2007 Mercedes Benz Cls 350 Review

2007 Mercedes Benz Cls 350 Review

All had rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Air suspension was an option and standard equipment included part-leather trim, electrically powered front seats, climate control, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors.

The next big CLS milestone came with the 2008 facelift and its twin- louvre grille in place of the previous four-louvre version, LED tail-lights, a new three-spoke steering wheel and the latest infotainment system. At the same time, the 268bhp 350 petrol morphed into the cleaner and more economical 288bhp 350 CGI.

The following year the CLS320 CDI became the 350 CDI, but there were no changes to its power or economy. That said, a limited-run Grand Edition version featured a power upgrade to 272bhp, AMG alloys and active lighting.

Not surprisingly, CLS55s and 63s are rare birds. They're also expensive and cost a bomb to run. Instead, browse among the diesels and CLS350 petrols. There are loads for sale. As you'll read opposite, the early petrols need careful buying but remain good if your mileage is low, while the diesels are among the classiest workhorses you can buy.

How to get one in your garage:

An expert's view, Mike McCarthy, Star Motor Service:

"The CLS is very popular. It looks great and is really comfortable. The main issues are balancer shafts on early petrols, the gearbox speed sensor on petrols and diesels, and the diesel engines' inlet port shut-off motors. These live under the turbo, so if there are other problems with the turbo it's sensible to replace the shut-off motor regardless.

I wouldn't buy an early petrol without checking it had the uprated balancer shafts. I'd go for a 320 CDI. I have an E-Class with the same engine. It's done 220,000 miles and is smooth and trouble-free."

Buyer beware:

ENGINE - On early CLS350s, check the engine number for balancer shaft problems (see 'Also worth knowing') and check for an oil weep from the rubber bung on the back of the rocker cover (cheap to fix). On diesels check the operation of the inlet port shut-off motors that control the manifold swirl flaps (a six- hour job to replace) and check for oil leaks from the engine oil cooler seal.

GEARBOX - The speed sensor can play up on the seven-speed auto used by petrols and diesels, causing the 'box to hold on to gears. If this occurs, the engine management light should come on. There's a repair kit for later 'boxes but older ones may need a new valve body.

SUSPENSION - Put the car on a ramp and check the rear springs, which can break. On cars fitted with optional air suspension, check the condition of the air pump and the system for corrosion.

ELECTRICS - Check the wiring for the rear lights where it passes close to the boot hinge. It can get pinched and wear through.

INTERIOR - Generally tough although the driver's side seat bolster takes a hammering.

BODYWORK - Check for parking scrapes and kerbed  wheels. A sign of good servicing is that the rainwater drain holes are clear; blockages can let water into the cabin and disrupt the electrics and ECUs.

Also worth knowing:

At mercedesmedic.com you can find out if the M272 engine of the CLS350 you're thinking of buying has a dodgy balancer shaft. There's an explanation of the problem (soft gear teeth prone to wear), a copy of the technical service bulletin and advice on how to check the shaft's condition. Engine numbers higher than 30 468993 are okay.

How much to spend:

£2750-£4995 - Early (2005-06) 350s and 320 CDIs, generally around 120,000 miles.

£7000-£8495 - Facelifted 09-plate 320s and 350s with 80k miles, plus the first 350 CDIs around 100k. A few early CLS500s.

2007 Mercedes Benz Cls 350 Review

Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-mercedes-benz-cls