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2003 Mercedes-Benz CL500

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL500 is a luxurious grand tourer coupe, known for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and elegant styling. The CL500 came equipped with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the CL-Class included a V12 engine. The CL500’s transmission options included a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the CL500 for its comfortable interior, advanced technology for its time (like Active Body Control suspension), and powerful engine. Complaints often center around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, particularly with the complex hydraulic suspension system and electrical components.

Engine

5.0L V8

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Visible oil drips under the car, oil consumption, and burning oil smell are common symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the location and complexity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light are common symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, hesitation during acceleration, rough idle, and a check engine light are common.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty MAF sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, hesitation, shuddering, and a check engine light are common.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and transmission slipping are common symptoms.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Active Body Control (ABC) System Leaks and Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: The Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system is prone to leaks in the hydraulic lines, struts, and pump. Symptoms include sagging suspension, uneven ride height, warning lights on the dash, and hydraulic fluid leaks.
    • Solution: Replace leaking hoses, struts, or pump. System flush recommended after repairs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+, depending on the component needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • ABC Accumulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh ride, jerky suspension movements, and ABC malfunction warning.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty accumulators.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can be due to a faulty component not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ for diagnostics, plus the cost of the faulty component.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Pixels fading or disappearing on the instrument cluster display, gauges malfunctioning, or the entire cluster failing.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks failing to lock or unlock, requiring manual operation.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. Water leaks may also occur if the sunroof seal is damaged or the drain tubes are clogged.
    • Solution: Inspect and clean the sunroof tracks and drain tubes. Replace damaged seals or faulty sunroof motor if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+, depending on the problem.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The power seats failing to adjust properly, or not moving at all, due to a faulty motor.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per seat
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Command System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system, controlling navigation, audio, and other functions, can experience failures. Symptoms include a blank screen, unresponsive buttons, or system crashes.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL500 presents a mix of luxury and potential maintenance concerns. The most significant issues revolve around the Active Body Control suspension and electrical systems, leading to potentially high repair costs. Engine and transmission issues are also prevalent. While the CL500 offers a comfortable and powerful driving experience, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive repairs, especially concerning the ABC system and electrical components. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified mechanic are strongly recommended.

Mercedes-Benz, CL500
Mercedes-Benz CL500 2003
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