2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is a luxurious and stylish four-door coupe known for its elegant design and comfortable ride. The CLS500 is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2016 CLS lineup include the CLS400 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and the high-performance CLS63 AMG with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. All models typically come with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the CLS500 for its smooth power delivery, luxurious interior, and distinctive styling, while some criticisms include its relatively cramped rear seating compared to a traditional sedan, and potentially high maintenance costs associated with a luxury vehicle.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various points, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals is the typical repair. The specific repair depends on the source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the leak’s location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The twin-turbochargers can experience issues such as bearing failure, leading to reduced performance, whining noises, or even complete failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger(s) is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Rough Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing rough or jerky shifting, especially between certain gears, or delays when shifting from park to drive or reverse.
  • Solution: A transmission flush and software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (flush and software) - $4,000+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can manifest as shuddering during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds, or a complete loss of power transfer.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement is usually the required fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system is prone to issues such as air leaks in the struts, compressor failure, or issues with the valve block. Symptoms include the car sitting unevenly, a sagging suspension, or the compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty strut(s), compressor, or valve block is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per strut, $500 - $1,500+ for the compressor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, leading to a dead battery, especially if the car is left unused for an extended period.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the parasitic drain is crucial. This may involve testing various circuits to pinpoint the faulty component. Possible causes include a faulty module, improperly closing trunk, or a malfunctioning infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the COMAND infotainment system can include screen freezing, system crashes, Bluetooth connectivity problems, or navigation errors.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve minor glitches. In more severe cases, replacement of the COMAND unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housings, leading to condensation. This can affect visibility and potentially damage the headlight components.
  • Solution: Resealing the headlight housings can help prevent moisture intrusion. In severe cases, headlight replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can sometimes malfunction, leading to difficulty opening or closing the sunroof, or unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks may resolve minor issues. In more severe cases, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, while a luxurious and desirable vehicle, can be prone to certain issues. Problems with the air suspension, engine oil leaks, and transmission roughness are the most common and potentially costly. Electrical issues, particularly battery drain and infotainment system malfunctions, can also occur. It’s recommended to obtain a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles to identify potential problems before buying. The cost to fix these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for more significant component replacements.