2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS350

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 is a luxury coupe known for its sleek design and comfortable ride. It offers a balance of performance and elegance, making it a popular choice for discerning drivers. However, some owners have reported specific issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The CLS350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2013 CLS class include the CLS550 which houses a 4.6-liter biturbo V8 engine and the AMG CLS63 which houses a 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine. The CLS350 is praised for its stylish exterior, luxurious interior, and smooth driving experience, but some criticisms include the high cost of maintenance and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

3.5L V6 Engine

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may run rough, exhibit poor fuel economy, or display a check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing. Can cause engine hesitation, stalling, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking valve cover gaskets or oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve cover gasket: $200 - $600. Oil filter housing: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (7-Speed Automatic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during acceleration. Can also cause rough shifting or a delay in engagement.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears. May also result in the transmission going into “limp mode”.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may sit low on one or more corners, ride harshly, or display a warning light on the dashboard indicating an issue with the air suspension system. The compressor might run continuously or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the airmatic suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may sit low on one or more corners, ride harshly, or display a warning light on the dashboard indicating an issue with the air suspension system. Hissing sound from the affected strut.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, which could be a faulty module, sensor, or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, key not recognized, steering wheel not unlocking.
  • Solution: Replace the EIS module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panorama Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may become stuck, make excessive noise during operation, or leak water into the cabin.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism. This may include tracks, cables, and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, reboots unexpectedly, display malfunctions, or navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater fails to warm up, only warms up in certain spots, or overheats.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$800+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS350, while a luxurious and stylish vehicle, can be prone to several issues. The most concerning problems revolve around the transmission and suspension (especially if equipped with Airmatic), which can lead to significant repair costs. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and EIS failure, can also be frustrating. While not all CLS350s will experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of them and factor in the possibility of expensive repairs when considering this vehicle. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly.