2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 is a stylish four-door coupe known for its sleek design and luxurious features. The CLS400 features a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise its comfortable ride, elegant interior, and strong performance, while others criticize its limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline, and potentially high maintenance costs. Other engine options include the CLS550 with a 4.7L twin-turbo V8 and the AMG CLS63 S with a 5.5L twin-turbo V8. Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (M276)

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold, burning oil smell, visible oil residue around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, long cranking times, rough idling, loss of power, fuel smell.
  • Solution: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found Transmission

7G-TRONIC PLUS (722.9)

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable vibration or shudder during light acceleration, particularly at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush with the correct fluid specified for the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission, or replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Flush: $300 - $500, Torque Converter Replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or hesitant gear changes, especially between specific gears. The transmission might feel jerky or unresponsive.
  • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition, perform a transmission adaptation reset, or replace the conductor plate/valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid Check/Top-off: $100, Conductor Plate/Valve Body Replacement: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found Suspension
• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped with AIRMATIC)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, suspension not leveling properly, “Visit Workshop” message on the dashboard related to the air suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks (if equipped with AIRMATIC)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hissing sound from the suspension, vehicle sitting low, rough ride, warning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Front SAM (Signal Acquisition Module)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in various electrical systems, including lighting, wipers, horn, and other accessories. Can also cause battery drain.
  • Solution: Replace the front SAM module. Requires programming to the vehicle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues (Infotainment)
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software update, COMAND unit replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software Update: $200-$400, COMAND Unit Replacement: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains overnight or within a few days of sitting.
  • Solution: Diagnose parasitic drain, repair short circuit or replace faulty module causing the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$2000+, depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling correctly, error messages related to the adaptive headlight system.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty headlight components (motors, sensors).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per headlight, depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, tracks, or associated components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 can suffer from a range of issues, some of which can be quite costly to repair. Engine oil leaks and high-pressure fuel pump failures are potential concerns. Issues with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission, such as torque converter shudder and rough shifting, may also arise. Suspension problems, particularly with the AIRMATIC system, can be expensive to address. Electrical issues, like those related to the front SAM and COMAND system, are also reported. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to significant repair bills, potentially affecting the overall ownership experience.