2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a high-performance luxury sedan powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The CLS550 is praised for its sleek design, comfortable interior, and powerful engine, but it has also been criticized for its high price and lack of rear-seat space.

Engine

• 5.5-liter V8
  • Intake Manifold Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intake manifold can crack, leading to a loss of engine power and fuel efficiency.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors can fail, causing misfires, rough idling, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Timing chain tensioner can fail, leading to a loss of engine power, strange noises, and eventually catastrophic engine failure.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Engine Oil Cooler Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine oil cooler can fail, leading to a loss of engine oil pressure and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the engine oil cooler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls:
    • NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V450000 - Fuel Tank Sending Unit Leak

Transmission

• Seven-speed Automatic
  • Transmission Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission valve body can fail, leading to erratic shifting, loss of gears, and transmission overheating.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Transmission Control Module Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission control module can fail, leading to shifting problems, transmission failure, and various warning lights on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the transmission control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter can fail, leading to transmission slippage, shuddering, and loss of power.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air suspension can fail, leading to uneven ride height, loss of vehicle stability, and a rough ride.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

Electrical

• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery can discharge prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Alternator can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power and a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Recalls:
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E025000 - Airbag Sensor Malfunction

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights can develop condensation inside the lens, affecting visibility.
  • Solution: Replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles can break off, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Sunroof Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof can leak, causing water damage to the interior.
  • Solution: Reseat the sunroof and replace weatherstripping as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Interior

• Climate Control Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system can fail, leading to issues with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control module or specific components of the system as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seat Belt Buckle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt buckles can fail, preventing the seat belts from engaging.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt buckles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Recalls:
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V446000 - Seat Belt Pretensioner Failure

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 has some potential reliability issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and suspension components. These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from $500 to over $3,000. However, it’s important to note that not all CLS550s will experience these problems, and many owners report high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles.