Thee Most Reliable German Muscle Car (18 Month Comprehensive Review of the 2014 CLS 550 W218 C218)

This video may have been a little lengthy, however, after 18 months with the car I felt I was in a position, not only to give a general review, but also to split hairs, which I often do in the video. All my engine performance commentary is based of how I remember it before the RENNtech tune, a tune I've had on my car not for the last 7 months. Alright! Let's get in to the mentions I pointed out in the video.
FRONT SPLITTER by RW CARBON
www.rwcarbon.c...
APPLE CARPLAY or ANDROID AUTO by UNAVI
unavi-usa.com/...
AIR SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT by STRUT MASTERS
www.strutmaste...
RENNtech M278 ECU TUNE
www.renntechme...

[@clevelandaeromotive]

My apologies for the voice recording on the live action shots. The Zoom h4n audio recorder is not the most intuitive audio recorder to learn. I’ve figured out the lack of stereo sound coming from both sides and my audio files are now outputting in a duel sided “Mono-mix” stereo file,

[@bustabusta2479]

😊

[@jean-claudemorin7377]

I own a 2015 CLS 400 since 2017 @14,000 miles. To date 56,000 and not one single issue except for normal maintenance. Excellent review.

[@flybeep1661]

In other words....you're barely driving it and honselty, 56000 is nothing and not enough to brag about "not single issue". Come back and talk after 150.000 then I'd be impressed.

[@kacper.6537]

8k miles a year is not barely driving its basically dailying without many road trips, and daily driving is the biggest hit in terms of reliability for turbocharged cars since they prefer being driven for long periods of time rather than 10-15 minute drives everyday.

[@absolutium]

Do you happen to know if it has the naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter engine.. the 3.0 Turbo or the rare 3.5 Turbo?

[@QuanPham-uq7ml]

I have a 2017 GLE400. Same V6 TT engine with 9 speed transmission. I have put on 181k miles on it and it's still running strong. Other then wear and tear items, it's been very reliable for me.

[@biznesmen9229]

@@flybeep1661 bro cars arent made to make 150k miles xD

[@legendaryx2089]

As someone that likes to think think their smart and did all the possible research for months prior to buying despite EVERYONE I know saying not to, seeing someone with your knowledge having the exact same car as mine makes me feel 100000x better after a few small hiccups after the first month I’ve been having doubts but since then I’ve been taking really good care of her and it’s without a doubt a car I’m keeping forever doing your own work also makes it so much more affordable 👍🏼 great video thanks for sharing!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Knowledge is power! The ability to turn some wrenches for yourself is priceless. Take good care of your new baby.

[@jdez095]

I jusy purchased a 2014 CLS550 That was owned by the Foreman of the maintenance shop at the local mercedes dealership. I was absolutely blown away by how well it was kept up, and all of the preventative maintenance that had been completed to prepare it for the next owner. I couldnt pass it up. Your review is definitely making me feel more confident that this model was a good choice. Thank you sir.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

A more well cared for 2014 CLS one could not ask for. Keep up the cream-puff maintenance and the car will reward you. Thanks for watching the video. Now, time for a RENNtech tune. ;)

[@TheT1r1]

