CLS buying guide (C219/W219)

[J19YTP]

Hi

I'm a bit of a noobie.

I'm looking for a CLS320/350 CDI.

I'm trying to find a late one, preferably a Grand Edition. Heard alot of the faults were sorted by this era.

I wanted to ask what should I look for (specifically)... I'm a massive Mercedes novice so this is my first step in to buying a real car.

I've found a 2010 Grand Edition that fits the bill... The only trouble is that there isn't a service history book.

Apparently the car was bought from Mercedes but never had the book. There is a printout... But concerned it could be fake (just naturally suspicious).
If I'm not the owner, is there any way to verify?

Also I've read about Black Death alot... I was going to ask my mechanic to whip the covers off to see if there was any sign, I'm a bit apprehensive though as it feels abit rude.
What are people's thoughts?

The car is low mileage c.72k and in the last year only around 5k. I was a bit worried about dpf issues. Is there any way I can check? Or how much does it cost to have a forced regen?

It looks like the service intervals have been around the 15-20k mark. I know it's not ideal but is this typical of a normal owner?

I've had a few BMWs before and finding one with a gearbox service is a nightmare. However on the printed history it say it had a fluid and filter change by Mercedes, I thought they were 'sealed for life'.

I've read about a leak from the turbo as well. Is this easy to check?

Sorry I know it's alot of questions.

Are there any common problems I've missed or tests I can do to avoid a money pit.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Teego]

A service print out from MB is going to be more reliable than stamps in a book.

 

[KennyN]

I had a 2010 Grand Edition , no service book as it is all digital but I did get a printout at each service.

No DPF issues with mine and that was with really short journeys (3m)

No black death but easy to check by lifting off the plastic engine cover.

Check glow plug light doesn`t come back on after the car is started (plugs or relay)

Check rear exhaust hangers as both of mine rusted off.

Had a few sensors (DPF + exhaust) fitted under their used car warranty so check of EML`s or the car going into limp home mode.

A code reader would be handy (icarsoft) to have a look through the history.

Check for even tyre wear as some have savage inner wear at the front.

Gearbox oil should have been replaced around 36k

Apart from the above , general used car checks should be carried out , or better still have it looked over by a local MB specialist as if the dealer is genuine than they should have nothing to hide.

K

 

[J19YTP]

Thank you so much for the replies. That's super informative.

I'll try and get hold of an icarsoft.

 

[SL300-24]

I'm selling my facelift 2009 CLS 320 CDI in black with cream leather 85k miles if interested please PM me

 

[steve333]

Hi,I have a 2010 Cls350cdi grand edition,apart from what Kenny n has said this model can suffer from inlet port shut of failure which I turn can cause the turbo/actuator/02 sensor to fail(mine has and is in mb Poole now being repaired partly covered under warranty as I’ve only had the car 5 months and the warranty is luckily 6 months,car has full mb service history and 75k miles,went into limp mode on way home from London -lack of power/not revving above 2.5k)after being diagnosed on star by mb Poole a failed seal had leaked oil onto the inlet port shut off motor which then disintegrated and was sucked into the turbo and causing the 02 sensor to fail(bill around £3k but not finalised as yet),there is a video/link on the forum somewhere showing you how to check for the failing seal and an upgraded seal kit to prevent this happening (if only I knew before mine went),overall the grand edition is a fantastic car and I still love mine despite suffering the above-look at a few,choose the right one and enjoy!

 

[J19YTP]

I'm selling my facelift 2009 CLS 320 CDI in black with cream leather 85k miles if interested please PM me

Hi sounds good.

I can't DM yet as I haven't posted enough. Can you DM me?

 

[J19YTP]

Hi,I have a 2010 Cls350cdi grand edition,apart from what Kenny n has said this model can suffer from inlet port shut of failure which I turn can cause the turbo/actuator/02 sensor to fail(mine has and is in mb Poole now being repaired partly covered under warranty as I’ve only had the car 5 months and the warranty is luckily 6 months,car has full mb service history and 75k miles,went into limp mode on way home from London -lack of power/not revving above 2.5k)after being diagnosed on star by mb Poole a failed seal had leaked oil onto the inlet port shut off motor which then disintegrated and was sucked into the turbo and causing the 02 sensor to fail(bill around £3k but not finalised as yet),there is a video/link on the forum somewhere showing you how to check for the failing seal and an upgraded seal kit to prevent this happening (if only I knew before mine went),overall the grand edition is a fantastic car and I still love mine despite suffering the above-look at a few,choose the right one and enjoy!

