2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S is a performance-oriented luxury coupe featuring a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Other CLS models had different engine options such as a 3.5-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and a detuned version of the 5.5-liter V8. All CLS63 AMG S models were equipped with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the CLS63 AMG S for its stunning design, powerful engine, and luxurious interior. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and occasional issues with the air suspension.

Engine

5.5L Twin-Turbo V8 (M157)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often occur around the valve cover gaskets and the oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets and/or oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers can fail due to oil starvation or excessive wear. Symptoms include reduced power, whistling or grinding noises from the engine bay, and turbo lag.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (for both turbos)
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clogged or leaking fuel injectors can cause rough idling, misfires, and decreased fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, leading to hard starting, stalling, and poor engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+

Transmission

7-Speed AMG Speedshift MCT (722.9)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported rough shifting, particularly between gears, and hesitation during acceleration. This is often linked to valve body issues.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush and filter change. If the issue persists, the valve body may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 (fluid change) - $3,000+ (valve body replacement)
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing shuddering or slipping during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to leaks in the air struts, compressor failure, and issues with the valve block. Symptoms include the car sitting low on one or more corners, a warning message on the dashboard, and a noisy air compressor.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or valve block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut; $800 - $2,000+ for the compressor; $500 - $1,000+ for the valve block.

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and screen failures.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. If the problem persists, the COMAND unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 (software update) - $2,000+ (unit replacement)
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for the parking assist system, blind-spot monitoring, and tire pressure monitoring, can fail, triggering warning lights and disabling the related features.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules or electrical components not shutting down properly.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The LED headlights can experience flickering, dimming, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty headlight unit or ballast.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per headlight

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to get stuck, make excessive noise, or leak.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat motors that control the position of the seats can fail, preventing the seats from adjusting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per motor

Recalls:

• 2015070006 (NHTSA ID: 15V458000) - In a front end collision, the front passenger side impact sensor signal could be lost.

Summary:

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S, while a powerful and luxurious vehicle, can be prone to several issues. The most common problems relate to the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger failures), the transmission (rough shifting), the air suspension (leaks and failures), and electrical components. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, especially those involving the engine, transmission, and suspension. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs when considering purchasing this vehicle.