Hey man!! Can’t believe I came across this video… we have almost the exact same story and car buying experience with the M278! Your video is amazing, very well spoken, knowledgeable, and passionate about the brand and car. Subbed! In July of 2021 I purchased my 1-owner, creampuff, 2014 E 550 Coupe with only 36,500 miles. It was his weekend car, tucked away in the 3rd car garage. I also had trouble obtaining the service records from the servicing dealer, but after a quick phone call with a neighboring dealership, they were able to tell me that the car was insanely well taken care of. He even paid for tires at the dealership! I have just crossed 50,000 miles! It’s been a treat to own. I did a ton of research on the M278 before buying as well and I knew the 2014+ model was the one for me. While even the revised 14+ is not perfect, it’s definitely a lot better than the 2012. We also have split cooling for the turbos as well as everything else you mentioned. There is still one major flaw with the motor that can cost upwards of $20,000 if not properly addressed. The dreaded oil harness leaks from the camshaft position sensors and magnet solenoids. I knew this when purchasing my E 550. I thought, ‘ah my car has 36k miles, there’s not need to check for oil seepage.’ Boy was I wrong. I finally decided to take a look at the connectors at around 48k (takes 5 mins, I should’ve done it sooner) and they were very oily. I ordered all new parts from FCPeuro and had them replaced and the connectors cleaned with Deoxit-D5. I will check the connectors a few times a year and continue cleaning if necessary. The new part numbers have green o-rings, as opposed to the black rings. I’ve been enjoying my car for the past 2 years and 13,500 miles trouble free (fingers crossed). It is a RWD model, without airmatic, but has the damptronic sport adjusting suspension. I have become bored of the stock power and ready for a little kick without breaking the bank or the engine. So I have purchased an AMR tune. It is not installed yet but I am excited to get it on. I wasn’t looking to break any 0-60 or drag strip records, I just wanted a reliable tune that will keep me and my wallet happy, and I think AMR is the best fit for me. So far under my ownership I have done the following: •Llumar IRX infrared ceramic tint •Weistec Air Filters •UPD air box intake spacers •AXE Euro performance poly transmission mount •IWC Center Clock •Amir Miladi (Facebook) coding suite (AMG Temperature gauge menu, ECO start/stop set to last remembered, Agility drive mode, and a slew of other codings) •CarPlay integrated module (as mentioned in your video) •AutoTecknic Metal paddle shifters (not fake extensions) •Rear diffuser with AMG quad tips •Resonator delete (both) (check my channel for sound) •SuperSprint mufflers (videos soon) •C63 4-piston rear calipers (direct plug and play bolt on, awesome upgrade from the stock single piston rear calipers) •and probably a few more things I’m forgetting I have the same passion as you with this engine and brand. Would love to connect and help you with any mods or info! Keep enjoying that beast and looking forward to your RENNtech tune video!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

See now, THAT’S the kind of commenter every car review video needs. You’ve loaded this comment, not only with testimonial but, lots of great ideas on how to mod a W218. Busy with annual recurrent training on the 747 and will have the RENNtech tune video out in about a month, after training. Subscribed to your channel as well.

[@baktwista]

How’s that ApplePlay module working for you? Did you get the same one mentioned in the video? Did you lose any features? Is it glitchy or slow?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@baktwista I mention in the video that I'm fine with an Aux cable for my MP3's. I never did the Apple Car Play retro fit. But! If you did a video on it should you get it, that would be a hit! :)

[@mytriton54]

Long post but worth reading every letter! Thanks

[@jeanduvivier9657]

One of the best vehicle reviews I have seen to date 👍👍

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Wow! Thanks for the kind review!

[@dop3ch3f]

i really appreciate the detail in this video. it maybe lengthy but every second was worth it. Thank you so much

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks for recognizing this car wasn't just borrowed for a few days and then a review filmed. It's a full 18 month ownership experience video.

[@georgebalan3695]

​@clevelandaeromotive that's exactly what makes this video so much more effective and credible. Huge value. Thank you

[@bill90405]

Bought my 2015 CLS400 a year old with 5k miles. Was driven by CFO of dealer group. 63,000 now and only repair was wiring harness due rodent damage. Now will need front pads and rotors. Very happy.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Great ownership report! Did your disks get hot spots in them at any time?

[@l.b.stringfellow2413]

Great to see you back ! I have the exact same car. 126k trouble free miles. Just regular maintenance. I however do not wait 10k between oil changes. Go about 6-7k. Thanks for the video !!!

