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Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz CLS500

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Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Repair and Maintenance

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Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Model Years

Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Questions and Answers

Mr. Johnson, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Humble, TX

I'm currently in the process of purchasing some 20 inch rims 20 x 8.5 front - rear 20 x 10 (front tire 245/30/20) (Rear tire 285/25/20) and wanted to know by placing these wheel on this car will i...

Mr. Johnson, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Humble, TX

When start my car it has this burning smell, but once drove for a wheel the smell goes away. I asked the guy at the dealship what was the smell and he stated that when cleaning the motor they spray...

kriscarterjones, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Memphis, TN

I have 36k miles for my 2006 MB CLS 500. I have exceeded my service by 4400 miles. I have to make an unexpected trip totalling 700 miles. Is this a good idea or should I rent a car?

battery, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Woodstock, IL

where is the battery located?

sage 5150, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Baltimore, MD

I was wondering where the fuel filter is on the CLS500? I believe it’s in the fuel assembly and I was also wondering how to access it, thought the trunk or back seat? Any help would be appreciated.

bogie1767, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, Marrero, LA

Where is the air filter located and how do you change it?

Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Problems

Brakes
  • Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
  • Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine
  • Oil leaks from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
  • The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
  • Oil leaks from the oil level sensor are common.
  • The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.
Suspension & Steering
  • Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the front thrust link bushings cracking and causing excessive movement in the suspension. The thrust link bushings are fluid-filled (to help reduce vibration), so if they crack, they will leak oil.
  • Due to sticking relays, airmatic pump motors can fail, which causes the pump motor to constantly run. Because of the battery drain this causes, the pump will eventually fail or the battery will go dead when the car is shut off. Worn airmatic pump mount bushings can causes noises in the front axle while driving on bumpy roads or a buzzing noise.
  • Rear air springs (bellows) may develop leaks, which causes the air pump to run more often to maintain ride height.
Drive Train A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
Electrical & Lights
  • Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
  • The early versions of the central gateway module (which allows different systems to communicate with each other) have software problems. 
  • Lack of audio or cell phone functionality may be related to the failure of the audio gateway module.
  • Many software updates are available for the different computer systems, but if the vehicle is out of warranty, it may cost money to receive the updates (unless it is a recall). Some updates may be dealer-only, but a well-equipped independent shop can usually provide updates as well.

Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Recalls (Recent)

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign Number: 05V133000
Dates Manufactured: 06/2001 to 03/2005
Number of Vehicles Affected: 204,000
Model Years Affected: 2006
Date Owner Notified: 08/2005

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL (SBC) SYSTEM MAY PREMATURELY SHIFT TO THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP FUNCTION MODE, DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION, OR DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP.

Consequence Summary: IN THE HYDRAULIC BACK-UP MODE, THE DRIVER HAS BRAKING POWER SUFFICIENT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH GREATER BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WILL BE NOTICEABLY LONGER.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET AND REPLACEMENT GROUND WIRE TO THE SBC PUMP UNIT ON ALL VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. ADDITIONALLY DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SBC PUMP UNIT IN SL VEHICLES PRODUCED DURING A LIMITED PRODUCTION PERIOD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2005070007 AND 2005110001. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service A
$184 - $266
Maintenance Service B
$351 - $658