2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is a stylish four-door coupe known for its luxurious features and powerful performance. The CLS550 is equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise the CLS550 for its elegant design, comfortable ride, and strong acceleration. Conversely, common complaints often revolve around the complexity of the electronics, potential for costly repairs, and some concerns about long-term reliability.

Engine

4.7L Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations on the engine, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ depending on the leak and location
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling noises from the turbochargers, and potential for oil consumption related to turbocharger seals.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+ per turbocharger

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough or delayed shifting, particularly during downshifts or when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Software updates, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+ depending on the issue

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (if equipped with Airmatic)
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airmatic air suspension system, if equipped, can experience leaks in the air struts or failure of the air compressor. This can lead to a sagging suspension, ride height issues, and a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut or compressor

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to various reasons, including faulty modules or aftermarket electronics not shutting off properly. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle or a dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain, which may involve replacing a faulty module or addressing wiring issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1000+
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The COMAND infotainment system can experience glitches, freezes, or complete failures. This may involve issues with the screen, navigation, or audio system.
  • Solution: Software updates, module replacement, or screen replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning sensors can trigger various warning lights and affect the vehicle’s performance. Common sensor issues include ABS sensors, oxygen sensors, and parking sensors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof malfunctions, including getting stuck open or closed, noisy operation, or water leaks.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, or addressing any water leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+

Interior

• Seat Control Module Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat control module can fail, resulting in the inability to adjust the seat position or lumbar support.
  • Solution: Replacing the seat control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+

Recalls

• Description/Symptoms:
  • Recall Number: 21V-771
    • Affected Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS, GLC, SL, SLC, A-Class, GT, and V-Class vehicles. An insufficient bond between the glass panel and the vehicle body may allow water to enter, which can damage components and cause a malfunction of the emergency call (eCall) system.
    • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the glass panel, as necessary, free of charge.
• Description/Symptoms:
  • Recall Number: 21V-283
    • Affected Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, E400, 2018-2019 C350e, E450, 2019 CLS450, GLC300, 2017 E43AMG, 2018-2019 C43AMG, E53AMG, GLC43AMG, 2017-2018 C63AMG, E63AMG, 2019 CLS53AMG, GLC63AMG, vehicles. A software error may cause the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to be deactivated when ESP is turned off. Deactivation of the ABS system could extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    • Remedy: Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge.
• Description/Symptoms:
  • Recall Number: 19V-058
    • Affected Vehicles: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, E400, 2018-2019 C350e, E450, 2019 CLS450, GLC300, 2017 E43AMG, 2018-2019 C43AMG, E53AMG, GLC43AMG, 2017-2018 C63AMG, E63AMG, 2019 CLS53AMG, GLC63AMG, vehicles. A software error may cause the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to be deactivated when ESP is turned off. Deactivation of the ABS system could extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    • Remedy: Dealers will update the ESP control unit software, free of charge.

In summary, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS550, while offering luxury and performance, can be prone to certain issues. The most significant potential expenses relate to the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger problems) and the air suspension (if equipped), which can amount to several thousand dollars to repair. Electrical issues and transmission concerns are also present. While not every CLS550 will experience these problems, being aware of them can help prospective buyers make informed decisions and budget accordingly.