Buying a used Mercedes CLS (W218) - 2011-2018, Buying advice with Common Issues

differentcarreview.com/2019/0...
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS (W218, C218) - produced from 2011 to 2018
What is the best engine, how good is this car, what are the common problems with these cars? What are the most unreliable engines? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions and more!
What to look for when buying a used Mercedes CLS advice / guide
used Mercedes CLS W218 4-door coupe / fastback
used Mercedes CLS X218 Shooting Brake 5-door fastback estate
used Mercedes CLS review
Mercedes CLS 300, CLS 350, CLS 400, CLS 500, CLS 63 AMG, CLS 220 d, CLS 250 CDI, CLS 350 BlueTEC, CLS 350 d, CLS 350 CDI
==================================
different car review
Facebook: / timeline
differentcarreview.com/2019/0...

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

Buying a used Mercedes S-class (W221) - 2006-2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5icd6xmh9GCg80 Buying a used Mercedes E55 AMG, E63 AMG (W211) - 2003-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5qqqGuVjrF_apY Buying a used Mercedes CL C216 - 2006-2014 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oV6ul2xopa5kgrc Buying a used Mercedes SL R129 - 1989-2001 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ63hHuvpcpqi7c Buying a used Mercedes E-class W212 - 2009-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2jXYpKJqLxgocU Buying a used Mercedes CLK (W209/C209) - 2002-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKWWo5aQiJeinsU Buying a used Bentley Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur - 2003-2012 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF67XmaLpL2YjMk Buying a used Jaguar XJ (X351) - 2010- kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmWQc2OPlNqFhZY Buying a used VW Phaeton - 2002-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHi7iZaehKuSnZY Buying a used BMW M5 E39 - 1998-2003 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaK8pX1qjbyHpq8 Buying a used BMW M5 (E60) - 2005-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSzfIVth6pqY6s Buying a used BMW M5 (F10) - 2011-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbSmqmkoZaEqLs Buying a used BMW 5 series E60, E61 - 2003-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp7Gc3yXbtl0p5o Buying a used BMW 5 series F10/F11 - 2010-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmnZZmuHnsaKj6s Buying a used BMW 6 series F06, F12, F13 - 2011-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6SbgpiMjr51bqc Buying a used Porsche Panamera (970) - 2009-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4HIkHihodp7j5I Buying a used Lexus LS (USF40) - 2007-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoukkJytg91_e9U Buying a used Lexus RX (XU30) - 2003-2008 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWWmZ2OjJ1sa9U Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - 2002-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hprNeXeehph6l9U Buying a used Audi S6 (C6/4F) - 2006-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HJZnadeLSbg5I Buying a used Audi A6 (C6/4F) - 2004-2011 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJO3lomLZdCLopo Buying a used Audi A7 (C7/4G) - 2010-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqXTlKGOYtiXsMU Buying a used Audi A4 (B8) - 2008-2015 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6mnqKmQl7ynja8

[@DLN-ix6vf]

Over the last 14 years I have bought 4 CLS cars and warn people when you buy a used MB make sure you have $4 to $5k set aside during the first 6 months to bring the car up to perfect standards. This comment is just for people who want a great riding and performing Mercedes Benz !

[@DLN-ix6vf]

those are CDN prices people !

[@nubianpwr]

you're right sir

[@yunga8305]

@@nubianpwr what’s wrong with yours what year is yours

[@nubianpwr]

@@yunga8305 2012, CLS 550, actually a good car as long as you follow the maintenance plan. You will have some oil leak maintenance work, if for some reason U have to neglect the car.

[@arturforever2060]

Very true 👍

[@mangostory4753]

Mercedes was doing it perfectly, last good looking CLS I bet, and that line at the back door to taillight, sexy af

[@av8743]

Mango story it’s the nicest 4 door design ever, and will stay that way for a while. Love those lines

[@yunga8305]

@@av8743 looking into buying one right now best car ever made

[@av8743]

@@yunga8305 ya one of the best cars ever together with the f90 m5 also amazing.

[@Coldwallbar]

@@av8743 you have great taste

[@av8743]

@@Coldwallbar haha my 2 favourite 4 doors in this class are f90 and C218 CLS, I don’t like the others all that much.

[@333angeleyes]

I have watched so many car videos on youtube and yours is the first one that I felt was being honest about the financial cost of owning in luxury car... Thank You

[@mussegt]

Last month I did change my S320 CDI W221 S-Class to CLS 350 CDI X218 Shooting Brake. CLS is drivers car definitely, I love it. S-Class was like driving on sofa and very nice too but this is my long time dream come true. I did fall in love with CLS in year 2004 when I saw first W219 and when X218 Shooting Brake came 2012 I was just WOW that is sexiest station wagon I've ever seen. I'm just waiting May that I can travel with wife from Finland to Ukraine. Thank You from informatible car reviews.

[@Berrfer]

I own a s550 but love the cls550, my only concern it's about the back seat confort... I usually drove for executive passenger... I'm not sure.

[@emanuilvalkov3243]

Fellow X218 owner, find me on instagram @cls.shootingbrake so we can chat and you could me pics of your beauty!

[@xkecoupe]

CLS 350 d was useless in parking,and had horroristic costs in the official MB workshop...Otherwise a fantastic and sophisticated car,cost +5000 Euro as new over the E 350 d Limo.

[@theunknownman8909]

@@xkecoupe The smart way of owning these cars is to find a good independent mechanic that specializes in Mercedes vehicles. Most of the time they are ex-master techs that used to work in Mercedes official workshop

[@finetradefinetradeinternat3862]

Thanks for your eye's opening advise.

[@TheIcemano3]

Thanks for the video

[@nickhollings2910]

Had my 2011 350 CDI for 5 years. Best car I've ever had. Had a new battery and a replacement fuel hose in all that time; that's it. Otherwise just miles of effortless, torquey driving pleasure with excellent fuel economy and admiring looks. ( On one 50 mile run on the motorway at 76mph I got 50 mpg - yes, really!) What's not to like?

[@lukeeKkkkk]

Hi how is the mpg in city ? as I would do mostly city cruising thanks

[@gijoemolinaro]

Thanks man I love your reviews they're very informative 🙏👍👍👍👌👌👌👏👏👏👏

[@oreohey2568]

I have 63 performance package 2012. Tuned 700hp and NO ISSUES at all. Been driving this very often and always put smile while I am flooring it.

[@jayemm5445]

May i ask how many miles when you purchased if. And how is it still holding up. Im looking into buying one.

[@tris3688]

@@jayemm5445 same here, looking into a cls 550 . my friend just got a 2014 one so i haven’t been able to see any issues arise yet . definitely want one now

[@frankk1398]

finally! I have been waiting for this video.

[@mlc7million]

Good stuff keep up the good work!

[@SoulOmOn13]

The wood panel part for the front cup holder tends to become loose. And from my experience there’s a skip in the Bluetooth when playing own music from tike to time. Like a glitch. Other then that the car is spot on

[@hp5474]

Very Nice car I have a 2011 350 cdi and is true that the electronic are quiet sensible sometimes I get a error with a sensor without any raison just erase with the star dig. Very good engine and the maintenance are quiet cheap if you compare with the bmw or Audi.

[@jarek928]

First! BTW Nice review

[@dipacar]

The biggest Problem of the CLS especially the 350 cdi is that the DPF brokes very often. Haven't any Problems with 85 000 km now (52816,551 miles).

[@Cazanu417]

Just got this facelift 2015 350 bluetec version for 40k euro and with 90k km ,fully equipped so far its amazing best driving experience and with the airmatic is like floating above.luxury inside and the exterior is sexy.

[@JudeMarchisio]

How is it 10 months later? Holding up well?

[@atos.nympha3451]

First time I heard Mercedes air suspension is reliable.

