2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is a stylish four-door coupe that blends luxury with sporty driving dynamics. The CLS500 boasts a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the CLS400 with a 3.0L V6 and the high-performance CLS63 AMG with a 5.5L or 5.5L V8. All engine options were paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the CLS500 for its elegant design, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. Some common criticisms include the limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline, the complexity of the infotainment system, and the potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifolds, burning smell, visible oil stains under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, check engine light.
  • Solution: Inspection and possible replacement of the turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds; harsh or delayed shifts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, error messages on the dashboard, compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air struts and/or compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per corner. Compressor replacement $800 - $1500+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, rebooting, display issues, failure to connect to Bluetooth, navigation problems.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining quickly, especially when the car is not in use for extended periods.
  • Solution: Identifying and fixing the parasitic drain, which could involve tracing faulty wiring or replacing a module that is not shutting down properly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises when operating, water leaks.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Malfunctioning Seat Heaters/Coolers
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters or coolers not working, or working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating/cooling element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, while offering a luxurious driving experience, is prone to several common issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger problems can be costly, while transmission and air suspension failures are also concerns. Electrical issues, especially with the COMAND system, can be frustrating. While the severity of these issues varies, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive repairs.