2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400
Overview
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400, a luxury four-door coupe, generally offers a strong reliability record, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality engineering. It is powered by a robust twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any complex luxury vehicle, certain components can occasionally present issues. This analysis focuses on documented, non-wear-and-tear related problems that may arise, providing insights into potential repair areas and associated costs to help prospective and current owners.
Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (M276)
Turbocharger Actuator Malfunction
- Symptoms: Reduced engine power, check engine light illumination, potential whistling noise from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger actuator or the entire turbocharger assembly.
- Cost: $800 - $1500
Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
- Symptoms: Visible oil on the engine exterior, burning oil smell, potential for oil to drip onto exhaust components.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Cost: $400 - $700
Transmission
7-Speed Automatic (7G-TRONIC PLUS)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Suspension
AirMatic Air Suspension
Air Strut Leaks
- Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, uneven ride height, suspension warning light.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
- Cost: $700 - $1200 per strut
Air Compressor Failure
- Symptoms: Inability of the suspension to maintain ride height, constant running of the compressor, suspension warning light.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Cost: $600 - $1000
Standard Suspension
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System (COMAND)
Screen Freezing or Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Infotainment screen becomes unresponsive to touch or freezes intermittently.
- Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
- Cost: $500 - $1500
Battery Drain
Parasitic Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, requiring jump starts or replacement.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of faulty modules or components causing excessive current draw.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Exterior
LED Lighting
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Panoramic Sunroof
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Climate Control System
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Seat Adjustments
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 demonstrates good overall reliability, particularly concerning its powertrain. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission are generally robust. Potential areas for concern, though not universally reported, include issues with the AirMatic suspension components (struts and compressor) if equipped, and occasional electrical glitches with the COMAND infotainment system or parasitic battery drain. Turbocharger actuator issues and oil leaks from valve cover gaskets are also documented but appear to be less common. For owners, proactive maintenance and addressing early signs of these potential problems can help ensure continued dependable performance and minimize unexpected repair expenses.