2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a luxurious and stylish four-door coupe that offers a blend of performance and comfort. The CLS550 came standard with a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Some owners appreciate the car’s sleek design, powerful engine, and comfortable ride, while others find the maintenance costs high and the rear seat headroom limited due to the sloping roofline.
Engine
5.5L V8 (M273)
- Camshaft Adjuster (Camshaft Position Actuator) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, reduced engine performance, and camshaft position sensor codes. The camshaft adjuster units, responsible for variable valve timing, can fail due to oil contamination or wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster(s). Sometimes the check valves need to be replaced and the oil system needs to be cleaned.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+ per adjuster, depending on the shop and parts used.
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Failure (Tumble Flap Actuator)
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, loss of power, and error codes relating to the intake manifold or tumble flaps. The plastic intake manifold can crack or the tumble flap actuator motor can fail.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold or repair of the tumble flap actuator, depending on the severity.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets and Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil drips, burning oil smell, and visible oil accumulation around the valve covers or oil filter housing.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or oil filter housing gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gaskets: $300 - $800. Oil filter housing gasket: $400 - $1,000.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9)
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in a single gear. The valve body contains solenoids and valves that control the flow of transmission fluid.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve body or, in some cases, individual solenoids. Requires programming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially during acceleration.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, inability to shift, and diagnostic codes relating to the conductor plate.
- Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate, which houses sensors and electronic components within the transmission. Requires programming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, especially after the car has been sitting. Compressor failure, air leaks from the struts, or issues with the valve block.
- Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or valve block, depending on the source of the problem.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Air struts: $800 - $2,000+ per strut. Air compressor: $500 - $1,200+. Valve block: $300 - $800+.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The car won’t start, the key won’t turn, and an “ESL malfunction” message appears on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the ESL unit. This often requires programming by a qualified technician.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as non-functioning lights, wipers, or other accessories. The SAM modules control many of the car’s electrical functions.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty SAM module. Requires programming.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
- Solution: Replacement of the headlight housings or resealing them.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$2000+ depending on if you have AFS headlights, and whether you replace the whole headlight assembly.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Center Console Control Knob Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system’s control knob malfunctions, making it difficult to navigate the menus.
- Solution: Replacement of the control knob assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, track issues, or leaks.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track components, or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, while stylish and powerful, can suffer from a variety of issues. The engine and transmission can present costly repairs, particularly concerning the camshaft adjusters, intake manifold, valve body, and torque converter. Airmatic suspension problems are also a common concern. Electrical issues such as ESL and SAM module failures can add to the ownership costs. The severity of these issues ranges from annoying malfunctions to significant mechanical failures, and repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the chosen repair shop. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision.