Mercedes CLS C218 (2010–2018) (2010 – 2018)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218 / X218) The second generation of the Mercedes CLS (C218 for the 4-door Coupé, X218 for the unprecedented Shooting Brake estate introduced in 2012) had the difficult task of succeeding the pioneering C219. More muscular, better finished, and technologically advanced, this generation marks a major evolution in terms of road handling and mechanical efficiency. The 2014 facelift (Phase 2) brought minor aesthetic changes but major technical evolutions: introduction of the 9-speed automatic gearbox (9G-Tronic), adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, and an infotainment system update. Although user demand focuses on diesel engines (which represented the majority of sales in Europe), this sheet covers the entire range. The diesel engines (OM651 4-cylinder and OM642 V6) are exce

✅ Strengths

Timeless and elegant design (especially in Shooting Brake)
Pleasure and torque of the V6 diesel (OM642)
High-quality finish and sound insulation
Imperial comfort with Airmatic suspension
Excellent 9G-Tronic gearbox (post-2014)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very high maintenance and repair costs (Mercedes hourly rate)
Complex mechanical accessibility (especially on V6/V8 and OM651 chain)
Reliability of Airmatic suspension (expensive wear parts)
Limited rear legroom and headroom (Coupé)
Aging Comand NTG 4.5/4.7 multimedia system before the facelift

🎯 Verdict

The Mercedes CLS C218 is a superb mile-munching machine, offering an exceptional compromise between comfort, style, and dynamism. For a Diesel purchase: The CLS 350d (V6) is the royal choice. Its driving pleasure perfectly matches the car's standing. However, it is imperative to check if the oil cooler seals have been replaced (otherwise, a bill of 1500 to 2500€). The CLS 250d (4-cylinder) is more economical at the pump, but its agricultural sound and the risk of an expensive timing chain (engine removal required) tarnish the picture. Prioritize a facelifted model (post-2014) with the 9G-Tronic gearbox, a 100% network or recognized independent specialist service history, and plan a contingency budget for the Airmatic suspension.

Common issues

Fuites du refroidisseur d'huile (moteurs V6 diesel OM642) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Vérifier les traces d'huile dans le V du moteur lors de l'inspection.

Problèmes de vanne EGR et encrassement du collecteur d'admission (tous diesels) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 900 €

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour limiter l'encrassement.

Défaillance des modules de suspension Airmatic (boudins, compresseur) High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 1 500 – 4 000 € (selon les composants affectés)

Tester la suspension sur route variée et vérifier l'assiette du véhicule.

Encrassement du Filtre à Particules (FAP) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 200 000 km

💶 300 – 800 € (nettoyage) ou 1 500 – 3 000 € (remplacement)

Éviter les trajets courts fréquents, faire des parcours autoroutiers réguliers.

Problèmes d'injecteurs (moteurs 4 cylindres diesel OM651, surtout début de production) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 500 – 3 000 € (remplacement de plusieurs injecteurs)

Écouter le moteur au ralenti, vérifier l'historique d'entretien et les rappels.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 180
Complete brakes	£400 – 750
Estimated annual budget	£750 – 1 500

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.