Mercedes-Benz CLE C236
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
367–435 PS
3.0L I6 Turbo Benzin
Inline-Six Feel in a Modern Coupé
Fun to Drive!Body Variants
The Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 is available as Cabrio and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 is available with 7 engine variants — from 169 to 435 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 449 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 180 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 169 PS) has the M254 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 197–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M254 (2023–2026, Be Careful) und M254 (2023–2026, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the CLE 200!
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 258 PS) has the M254 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 (Benziner Mild-Hybrid, 380–381 PS) has the M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 e (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 313 PS) has the M254 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 220 d (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 197 PS) has the OM654M (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: MBUX software deactivates parking assist emergency braking In CLE C236 model year 2024 (production April to December 2023), an MBUX software bug could permanently deactivate the parking assist emergency braking function. An OTA update fixes the issue. Symptoms: No direct driver symptom — parking assist may report itself as inactive | Low | |
| Recall: Defective 80-ampere main fuses CLE C236 (2023–2024) was part of a comprehensive Mercedes recall due to potentially defective 80-ampere main fuses that could blow prematurely. Total failure of electrical systems possible. Symptoms: Sudden total failure of all electrical systems, vehicle cannot be started | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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BMW i4 G26
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 (2023–2026) — 20 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Gearbox, Interior.
CLE (M254, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 197–204 PS.
CLE (M254, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 258 PS.
CLE (M256, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 380–381 PS.
CLE (M256, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 449 PS.
CLE (M254, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 169 PS.
CLE (M254, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption from Piston Rings (Early Production), Timing Chain — Rattle and Premature Wear, Exhaust Valves Defective — Cylinder Head Damage. Power: 197–204 PS.
CLE (OM654M, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Coolant Pump Recall — Fire Hazard, Tandem Oil Pump Failure, Potential Rocker Arm Wear. Power: 197 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz CLE? 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 CLE C236 have? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee