2014 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is a high-performance coupe that blends luxury with immense power. It’s equipped with a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic transmission. While owners rave about the incredible acceleration, luxurious interior, and distinctive styling, some common complaints revolve around the high cost of maintenance, complex electronics that can be prone to failure, and the air suspension system’s reliability. The CL63 AMG is also available, with a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop from the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the car, the smell of burning oil, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the source and complexity).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light are common symptoms of failing ignition coils. Specific cylinders may be identified by diagnostic codes.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coils. It’s often recommended to replace all coils at once for preventative maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+ (depending on how many coils are replaced).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling noises, and excessive oil consumption can indicate turbocharger problems. These issues can range from minor leaks to complete turbocharger failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the severity and whether one or both turbos need replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic Plus 7-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission may slip between gears, shift harshly, or delay engagement. These issues can stem from low fluid levels, worn valve body components, or internal damage.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter replacement, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) to $6,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during light acceleration, can be a symptom of a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The car may sag on one or more corners, the ride height may be incorrect, or the Airmatic warning light may illuminate. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts, a failing air compressor, or a faulty valve block.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ (depending on which component fails and if it’s one or multiple).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery may drain quickly, especially if the car sits for extended periods. This can be caused by parasitic draws from various electrical components or a failing battery control module.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic draw, replacing the battery control module, or replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights may illuminate, and the car may exhibit unusual behavior, such as erratic shifting or reduced power. This can be caused by software glitches or hardware failures within the ECU.
  • Solution: Reprogramming or replacing the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights may not function properly, such as failing to adjust to curves in the road or displaying error messages.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty headlight components or control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND system (infotainment) can experience various issues, such as freezing, crashing, or displaying error messages. These issues can sometimes be resolved with software updates, but in other cases, hardware replacement may be necessary.
  • Solution: Software update or hardware replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) to $2,000+ (hardware replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is a powerful and luxurious coupe, but ownership can come with significant maintenance costs. Common issues revolve around the complex engine, transmission, air suspension, and electronics. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle. The severity of issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the associated costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.