2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is a luxurious and stylish four-door coupe that blends the elegance of a sedan with the sleek lines of a coupe. The CLS500 is equipped with a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include the CLS550 with a more powerful V8 and the CLS63 AMG with a hand-built V8. Transmission options are primarily a 7-speed automatic. Owners often praise the CLS500 for its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and powerful engine, while common complaints include the high cost of maintenance and repairs, potential electrical issues, and complex systems.

Engine

5.5L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The camshaft adjuster solenoids, also known as variable valve timing (VVT) solenoids, can fail, leading to rough idling, poor performance, and check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration felt in the cabin, especially during idle or acceleration. Noises coming from the engine compartment.
  • Solution: Replace the failed engine mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ depending on the shop and if one or both are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Transmission Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly. Check engine light may be illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the transmission valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Stalling or difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic suspension is prone to failure, leading to sagging suspension, uneven ride height, a harsh ride, or the inability to adjust the suspension settings. The car may also display warning messages.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty air struts, air compressor, or air distribution valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3000+ per strut, $500 - $1500+ for the compressor, $300 - $800+ for the valve block
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn control arm bushings or entire control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, failure to start the engine, or the key not being recognized.
  • Solution: Replacing the EIS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The SAM modules control various electrical functions, and their failure can cause a range of issues, including lighting problems, malfunctioning wipers, and power window issues.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use for extended periods. This can be caused by a faulty component that is drawing power even when the car is turned off.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing a faulty module or component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, leading to reduced visibility and potential damage to the headlight components.
  • Solution: Replacing or resealing the headlight housings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ per headlight, depending on if it’s sealed or replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may not open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or other components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Command System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system, which controls the navigation, audio, and other functions, can experience glitches, freeze-ups, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the solution
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 offers a luxurious experience but is prone to several issues, primarily related to its complex systems. Suspension and electrical problems tend to be more common and expensive to fix, with potential Airmatic suspension repairs being particularly costly. Engine and transmission issues, while less frequent, can still be significant expenses. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. Overall, the car presents high ownership costs.