Just saw the post about the Lexus LS for under $15k, but you can also get CLS550 at that price. I'm just wondering is my car as good as I think it is or am I being a typical owner. The reliability has been great. With a 0-60 of 4.7 (https://www.0-60specs.com/mercedes-benz-cls550-0-60-times/) the acceleration is pretty outstanding. Plus with the wider stance and 385 back wheels the handling isn't like any other Mercedes sedan I've driven. Yes I know the 7G-tronic transmission can be a little laggy, but if you put it to work, it adjust pretty well.
I just see them out there now for under $12k and think why not. I out paced a Corvette C7 40 -110, but then the C7 got all nasty with it 
People talk about the air suspension but the parts really aren't that bad and you can do everything yourself if you have to. Let me know if I'm being that dude that totally believes in his car too much.
yeah but I don't think I'll get 27 mpg on the open road. lol Plus I don't think you're going to find an AMG south of $22k. I do have the AMG package if that helps any, all that badging has got to mean it's quicker
AMG stickers are worth more HP than regular stickers. 
In all seriousness, these are pretty spectacular cars. I think the danger to most people is with unexpected labor. Parts prices aren't terrible but if you head to the dealer for things regular $1000 'minor' repairs start to become a thing.
mazdeuce wrote:
AMG stickers are worth more HP than regular stickers.
In all seriousness, these are pretty spectacular cars. I think the danger to most people is with unexpected labor. Parts prices aren't terrible but if you head to the dealer for things regular $1000 'minor' repairs start to become a thing.
Yep I agree, you definitely have to be a DIY guy to keep it affordable. But I must say everything is very very easy to work on so far. I've fixed the peerless window issue without going to the dealer. Headlight bulb replacement isn't fun, because it require the bumper to be removed, but I've done it and will do it again if necessary. Heck I've changed the serpentine belt and pulley in 15 minutes in the parking lot at work. Even when I had the brakes repaired at the dealer, it only cost me $686 for front brakes, rotors, and sensors, which I think is on the low side. Nothing else but oil changes. Maybe I've been fortunate so far, knock on wood!
My FIL has a '16 model. He's had an E550 before that and a E500 before that. He really likes the CLS.
It really is that good. The air suspension is significantly more durable than that of the W220, and a bit easier to fix. They're pretty damn fast, and the reports of high rates of idler gear failure are vastly exaggerated. I'd still buy a car with an engine serial number greater than 2739..30 088611 as that's the final affected engine. Otherwise, they're absolutely awesome cars that don't suffer from nearly as many problems as BMWs of the same vintage.
G_Body_Man wrote:
It really is that good. The air suspension is significantly more durable than that of the W220, and a bit easier to fix. They're pretty damn fast, and the reports of high rates of idler gear failure are vastly exaggerated. I'd still buy a car with an engine serial number greater than 2739..30 088611 as that's the final affected engine. Otherwise, they're absolutely awesome cars that don't suffer from nearly as many problems as BMWs of the same vintage.
Good stuff. That's pretty handy info. I didn't know about the idler gear failure but I think I'm in the clear with 118k at this point, well at least hopefully. It's been a very, very, reliable car and I somewhat of an aggressive driver. I keep thinking treat her nice, but she loves my foot in her. The AMG exhaust is so addicting.
and all my time wasted making this stupid video wasn't in vain. hahahahhaha
https://www.youtube.com/embed/yokxME5-8iM