[@legendaryx2089]

You’ve had yours for 126k?? How many did it have when you got it mine is at 139

[@yanicemtl]

What??? I was expecting your channel to have at least 250k subs!! The quality is insane, love the way you deliver information, the editing and the pace of the video is perfect, 20min into the video and it feels like 10 min, you are doing an insane job and your videos are cleary on the same level as Doug Demuro's

[@clevelandaeromotive]

LoL! Why thank you. Now if only I could find more time and more content. Hmmmm.

[@TheMakeEmblem]

This car is my current daily driver that I bought at 43K miles. Previously owned a 2007 CLS550 which was sexy and fun but this 2014 matches its looks and feels indestructible after 2 years. Glad to hear someone thinks I dodged a bullet with this purchase. The car's power is addictive and has humbled me on several occasions so that it no longer needs to prove to me what its capable of.

[@carhandler]

Keep going champ, you’re doing great 👍🏻

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks! It's actually much harder than it looks. I didn't think it would be that way, but it is.

[@Q4ZI]

just did my group 1 recurrence checkride, didn't know you were a pilot!!! also looking to get this car in the future. good stuff!

[@rvsmairspace6742]

Great video young man. Also, congrats for actually pronouncing the word "coupe' " correctly.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I thought the die-hards would appreciate that. ;)

[@tigairsobo]

This is great speaking and very intelligent. A+

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thank you! Where do I mail your check?? XD

[@connor3288]

C55 AMG. Naturally aspirated. Coil spring suspension. Durable 5 speed trans. No sbc brakes to my knowledge. Replace coolant orings behind front cover, oil pump pickup oring if it has it, reseal oil filter housing, maybe valvecover gaskets. New harmonic balancer if coming apart. Trans service and diff service. And you are good for hundreds of thousands of miles and have 350hp 5.4 v8, no vvt, no afm.

[@abdelrashiid1009]

You are simply GREAT!!! Very knowledgeable, but at times too technical and very advanced for baby boomers like me. above all, you are very impressive.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks so much! Hope you gained from watching, even it I was too technical at times.

[@abdelrashiid1009]

@@clevelandaeromotive Oh yes, I gained a lot from your presentation. Loved it. Thanks again.

[@andreoliver709]

I have a 2012 CLS550 i love this car it is a best to me.but everyone i know that have one of these cars know that they need to avoid pot holes at all cost even the smallest ones i have replace about four tires due to pot holes

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Better keep this car away from Detroit then. Thanks for the tip!!

[@trentdawg2832]

Yea my factory rims got cracked several times in diffrent spots….i just bit the bullet and went with aftermarket Rohana rims….

[@jeanyz5482]

Great video! Love the narration and fun facts. 👏😁

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks wonderful! I appreciate every view and comment.

[@Dnasty1]

Good video. That's funny about the glare from the dash panel. Have you thought of wrapping them in a carbon fiber or something? I usually do that on the wood trim.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@Dnasty1 wrapping has crossed my mind. Only, if I wrap the dash in carbon, then I’ve got to do a blackout treatment on all the chrome on the outside to have it make sense. Then it’s $$$.

[@Dnasty1]

@@clevelandaeromotive oh yea I normally black out all the exterior chrome window trim. It’s cheaper to do that than the interior I think.

[@Dr.ScooterVanNeuter]

Great video - looking forward to followups :)

[@clevelandaeromotive]

And, they are coming. Thanks!

[@trentdawg2832]

I absolutely love my first gen 2010 CLS550 natually aspirated 5.5ltr rocket ship….with its 7 spd auto it is a blast to drive and is built like a tank…i also have a 2013 cts-v and i feel wayyyy safer driving my cls550 than i do my caddilac….the cls takes a beating and just keeps coming back for more…my cts-v is very low milage and they are becoming more rare day by day with this hood car culture destroying them….so that is why we drive the cls daily and rack the miles on it because the cts-v is going up in value and soon to be a collectors item and we all know mercedes value tanks severely after 5 years unless you own a G-wagen ….you know those boxy suv’s that have looked the same since the 70’s…….

