CLS320 cdi Buying advise, known issues, tips etc

[hawk20]

Normally having a gap between the main bearings and the crank is a bad thing, and something that can only result in faliure.

Well there are loads of IL6's with a ticking noise that was never really cured that have done mega miles. And by now many V6's as well.

 

[MisterAdam]

All I've picked up from this thread is that if you buy a CLS, then it will break into your house at night and have sex with your family.

It seems a lot of negativity over an isolated amount of errors.

I feel bad for the OP.

 

[bpsorrel]

I think the real point here is that the issues are with the V6 cdi engine, not specifically the CLS.

From what I understand, there seem to be less issues generally with the CLS than some other MBs. So, it really comes down to engine choice and how lucky you feel if you tick the diesel box..

And, one more thing, I believe that the issues I have with mine are down to abuse by the previous owner(s). I'm hoping these things can be put right under warranty and then the inherent good design of the CLS will win out in the end.

 

[bpsorrel]

Ooops! Posted in the wrong place!

 

[st4]

Ooops! Posted in the wrong place!

A car like a CLS should be built to withstand abuse. It's a high performance car really.

 

[bpsorrel]

See my new thread for the other side of CLS life..

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/124716-something-positive.html

 

[nick mercedes]

Well there are loads of IL6's with a ticking noise that was never really cured that have done mega miles. And by now many V6's as well.

In most cases surely worn main bearings will lead to bits of the engine that ususally live inside it to start a new life on the outside?

The swarf generated can't be much help for the rest of the moving parts either.

I appreciate that MB claim that £40k cars with knocking engines are in no way a problem....

 

[LudoCLS]

spec?

too much to read, so dont know if you finally check this car physically or not...
the spec is too hight that its hard to believe...
The sat-nav unit with SD card slot is used only in facelift 08.
6CD changer is in unit not underneath!!!
If cls has a chiped front lights its definetely NOT 32k miles car...
I saw few b4 I bought my and allmost buy cls with 29k on the clock without service history for good price, Im sure it was 129k not 29k now, ended up with imaculate cls with 49k miles with 6mths warranty for only 500 quit extra.

 

[IATM]

hi ludo,

ill be honest i get a realy bad vibe about the cls, apparently merc owned it then 2nd owner had it for 3 years and done 19k miles ? I JUST find it so hard to believe.. then the third owner has had it two years serviced it at a crap garage like "in and out", check out their website, their most expensive service is 130 pounds, ok im not basing price on quality but who the hell takes a cls to a place like this atleast go to a half decent specialist. and apparently this person has done 10k in two years ok maybe that i beleive but even tho its a gorgeous car high spec, i really dont want to be the 4th owner in 30k miles, something very wrong there. they confirmed and apologized about the hdd sat nav etc and sd card, they said that was wrong

i am looking at an a8 now, not the most inspiring car to look at but from what i have read 2006, it seems to be a boomproof car and dam i love the interior and gadgets.

 

[st4]

You've probably saved yourself a lot of hassle.

 

[LudoCLS]

...

its no perfect car on the market mate, buy A8 if you like but no PD engine!!!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

hi ludo,

ill be honest i get a realy bad vibe about the cls, apparently merc owned it then 2nd owner had it for 3 years and done 19k miles ? I JUST find it so hard to believe.. then the third owner has had it two years serviced it at a crap garage like "in and out", check out their website, their most expensive service is 130 pounds, ok im not basing price on quality but who the hell takes a cls to a place like this atleast go to a half decent specialist. and apparently this person has done 10k in two years ok maybe that i beleive but even tho its a gorgeous car high spec, i really dont want to be the 4th owner in 30k miles, something very wrong there. they confirmed and apologized about the hdd sat nav etc and sd card, they said that was wrong

i am looking at an a8 now, not the most inspiring car to look at but from what i have read 2006, it seems to be a boomproof car and dam i love the interior and gadgets.

Trying to second guess why a car has had 2 owners + Mercedes is an impossible task whether you are buying a Mercedes or an Audi.

If you continue to whittle about the little things with regards car buying you'll end up with nothing but a headache and no car.

Ignore the rain clouds on here and have a look at the CLS, if it's not for you, it's not for you. But make a decision!

 

[bpsorrel]

take a look through these owner's reviews. Some had chosen the CLS over the A8.... interesting stuff.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLS Coupe 2005 Owner Review - Car Reviews - Auto Trader

For what it's worth, buy a decent CLS and you'll have one amazing, eye catching, wonderful car that should be a trusty and enjoyable friend for as long as you want it!

(see, two days of glorious driving and shop window posing has brought back the love..... lovely car, honest!)

 

[C240Sport97]

hi ludo,

ill be honest i get a realy bad vibe about the cls, apparently merc owned it then 2nd owner had it for 3 years and done 19k miles ? I JUST find it so hard to believe.. then the third owner has had it two years serviced it at a crap garage like "in and out", check out their website, their most expensive service is 130 pounds, ok im not basing price on quality but who the hell takes a cls to a place like this atleast go to a half decent specialist. and apparently this person has done 10k in two years ok maybe that i beleive but even tho its a gorgeous car high spec, i really dont want to be the 4th owner in 30k miles, something very wrong there. they confirmed and apologized about the hdd sat nav etc and sd card, they said that was wrong

i am looking at an a8 now, not the most inspiring car to look at but from what i have read 2006, it seems to be a boomproof car and dam i love the interior and gadgets.

1 CLS does not mean that all CLSs are the same ..

If you want an A8, then get it. But if you want a CLS, there are others for sale.

 

[IATM]

yeah you are right it doesnt mean all CLS's are the same and I diddnt imply this either. It is still my dream to own that shape of CLS one day however I need a car soon and I dont have time to wait 2 3 or even 5 months to find the right one going up and down the country.

I also wanted one that had to have the AMG pack which is rare in itself which is why I beat myself up so much weather to left this one go but I have.

I plan in a years time or so just to get a cls500 seems like the boomproof version of a cls as far as i can tell. correct me if I am wrong...

 

[st4]

yeah you are right it doesnt mean all CLS's are the same and I diddnt imply this either. It is still my dream to own that shape of CLS one day however I need a car soon and I dont have time to wait 2 3 or even 5 months to find the right one going up and down the country.

I also wanted one that had to have the AMG pack which is rare in itself which is why I beat myself up so much weather to left this one go but I have.

I plan in a years time or so just to get a cls500 seems like the boomproof version of a cls as far as i can tell. correct me if I am wrong...

Why search private sales. The dealer network will have a decent car in stock.

 

[C240Sport97]

I also wanted one that had to have the AMG pack which is rare in itself which is why I beat myself up so much weather to left this one go but I have.

I plan in a years time or so just to get a cls500 seems like the boomproof version of a cls as far as i can tell. correct me if I am wrong...

sounds like you need a CLS55 .. has AMG pack and is bombproof

 

[bpsorrel]

If I could afford the insurance, fuel and road tax, I would, in a heartbeat!

 

[MisterAdam]

1 CLS does not mean that all CLSs are the same ..

Quoted for truth points.

You tend to hear more about bad experiences than you do about good ones. Why? Because people like to moan.

I'm sure Richard Branson said something similar once, obviously he put it much better than I did.