in my R class and it also has been reliable. Mercedes do seem to require more routine service and those costs can be high compared to other cars.