[@PeterBosma-j8k]

Nice video looking forward to your video of the Renntech tune

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Coming soon!

[@modmod392]

Man..!!!! Dream job and a dream car. Keep bossing life bro 😎

[@clevelandaeromotive]

"You can be anything you want to be. Just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be. Be free with your tempo. Be free. Be free. Surrender your ego. Be free. Be free, to yourself." - Freddie Mercury. These words were never about him. He meant them for you. Me. Everyone. Because everyone is capable of reaching a satisfying version of their dreams.

[@freeridegoalie35]

Great video. Considering checking one out this week

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thank you! Glad I could lend some guidance.

[@jayejaye485]

I have a 2016 cls 400 with 49k miles it has been excellent, no problems, what's so ever have aftermarket updated radio. Passengers can watch movies

[@johnblack6340]

Good luck on the new job thanks for the information I also owned a 2014 CLS Mercedes-Benz🇯🇲👍

[@tamimarash5998]

Great video and very informative

[@raspberryarizona]

5:25 jesus that knock sound scared the shit out of me

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Just keep’n people awake. ;)

[@johnblack6340]

So much great information I really appreciate that👍👍👍🇯🇲

[@UD747RED]

Great purchase, congratulations..

[@ThMon]

Owned 2012 Cls 63 amg for last 6 year. Second woner and car only got 65k Only big thing replace was headlamp 6k on the dealer. Really expensive stuff.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Ive wrapped my headlights in WeatherTech headlight wraps in an attempt to avoid any road damage. What happened to your headlight?

[@ThMon]

@@clevelandaeromotive Water condensation damage headlamp control unit. Was looking foggy.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@ThMon Recommended to "wrap those rascals".

[@realbqt]

Nice video and nice car.🙂 These are starting to get very tempting price-wise! Loved the bloopers btw

[@clevelandaeromotive]

As I said, LOVE your channel. I rely on your opinions.

[@princesethadu-krah9374]

Aww congratulations 👏🎉.

[@JimVincitore]

Great video! Very cool! LOVE IT! FUN TO WATCH!

[@dicenutz]

Very Thorough!

[@carlybenedictdathus7380]

Your video is perfect sir

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@carlybenedictdathus7380 I donno about “perfect”, but I’ll take the compliment. Thank you.

[@carlybenedictdathus7380]

@@clevelandaeromotive yes that’s a compliment you were worried too much about if you did good or not. It’s perfect there’s no sarcasm!

[@charlesthompson462]

Awesome channel and reviews, but Aston Martin, not Austin Martin. Thanks. I'll show myself out.

[@jmjsharwarko]

Awesome video 📷 awesome review!! #benz #carreview #video #review #amg #Mercedescls #youtube

[@olivergarcia6952]

Bro don’t forget the E550 2014 v8 biturbo , during all life , if you care it is a really good engine

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Agreed. If you like a more conservatively styled and mild-mannered car, the W212 (E) is a great option.

[@zavierberolo9080]

Great video

[@mickandrews6989]

Not sure ive ever heard of a Austin Martin Thing is it wasn't a typo he actually said Austin unless of course its computer generated I have the CLS350 which ive had for 6 years and i still love.

[@Thomasdarya]

I’m honestly going back and forth between a 2015 CLS 550 and a 2015 S550

[@OnlyRollingRed84]

CLS way harder bro look as well classy & mean 🔥

[@fuhri446]

concerning the transmission: the CLS550 is called CLS500 in Europe. so, you're as safe as I am with my CLS500 Shooting Brake

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I think you're right. As I've been buying shop manuals I was wondering about that. There is no CLS 550 shop manual. Only CLS "500". Indeed the "control module" issue may have manifested itself in my 550 as the slow to respond manual shifts I demonstrated after accelerating on to the freeway.

