Mercedes-Benz CLE 180
Current four-cylinder turbo with 48V mild hybrid and integrated starter-generator (ISG). Higher output than predecessor at lower consumption. Also used as PHEV base (CLE 300e).
CLE entry: style over shove
125 kW in the new CLE — the body is gorgeous, the entry engine keeps expectations in check. Good for relaxed driving in a beautiful cabriolet.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Early M254 production batches 2021–2023 show elevated oil consumption due to insufficient piston ring sealing. Mercedes repair involves engine reconditioning.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between services, bluish smoke on cold start, consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km
The M254 exhibits timing chain rattle at cold start when oil change intervals are missed. Chain tensioner sealing rings can leak and lose tension. Engine damage is possible.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering from the engine bay at cold start, disappears after warm-up, worsens with extended service intervals
Defective exhaust valves and guides in the M254 lead to misfires and cylinder head damage. Mercedes USA extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles; no official recall in Germany.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, severe misfires, CEL flashing, rough engine, dangerous misfires at motorway speed
The 48V mild-hybrid system with integrated starter-generator shows malfunctions: start-stop problems, fault messages and in extreme cases 48V battery failure.
Symptoms: Start-stop system deactivated, EQ Boost warning, hybrid system fault memory, starting problems
The M254 runs three separate electric coolant pumps. Pump failures trigger fault codes P0A05, P00B7, and P0C73. Bleeding requires the Mercedes diagnostic tool.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature warning symbols, insufficient coolant flow, irregular engine temperature, fault codes P0A0500/P00B700/P0C7300
Direct injection without port injection leads to carbon deposits after 50,000–70,000 km. Regular walnut blasting recommended.
Symptoms: Hesitation at part throttle, rough idle, slight overconsumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
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.
The 48V electrical system in the CLE C236 shows isolated issues with poorly torqued ground points. Loose 12V/48V ground connections lead to intermittent starting problems.
Early CLE C236 owners report complete MBUX crashes with multiple restarts, HUD failures and a frozen main screen. New vehicles are often delivered with outdated software.
The 9-speed automatic gearbox in the CLE C236 exhibits harsh and jerky shifts in certain driving situations. Outdated transmission software is a common cause; a firmware update resolves it.
Early CLE C236 units show software errors with display failures and problems with driver assistance systems. Vehicles are sometimes delivered with outdated software.
Seatbelt buckles in the CLE C236 rattle while driving. Typical quality issue on early production units. Damping can be retrofitted.