Mercedes-Benz CLE 220 d
Development of the OM654 with 48V mild hybrid and integrated starter-generator. Clean and economical. Too new on the market for known weaknesses to have emerged.
Diesel Coupé with Style
145 kW CDI mild hybrid in the CLE — efficient, quiet, cultivated. The diesel engine fits surprisingly well with the calm CLE character.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Recall action code 2090008: the electric coolant pump can develop an internal leak. Coolant enters the vacuum circuit and increases fire risk. Mercedes replaces the solenoid valve and applies a software update.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, warning message on instrument cluster, in the worst case smoke development
The OM654M combines the vacuum pump and oil pump in a tandem unit. If coolant enters the pump via the vacuum circuit the oil supply can fail. Replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, engine noises from oil starvation, in the worst case engine failure without prior warning
As an updated OM654 variant the OM654M carries the rocker arm/camshaft wear risk of the base OM654. Whether the revision fully resolves the issue remains to be seen.
Symptoms: Ticking noise from valve cover area, misfires, engine warning light
The OM654M DPF requires adequate motorway driving for regeneration. Purely urban use leads to oil dilution and premature DPF blockage.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine oil level rising from fuel ingress, power reduction
The OM654M as a high-output diesel is often used in city traffic. On short trips under 15 km the DPF cannot reach the necessary regeneration temperature.
Symptoms: DPF warning symbol, frequent regeneration requests, power reduction, slightly elevated oil level from fuel dilution
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 New vehicles are often delivered with outdated software.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.