REDLINE ALLEYMercedes Benz CLS C218 buying guide
2011 to 2018. A C218 CLS suits a buyer who wants a stylish four door coupe on E-Class running gear and will check the engine history.
Big jobs
- CLS 250 CDI injectors. The piezo injectors on the 150 kW OM651 diesel failed at a high rate beyond about 50,000 km, causing a warning light, limp home mode and uneven running. Mercedes later fitted solenoid injectors, a new ECU and a fuel return line.
- OM651 timing chain and tensioner. Wear of the single row timing chain and tensioner is reported at higher km, and the chain sits at the gearbox end so it is expensive to replace.
Workshop jobs
- V6 and V8 start up rattle. A rattle after start up on the CLS 350, 400 and 500 comes from low oil pressure in the secondary chain tensioners. A Mercedes bulletin replaces the tensioners and adds check valves.
Small jobs
- Engine bay bulkhead seal recalls. Recalls covered the seal on the secondary bulkhead in the engine bay, which could come loose or be damaged and touch hot parts, a fire risk.
- Fuel leak and software recalls. Recalls covered fuel leaks, including the fuel filter on the CLS 350 CDI, and faulty software, two of them linked to emissions.
- Ride on big wheels and Bluetooth. The ride is very firm on 19 inch wheels, so 18 inch wheels or Airmatic air suspension suit better. Pairing some phones by Bluetooth can be a problem.
Questions for the seller
- Which engine is it: CLS 250 CDI, 350 CDI, 350, 400 or 500?
- On a CLS 250 CDI, have the injectors been changed to the solenoid type?
- Have the bulkhead seal and fuel recalls been done?
- Does it have Airmatic air suspension?
- Is there a full Mercedes service history?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.