The Mercedes-Benz CL500 is one of the highlights of the automaker's CL-Class of vehicle. It is a luxury coupe in limited production, debuting in 1998. The CL500 borrows its styling from the SL-Class roadster and is considered alongside the S-Class sedans as one of Mercedes-Benz's premier models. The CL500 has a host of mechanical, cosmetic and electrical problems, although none of them are relatively major.
Some 2000 CL500s may fail to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 108, which sets requirements for exterior lighting. This is due to the excess light that the car's front lamps emit, thus causing increased glare and impaired eyesight. Dealers can re-adjust the aim of the lamps to reduce light output.
There are some CL500s of the model years 2000 to 2004 that may have hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter as a result of corrosion at the active body control's (ABC) high pressure distribution hose. The fluid can come in contact with the engine, which, if hot, may cause a fire. Dealers can install a corrosion-resistant hose.
There are some CL500s of the model years 2000 to 2004 that may have overheating blower motor regulators due to an internal defect in the circuitry. This condition could spoil or deform the plastic, insulation and wiring surrounding it. Dealers can replace the blower motor regulator.
Some 2003 and 2004 CL500s may have defective trunk lid springs that prevent the trunk lid from staying in the up position. Dealers can replace both trunk lid springs to prevent any injury that could occur if someone is reaching into the trunk.
Some CL500s--particularly those of the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005 model years--may have some gauges and indicators that fail to illuminate. In this situation, dealers will need to replace the necessary modules.
Some 2001 CL500s may have the sheathing material on the electrical connection of the heated windshield washer bottle hose overheat. As a possible result, the surrounding plastic and insulation could melt. Dealers would need to replace the washer bottle hose.
On some 2000 and 2001 CL500s, the electric conductor of the blower motor fuse holder may take in more heat than it needs, thus overheating it, disabling the blower motor and thus depriving the car of window defogger capabilities. Dealers would need to replace the blower motor fuse holders.
