The second generation of Mercedes-Benz CLS got the code C218. This one came on the market in 2010 when it replaced the previous Mercedes-Benz CLS C219. In 2014 there was the mid-life restyling which brought minor changes to the design and some modernizations on the technical side and in the interior. In 2018 it was replaced by the next generation Mercedes CLS C257. Let’s see the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 review with the most important information, faults and common problems.
Table of Contents
- Impressions and Description
- Reliability and Issues
- Engines and their Problems
- Conclusions and Advice & Tips for buying used
Mercedes-Benz CLS C218
Impressions, Interior and Comfort
Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 is a high-class car which is defined as a 4-door coupe. It’s a premium model that tends to be more youthful and refined than the Mercedes E-Class on which it’s based. It is a true Mercedes that offers everything that fans of this German brand love.
On the used market you can find cars with quite affordable prices and the desire to buy it arises in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. Here, however, you have to be careful, rich fittings with many options and modern technologies do not guarantee reliability and long life.
In this article we will see if the maintenance costs will not be exaggerated to use a similar car.
Platform and Body
Technically, the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 introduces nothing new. It is based on the same platform that we can meet on the sister Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 produced in the same period.
This is a classic platform with a longitudinally installed engine and basic rear-wheel drive. Optionally it was possible to mount the 4MAtic all-wheel drive.
The 4Matic all-wheel drive ensures better driving stability, greater wheel grip, as well as an additional dose of safety (especially on wet, icy or light off-road roads).
It must also be admitted that with more powerful engines and all-wheel drive, this large luxury car receives a good dose of dynamism which significantly increases the pleasure of use.
The front suspensions are MacPherson type, the rear ones are multi-link. Optionally you can have the very good AirMatic adaptive air suspension.
Given the great success of the first generation, the Germans decided not to revolutionize the body design too much. The style has been kept the same, but has been modernized and improved. It is already clear at first glance that the CLS model is positioned one step higher than the E-Class. Aesthetically, the Mercedes CLS C218 reflects the most recent stylistic themes of the German brand. The car body is very elegant and streamlined, the design perfectly reflects the character and purpose of the car.
Mercedes-Benz CLS X218 Shooting Brake
Aesthetically, the car is attractive, both before and after the restyling, especially in the more equipped versions.
The second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is available in two body styles: 4-door coupe (C218) and 5-door shooting brake (X218). The German car has a length of 4940 mm, a width of 1881 mm and a height of 1416 mm. The wheelbase is 2874 mm. The weight of the car varies from 1660 to 1930 kg depending on the version.
Comfort and Practicality
We have already said that the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 is just a typical Mercedes. In fact, it is oriented towards uncompromising comfort, has powerful engines and latest generation automatic gearboxes, has a solid and elegant design. However, to facilitate the design and aerodynamics, we had to give in terms of space and practicality.
Despite the large dimensions of the car, due to the particular shape, the internal space is not really that much. In front anyone will be able to position themselves comfortably, even in the rear seats there is enough space, but tall people may feel a little lack of space in the head area.
The trunk/boot volume is 520 liters on the Coupé version and this is already a very good result for this class of car. The Shooting Brake version, however, offers even better results: 590 l in normal mode, which, by completely folding down the rear bench, grow to 1550 litres.
The strong points of the model are the quality of the materials and the great driving comfort, but all this is normal for a high-class Mercedes. Indeed the Mercedes-Benz CLS ranks slightly above the E-Class and below the flagship S-Class in the manufacturer hierarchy. So it is clear that it is one of the top models, offering the most modern technologies that the manufacturer could offer in the period of its production .
In addition to the great comfort, the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 offers good stability on the road, the car feels quite good in the corners, the inclinations are not too evident and the steering is quite precise. The standard suspension is also quite soft and comfortable, but with the aforementioned AirMatic system (air suspension) this car will be super soft even on broken roads.
All together it makes the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 an extremely comfortable and enjoyable car both in and out of town.
Interior and Equipment
The passenger compartment here is welcoming and luxurious, the quality of the materials is high, the leather is pleasant to the touch and lasts a long time if treated well. All this is normal for a car of this class. The design is also very beautiful, the ergonomics are well thought out, everything is comfortable.
