Mercedes-Benz CLS C219
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
Four-Door V8 Coupé — Elegance Meets NA Power
Fun to Drive!457–525 PS
6.2L V8 AMG Benzin
10 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 is available with 5 engine variants — from 190 to 525 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDI (Diesel, 224 PS) has the OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS 63 (Benziner, 514 PS) has the M156 (6.2L V8 AMG) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 (Benziner, 272 PS) has the M272 (3.0-3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 (Benziner, 306–387 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M113 (2004–2006, Be Careful) und M273 (2006–2010, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the CLS 500!
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 55 AMG Kompressor (Benziner, 476 PS) has the M113K (5.4L V8 Kompressor) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Airmatic air suspension: compressor and air bags defective Airmatic with defective air tanks, compressor failures and leaking air springs. Front dampers approximately €700 each. Frequent money pit. Symptoms: Vehicle sits low, Airmatic warning message, compressor runs continuously from 150,000 km | High | |
| AIRMATIC Compressor and Air Springs Failure AIRMATIC air suspension on the C219 is highly wear-prone. The compressor has several failure points; air spring bellows fail with age. Symptoms: Vehicle sinks very low after switching off, AIRMATIC warning message, compressor won't start from 120,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 58 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C219 (2004–2010) — 51 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: M272 (3.0-3.5L V6), M273 (5.0-5.5L V8), OM642 (3.0L V6 Diesel), M156 (6.2L V8 AMG). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, HVAC.
CLS (OM642, 2005–2010) — Stay Away!: Oil Cooler Gaskets Leaking — Oil and Coolant Loss, Swirl Flap Linkage Breaks — Plastic Joint Fails, Injector Seal Leaking — Soot Deposits and Diesel in Oil. Power: 224 PS.
CLS (M113, 2004–2006) — Be Careful: Vibration Damper/Pulley — Rubber Hardens, Rear Crankshaft Seal Leaking, Engine Mounts Worn Prematurely. Power: 306 PS.
CLS (M272, 2004–2010) — Stay Away!: Balance Shaft Sprocket Wears Prematurely, Timing Chain Stretches and Damages Timing, Camshaft Adjuster Leaks — Wiring Harness Contaminated. Power: 272 PS.
CLS (M113K, 2005–2006) — Be Careful: Supercharger Bearings — Wear at High Mileage, Cooling System — Hoses and Thermostat Age, Supercharger Magnetic Clutch — Wear and Slipping. Power: 476 PS.
CLS (M273, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft sprocket — same weakness as M272, Camshaft Adjuster Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Valve cover gaskets leaking on both sides. Power: 387 PS.
CLS (M156, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Head Bolt Corrosion — Coolant in Combustion Chamber, Camshaft Wear — Cold-Start Lubrication Deficit, Camshaft Adjuster — Locking Plate Wears Out. Power: 514 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz CLS? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee