Frino

Looking at pre-owned luxo-cruisers for business, etc. Drove a 07 MB CLS550 and liked it way better than the A8 and Lexus 460. Looking for any feedback from fellow 997 drivers on the MB "4 door coupe", especially in regard to how they hold up, maintenance issues, etc. TIA

cole328

Drove my buddies '07 CSL 63 the other day VERY sweet I am also considering this car his car 56K miles on it, and no issues most mercedes are bullet proof

GHills

mercedes were bulletproof until about 00-05 (?) when they went completely overboard on electronics; comand, brake by wire, etc etc. I had a buddy with an E550 of that vintage - worst car he ever had for glitches bugs gremlins etc. Supposedly better now. Still not like 80s/90s merc's for reliability IMO

boolala

Mercedes makes beautiful, fine driving automobiles but the absolutely last thing they are is reliable. Although the engines and transmissions are solid it's the electronics and suspension that are the achilles heel of these cars.

djcxxx

My DD is an 83 380SL so I visit the MB boards that have some 107 activity, and surf the other models. I have to agree w/ the posts above, based on what I've read MB has had some horrendous electronics related problems, to the "lemonable" extent. I would do a little research, maybe these gremlins have been fixed in the newer models.

daddyscar

Our GL has been at the dealer for a week to repair the same electronic issue for the third time. Our Land Rovers had fewer issues! There really is no other 7 seater that I want though.

abe

Well as an owner or previous owner of 68 280sl, 84 380sl, 91 300SEL, 97 E420, and 02 ML500... the quality is not what it use to be. The 91 SEL was the last of the greats, imho. Service at the dealership has also gone down the tubes compared to years ago. The fitting inside is cheaper with larger gaps compared to the older cars. When I was ready to purchase a new car I finally abandoned MB and bought a 997. If I were to buy a family car, however, I would either buy a BMW or MB...they are still confortable cars. Just buy a good extended warranty!!!
abe, good luck

Orangebubblegum

A friend of mine has a CLS, although I havent driven it, he's had few problems with it. His brothers 2004 7 series has had plenty of problems though, mostly electronics, plenty of false errors. The CLS is a bit of a chick car though, just my opinion. Other than the non-existent leg room, the interior is great. EDIT: Im 6'3, hence the leg room issue.

StanThePorscheFan

My friend had a new ENGINE under warranty at 50K miles installed in his 06 CLS55. I had 07 CLK550 for a few years without any problems. Except for one: the vehicle chassis could not keep up with the drivetrain. Scarry car to corner hard. Even on dry pavement, it had no traction, mainly because all 391 lbft of torque is available from like 2800rpm. Usless power. Traded it for the Porsche.

Alan Smithee

It does seem that MB quality took a dip during that time. Thankfully I had a 1999 C43 AMG, and now have a 2006 E320 CDI, neither with any problems.

SY-997

My wife's 99 ML320 had various mechanical problems from new (2d year of model) and her 01 E320 Wagon currently suffers from periodic minor electrical gremlins. I'm keeping it for now only because it has the 3d row for kids, she uses it like a pickup to haul construction materials and its depreciated. Oh and she loves it. But I will read the reviews closely before going back to MB.

cole328

I forgot to add that my wife's DD is a 2008 E350 I believe it is essentially the same chassis as on the CLS. ZERO problems at 22K miles...not so much as a hiccup. So, I believe the '08's and on are solid cars, and I actually like driving it. Its quite relaxing, as compared to the Porsche, where I exit it as a crazed man from my commute....just can't drive this thing slowly!!

Frino

It's because of a positive ownership experience with my daughter's 07 C280 4Matic that I am leaning toward getting another MB. Thanks to all for your responses...

boolala

The previous CEO, Shremp, IMO, was responsibile for not only the disasterous buyout of Chrysler but also the nosedive in Mercedes reliability. He really tried to take the brand mainstream and to maximize profits at the expense of quality. I'm looking for a new AWD sedan now and am not sure I trust MB enough to invest another 100K in them.

abe

When I bought my 97 E420 the dash lights were burning out...they were all made in CHINA. They did replace them and after 12 years they are still working. I had the transmission replaced at 30k miles and the catalytic converters were replaced because the inside stuff came apart making a rattling noice.
Bad luck or poor quality...I don't know. I just know my wife's 91 300 SEL never had any problems even after 200k miles...sorry I sold it.
abe