On some elements, serious signs of wear may appear after 150-200 thousand kilometers (95 – 125 k miles). Small signs of wear may appear as early as 50 – 100 thousand km (30 – 60 k miles), but here it depends on the style of use. First of all, of course, the most used elements wear out: the steering wheel trim and buttons, the gear knob, the climate control buttons and more. At high mileages, wear and tear on the seat upholstery is also unavoidable.
The good part is that all traces of wear and tear present in the cabin can be eliminated if desired. Some pieces can be replaced, others can be repainted or restored.
The soundproofing is very good and the interior remains silent in any situation.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 can be well equipped with various options. Already basic the trims are quite rich and have everything needed for comfortable use. There are xenon headlights, stabilization system, front and side airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, leather seats, satellite navigator, hi-fi system with voice commands, parking sensors and much more.
Among the most interesting options that can be added for an additional cost are the quite sophisticated Magneti Marelli full LED headlights. These automatically adjust the intensity of the light beam according to the external brightness. The AirMatic active air suspension and the keyless entry system will also be very pleasant.
The multimedia system is good, but not the best on the market (BMW‘s is better). Obviously it depends on the equipment: on the poor versions there will be reduced functionality, on the top versions there are more services. The top versions will give a lot of satisfaction.
The basic audio quality is good, but optionally you can mount the Harman-Kardon system which will sound great.
Safety
In the EuroNCAP safety test, the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 got 5 out of 5 stars. Crash safety is quite good, but to decrease the risk you need good tyres. Tires are almost the most important thing for safety on the road.
Reliability and Issues
Gearbox and Transmission
The Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 is fitted with only 2 types of automatic transmissions: 7-speed 7G-Tronic (722.9 series) and 9-speed 9G-Tronic (725.0 series).
7G-Tronic automatic gearbox
The 7-speed automatic transmission that is mounted is the 7G-Tronic of the 722.9 series.
The 722.9 7-speed automatic transmission could give serious problems (especially if it is an early production transmission). It is faster, more modern and more interesting than the old 5-speed gearbox, but it has also added many problems.
This gearbox suffered from many “childhood” problems in the first period of production. Over the years, it has been repeatedly modernized and improved, so over time it has become more reliable.
One of the most famous weaknesses of this gearbox is the flimsy hydraulic block. Furthermore, these units can tend to overheat and the torque converter could not last very long. High operating temperatures ruin the electronics, solenoids and hydraulic block. The first interventions may be necessary even after 100,000 km (60 k miles).
As already mentioned, the complex electronic system suffers greatly due to the high operating temperatures. On the other hand, modern electronics offer the possibility of diagnosing the gearbox well. A good mechanic will be able to discover many problems just by connecting the computer and reading the various parameters.
The torque converter locks up very aggressively (acts almost like a wet clutch) and is almost always at least partially locked. This causes accelerated wear of the locking system. As a result, due to heavy wear, the oil becomes heavily soiled with wear fragments. Dirty oil can lead to the destruction of the oil pump (it can even happen at 100,000 km or 60 k miles) and accelerated wear of the entire unit.
Over time the 722.9 gearbox was updated and the situation improved. There have been recalls intended to fix the problems. The 722.9 gearboxes produced until 2009 are more problematic and therefore on the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218/X218 it behaves relatively well, especially when compared to the non-modernized versions that were mounted on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W211, Mercedes-Benz C-Class W203, Mercedes -Benz S-Class W220, Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 and other brand models.
The mechanical parts of this gearbox are well made and shouldn’t cause problems if you don’t drive with damaged hydraulic systems and if you pay attention to the quality and quantity of oil. Mechatronic can break, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. The symptoms of this problem are: difficulty downshifting, error message, gearbox in limp mode or complete blockage of the car.
A modernized 722.9 automatic transmission can live for many miles if well treated. To lengthen life, it is advisable to replace the oil regularly (at least every 40 – 50,000 km or 25 – 30 k miles), fit a lower temperature thermostat, add a large heat exchanger and add an external oil filter. These recommendations are ultimately useful for any modern automatic transmission (they are all quite overloaded).
9G-Tronic automatic gearbox
After restyling you can meet the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission of the 725.0 series. It is encountered very rarely, on certain versions of the car.
