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Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class C219 common faults.

2004–2010. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class C219

M 93 / Attribution

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

critical6

M272 V6: early wear of the balance shaft gear

critical

On the M272 V6 petrol engines sold between 2004 and 2007 (with engine numbers below 2729..30 468993) the balance shaft gear wears out early.

Applies to the engine M272DE35, M272KE30, M272KE35 and 1 more.

Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC): electrohydraulic brakes

critical

The electrohydraulic brake system of the early W211 E-Class (and the related C219 CLS), the SBC, can switch into hydraulic backup mode because of software and hardware faults, with a longer pedal travel and more effort needed.

It can affect every car in this generation.

expensive2

7G-Tronic (722.9): mechatronics and conductor plate

expensive

In the Mercedes 7 speed 722.9 automatic (7G-Tronic / 7G-Tronic Plus) the mechatronics unit and the conductor plate (Leiterplatte) age over time: jerking on shifts, delayed engagement, a "Getriebe schützen" message, and fault codes on the gearbox electronics.

Applies to the transmission MB7229.

5G-Tronic (722.6): control unit in oil, coolant in the ATF

expensive

The Mercedes 5 speed 722.6 automatic (5G-Tronic / NAG1) has three faults that also recur on the used market: (1) the control electronics sit inside the gearbox housing, and a leaking connector lets oil onto the electronics; (2) cooling faults around 2003 (and later) can let antifreeze into the ATF, which shortens its life; (3) wear of the torque converter lock-up clutch contaminates the valve body and causes jerky shifts.

Applies to the transmission MB7226.

11 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall3 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

A12/00280/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The adhesive bond between the glass panel and the sliding-roof frame may not meet the specifications. As a result, the glass panel could become completely detached from the vehicle, posing the risk to the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/00391/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to improper adhesive bonding of the glass panel to the sliding roof frame, the panel may detach from the moving vehicle, creating a risk of an accident, injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

SR/03711/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The three aluminium screws of the steering box may corrode due to exposure to spray water and aggressive road-grit (salt) used for melting ice. Advanced corrosion could weaken the screws, leading to potential breakage during manoeuvring or parking. If all fixing screws fail, the power-assisted steering could detach, resulting in a loss of power steering and an increased risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engines and transmissions in this generation

A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.

C219 · 2004–2010

Pick the version.

The fault list opens on the version page.

24 versions

Neighbouring generations

C219 · 2004–2010

C219 (2004-2010). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.

Previous generation

This is the earliest.

This generation

C219 · 2004–2010

Next generation

C218 · 2010–2018

Common questions

About this generation

Which years does this page cover?

2004–2010. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.

Does the fault apply to every car like this?

No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.

Is it free?

The fault list is.

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms