2012 Mercedes-Benz CL550

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is a luxurious grand touring coupe, appreciated for its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and elegant design. It typically features a blend of performance and comfort, offering a smooth driving experience. Some common dislikes include its high maintenance costs and potential for expensive repairs. The CL550 comes with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, oil consumption, and the smell of burning oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty gaskets or components causing the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can experience issues such as boost leaks, failure of the wastegate, or internal damage leading to reduced performance, unusual noises, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the faulty turbocharger or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per turbocharger.
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, leading to hard starting, rough idling, reduced power, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the HPFP.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic 7-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body can experience wear and tear, leading to rough shifting, delayed engagement, and potential slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may fail, causing shuddering, vibration, and poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to leaks, compressor failure, and strut issues, resulting in a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, and a harsh ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, air compressor, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $800 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to a faulty module, parasitic draw, or a failing battery. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, a dead battery, and warning lights.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the drain, replacing the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+, depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, screen failures, and navigation problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, module replacement, or screen repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights can fail to adjust properly, resulting in poor visibility and error messages.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or related modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can experience motor failure, track misalignment, and water leaks.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, realigning the tracks, or sealing leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL550, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is prone to several issues that can be expensive to repair. The air suspension, turbochargers, and electrical systems are particularly problematic. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in higher maintenance costs.