Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 e
Joint development with Renault (H5Ht). Cylinder bore coating: NANOSLIDE. Compact and economical, but somewhat strained under high load. Also used as PHEV base (250e).
CLA 250 — Elegant and Nimble
160 kW and DCT: smooth turbo thrust, direct steering, coupé feel. One of the best compact cars in this class.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Some M282 engines show early increased oil consumption from defective piston rings and oil scraper rings. The problem sometimes appears at low mileages.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between service visits, occasionally slight blue smoke when accelerating
Some M282 engines show progressive oil consumption from low mileage. Cause: defective oil rings or pistons. Direct injection washes oil off the cylinder wall.
Symptoms: Regular oil top-ups required, no visible leaks, no smoke from exhaust
The M282 turbocharger can lose power at higher mileage from bearing wear or leaking charge air pipes. The wastegate actuator can deliver incorrect signals.
Symptoms: Power drop at full throttle, whistling in the engine bay, boost pressure too low warning (P0299)
The M282 1.3T (co-developed with Renault) shows similar thermostat problems to the predecessor M270 family. A simple replacement often does not resolve the issue permanently.
Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature reliably, temperature gauge fluctuates, increased fuel consumption
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, the M282 lacks the cleaning action of fuel on the intake valves. Carbon deposits can impair gas flow from around 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, slight power loss, occasional misfires on cold start
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.