2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG S

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG S is a performance-oriented coupe that blends luxury with sporty driving dynamics. The sole engine option is the M256 3.0L inline-6 turbocharged engine paired with an electric auxiliary compressor and EQ Boost mild hybrid system, which produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission is the AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic. Owners often praise the CLS53 for its stylish design, powerful engine, comfortable ride, and advanced technology. Common complaints include the complicated infotainment system, limited rear headroom due to the sloping roofline, and the high price point.

Engine

M256 3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged Engine with EQ Boost

• Faulty Auxiliary Water Pump
  • Description/Symptoms: The auxiliary water pump, responsible for cooling the turbocharger after the engine is shut off, can fail prematurely. This can lead to overheating of the turbocharger components and eventually turbocharger failure. Symptoms include a “check engine” light, reduced engine power, and the smell of burning coolant after the engine is shut off. A hissing or gurgling noise may also be heard from the engine bay after shutdown.
  • Solution: Replacement of the auxiliary water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks developing from the valve cover gasket due to heat and age. The owner will notice the smell of burning oil, smoke from the engine bay, and visible oil leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EQ Boost System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The EQ Boost system, which provides electric assistance to the engine, can experience malfunctions. This can result in reduced engine power, jerky acceleration, and error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the EQ Boost components, which could include the electric motor, battery, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

AMG Speedshift TCT 9-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Jerky Gear Changes
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers or when the transmission is cold. This can manifest as jerky gear changes or a noticeable “clunk” when shifting.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) software update can resolve the issue. In more severe cases, transmission repairs or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $8,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: The optional air suspension can experience issues such as air leaks, compressor failure, or malfunctioning sensors. Symptoms include a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, or error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the affected air suspension components, such as the air struts, compressor, or sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system can experience freezing, crashing, or other software glitches. This can affect navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In more severe cases, replacement of the infotainment system may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (Infotainment System Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: The parking sensors or blind spot monitoring system can malfunction, leading to false alarms or a complete failure of the system.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the affected sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery can experience excessive drain, particularly if the car is left parked for extended periods. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the cause of the battery drain, which could be a faulty module or an electrical short. Replacement of the battery may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the sunroof/moonroof mechanism, such as getting stuck, failing to open or close properly, or excessive wind noise.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the sunroof/moonroof motor, rails, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS53 AMG S, while generally reliable, can experience issues ranging from minor electrical glitches to more significant mechanical problems. Engine and transmission issues, while not widespread, can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and sensors, are also common. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs, particularly with the air suspension and complex hybrid system. Overall, while most issues are not catastrophic, they can add up and impact the ownership experience.