Hello to all the MBZ gang - long time listener, first time caller -

I have myself a (semi) recently acquired 2019 CLS450 that behaves in ways that just aren't computing. Spec: Base Spec CLS450 with the AMG Trim Package, note: NOT optioned with the air suspension. The issue: When going over any "more than minor, far less than crater" pothole, and/or lipped transition while traveling north of 40 mph, the impact causes a jarring suspension hit - to the point where it feels like the entire suspension is casing (like when you jumped your motorcycle a little higher than you should have and it bottoms out). Having previously had an E350 and S550 this feels WILDLY un MBZ-like. For now, I attribute this to the AMG 20" wheels (never again). Spend my days carefully avoiding any road imperfection, while occasionally getting that bottomed out hit when failing to notice a road imperfection. Sometime it's spooky - feels like the front end gets light and I'm about to lose control. Again, these are at low(er) speeds- and there is this building feeling of dread when out at highway speeds for fear that this thing is just going to go out of control should I bottom that suspension. Fast forward - car goes into my local indie german wrench for an inspection. What follows is a conversation about the suspension in general - when they had it up on the lift, they were so surprised by the diameter of the strut that they actually called another tech to come and take a look. In general, both felt the struts looked a bit flimsy for the size of the vehicle, but given that it had been in to two different dealers for suspension inspection (I was reporting a knock or rattle in driver front that neither dealer found; still present), it certainly didn't occur to us to think that they were anything but OEM. Unprompted, the tech also mentioned the "suspension casing" issue and the seeming lack of stability when it occurs. On the one hand, I was glad to hear that I wasn't the only one who noticed it - on the other, I'm baffled if this is how MBZ thinks this car should behave. So, apologies for the wall of text - I'm seeking any and all opinions with regards to this suspension and whether or not people were experiencing similar issues. Cheers1

 

I too just purchased a 2019, CLS 450, same kit as yours, and am having the same issues. I purchased the car with 31,700 miles on it, and it is now at the Mercedes dealership. The person who test drove it said they didn't feel what you describe below, however I simply argued back with them and told them to re-check everything. Two weeks ago, I hit what I consider a minimal bump in the road, and it sounded as if I bottomed the car out.

 

I'm glad to know that it isn't just me. If you wouldn't mind updating this thread when / if any new information is gathered from the dealership (I will do the same) - frankly, beyond the fact that an 80k car simply should NOT be doing this, I'm considering this to be a pretty significant safety issue and am gathering as much information to push MBZ for a proper response.

 

Hi Kishadee-

I wonder if you ever had resolution from the dealership on the suspension issue? My (various) dealers keep insisting "nothing wrong". It sure doesn't feel that way. Wanted to reach out to see if you had any luck. Cheers-

 

Great

 

I have been to the dealership twice now complaining about the exact same experience with the front shocks. They keep saying that it is because of the low profile tires. It feels very unsafe to go over any humps as well as you land on the body at times.

 

2019 CLS 450 same issues. So much so that going about 45 MPH suspension cased and pinched the sidewall at the wheel. Tire sidewall gash with resulting flat tire. Tow to Mercedes dealership and purchase of new tire. No explanation from dealership to any known issues with these cars. This car borders on being unsafe to drive and at best unreliable for any distance driving. Have you resolved your similar issues ?

 

Hi everyone – I feel exactly the same with my CLS450, also without air suspension. The 20" AMG make every imperfection of the road almost painful, especially at speed. I am amazed that such behavior passes for "normal" at Mercedes. Glad I'm not alone in finding this disturbing.