[@boskoromanic7425]

Nice vid sir.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thank you! It’s a good car! RENNtech review comes out this Tuesday. Make sure to subscribe!

[@gesichtsgroove]

Wow, great Video. Congrats to your Dream Job and this beautiful car. im wondering if the shootingbrake version is to bulky as a daily car but for me the cls sb pre facelift is the most beatiful car. Some of them have red Stiched Sport Seats. The Look great. The amg has similar seats but the piano Black or carbon is a Deal Breaker. Also i dont like the amg Reputation/image here in germany. Not a car i would like to drive to a Client. I put a logitech bluetooth adapter in my s204. I put it in the glovebox with a 12v Adapter. Because its normaly for home Use in stereo Systems. Now i Got way more punch out of my car sound System while playing music from my Phone. I also programmed rules in my samsung Phone. When the Bluetooth to the logitech (or MB) connects, my Phone goes out of Energy save mode, increases the symbols and text 30%, Audio volume on max, WLAN off (if on) , starts a special app for some crucial road info *_* (this app requires Energy save mode off). When it shut down the car and the Bluetooth Connection is lost the Phone goes back like it was before.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks for the congratulations on the job. Sounds like you have a number of intelligent work-arounds. Thanks for giving the rest of us the tips on it.

[@baktwista]

Fantastic review. Have you seen the update module for the radio on any other car? I’ve been debating doing that, but am weary.

[@baktwista]

Also, what are those rotors and brake pads you mentioned? I have to change mine soon.

[@JUPITER13n]

17:08 you spoke my heart right here. mb fail

[@MacySummers]

Do you coolant pipes! I have a 2013 and my indie suggested it. I've since found that is a failure mode you don't want to experience... it will ruin your day.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks for that tip!

[@hosam2011]

isn't second generation 2015-2017 was much better in term of mechanics ?

[@JimVincitore]

What's the W218 for in the video title?

[@dougieman765]

Is an Austin martin the love child of Austin and Aston martin?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@dougieman765 I’ve owned that error in previous comment replies. Clearly I must want the car more that I want to pronounce it correctly. XD.

[@dougieman765]

@@clevelandaeromotive Fair comment.

[@danielsea6479]

What is the Gas mileage like ?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Comprehensive 6 month average, with RENNtech tune: 21.5 MPG. Before RENNtech tune: 20.3

[@MrBaddebt]

The 9g tronic is lightyears better. Shifts are faster and it never hunts gears. Previous 2013 550 and now 17 550 owner. I had/have Eurocharged tune on both.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Yes. The 7-G is… “acceptable” in 2020’s.

[@karycooper1]

How are you man . 2017 550 should come with 9 speed , can you feel the 2017 is faster

[@hansiwurst7492]

did he really say „Austin Martin“ ?!😂

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I did. My bad. Apparently I'd rather own one than pronounce the name correctly .

[@MbaekweCabana]

I have just one question. When do you intend to sell it? Because I want to buy it from you

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Not for the foreseeable future.

[@angusboychannel4995]

What's up with the inner tube on the steering wheel?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

LoLOL! I normally have that steering wheel wrap on to protect it from a "club" I put on to discourage any thieves.

[@danielwebb9889]

i HAVE A 2017.....LOVE IT

[@MrTottanham]

these cars are a total nightmare, yes drives great, once is start giving issues you are screwed

[@clevelandaeromotive]

What issues did you encounter? Also, is there a particular model year you had the experience(s) with? Your answer will be good information.

[@ronniewoods3948]

Aston-Martin

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@ronniewoods3948 noted,

[@mazichoubineh6035]

Its Aston Martin not Austin

[@clevelandaeromotive]

It's Bayerische Motorwerk, not Bavarian Motor Works. .....Happens all the time. ;)

[@brentfairlie]

AStin Martin!! Not Austin Martin. S not a U. Good grief

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I stand corrected.

