2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS500
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is a luxury coupe that blends the sleek styling of a coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan. The CLS500 is equipped with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the car’s distinctive design, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include high maintenance costs and the complexity of the electronic systems. Other engine options available in the CLS-Class lineup include a smaller V6 and more powerful AMG variants.
Engine
5.5L Naturally Aspirated V8 (M273)
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifolds, causing a burning smell. Visible oil residue around the valve covers.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid (Cam Magnets) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, poor performance. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to camshaft timing.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic - 722.9)
- Torque Converter Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, especially at low speeds. Rough or delayed shifting.
- Solution: Torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting. Transmission slipping. Failure to shift gears.
- Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height. Airmatic malfunction warning light. Noises from the air suspension compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,000+ for the compressor.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Battery frequently dead, especially after short periods of inactivity.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty door control modules, seat control modules, or other electronic components that fail to shut down properly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
- Recalls: None Found
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Problems with the navigation, audio, or display functions. System freezing or restarting.
- Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight lens.
- Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly or resealing the headlight lens.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per headlight.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly. Noises during operation.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or cables.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 can present owners with a range of issues, mostly related to its complex electrical and suspension systems. Engine and transmission problems, while less frequent, can be costly to repair. The most severe issues are typically related to the Airmatic suspension and transmission, with repair costs potentially exceeding $2,000 per incident. Electrical problems, especially parasitic battery drains, can be difficult to diagnose and repair, leading to potentially high costs as well. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for high maintenance costs and the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections.