There isn’t one single “disaster year” for the Mercedes-Benz CLS 500, but there are certain model years and engine versions you should be extra careful with.
The key point is this: the engine type and maintenance history matter more than the badge year alone.
In simple terms:
- Earlier CLS 500s with the M113 5.0L V8 are generally seen as the most robust and “safe” bets.
- Later CLS 500 / CLS 550 with the M273 5.5L V8 can have some expensive known issues, especially in the early production years of that engine.
Generations and Engines (Plain English)
When people say “CLS 500,” they are usually talking about the first-generation CLS, internal code C219.
First-Generation CLS (C219)
- Sold roughly from the mid-2000s up to around 2010 (varies by country).
- Launched as CLS 500 with a M113 5.0L V8.
- Later updated to a M273 5.5L V8, sometimes rebadged as CLS 550 in certain markets.
The car’s styling and basic structure stay similar, but the engine changes inside, and that is where many of the “avoid this one” comments come from.
The Riskiest Window: Early M273 5.5 V8 Cars
The version most often talked about as problematic is the one with the M273 5.5L V8, especially in the early years of that engine. In many markets this lines up with around the 2006–2007 model years.
Across multiple Mercedes models that used the early M273, owners and mechanics have reported:
- Timing and balance issues in certain engine number ranges.
- Intake manifold problems and faults with variable intake runners.
- Check-engine lights that sometimes lead to very expensive engine work if not handled early.
Because of that, many Mercedes enthusiasts and specialists will quietly say something like: “If you can, be very cautious with 2006–2007 CLS 500 / CLS 550 cars running the early M273.”
That doesn’t mean every single car from those years is bad. Some have been:
- Well maintained.
- Repaired with updated parts.
- Driven gently and cared for.
But if you are trying to avoid headache-prone combinations, early M273 cars sit in the “high-risk” zone.
Safer Bets: Early M113 5.0 V8 Cars
The M113 5.0L V8 used in the earlier CLS 500 is widely known as a very solid, long-lived engine when serviced correctly.
Typical characteristics:
- Older, simpler V8 design compared with the M273.
- No widespread, infamous design flaws like some newer engines have.
- Usual age-related issues (oil leaks, gaskets, sensors), but generally tough at the core.
So if you are asking, “Which years are safer?” many people lean toward:
- Earlier CLS 500s with the M113 engine, especially with strong service history.
The exact years vary by country, so the best approach is to check which engine a specific car has, rather than just going by the model year on paper.
Other Expensive Problem Areas on Any CLS 500
Regardless of year, the CLS 500 is an older luxury car with complex systems. Some parts are well known for high repair bills if they fail.
1. Airmatic (Air Suspension)
Many CLS cars have air suspension (Airmatic), which:
- Rides beautifully when it works.
- Can develop leaks in the air struts or lines with age.
- May need a new compressor or valve block at higher mileage.
These repairs can easily cost thousands, regardless of year. So while you might want to “avoid” certain years, you should also be ready for any older CLS to have Airmatic expenses if it still has the original parts.
2. Electronics and Comfort Features
Older luxury cars are filled with:
- COMAND navigation and audio systems.
- Seat controls, memory modules, and door modules.
- Parking sensors, window regulators, and other powered features.
As the car ages, some of these parts fail. This is not tied to one specific year; it’s more about age, mileage, and care.
3. Transmission and Drivetrain
Most CLS 500s use the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. It’s generally strong, but:
- A transmission that has never had a proper fluid and filter service can behave badly at high miles.
- Ignoring leaks or rough shifting can shorten its life.
Again, not a “year to avoid,” but any year with poor transmission maintenance is risky.
Year vs Condition: What Matters More
It’s natural to focus on model year, but with a car like the CLS 500 the bigger questions are:
- Which engine does this exact car have?
- How has it been maintained?
- What work has already been done?
A simple way to think about it:
- A 2006 CLS 500 / CLS 550 with the M273 V8 and no records, no recent work, and visible problems is something many people would avoid completely.
- A 2006–2007 car with proof of major engine work, updated parts, and careful servicing can still be a good car, but you must read the paperwork closely.
- A slightly older CLS 500 with the M113 engine and full service history can be a very nice buy, even if the year looks “older” on paper.
How to Shop Smart for a CLS 500
1. Check the Engine Type
Ask the seller or dealer:
- Which engine is in this car (M113 5.0 or M273 5.5)?
- Can they show documentation or a spec sheet confirming it?
Knowing this will immediately tell you whether you’re looking at a “tough old” M113 or a later M273 that needs more homework.
2. Look at Service History, Not Just Mileage
- Full, documented service history beats low miles with no records.
- Look for evidence of:
- Regular oil changes.
- Transmission servicing.
- Suspension and Airmatic repairs if the car is high mileage.
- Any major engine work (especially on M273 cars).
3. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
Before buying any CLS 500, especially one from the mid-2000s:
- Take it to an independent Mercedes specialist.
- Ask them to scan for engine and transmission codes.
- Have them check:
- Engine noise, oil leaks, and timing chain area.
- Airmatic struts, compressor, and lines.
- Rust on the underside and around arches.
- Electronics, including COMAND, windows, and seats.
Their report is often the difference between a good buy and a very expensive mistake.
Simple Answer: What Year CLS 500 to Avoid?
If you want a short, honest summary:
- Be especially cautious with mid-2000s CLS 500 / CLS 550 models using the early M273 5.5 V8 (roughly around 2006–2007, depending on your market).
- Try to avoid any year that has poor or missing maintenance history, warning lights, or obvious Airmatic problems.
- Favour:
- Earlier CLS 500s with the M113 5.0 V8, or
- Later cars where you can clearly see that major known issues have already been repaired.
Leave A Reply