As already mentioned, the gearbox is still recent. It’s only starting to spread, so you’ll have to wait for full reliability statistics. Be that as it may, there is already some information about possible problems. It has already had some childhood defects but fortunately these are fixed under warranty.
Since it is based on the previous 7G-Tronic, it can be assumed that it will have the same problems with the torque converter, with the mechatronics and at high mileage with the mechanical part. Obviously with correct use, the problems will not be noticed for so many miles.
Drivetrain and Transmission System
The Mercedes-Benz CLS II C218/X218 are with rear-wheel drive or with 4Matic all-wheel drive. The drivetrain in general is quite reliable and durable. Cars with rear-wheel drive generally don’t give problems up to high mileage.
The mechanical part of the transmission system does not create major problems: the cardan shafts (drive shafts), differentials and constant velocity joints have a good life.
Versions with 4Matic all-wheel drive may have problems with the intermediate shaft of the front axle. The shaft passes directly through a channel in the crankcase and this can lead to overheating of the element. The same fate also has the front axle differential mounted on the side of the crankcase. Due to the high temperatures, the driveshaft bearings in the crankcase wear out quickly.
The front differential may begin to leak oil due to aging oil seals. Repair in such cases turns out to be difficult. A typical sign of wear is the vibrations on the steering wheel while driving (they are often almost imperceptible).
There are no problems with the 4Matic transfer case up to at least 200 – 250 thousand kilometers (125 – 155 k miles) if the oil was changed every 60 thousand km (35 k miles) and its level was checked regularly. After 200-250 thousand km (125 – 155 k miles) it makes sense to disassemble the transfer case and check the condition of the bearings and chain tension. If you have practiced a relaxed driving style, everything will most likely be in good order.
The situation is different for the AMG versions. Here the combination of powerful engines and aggressive driving leads to a short life of the transmission elements.
Suspensions, Steering and Brakes
We have already mentioned that on the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 there can be a standard suspension and an adaptive air suspension.
Standard suspensions have medium durability and strength. In general they should reach at least 100,000 km (60 k miles) without any particular problems, even with large rims and on roads in bad condition. To maintain great comfort, it is best to always fit original spare parts (or high-quality spare parts if you opt for third-party manufacturers). However, it must be kept in mind that original Mercedes parts are not cheap.
Front MacPherson-type suspensions are simple and reliable. The multilink rear suspension is also reliable, but is more complex and therefore expensive to repair.
If you plan to buy a Mercedes-Benz CLS C218/X218 with air suspension, you need to pay attention to the condition of the air springs and the compressor. If these break, the car will have difficulty walking.
The Airmatic air suspension has been modernized and on this model they are much more reliable than in the past. Protection from road dirt has been improved, the pneumatic part has been reinforced and the management electronics are also more reliable. In general, there shouldn’t be any major problems for at least 150,000 km (95 k miles). Here, however, not only the mileage matters, the age of the various elements also matters a lot.
Steering system
Electric power steering is used on the second generation Mercedes CLS. There are no huge problems, but obviously some breakdowns can happen over time. These are mainly associated with failure of the torque sensor or steering wheel position sensor.
Less often, rack knocks are encountered due to wear of the side bushings. The life of the steering tie rods is very short, the same goes for the tie rod ends. Service life is shortened by large rims, wide tires and bad roads. The price of the original spare parts will be large, but you can opt for good third-party manufacturers and save half.
Brakes system
With the brakes there don’t seem to be any major problems at the moment. It can let down the life of the discs and pads. They can wear out quickly due to the many security and stability systems. Of course, the heavy weight of the car also has a big effect.
Periodically it is advisable to check the brake fluid pipes. The parking brake mechanism is activated with a separate pedal (with the foot). The pedal does not tolerate aggressive use, you have to be delicate. Periodically the mechanism must be lubricated to avoid its blockage.
On the more powerful versions there are Brembo calipers that love care and attention. They must be cleaned and lubricated regularly. In the event of failure, the prices of new parts prove to be exaggerated. It will be best to look for a specialized workshop that can repair them.
Electronics and Electrical System
The electronics are complex, but under normal conditions they are reliable and shouldn’t cause any particular problems. Serious problems usually arise from external factors. Among these we can mention: penetration of water which comes into contact with cables and control units, accidents that damage the system and interventions by unqualified people on the electronic system.
Better not have power surges. This means that it is not good to discharge the battery too much and it is not good to start the car with a flat battery by connecting it to another car. The alternator must be also monitored.
The complicated electronics may have some current leaks in some places. Because of this, after a few days (or even a night) of parking, it can be found with a completely flat battery.
One of the systems that often causes power outages is the “Keyless Go” keyless access. This suffers greatly from interference and could activate spontaneously.
The owners sometimes complain about central locking malfunctions. Xenon headlights can have problems with ignition modules and bulbs burn out relatively often. There are cases of strange functioning of the electric windows and subsequent definitive breakage of these. In some moments, the horn and parking sensors may stop working. Usually these problems are related to contacts or cables.
In general, the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218/X218 is full of control units, cables, sensors and electric motors. This all works fine while the car is still young, but nothing is immortal. Sooner or later they will start to fail and parts prices are high.
Other
The body of the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 has good resistance to corrosion. Small traces of rust can be found on cars used in places with a particularly severe climate. If, on the other hand, the traces of rust are large, the car probably suffered some accidents and then was badly repaired.
It is also advisable to check from underneath, the exhaust system could turn out to be rusty (after 150 – 200,000 km or 95 – 125 k miles). If the corrosion is only superficial, don’t worry, it’s normal. At the same time, damaged cables or worn pipes of the AirMatic system could be noticed.
The paint is of good quality, performs quite well and if treated correctly retains its beauty even after so many years. Chrome elements, on the other hand, can lose their shine after only a few years of life.
If the car is equipped with sophisticated full LED headlights, it will be better to protect them with great care. These are exaggeratedly priced, better not damage them. We recommend covering them with protective film to minimize risks. They can also overheat if turned on in traffic when outside temperatures are very high.
Engines and their Problems
Diesel engines list :
| Version | Engine | Power | Top Speed | Acceleration | Fuel Consumption |
| CLS 220 BlueTEC | 2.1 l OM651DE22LA | 170 hp | 226 km/h or 140 mph | 8.3 s | 4,6 l/100 km
US: 51,1 mpg UK: 61,4 mpg |
| CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY | 2.1 l OM651DE22LA | 204 hp | 242 km/h or 150 mph | 7.5 s | 5,2 l/100 km
US: 45,2 mpg UK: 54,3 mpg |
| CLS 250 BlueTEC | 2.1 l OM651DE22LA | 204 hp | 242 km/h or 150 mph | 7.5 s | 4,6 l/100 km
US: 51,1 mpg UK: 61,4 mpg |
| CLS 250 BlueTEC 4Matic | 2.1 l OM651DE22LA | 204 hp | 236 km/h or 146 mph | 7.9 s | 5,3 l/100 km
US: 44,3 mpg UK: 53,2 mpg |
| CLS 350 BlueTEC | 3.0 l OM642LSDE30LA | 252 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 6.6 s | 5,6 l/100 km
US: 42 mpg UK: 50,4 mpg |
| CLS 350 BlueTEC | 3.0 l OM642LSDE30LA | 258 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 6.5 s | 5,4 l/100 km
US: 43,5 mpg UK: 52,3 mpg |
| CLS 350 BlueTEC 4Matic | 3.0 l OM642LSDE30LA | 252 hp | 245 km/h or 152 mph | 6.7 s | 6,1 l/100 km
US: 38,5 mpg UK: 46,3 mpg |
| CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY | 3.0 l OM642LSDE30LA | 265 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 6.2 s | 6 l/100 km
US: 39,2 mpg UK: 47 mpg |
| CLS 350 CDI 4Matic BlueEFFICIENCY | 3.0 l OM642LSDE30LA | 265 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 6.4 s | 6,8 l/100 km
US: 34,5 mpg UK: 41,5 mpg |
Petrol/Gasoline engines list :
| Version | Engine | Power | Top Speed | Acceleration | Fuel Consumption |
| CLS 300 | 3.5 l M276DE35 red. | 252 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 7.0 s | 6,5 l/100 km
US: 36,1 mpg UK: 43,4 mpg |
| CLS 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY | 3.5 l M276DE35 | 306 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 6.1 s | 6,9 l/100 km
US: 34 mpg UK: 40,9 mpg |
| CLS 400 | 3.5 l M276DE35AL | 333 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 5.3 s | 7,3 l/100 km
US: 32,2 mpg UK: 38,6 mpg |
| CLS 500 V8 BlueEFFICIENCY | 4.7 l M278DE46AL | 408 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 5.2 s | 9 l/100 km
US: 26,1 mpg UK: 31,3 mpg |
| CLS 500 V8 4Matic BlueEFFICIENCY | 4.7 l M278DE46AL | 408 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 5.2 s | 9,7 l/100 km
US: 24,2 mpg UK: 29,1 mpg |
| CLS 63 AMG | 5.5 l M157DE55AL | 525 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 4.4 s | 9,9 l/100 km
US: 23,7 mpg UK: 28,5 mpg |
| CLS 63 AMG | 5.5 l M157DE55AL | 557 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 4.2 s | 9,9 l/100 km
US: 23,7 mpg UK: 28,5 mpg |
| CLS 63 AMG 4Matic | 5.5 l M157DE55AL | 557 hp | 250 km/h or 155 mph | 3.7 s | 10,5 l/100 km
US: 22,4 mpg UK: 26,9 mpg |
| CLS 63 AMG Performance | 5.5 l M157DE55AL | 557 hp | 300 km/h or 186 mph | 4.3 s | 9,9 l/100 km
US: 23,7 mpg UK: 28,5 mpg |
| CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic | 5.5 l M157DE55AL | 585 hp | 300 km/h or 186 mph | 3.6 s | 10,5 l/100 km
US: 22,4 mpg UK: 26,9 mpg |
Diesel Engines
The diesel engines fitted here are quite reliable. For those who want to save fuel and not spend too much money on repairs they will be the optimal choice.
2.1 l CDI OM651 diesel Engines
The 2.1 l CDI engine (also known as 2.2 l CDI) featured here is from the OM651 family.
The 2.1 liter diesel engine is very popular. It should be noted that Delphi piezoelectric injectors were mounted on the early models. These injectors were problematic, they could leak or run erratically. Due to these problems, very serious damage could appear (for example the destruction of the pistons due to leaks). Only the weaker version was saved because it mounted simple injectors.
After 2011, the piezoelectric injectors were replaced with electromagnetic ones and it is important to check whether the affected unit participated in the recalls. Furthermore, the control unit has been changed, which at the beginning often gave way.
On this unit the chain is positioned behind the engine (between engine and gearbox) and due to this choice, its replacement is more difficult. The timing kit serves for many miles (it can even reach 250 – 300,000 km or 155 – 185 k miles), but when the time comes to change it, the cost of the work will be high due to the complexity of these.
Often problems with the timing kit are caused by some worn tensioner which can however lead to more serious problems if not changed in time. Among the first symptoms of wear of the timing kit there will be an increase in operating noise.
When these engines reach high mileage, coolant leaks may appear (usually from the pipe under the fuel filter) and occasionally the turbine begins to whistle. The latter could “die” around 250,000 km (155 k miles).
3.0 l V6 CDI OM642 diesel Engines
The OM642 3.0 L CDI V6 engine is a well made engine, it has been produced for many years and has received great popularity.
The best choice for the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 is considered to be the 3.0 diesel (OM642). This 3.0 l was Mercedes’ first diesel V6. It is a modern and complex engine, with an aluminum cylinder block and cast iron liners, aluminum heads with hydraulic compensators, a complex Common Rail injection system with piezoelectric injectors, a turbine with variable geometry and much more. This engine manages to combine good power, relatively low fuel consumption and good reliability.
Unfortunately though, it’s not a totally perfect engine. Of course, the great complexity also increases the number of possible problems and defects. At large mileages you must be prepared for the expensive repair of the injection system, turbine and intake manifold. Timing chain lengthening is almost inevitable after 200 – 250,000 km (125 – 155 k miles).
Engines with heavy oil leaks are encountered. Plus, the oil pump isn’t too reliable. Both of these aspects must be kept in mind, the engine cannot handle oil pressure losses well and in these conditions the bushings can fail.
