2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a sleek and luxurious four-door coupe, known for its elegant design and powerful performance. The CLS550 comes equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Some owners appreciate its comfortable ride and sophisticated interior, while others dislike the limited rear headroom and the higher maintenance costs associated with luxury vehicles.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks from Turbocharger Oil Lines
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may develop from the turbocharger oil supply and return lines. This can cause a burning oil smell and, if left unattended, can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected oil lines with updated parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The camshaft adjuster solenoids can fail, leading to rough idling, reduced engine power, and potential check engine light illumination.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter lock-up clutch can experience premature wear or failure, leading to shuddering or vibrations at low speeds and reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Valve Body Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission valve body can develop internal leaks or malfunctions, causing harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor may fail, resulting in a sagging suspension, uneven ride height, and potentially an “Airmatic Visit Workshop” warning.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• Air Strut Leaks (Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The air struts can develop leaks, causing the vehicle to lose ride height overnight or have a bouncy ride.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+ per strut

Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• COMAND System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to faulty modules or parasitic draws, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source)
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as parking sensors or blind spot monitoring sensors, can fail, causing warning lights and malfunctioning systems.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues (Sticking, Noisy Operation)
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may stick, make excessive noise during operation, or fail to open or close completely.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks and mechanism, or replacing the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+

Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may fail to heat or overheat, causing discomfort or potential safety concerns.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Dashboard Display Issues (Pixelation, Dimming)
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster display may experience pixelation, dimming, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, while luxurious and stylish, has some common issues owners report. The engine can suffer from oil leaks, and the transmission can have issues with the torque converter and valve body. The Airmatic suspension is also a common source of problems. Electrically, the COMAND system and various sensors can malfunction. These issues can range in severity and cost, with suspension and transmission repairs potentially being quite expensive. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended for prospective buyers.