[@MM-gl1xz]

Sounded like he said reliable "most of the time" and expect issues in "high mileage cars". To me thats normal wear and tear

[@yunga8305]

I believe in 2014 they adjusted it for the cls

[@jean-claudemorin7377]

My 2015 CLS has zero issues since new. It just passed the 50,000 miles.

[@atos.nympha3451]

@@jean-claudemorin7377 I hear cls was crap ¿ May be it older model.u seems to have everything I fear working well for u

[@atos.nympha3451]

@@gti16golf ok

[@abdullaalghazi8023]

Can you make another review on the BMW E60? Like you did on the E90, talk about the problems and the transmission.

[@miniulabsreview7744]

Abdulla Alghazi I own e60 530d stay away from it you will be better buying e60 530i less problematic and cheaper to repair

[@Strange087]

Well thinking about one of these or either 535i😶

[@WavyChiWolf]

I heard the Major and common issue with the CLS (2012-2016) is that the air suspension(s) will go out. The cost to fix them all is about $2000- $2500 per wheel. You're looking at a 8k minimum job to have them all fixed.

[@DirtyAntoine]

Check for water leaks in the interior? Is that common problem in 218 or?

[@Kwippy]

Very glad to hear Mercedes are making more reliable cars again, after the bad patch in the 2000's.

[@trustedhype7221]

I owned a 2013 CLS550 for a year, common issues I had were stuck steering column, timing chain rattle, air suspension, oil burning slightly

[@yunga8305]

Looking into buying the same Model but 2014 with 70k miles should I go for it ??

[@tonymontana3873]

Thanks for the update

[@nubianpwr]

Me too... a bit disappointing

[@xkecoupe]

@@nubianpwr the 350 d CLS never disappointed me.650Nm torque rules.General consumption 8,2 but in stop and go 18 litres...And this was a diesel.How much could this be with a petrol 350???

[@seph2x538]

I really like your clear no nonesense analysis. Thank you very much. I own a 2014 CLS550 4matic and love it a lot.

[@joewilliams5317]

How good it this bro I want to buy ( CLS550 2012 ) ?

[@yegorgoroff4834]

Joe Williams yeah me too

[@michaelokon989]

Hey man how long have you had the 2014 for any problems ?

[@seph2x538]

@@michaelokon989 None to be concise. I was thinking of getting a 911, Cayenne or Land Rover Sport but to be honest this car does it all. Fast, solid, elegant. I could drive this car for the next 15 yrs and be happy. One thing I really like is that it is SOLID on the road and nimble. Much much better than the newer cars they are building. This is a beast. I call mine BRUTUS

[@seph2x538]

@@michaelokon989I was thinking of the CLS63 but noooo this care has more than enough juice for all occasions. You do not realize how fast it is going at time. Lastly the only issue I have is In City fuel consumption. Highway milage is really good.

[@valjoux6858]

Lads I can’t seem to decide between this c218 and w212. Which is cheaper?

[@Vorrester]

Hmm, you miss that the OM642 3.0 L V6 diesel engine has a very, very common oil leak with the oil cooler seals, and it's quite expensive to fix because it requires diassembly to access the area.

[@Alexpicardo]

....EXACTLY. You cant review a mercedes CLS without mention the om642 wrong oil cooler seals scandal !!!!!

[@michaelsaintvil1924]

I would really like to see a detailed review on the Acura MDX

[@1petulko]

I just bought 2012 CLS 350cdi with 90.000km. Stunning car with all the luxury you want.

[@cryptoed4205]

Hey bro i was wondering what kind of money u need to be making to afford such a car :D I would like to know what ud suggest personally and how is it goin now 2 weeks after u posted the message haha :D

[@1petulko]

I Love it so far, i got windows tinted and remapped to 300bhp. Also i upgraded the factory screen to 10.1" android.

[@av8743]

peter halasz best looking 4 door out there. How are the back seats? Are they really not practical like he says in this video?