Cheers for letting me know, will check it out. Hope your car gets sorted soon buddy.

 

[steve333]

Cheers for letting me know, will check it out. Hope your car gets sorted soon buddy.

Thanks mate no problem,mine should be ready tomorrow,warranty company have tried to wriggle out of all they can(no surprise there),MB Poole have given them proof(star fault codes /data printouts etc) and they have continued to stall,only agreeing to a refurbished turbo etc.

 

[SL300-24]

Hi sounds good.

I can't DM yet as I haven't posted enough. Can you DM me?

Here are the details
Mercedes Benz CLS 320CDI Low Miles Stunning Condition | eBay

 

[SL300-24]

Hi sounds good.

I can't DM yet as I haven't posted enough. Can you DM me?

I cannot seem to DM you so here are the details

Mercedes Benz CLS 320CDI Low Miles Stunning Condition | eBay

 

[clk208]

Worth looking at petrols as well- MPG of the 6cyl will be within 10-20% of the diesel for most, less to go wrong, more power and sound great.

Had mine 8 years and it has been amazing.

 

[J19YTP]

Thanks for all the advice.

@SL300-24 Your car is lovely, however, we have a bit of family superstition about buying black cars.

I went to see a grey one a few days. I had no idea that ISO FIX was an option.

Its essential for me to be honest. I've read a few threads about retrofitting which seems simple enough but the parts seem impossible to get. And then there's the question of insurance.

Is there any easy way to tell from the Reg number? I've been looking around and I honestly don't know how to tell from pictures. I was expecting a little tag or something...

My dreams of a CLS may have to wait.

@clk208 excellent point, and who doesn't love a 6 cylinder petrol engine. There's not may around mind - what are the common issues?

 

[steve333]

Thanks for all the advice.

@SL300-24 Your car is lovely, however, we have a bit of family superstition about buying black cars.

I went to see a grey one a few days. I had no idea that ISO FIX was an option.

Its essential for me to be honest. I've read a few threads about retrofitting which seems simple enough but the parts seem impossible to get. And then there's the question of insurance.

Is there any easy way to tell from the Reg number? I've been looking around and I honestly don't know how to tell from pictures. I was expecting a little tag or something...

My dreams of a CLS may have to wait.

@clk208 excellent point, and who doesn't love a 6 cylinder petrol engine. There's not may around mind - what are the common issues?

If you have the chassis number(s) of car(s) you are interested in someone on here can get you the build sheet listing all options from build-hope that helps,got mine back yesterday,really missed it and goes like stink now with a brand new turbo

 

[J19YTP]

Good news... I think I've finally found a CLS.

Hopefully picking up on Saturday, fingers crossed.

It's the first really nice car I'll own. I know it's old now, but still really excited.

I haven't sent the car in the flesh but the sellers been quite good. And the dealer has decent reviews.

 

[J19YTP]

Hi everyone

Good news
I've picked up a CLS 350 Grand Edition. In palladium silver/grey. It's lovely.

Only thing is, I broke down on the way home. The powersteering and air con went accompanied with a battery light on the dash.

The car is very heavy without power steering. Wow.

The car was bought from a small dealer and came with a warranty. I'm hoping it's all covered.

The RAC were brilliant but extremely slow.
End to end took me 12 hours to get home.
The first guy was a legend, he came out and said it's the belt (which had shredded) and most likely the tensioner.
He went and bought one and fitted it. Unfortunately within a minute it shredded again.

So ordered a low loader to take me home.

I got back at 23:00. So a pretty long day.

Has anyone else had this issue?

It has full benz/independent history. However the car has been sat for sale for probably 6 months. Thinking something's ceased.

I'm going to insist it goes to MSL to be checked over if I can.

 

[mersum1es]

Are all pulleys (tensioner, alternator, water pump etc) rolling free, not seized? Are all in line with no play in bearings (misaligned pulley guides belt on edge and it shredders the belt)

 

[J19YTP]

I couldnt really tell yesterday. Will deffo have a look today.
What causes them to get out of alignment?

Also I checked the turbo seal... It looked a little oilly, especially on the top, the PCV pipes also looked oilly.

If I keep the car I was thinking of getting the Seals and PCV replaced. Are they normally oilly?

Thanks for everyone's help thus far. This forum has been so helpful.

 

[SL300-24]

Yes get them changed, cheap to do.

 

[Teego]

I think you bought a wrong'un. Don't waste time or money. Get your refund and start your search again. Good luck.