Mercedes-Benz C219 CLS Buyers’ Guide — Everything You Need to Know
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS was a luxury four-door coupe produced between 2004 and 2010. Despite being a decade old, this car still holds its own in terms of style and performance.
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is one of the most reliable used Mercedes-Benz models, offering the perfect combination of luxury, comfort, and performance. In this article, we will discuss all the important information about this car, including the available engines, transmissions, the most reliable engine option, common problems associated with this car, and whether someone should buy this car.
About the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS, also known as the first-generation CLS, was introduced in 2004 and was produced until 2010. It was designed to bridge the gap between the practicality of a sedan and the style of a coupe. The car’s sleek and elegant design was well-received and became an instant classic. Here’s a breakdown of the car’s key features:
Engine Options
The car was available in several engine options, but these three were the most popular:
· CLS 350: Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It was capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds.
· CLS 500: Equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 306 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It had a top speed of 155 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
· CLS 55 AMG: The performance model featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that produced 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It was capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time.
Transmission
All engines were paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, which provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
Facelift
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS was facelifted in 2008. The facelift brought some minor changes to the car’s exterior and interior. The car received a redesigned front grille, new LED headlights, and updated taillights. The interior received a new steering wheel and an updated instrument cluster.
Safety Features
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS came equipped with several advanced safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and side curtain airbags. The car also received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Fuel Economy
The CLS 350 had a fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The CLS 500 had a fuel economy of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The CLS 55 AMG had a fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Maintenance Cost
Maintaining a Mercedes-Benz CLS can be expensive, especially if the car has high mileage. It is essential to perform regular maintenance, such as oil changes, brake pad replacement, and tire rotation, to avoid costly repairs.
What Is the Most Reliable Engine Option in a C19 Mercedes-Benz CLS?
When it comes to buying a used car, reliability is a crucial factor to consider. The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is known for its overall reliability, with most owners reporting minimal issues with their vehicles. The CLS lineup comes with three engine options as stated above, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. However, one of the engines stood out as a reliable option for those who want a balanced driving experience with the least amount of headache.
The Most Reliable Engine Option: CLS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine
The CLS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is considered the most reliable engine option for the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS. This engine is highly durable and can last for many years without requiring major repairs or replacements. One of the reasons for its reliability is that it is a naturally aspirated engine, which means it has fewer components that can fail compared to a turbocharged engine.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 272 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for most drivers’ needs. Additionally, this engine is the most fuel-efficient of the three options, with an average highway mileage of 25 mpg.
Furthermore, the seven-speed automatic transmission that is paired with this engine is known for its smooth shifting and reliability. Its transmission is one of the reasons why the CLS 350 delivers excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
If you’re looking for a C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS with a reliable engine, the CLS 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is your best bet. This engine provides good power, fuel efficiency, and excellent reliability, ensuring a satisfying driving experience for many years. However, no engine is without a fault.
Issues with M272 and M273 engines in Mercedes-Benz CLS350 and CLS500
The M272 and M273 engines that were fitted in the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 and CLS500 between 2004 and 2008 had several issues that owners should be aware of. Here are some of the most common problems that are associated with these engines:
Balance Shaft and Idler Gear Wear
The balance shaft and idler gears of M272 engines have been known to experience premature wear. The sprockets of these gears are prone to wear, which can lead to a loose engine timing chain, and major engine damage. Cars affected by this issue should have updated gears fitted by Mercedes-Benz. It’s recommended to look for cars with this issue resolved as repairing it is complicated and expensive.
Faulty Intake Manifold
The intake manifolds of the M272 and M273 engines are incredibly complex and made mostly out of plastic. The plastic flaps and other brittle parts of the intake manifolds are prone to failure due to carbon and oil deposits, which can cause a major mess and damage to the engine.
Repair kits are available that can significantly reduce the cost of fixing this issue. Also, the EGR valve and CVS system of the engine should be in good condition to prevent oil and carbon deposits in the first place.
Actuator Failure
The variable intake manifold actuator is prone to failure in these engines. It can cause the engine to lose power and have a rough idle. This issue is easily diagnosed as the car reports multiple error codes. We wrote a whole guide on this issue alone.
Cam Plug Leaks
M272 and M273 engines made before June 2008 can also suffer from cam plug leaks. This issue can cause oil to leak from the engine, leading to a decrease in oil pressure and ultimately engine damage.
C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS Common Problems
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a reliable car, but like any other car, it can experience some common problems. Here are some of the most common issues that C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS owners may face.
Air Suspension Failure
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS comes with an air suspension system that provides a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the air suspension system is prone to failure. One of the most common problems with air suspension is the failure of the air springs. The air springs can leak or fail, which can cause the car to ride harshly and even bottom out. If the air suspension fails, the car may become undrivable.
The repair for this problem can be expensive, as the entire air suspension system may need to be replaced. It is important to have the air suspension system checked regularly to avoid any unexpected failures.
Fuel Pump Failure
Another common problem with the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the failure of the fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if it fails, the car may stall or not start at all. The fuel pump can fail due to a number of reasons, including wear and tear, clogged fuel filters, and electrical problems.
Replacing the fuel pump can be expensive, especially if it needs to be done by a mechanic. It is important to have the fuel pump checked regularly and to replace it as soon as it shows any signs of failure.
Transmission Issues
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, which is generally reliable. However, the transmission can experience some problems, including slipping gears, rough shifting, and failure to engage properly.
To prevent transmission problems, it is important to have the transmission fluid checked and replaced regularly. It is also important to avoid harsh driving and to have the transmission checked if any problems are detected.
Electrical Problems
The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a complex electrical system that can experience some problems. Electrical problems can include issues with the battery, alternator, and other components. These problems can cause the car to have difficulty starting, or can lead to issues with the car’s electronics.
To prevent electrical problems, it is important to have the battery and alternator checked regularly and to have any faulty components replaced as soon as possible.
Should You Get This Car?
If you’re in the market for a used luxury car that still looks modern and offers a smooth ride, then the C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS is definitely worth considering.
The car’s sleek and unique design makes it stand out from other luxury sedans, and it offers a comfortable ride and good performance. While there are some common problems with the car, these can be addressed with proper maintenance and repairs.
Find Everything You Need for Your C219 CLS at eEuroparts.com
If you’re looking to get a C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS, it’s essential that you keep up with the maintenance. As reliable as this car is, it’s still a Mercedes, and it requires good care. Here at eEuroparts.com, we offer a wide range of quality parts for this model.
In our catalog, you’ll find components made by some of the best auto parts brands in the industry. We offer premium quality parts for premium European vehicles.