[@andraray2187]

Some of the CLS front grille has 1 horizontal line.. some has 2.. can you please explain the difference in their trim model?

[@1petulko]

@@andraray2187 Amg spec and genuine Amg models have one line where regular models have 2 lines.

[@IIIBETEPIII]

Just bought the 2012 cls550. its a beast :)

[@fatceo8105]

Does it consume ?

[@IIIBETEPIII]

Fat Ceo If you drive it like Toyota, so about 12-13l per 100km. But come on?! Seriously? 😅

[@kingmatthews5436]

How you like it?? I was one so bad I’m deciding between that and the E350

[@IIIBETEPIII]

King Matthews The E class is better if you have a family and you need all 5 seats. But if 4 is enough for you and you and most of your passengers below 6’ foot, so the CLS is the better option.

[@seanaslany2226]

I'm picking my 2012 cis 550 this week how its treating you so far ?

[@primetimeexclusive1532]

Air suspension goes so don’t buy without a warranty (2,300 a wheel to replace at MB). Everything else is great. Reliable and a real sleeper. 0-60 comes in 4.2 sec and 1/4 mile in 12.7. Don’t listen to any reviews that say 5.2.

[@yunga8305]

Looking into buying 2014 model with 70k on the dash should I do it ?

[@hedhunta3767]

I agree this beats the new cls by miles, and it's something I would call close to the perfect sedan shape, imagine this car with carbon fiber body parts, some wider but subtle fenders, a little bit of weight reduction by eliminating useless electronics, getting sports seats like the new amg ones which are still nice for daily driving, a Koenigsegg 5.0L engine but around 800 or 1k horsepower for reliability, better gearbox with a nice manual mode and feel and it would be my dream sedan. I just love the shape of this car and I think it will be a timeless design, it's very aerodynamic, sure it's no E-class wagon for hauling all your relatives and being able to be stuffed with tons of bags but it has the shape of a perfect sports sedan, I just love every angle of it, I like it more than the e39 M5 BMW even. It's not that big of a car by modern standards so it could get nimble with some proper mods. If I had the money...

[@av8743]

hed hunta yeah it is the nicest 4 door out there, I can’t think of a nicer 4 door. I think even compared to the new 2018 e63s and f90 m5, this looks more special. The cls63s version does have the wider fenders and bumpers/hood so that would be the sportier one your talking about that looks even better. I wonder if the back seats are really as small as he says? They look still big to me, as big as the E class just with less headroom so I’m guessing it’s still Practical. Also the trunk is as big as the E class which isn’t small

[@davejohnson3860]

@3:11 music please?

[@JuiceBox_272]

No manual version?

[@michaelrackson9784]

i have a 2012 cls63 amazing car extremely reliable and fast

[@offradar31]

Michael Rackson so it doesn’t have any issues? I’m trying to get a 550

[@michaelrackson9784]

only common issue to watch for is cam sensor plugs leaking oil theres 4 of them but its only like $40 each just make sure you check them because sometimes leave them leaking for a while but other than that no common issues. just take good care of it I have a 63 and its super reliable i think the 550 will be even better I know a guy whose dad has a 2012 CLS550 with 300k miles and he has only done maintenance on it and changed a starter

[@michaelrackson9784]

oh yeah cls550 has air springs. gonna have to change those every once and a while, normal wear and tear but just account for it

[@av8743]

Michael Rackson how are the back seats? I love the cls63 but this review makes it seem unpleasant for rear passengers. I don’t know if I should go cls63 or m5 as it also looks good and has the extra room

[@andraray2187]

Some of the CLS front grille has 1 horizontal line.. some has 2.. can you please explain the difference in their trim model?

[@darrincarter8350]

I’m gonna trade my 2010 GLK 350 w/AMG package in for either the 2012-15 CLS 550 or the 2013-16 GL 550 both will be 4matic. I know the truck is good in the snow but how is the coupe in the snow?

