Mercedes-Benz CL C216
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
500–630 PS
5.5L V12 BiTurbo Benzin
Most Elegant V12 Coupé of Its Era — No Tantrums
Fun to Drive!525–585 PS
5.5L V8 BiTurbo Benzin
11 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz CL C216 is available with 5 engine variants — from 306 to 630 hp.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CL 63 (Benziner, 544 PS) has the M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 500 (Benziner, 387 PS) has the M273 (5.0-5.5L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (Benziner, 517 PS) has the M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG (Benziner, 525 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG (Benziner, 612 PS) has the M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ABC/Airmatic high costs with age On the C216 with ABC suspension, replacing all dampers and valve blocks costs €8,000–10,000. Airmatic is also expensive: two air bags cost around €2,500, the compressor another €600. Symptoms: Vehicle drops, ABC warning message, uneven ride height, compressor runs continuously from 100,000 km | High | |
| ABC Suspension Hydraulic Pump and Valve Block The Active Body Control suspension is very maintenance-intensive. Hydraulic lines become porous and contaminate the system. Valve block and hydraulic pump fail regularly. Symptoms: ABC warning in instrument cluster, vehicle sits unevenly or rolls uncontrollably. Stiff ride. from 120,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz CL C216 (2006–2013) — 39 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG), M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo), M275 (5.5L V12 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics.
CL (M273, 2006–2013) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 387 PS.
CL (M156, 2006–2014) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 525 PS.
CL (M275, 2006–2013) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 517 PS.
CL (M275, 2006–2013) — Stay Away!: Ignition module bank failure (two banks at ~€1,400 each), Turbocharger wear and wastegate wear, ABC hydraulic lines and engine mounts — double defect. Power: 612 PS.
CL (M157, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch — M157 BiTurbo V8, Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Wear, High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fails — No Fuel Pressure. Power: 544 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz CL? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz CL C216 have? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz CL C216 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee