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Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 280 Prestige Plus common faults.

2008–2010, saloon, petrol, 224 HP.

The list covers this version.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

1 fault write-ups. Important. 3 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

1 important faults

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. The maker started several recalls (NHTSA 05V133 and its predecessors); the 2006 W211 facelift already got conventional hydraulic brakes, and the SBC was dropped because of complaints.

Show the rest

After the recall is closed, the SBC pump unit still has a service life counter, the replacement is expensive, and the backup mode is noticeable on a test drive. On the post 2006 facelift W211 this system is gone.

What to check

  • Only the pre 2006 W211 and early CLS C219 are the subject: the facelift got conventional brakes
  • Try the brakes cold and after several hard stops: a suddenly "long" pedal or more effort suggests backup mode
  • Watch the dash: an SBC warning message calls for immediate expert inspection
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 280 Prestige Plus

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall3 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. 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

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

No engine and transmission for this yet. When they are in, you see them here.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
CLS 280 Prestige Plus
Body
saloon
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
2987 cc
Power
165 kW (224 HP)
Drive
RWD
Production
2008–2010

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
All C219 versions

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