[@krism1815]

It’s great as long as it’s the 4matic awd version

[@scottmitchell9856]

You wanna go for the 3rd Gen. The 2nd generation were good performers but models at 16-18 are the ones you want.

[@jusbus777]

I find that of the big 3 in Germany Mercedes tend to be the more reliable.

[@henzo7087]

Top car

[@joeherrjr]

ABS control module failed in my 2015 CLS550 at 23K miles.

[@dbCarbon]

Firebird Sweet Costs to fix? Did you asl if this is common or not?

[@joeherrjr]

DR Bowen Mine was still under warranty. I think the part was about $1000. So it would be more than that taking into account labor.

[@dbCarbon]

Firebird Sweet that's not bad at all unless it goes every 23k. any issues since then?

[@ScottDreyfus]

Warranty coverage?

[@andraray2187]

Some of the CLS front grille has 1 horizontal line.. some has 2.. can you please explain the difference in their trim model?

[@paulhendrickx2794]

I've bought a new X218 in october 18 (220 CDI). From the start there is a annoying noise coming from the driver side in the engine bay linked to it there's a vibration in the steering wheel. Car was already back in the mercedes service point, even some specialist from our Belgian mercedes HQ came to take e ride but after a week no solution found. Have to bring it back after new year for a second round of investigation.

[@av8743]

Paul Hendrickx hows the car been besides for that?

[@paulhendrickx2794]

@@av8743 It's a new car. So I think it came from the factory like that. It just seems that the noise is getting worse. Th car has now about 3500 km.

[@paulhendrickx2794]

@@av8743 it keeps giving me more suprises. Since last week sometimes there's a noise (squiking) inside the dashboard. Furthermore 2 rubbers are missing in the trunkdoor. I also did an official complaint at the Mercedes HQ customer service in Brussels. Just waiting now for their respons. With the holidays now it will probably take a while.

[@paulhendrickx2794]

@@av8743 I forgot one thing. While opening the trunkdoor it sometime give me this noise like there's metal on metal. I'm trying now to take videos of all noises and things to present it to Mercedes because these noises aren't always there.

[@andraray2187]

Some of the CLS front grille has 1 horizontal line.. some has 2.. can you please explain the difference in their trim model?

[@energyvlog5858]

Can you do the mitsubishi l200 2004

[@manuelcrum5945]

Nigga lol u tripping

[@yunga8305]

@@manuelcrum5945 right lol

[@merclife6419]

Bout time man omg

[@yunga8305]

Is the cls reliable

[@werid536]

I have CLS 350 petrol..now 180000km spend ...i can change oil of 4wd now or oill problem?

[@tubic4716]

Any common problems with the petrol version? Can't seem to find much about it online.

[@oskartross8459]

Can u fold rear seats down ?

[@240fxst]

Yes

[@omarlakeside]

Is this more reliable than an audi a7

[@yunga8305]

Yes 10 times more reliable

[@coolkatz9012]

Good mechanic could do timing chain $1000

[@andraray2187]

Some of the CLS front grille has 1 horizontal line.. some has 2.. can you please explain the difference in their trim model?

[@alexandrebrandaoarq]

Andra Ray standard trim has standard bumpers and grill with two lines. Usually smaller wheels too. Amg design line has that one line and sharper looking bumpers, wheels and exhaust tips.

[@Politicallyincorrect1984]

Yes de difference is if it is an amg line like i have it has only one trim on front grill and more agressive bumper lines

[@robertveselic2481]

Beautiful accent 🙏🙏🙏

[@yujie1973]

Robert Veselic is it Japanese accent?

[@steeltag]

@@yujie1973 no sounds russian

[@satanasatana7931]

@@yujie1973 Most definetly :)))))

[@dranassaeiid5689]

How much is cls550 "2012"?.... and how can I get it?.... I'm living in Doha. Qatar.

[@eimantasnezinomas8261]

in copart about 15k

[@Brandon-tl4je]

Want to purchase a 2013 cls 550 4 matic with 74k miles.. reliability with the airmatic suspension? Is the engine reliable?

[@b58forever]

Airmatic reliability is the worst thing ever is not something you going have to replace 100% guarantee and their expensive as hell that's why those airmatic cars depreciate like crazy...

[@isidrowright4748]

dont do it. skip this one i had one until last week after 100k mile they are a nightmare. amazing ride but tend to give LOT of problems right after the 100K mile mark

[@b58forever]

@@isidrowright4748 am 100% agree

[@yunga8305]

@@isidrowright4748 damm that’s crazy I guess it depends on which model because I seen a 2013 cls 550 for sale at 150k!

[@isidrowright4748]

@@yunga8305 i had the amg package. Beautiful car. So nice i was thinking to buy another. I always used OEM products for services and once the car hit 110xxx it was nothing but problems. turbo lines, there is a common problem when u start the car sound like something clicking in the engine i mean bad. I bought a Q5 to go to work with 175000 miles and it runs 100 times better than cls550. It doesnt have all the technology but it runs very smooth. Good luck if you get a CLS thats all im saying.

[@atlcorvette]

The 400 has a 3.0l engine not 3.5l.

[@seanaslany2226]

atlcorvette they have cls 350 in Europe which is 3.5

[@frankmg721]

The air suspensión y very expensive reparation 6000 7000€

[@yunga8305]

Going to buy a 2014 cls 550 with 70k on the dash heard about the issues of the suspension but I think it’s worth the risk such a beautiful car

[@npc2k]

How did it go?

[@yunga8305]

@@npc2k I totaled it drunk as fuck 😂😂😂

[@npc2k]

@@yunga8305 ah lol

[@tris3688]

@@yunga8305 u ran into air suspension problems huh?

[@yunga8305]

@@tris3688 lol nah bro I crashed it , it was in perfect condition, but I just bought a 2017 so it’s all good lol

[@garyzhang5099]

cls400 is 3.0 twin turbo

[@TheJuMp3r.]

3.5 not 3.0

[@energyvlog5858]

Pls

[@imty8774]

The most beautiful mercedes ever. 2nd beautiful is the slr mclaren.

[@nubianpwr]

agreed

[@hadimehdi2218]

Drop it at 3:10 Thank me later

[@spillow762]

The twin turbo v8 engines suffer from timing chain rattles and failures. Well knows fact. Go check examples on forums and youtube.

[@av8743]

Spillow even cls63?

[@silentbutdeadly3466]

Is it the 4.7 v8 engines

[@yunga8305]

@@silentbutdeadly3466 I believe he just means the older cls version like 2012 and 2013 one

[@Trubshaw2]

He is mixing up the models here. The new model has five seats three across the back. The one he shows in this video has only two seats in the back with the wooden Sliding partition between the seats.

[@emanuilvalkov3243]

Trubshaw2 But the Shooting Brake has 5 seats.

[@trap4u995]

.

[@JMAudioEditions]

car rides like garbage even with air suspension compared to S550

[@maxkulczyk5884]

that English reading hurts ears .....

[@igorkrol9858]

You are literally repeating what someone has said in another video of a cls😂

[@rokYYs]

Obviously if the facts are about the car are facts; you cannot come up with something "new"

[@igorkrol9858]

@@rokYYs well no but y repeat someone elses sentences, why couldnt he put 'the facts' into his own words?

[@leedstown]

Mercedes need to stop putting the fake wood on the interiors that went out of fashion in the 1980's it looks awful and tacky

[@royl8903]

Its real wood buddy, wood forest owned by Mercedes

[@Andy-dz1jv]

its not fake!

[@leedstown]

@@Andy-dz1jv mine is in my 2015 cls

[@leedstown]

It's taken wood in mercedes

[@miketheking4595]

U r an idiot

[@sypsenele7454]

Top car reviews on youtube, you should be number one 🫡