[@justaman-km1hl]

I’m considering purchasing a low mileage 2012’ CLS550 AMG and by all appearances it seems well maintained, although it is being sold by a dealership. It’s in virtually flawless condition. The carfax shows regular scheduled maintenance by the two previous owners. It was originally purchased from LA Mercedes Benz in Cali. It’s listed at $16,000 currently and I’m curious if you think it would be a good purchase as a local daily driver? I enjoyed your video and subscribed to your channel. Thanks.

[@ejsgarage]

I am thinking of buying the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 63 AMG. Is it reliable?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

The gentleman I did the video RENNtech vs. AMG owns that very model and year. He's been having some issues. That's not scientific though. Do more research.

[@MrSamPhoenix]

I was hoping you’d reveal the 2021 BMW M550i lol. I have a friend that owns one, and man that thing is fast and luxurious. So far after years of ownership the N63 is holding strong without issue. I guess the 4th time was the charm as the TU3 V8 was greatly improved when it comes to reliability.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@MrSamPhoenix yes. I looked at a 2020 M550i. The shop manual on the N63-TU3 showed the material the valve guide seals were made of upgraded. Only problem is, the TU3 only made it into the X5 and X7 when last checked in 2022. All 550 variants still got the TU2. A vast improvement over the original N63 but still, I was not willing to take any chances after my X6 50i experience.

[@yaza374]

Thanks for detailed video. I am in the market for a used cls550. Would you still recommend it? 😂

[@clevelandaeromotive]

@@yaza374 YES! I still have it and still love it! I’ll do an update video soon.

[@paulcaudle6275]

Awesome video! Extremely detailed and informative!

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Hey thanks! Gotta get a new upload in some time soon. It’s been too long #reliablecar

[@jeffbwfg]

Great video! Resold me on getting another. 2014 CLS 550 4matic with 12k miles. I took your recommendation on the UNavi. Apple car play is running flawlessly on the screen now. Siri works on the ios 17 update with the microphone through voice commands.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Glad to hear good reports on this. I might do it myself.

[@dryrottedtire05]

This is the most fantastic review I've ever seen

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Glad you feel that way. RENNtech tune review coming out soon.

[@starstrapstrapbang4073]

Love the video the cls is my favorite car

[@CraigShaw-on3hh]

My 2013 55CLS , I just had bremo disk and EBC Yellow Stuff Pads breaks pull your face off, just do it,

[@YY-zw2ec]

What do you think about CLS 219 ? With M113 5.0 and M273 5.5 ?

[@JimVincitore]

Are all the 2014 CLS 550 8 cylinders ones turbo too?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Correct. By this time in MB history the NA (Normally Aspirated) V8 was dead.

[@iamryan4130]

WELL, time to trade my 2013 S550 to a CLS😂😂😂 18:10 Ah vanity sweet vanity😢😂

[@iamryan4130]

S65 AMG Cabriolet @@jakefootball9402

[@vlonefilms]

i’m looking into buying this model mercedes do you think it is reliable and how is it on maintenance?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

I talk about that from @4:00 to @13:00.

[@KrisSays]

Pilot D.E.I. BABY! Makes me feel "really safe!" 🤣

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Thanks! Thats what we’re known for these days; safety and inclusion!

[@rvsmairspace6742]

Would you do a review on my 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO?

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Only after I increase my comprehensive auto insurance limits to "one BILLION DOLLARS!" XD

[@rvsmairspace6742]

@@clevelandaeromotive Its my beater. I use it to go and get my baguette on Sunday mornings.

[@ballsandmodz]

little late to the video but the up shifting "issue" your having is because you are trying to up shift to early. Essentially not allowing the car to almost stall because you are asking for 7th gear when your are in 6th gear at 1200rpm going into 7th would bring the rpm down much too low.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Even if my commands to gear up to 7th started at about 75 mph? That would put the engine at 1800 rpm in 7th...