2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a stylish and luxurious four-door coupe known for its elegant design, powerful performance, and comfortable ride. The CLS550 comes equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. While owners generally praise its powerful engine and luxurious interior, some common complaints arise regarding electrical components, air suspension, and the engine itself. The CLS550 offers a blend of performance and luxury, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential issues that can arise.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (M278)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations including valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and timing chain cover. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals is typically the solution. The specific repair will depend on the location of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the leak location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature turbocharger failure. Symptoms can include a loss of power, whining noises from the engine, and potentially check engine lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Check Engine Light Due to Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, and crankshaft position sensors, can fail, triggering the check engine light. Symptoms vary depending on the failed sensor, but can include poor fuel economy, rough running, and stalling.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the failed sensor followed by replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-Tronic (722.9)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 7G-Tronic transmission can experience problems with the valve body. Symptoms include harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and erratic shifting behavior.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild. In some cases, flushing the transmission and replacing the conductor plate can resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Airmatic Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can develop leaks in the air struts, compressor failures, or issues with the valve block. Symptoms include the car sitting unevenly, the car failing to raise or lower, a noisy air compressor, and a “Car Too Low” warning on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty air struts, air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500 for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to a variety of reasons, including faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or parasitic draws. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and the need for frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the battery drain followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and display issues.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of various sensors, leading to warning lights or system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctions, including getting stuck, not closing properly, or making excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Lubrication of the tracks, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the electric seat motors, leading to inability to adjust the seats.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation System Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the built-in navigation system which may be due to outdated maps.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 offers a luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of common issues. Issues with the air suspension and electrical system, particularly battery drain and sensor failures, appear frequently. Engine oil leaks and transmission valve body issues can also be costly repairs. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others can be quite expensive. Addressing these issues proactively can help maintain the vehicle’s performance and longevity.