Models · Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 buying guide
The second CLS, sold from 2011 to 2018 as a four-door coupé and, from November 2012, as the Shooting Brake estate, with a facelift in 2014. Owners rate its reliability and interior quality, and the 350 CDI V6 diesel is the pick of the range.
The versions
- CLS 250 CDI 2.1 four-cylinder diesel, 204bhp, replaced by the 220 BlueTEC/220d from 2014
- CLS 350 CDI 3.0 V6 diesel, around 261 to 265bhp, later the 350d
- CLS 350 3.5 V6 petrol (302bhp), later the CLS 400
- Four-door coupé from 2011; Shooting Brake from November 2012 with a powered tailgate and self-levelling rear suspension
- Seven-speed automatic, with a nine-speed on the CLS 350d; the CLS63 AMG has its own page
What to check on a C218 CLS
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Piezo injectors on the 250 CDI
What to look for: On a 250 CDI, listen at idle for uneven running and drive it through the rev range, noting any hesitation. Ask whether the injector recall has been done, and compare the car's average fuel economy on the trip computer with what the seller says.
Why it matters: Mercedes had problems with the piezo injectors on the 250 CDI, and a recall replaced them. Some replacements weren't set up within factory tolerances, which can leave economy below par. A car with the recall done and normal economy is what you want.
Water pump noise and diesel coolant leaks
What to look for: With the engine running and the bonnet up, listen at the front of the engine for whining, grinding or rumbling. With it off and cool, look around the engine and underneath for wet coolant or dried crusty residue, and check the coolant level.
Why it matters: The CLS shares its chassis and most of its technology, diesel engines included, with the W212 E-Class. On that car water pumps are a common failure and usually give a warning noise first, and the diesels can leak coolant around the EGR cooler and water pump. A quiet, dry engine is what you want to find.
Infotainment and phone pairing
What to look for: Pair your own phone by Bluetooth, make a call and play some audio. Work through the infotainment screen's menus, including the sat nav, and check nothing freezes or resets.
Why it matters: Some owners have had electrical faults in the infotainment system, and newer phones can be difficult to pair with the older system. Confirming your phone connects before you buy saves disappointment.
Also in the full guide
- The Shooting Brake's rear end
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the C218 CLS
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mercedes-Benz.