Merc CLS - 05/06
Discussion
Looking at a CLS from around 05/06 era, one of the petrol models.
What things specific to the CLS do I need to look out for?
As well as the 350, I am also considering the 500 (man maths got involved lol
) and my only real concern (from what I've read so far) is the AirMatic suspension. If I find one that's current OK (doesn't sag etc.?) then is there any preventative measures that I can do?
If the airmatic does fail (what does actually happen?), can I replace with standard springs/dampers? Or is it best to just fix as it is?
Thanks in advance.
What things specific to the CLS do I need to look out for?
As well as the 350, I am also considering the 500 (man maths got involved lol
) and my only real concern (from what I've read so far) is the AirMatic suspension. If I find one that's current OK (doesn't sag etc.?) then is there any preventative measures that I can do?If the airmatic does fail (what does actually happen?), can I replace with standard springs/dampers? Or is it best to just fix as it is?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, try MBclub.co.uk, you'll get a greater response on there.
Good choice of car, there are minor gremlins to consider, airmatic being one of them. You can replace the airmatic parts but there are also afetrmarket alternative parts so you can keep airmatic without the "inflated" costs involved.
If you are thinking a 350 but leaning towards a 500, then why not go the whole hog and get a '55? I did.
Jules.
Good choice of car, there are minor gremlins to consider, airmatic being one of them. You can replace the airmatic parts but there are also afetrmarket alternative parts so you can keep airmatic without the "inflated" costs involved.
If you are thinking a 350 but leaning towards a 500, then why not go the whole hog and get a '55? I did.
Jules.
Whilst it was addressing the 320CDI model, this thread might be of assistance.
Since my post in that thread, I have had some further bills, but all bar one of these have been routine maintenance - the other side's front suspension ball joint had to be changed (I understand this is a known weakness of the CLS and the E-Class upon which it was based) but other than that it has been track rod ends, brake discs/pads and rubber. My car is booked in for its E service next week, estimate is £500-ish.
Hope that helps!
[k]
Since my post in that thread, I have had some further bills, but all bar one of these have been routine maintenance - the other side's front suspension ball joint had to be changed (I understand this is a known weakness of the CLS and the E-Class upon which it was based) but other than that it has been track rod ends, brake discs/pads and rubber. My car is booked in for its E service next week, estimate is £500-ish.
Hope that helps!
[k]
Mercedes monthly magazine current edition (act fast it's been around a bit) has a CLS buyers' guide.
It gives a positive review but then it is a Mercedes magazine so that is somewhat to be expected.
If you are going to be doing high mileage, diesel is the way forward. Otherwise, go petrol. I'm in a 63 AMG which is expensive to run (20 mpg) but the 500 (especially) (25 mpg) and 350 (29 mpg) are very well-priced. The former will likely have a much better specification than most 320s (37 mpg) having cost £15k more when new.
It gives a positive review but then it is a Mercedes magazine so that is somewhat to be expected.
If you are going to be doing high mileage, diesel is the way forward. Otherwise, go petrol. I'm in a 63 AMG which is expensive to run (20 mpg) but the 500 (especially) (25 mpg) and 350 (29 mpg) are very well-priced. The former will likely have a much better specification than most 320s (37 mpg) having cost £15k more when new.
Thanks.
I don't really do the mileage to justify the diesel (and potential costs down the line) so am currently torn between the simpler 350 ( no airmatic) and the V8 lovelyness of the 500. 23/25 mpg would be fine if I really get that (commute is 16 miles split between dual carriageway and single lane A/B roads so little if any town driving).
Is there any preventative maintenance to avoid airmatic problems? (I hear it's susp corrosion causing it?) I'm reasonably mechanically minded/proficient so happy to get hand dirty.
I don't really do the mileage to justify the diesel (and potential costs down the line) so am currently torn between the simpler 350 ( no airmatic) and the V8 lovelyness of the 500. 23/25 mpg would be fine if I really get that (commute is 16 miles split between dual carriageway and single lane A/B roads so little if any town driving).
Is there any preventative maintenance to avoid airmatic problems? (I hear it's susp corrosion causing it?) I'm reasonably mechanically minded/proficient so happy to get hand dirty.
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