2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a luxury four-door coupe that blends style and performance. In addition to the CLS550’s 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 (402 horsepower, 443 lb-ft of torque), which we’ll focus on, the CLS lineup also included the CLS63 AMG with a more powerful engine. People generally liked the CLS550 for its elegant design, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. Dislikes often centered on its relatively high cost of ownership and potentially expensive repairs.
Engine
4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (M278)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations on the engine, most commonly from the valve cover gaskets, timing cover gaskets, or oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals is the typical solution. The oil filter housing may need replacement if it’s cracked or warped.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The turbochargers can experience issues such as bearing failure, wastegate malfunctions, or boost leaks. Symptoms include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty turbocharger. Checking and repairing any related vacuum lines or boost hoses is also necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ per turbocharger.
- Direct Injection Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can lead to reduced performance, rough idling, and misfires.
- Solution: Cleaning the intake valves using walnut blasting or a similar method is the common solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7G-Tronic (722.9) 7-Speed Automatic
- Valve Body Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The 7G-Tronic transmission can experience problems with the valve body, which controls the flow of hydraulic fluid. Symptoms include harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and slipping.
- Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body is the typical solution. In some cases, a software update may also help.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+
- Torque Converter Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to shuddering, stalling, or a complete loss of power transfer.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter is the necessary repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
- Conductor Plate Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The conductor plate inside the transmission houses the sensors and electronics that control its operation. Failure can lead to erratic shifting, being stuck in a gear, or complete transmission failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the conductor plate.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1800+ Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Airmatic Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system can develop leaks in the air struts or failure of the air compressor. Symptoms include the car sitting low on one side, a rough ride, and a warning light on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts or the faulty air compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut, $800 - $1500+ for the compressor.
- Control Arm Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn control arm bushings can cause clunking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the worn bushings or the entire control arm.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per control arm.
Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, which can lead to the car not starting. This can be caused by a faulty module or an electrical short.
- Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the battery drain. This may involve replacing a faulty module or repairing wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the cause.
- SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: SAM modules control various electrical functions in the car. Failure can lead to problems with lights, wipers, windows, and other accessories.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty SAM module and reprogramming it.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- COMAND System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure.
- Solution: Software updates, component repair, or replacement of the COMAND unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the issue.
Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, leading to difficulty opening or closing the sunroof.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or other components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Heater Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters may stop working due to a faulty heating element or control module.
- Solution: Replacing the heating element or control module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per seat.
Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, while a stylish and powerful car, can be prone to several issues. The most common issues revolve around the engine and transmission. Oil leaks, turbocharger problems, valve body issues, and air suspension malfunctions are major concerns that can lead to costly repairs. While some electrical issues are less severe, they can still be annoying and require attention. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into the cost of ownership. The severity and cost of repairs can vary greatly, so thorough inspection and maintenance are essential.