2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe known for its sleek design and comfortable ride. The CLS350 features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing around 306 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2012 CLS-Class include the CLS550 with a 4.7-liter V8 and the high-performance CLS63 AMG with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. All engines are typically paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s elegant styling, refined interior, and smooth driving experience. Some common dislikes include the limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline and the potentially high maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Camshaft Adjusters Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Reduced engine performance and potential stalling. Check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjusters.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, or other leaking seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, especially during low-speed acceleration or when the transmission is shifting between gears.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping gears, or failure to shift properly.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, ride height problems, warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the air struts, air compressor, or other components of the Airmatic system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, compressor $500-1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially if it sits for an extended period.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the parasitic drain, which could be caused by a faulty module or accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, including issues with the engine, transmission, or other systems.
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram the faulty ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lighting Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning headlights (especially Xenon headlights), taillights, or interior lights.
  • Solution: Replace bulbs, ballasts, or wiring harnesses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may not open or close properly, or it may make excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Command System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the infotainment system, including navigation, audio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The screen might freeze or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Malfunction (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, seat warmer getting too hot
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 can present owners with a range of potential issues, with engine and transmission problems being the most significant in terms of cost and inconvenience. The Airmatic suspension (if equipped) and electrical system can also contribute to higher maintenance costs. While some issues are relatively minor, others, such as camshaft adjuster failure or torque converter problems, can be quite expensive to repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their ownership costs. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Mercedes-Benz mechanic is highly recommended.