Otherwise the OM642 engines are still very reliable. Knowing the weak points and taking care of these units, it is possible to reach even 400 – 500,000 km (250 – 310 k miles) without fatal defects. Badly treated engines, on the other hand, will give serious problems already at 200,000 km (125 k miles).
Common problems of diesel Engines
Among the problems common to all diesels we have those with the EGR valve that gets dirty and stops working and the DPF filter that clogs and causes problems with engine operation. It generally happens on cars that are mainly used in urban areas.
Petrol/Gasoline Engines
Small 4-cylinder petrol engines are not installed in the Mercedes CLS C218. There are only units with 6 and 8 cylinders.
M276 V6 Engines
The M276 V6 petrol engine series has been produced since the end of 2010 and has been installed on many models of the German company. Only the 3.5 l M276 is present here. They are modern engines that have replaced the previous M272s. They have solved most of the problems previously present, but still have some weaknesses.
The mechanics say that among the petrol engines the least problematic are those of the M276 series. These only in the first years of production had problems with the timing chain tensioner. The latter did not work properly and when the engine was started the chain could stretch and damage the gears.
In 2013 these issues were resolved and there were recalls to upgrade previously produced engines as well.
These units have direct injection, relatively simple timing system (but replacement is expensive anyway) and cast iron cylinder lining (much more resistant and long lasting than the alusil used on the M272).
On these engines the problems with the pistons are almost non-existent, but the possible problems with the new injection via piezoelectric injectors have been added. Due to the low pressure of the oil pump (failure of the valve A2781800415) the engines have become more sensitive to overheating and oil quality.
At high mileage there will be failure of the phase shifters and the catalytic converters can be destroyed. Particles from destroyed catalytic converter can get into the engine and scratch the cylinder walls.
In general many of the possible defects have already been resolved under warranty and there should now be no critical problems.
M278 V8 Engines
The M278 series V8 engines have become much more economical (in terms of fuel consumption) than the previous M273s. However, they cannot be called more reliable. They have alusil cylinder lining, direct injection with injectors that don’t last very long and tend to break. The problems are about the same as we saw on the M276 engines, but they are encountered more often and cost more to repair.
The alusil coating can show damage as early as 100,000 km (60 k miles) on badly treated cars. At 200 thousand km (125 k miles), almost all engines have scratches on the cylinder walls and eat oil. This problem disappeared in 2017 when the cylinder lining changed to the same one used on the M276 engines.
In addition, these engines also have a turbine which adds more probability of having some issue. The duration of the timing kit has shortened and now it may be necessary to intervene as early as 60,000 km (35 k miles). It is generally the fault of short-lived tensioners. When the timing kit is worn, there will be the typical rattling noises after a cold start. If you do not pay attention to the noises and continue to drive, the phase shifters will also be damaged.
Low reliability also demonstrates the oil pump. The bad part is that when this fails, the engine experiences great stress and the likelihood of scratches appearing on the cylinder walls is great.
The engines of the M278 series instead of solving the problems of the previous M273s, added others. These M278s are considered by many to be among the worst engines of the Mercedes brand of the last period.
M157 AMG Engines
The AMG engines of the M157 series are based on the M278 engines and in fact repeat their series of problems.
However, it must be said that generally these engines are better maintained (more frequent oil changes, use of high quality petrol) and have a lower operating temperature, so scratches on the cylinder walls are less common.
They are also mechanically strengthened: they have stronger camshaft joints, chains and valves of higher quality.
Conclusions and Advice & Tips for buying used
Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 is a car that presents itself very well. It is a true Mercedes that offers the highest quality materials and a maximum level of comfort. At the same time, it can be seen as a youthful car that is aesthetically beautiful and has a sportier character. To get the maximum amount of pleasure you need to opt for a version with a powerful engine and air suspension, but here you need to understand that the maintenance costs will not be small.
To spend less you can choose a simpler version that will still offer a great deal of luxury. If you choose the right version, it won’t disappoint from a reliability point of view either.
You can also evaluate the competitors of the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218. Obviously the direct competitors will be the other Germans of the same type: BMW 6 Series F12/F13/F06 and Audi A7.
You can also evaluate the sister Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 and its competitors: BMW 5 Series F10, Audi A6 C7, Volvo V80 II and other similar cars.
The most important thing is to find a car in good general condition.