Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 35
AMG version of the M260 with 306 hp. 7G-DCT and 4MATIC standard. Independent tuning with reinforced bottom end. Good balance of everyday usability and performance.
CLA 35 AMG — Stylish Sprinter
225 kW in the elegant CLA Coupé: quick, stylish and with AMG DNA. The CLA 35 is the best ratio of design to dynamics.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Same production defect as in the standard M260: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely causing engine misfires. Mercedes extended warranty to 15 years.
Symptoms: Heavy vibration, misfires (MIL with misfire faults P030x), noticeable power loss
Known production issue on early M260 engines: exhaust valve seat inserts wear prematurely. Mercedes Canada extended warranty to 15 years/241,000 km.
Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, power loss, compression test shows drop, MIL illuminated
The higher-boosted M260 shows premature turbocharger wear with spirited driving. Inadequate cool-down periods accelerate bearing damage.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power drop at high rpm, oil mist in intake tract
Wastegate problems on the M260-AMG35 turbocharger have been documented. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect values leading to boost pressure fluctuations.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo area, uneven boost build-up, check engine light with boost pressure fault
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon deposits typically form on intake valves. In AMG operation at high rpm this can manifest as rough running.
Symptoms: Slight rough running at low rpm, minimal elevated fuel consumption, occasional cold-start hesitation
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
On CLA C118 from the production period August 2019 to July 2020, the turbocharger oil supply line could develop a leak. Oil reached the underbody and the road surface, increased fire risk.
On CLA C118 model year 2020, the voltage supply to the electric power steering assistance could be impaired. In the worst case the steering servo assistance failed while driving.
The 8-speed dual clutch gearbox in the CLA C118 occasionally shows rough gear changes, especially when downshifting and in crawl mode. Software updates help temporarily; clutch packs wear at higher mileages.
The optional Multibeam LED headlights fail or function only partially. Malfunctions affect the adaptive light distribution.
On CLA C118 models with Multibeam LED headlights, occasional malfunctions occur: the high beam assist deactivates unintentionally, or individual LED segments fail.
Starter battery is the most common breakdown cause on the CLA C118. The many assistance and comfort systems place a heavy load on the battery.
A frequent complaint on the CLA C118 and simultaneously the A-Class W177 is clearly audible fuel sloshing in the tank, especially at partial and low fill levels in corners.