W219 CLS500 / CLS550
Discussion
Hi All,
Just currently looking at buying a CLS500/550. Always said to myself when they first came out that they would make the best looking family car, and want to move on from current Subaru to something a bit more special seeing as I dont have the time for some of my toys with the arrival of the second child. I started looking at the usual normal family cars, and then realized that my dream family car is now a realistic possibility.
So, what can anyone who has owned them advise me about? From the research I have done so far, the main two issues that seem to pop up are the Airmatic suspension, and the SBC braking system. Apparently the SBS was dumped after the first two years and the 07+ models no longer have it, is that correct? Is it worthwhile on that basis ruling out the 05/06 models, or was it not as big a deal as I have been led to believe?
Are there any tell tale signs in regards to the airmatic suspension? Would a good Merc mechanic doing a pre purchase inspection be able to tell if this is close to giving issues? I will be getting a used car mechanical warranty to cover issues like this, but still would rather not have to need it.
In regards to the 500 versus the 550, ignoring the power differences, was one of these motors better overall in terms of reliability, or are they both solid motors that with the usual maintenance, should give me loads of trouble free motoring? I would consider the diesel engine, but here in NZ they are very hard to come by, there are a couple for sale, but very high kms. In regards to kms, how are these holding up once the miles start racking up? I know the reputation on some mercs wasn't all that flash in the early 2000's, but did they have it sorted on these models being top of the line cars?
Would love to hear any thoughts on the above and anything else to consider before doing a deal on one these.
Thanks
Just currently looking at buying a CLS500/550. Always said to myself when they first came out that they would make the best looking family car, and want to move on from current Subaru to something a bit more special seeing as I dont have the time for some of my toys with the arrival of the second child. I started looking at the usual normal family cars, and then realized that my dream family car is now a realistic possibility.
So, what can anyone who has owned them advise me about? From the research I have done so far, the main two issues that seem to pop up are the Airmatic suspension, and the SBC braking system. Apparently the SBS was dumped after the first two years and the 07+ models no longer have it, is that correct? Is it worthwhile on that basis ruling out the 05/06 models, or was it not as big a deal as I have been led to believe?
Are there any tell tale signs in regards to the airmatic suspension? Would a good Merc mechanic doing a pre purchase inspection be able to tell if this is close to giving issues? I will be getting a used car mechanical warranty to cover issues like this, but still would rather not have to need it.
In regards to the 500 versus the 550, ignoring the power differences, was one of these motors better overall in terms of reliability, or are they both solid motors that with the usual maintenance, should give me loads of trouble free motoring? I would consider the diesel engine, but here in NZ they are very hard to come by, there are a couple for sale, but very high kms. In regards to kms, how are these holding up once the miles start racking up? I know the reputation on some mercs wasn't all that flash in the early 2000's, but did they have it sorted on these models being top of the line cars?
Would love to hear any thoughts on the above and anything else to consider before doing a deal on one these.
Thanks
Hi, I got a CLS 500 5.5 in November.
Things to watch out for, the SBC can be a pain, just look for a later one or one with an invoice saying its been sorted.
With the later engine, watch out for the cam chain issue, they had a faulty batch which stretch and generate check engine errors, quite an expensive job.
the 5.5 is a lot rarer but worth seeking out, another 82 bhp means it is noticeably more urgent, not that the 5.0 is slow, it sort of splits the difference between the 5.0 and the CLS 55, I am amazed how mine will pile on speed, effortless and rapid.
Mine has airmatic, it has been fine, it settles a bit after a few days but always pumps back up and no errors and the pump doesnt run all the time, worst comes to the worst they dont look too bad to fix, pump is £200, aftermarket spring units are £450 a corner, there is a valve block as well, but I doubt any will need all of it replacing, I have a fund to one side for this.
mine was leaking oil and smelt of burnt oil, long story short, £14 for two blanking plugs and sorted.
The later ones have rectangular exhausts, different entertainment that is much better (if still 8 years old though, but still works fine) different mirrors and a two bar grille
Buyers market, most are at daft prices, i.e. ten grand or more but haggle, a few have been around since I was looking.
Cons, its big and awkward to park, it only does 20 mpg, and thats about it, all in all a lovely car, the airmatic is worth having, transforms the car from floaty barge to almost sporty.
Dont be too scare of miles, mine had 110,000 on it and was like new, the engine is smooth, quiet and uses no oil at all, I replaced the tyres with Pirellis all round for £424, brake stuff is cheap, needs 9 litres of oil for an oil change though.
Mine is missing the HK stereo, Xenons and memory seats which I would have liked, so check what options it has, the standard lamps really need an upgraded dipped bulb as mine were shocking after Xenons, now with Nigthbreakers they are ok.
Cant believe I only paid seven grand for it, a 2008.
Want to try a CLS 55 but not sure I would want to go older and get the SBC.
Things to watch out for, the SBC can be a pain, just look for a later one or one with an invoice saying its been sorted.
With the later engine, watch out for the cam chain issue, they had a faulty batch which stretch and generate check engine errors, quite an expensive job.
the 5.5 is a lot rarer but worth seeking out, another 82 bhp means it is noticeably more urgent, not that the 5.0 is slow, it sort of splits the difference between the 5.0 and the CLS 55, I am amazed how mine will pile on speed, effortless and rapid.
Mine has airmatic, it has been fine, it settles a bit after a few days but always pumps back up and no errors and the pump doesnt run all the time, worst comes to the worst they dont look too bad to fix, pump is £200, aftermarket spring units are £450 a corner, there is a valve block as well, but I doubt any will need all of it replacing, I have a fund to one side for this.
mine was leaking oil and smelt of burnt oil, long story short, £14 for two blanking plugs and sorted.
The later ones have rectangular exhausts, different entertainment that is much better (if still 8 years old though, but still works fine) different mirrors and a two bar grille
Buyers market, most are at daft prices, i.e. ten grand or more but haggle, a few have been around since I was looking.
Cons, its big and awkward to park, it only does 20 mpg, and thats about it, all in all a lovely car, the airmatic is worth having, transforms the car from floaty barge to almost sporty.
Dont be too scare of miles, mine had 110,000 on it and was like new, the engine is smooth, quiet and uses no oil at all, I replaced the tyres with Pirellis all round for £424, brake stuff is cheap, needs 9 litres of oil for an oil change though.
Mine is missing the HK stereo, Xenons and memory seats which I would have liked, so check what options it has, the standard lamps really need an upgraded dipped bulb as mine were shocking after Xenons, now with Nigthbreakers they are ok.
Cant believe I only paid seven grand for it, a 2008.
Want to try a CLS 55 but not sure I would want to go older and get the SBC.
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