Thinking about getting a CLS..couple of ?'s

[Coldfusion]

Hi everyone. So I've loved the looks of the CLS since it came out and am really considering getting one. I've never had a german car before...only japanese lux cars so i was wondering how the reliablity is. Have you guys had any issues with the car and if so, what exactly? Also, what options do you think are a must? For sure i need navigation because of my job but other than that...what do you suggest? I guess gas mileage isnt so much an issue, but what do you guys average normally? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks alot

[Coldfusion]

Anyone? I guess this forum isnt very active at all

[Leejack]

Originally Posted by Coldfusion

Hi everyone. So I've loved the looks of the CLS since it came out and am really considering getting one. I've never had a german car before...only japanese lux cars so i was wondering how the reliablity is. Have you guys had any issues with the car and if so, what exactly? Also, what options do you think are a must? For sure i need navigation because of my job but other than that...what do you suggest? I guess mileage isnt so much an issue, but what do you guys average normally? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks alot

Coldfusion I can give you my thoughts and opinions on some of your question as I have owned both Japanese and German cars. Keep in mind these are my opinions and may differ from others on this board.

As for the reliability, this is my first Mercedes and I only have about 5K miles on it. I average less than 1K a month on the odometer. So far I've had a few minor issues like Ipod intergration....other than that, the fit and finish is excellent. Others with more time in the saddle may be better able to give you a review of reliability. That said, I would say that I have owned several BMW's and have never had even a minor issue with quality. But then again, I never had a issue with the Japanese cars I've owned either!

I turned in a Infiniti M45 when I leased my CLS and can say that the Japanese luxury cars are light years ahead of MB in the areas of electronics. Things like voice activated Navigation, phone, Ipod/HD/DVD intergration and adaptive cruise control are state of the art. If you are accustom to these "toys" you will be in for a bit of a disappointment as MB has a ways to go to compete although the specs on the 09 CLS seem to be a major upgrade in this area and sounds promising!

As for performance and handling the CLS would be the winner! Its just a solid car that is very predictable and has plenty get up and go. Things like a "big-ass" motor, air adjustable suspension and stability control seem to be far superior. In my opinion the Japanese makes are just "cushy" while the CLS (as many German models) is more fun to drive and has a better connection with the road.

Exterior styling has to go to MB as well. Especially when comparing the CLS to the M of Infiniti or the GS/LS from Lexus. Although the MB lacks the interior comfort of both.

The must haves for me were basically the P2 option package...bi-xeon headlights for improved visibility (and cool looks), Navigation (although it is lacking) and bluetooth. The other options such as the AMG package is nice but were not must haves for me.

Overall I give the car a Hope this helps

[Coldfusion]

Thanks for the reply. It actually helps alot. Right now i have an Infiniti G35 coupe. I was thinking about upgrading to an M but i love coupe looks and the only car that looks like a coupe but has 4 doors is the CLS. How is the navigation on the CLS? Is it touch screen? I have an 05 G and it drives me crazy to have to use that little joystick. Good thing all infiniti's have touchscreen now. Ive never had one big issue with this car or my previous lexus and acura cars. Alot of people tell me german cars have alot of reliability problems, but most of my friends with them say they havent really had problems. Thats why i wanted to ask on here

[straightnochaser]

Originally Posted by Coldfusion

Thanks for the reply. It actually helps alot. Right now i have an Infiniti G35 coupe. I was thinking about upgrading to an M but i love coupe looks and the only car that looks like a coupe but has 4 doors is the CLS. How is the navigation on the CLS? Is it touch screen? I have an 05 G and it drives me crazy to have to use that little joystick. Good thing all infiniti's have touchscreen now. Ive never had one big issue with this car or my previous lexus and acura cars. Alot of people tell me german cars have alot of reliability problems, but most of my friends with them say they havent really had problems. Thats why i wanted to ask on here

german cars, in my opinion, are reliable enough--the key word "enough". there certainly are some japanese brands that have better track records (i.e. Lexus/Honda). if you do some research, you'll quickly find out the early CLS received poor reliability ratings from JDPower (the same goes for the most other MB models from several years back). i think things were really bad with mercedes benz from the early to mid part of the past decade, due to their conscious decision to cut corners thinking their cars were build too well (they were indeed built like tanks in the old days from many sources). now mercedes says (and their dealers testify) that they pay more attention to quality controls. we'll just have to see if that really is the case. still, the CLS is one of the sexiest cars (and maybe "the" sexiest sedan) on the planet now, and that's why I own one.