Mercedes CLS C219Coupé2004–2010

Mercedes CLS C219 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the first‑generation four‑door coupé — from the M272 V6 petrol to the M113 and M156 V8s and the OM642 V6 diesel. Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the AMG‑tuned engines that made this the pioneer of the four‑door coupé segment. Backed by 1,250+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED].

Explore C219 Engines
1,250+C219 Enquiries (2025)MB‑VERIFIED
Coupé
8+Engine Codes
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Mercedes CLS C219 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the C219 four‑door coupé specifically — including the pre‑ and post‑facelift engine changes that define this generation's ownership story. Based on the W211 E‑Class platform, sharing major components including engines and transmissions.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
M 272 E30M272Petrol, V6170 kW (228 PS)2008–2009★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 272 E35M272Petrol, V6200 kW (272 PS)2004–2006★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 272 DE35M272Petrol, V6 (CGI)215 kW (292 PS)2006–2010★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,800 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 113 E50M113Petrol, V8225 kW (306 PS)2004–2006★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 273 E55M273Petrol, V8285 kW (388 PS)2007–2010★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,800–£5,500 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 113 E55 MLM113Petrol, V8 supercharged350 kW (476 PS)2004–2006★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£4,500–£8,000 [MB‑QUOTE]
M 156 E63M156Petrol, V8378 kW (514 PS)2006–2010★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£5,500–£10,000 [MB‑QUOTE]
OM 642 DE30OM642Diesel, V6 turbo165 kW (224 PS)2005–2010★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]
OM 642 DE30OM642Diesel, V6 turbo197 kW (268 PS)2007–2010★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£2,500–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]
BMW 3 Series E90

Overview

Mercedes CLS C219 — Overview

The C219 is the first‑generation CLS‑Class, launched in October 2004 as the pioneer of the four‑door coupé segment.

Based on the W211 E‑Class platform and sharing major components including engines and transmissions, it introduced a fastback body style that combined coupé styling with saloon practicality. Designed by Michael Fink, the C219 was produced until July 2010. A mid‑cycle update in 2006 brought new engines including the M273 V8 and M156 AMG V8, replacing the earlier M113 units.

Key Facts

Platform

W211 (Mercedes‑Benz E‑Class platform)

Predecessor

None (CLS‑Class launched as new model)

Successor

C218 (second‑generation CLS‑Class)

Sibling body styles in this generation

None (C219 was the only body style)

Market Intelligence

The C219 CLS generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM642 diesel and M272 petrol variants as these cars enter their second decade of service.

Best & Worst Engines

OM642 (CLS 320 CDI / CLS 350 CDI) engine

Best Diesel Overall

OM642 (CLS 320 CDI / CLS 350 CDI)

“The 3.0‑litre V6 turbodiesel is the C219's most dependable engine — proven in the W211 E‑Class and capable of 200,000+ miles with routine servicing. The 350 CDI's 268 PS version delivers effortless performance without the AMG V8's running costs.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy and six‑figure mileage potential.

Who it's for:

M113 V8 (CLS 500, 2004–2006) engine

Best Petrol Overall

M113 V8 (CLS 500, 2004–2006)

“The 5.0‑litre M113 is the C219's most robust V8 — smooth, torquey, and free of the M156's camshaft adjuster issues. 306 PS and 460 Nm deliver effortless performance without the supercharged AMG's complexity.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V8 refinement without AMG running costs.

Who it's for:

M272 V6 (CLS 350 / CLS 350 CGI) engine

Highest Risk

M272 V6 (CLS 350 / CLS 350 CGI)

“The M272's balance shaft sprocket wear is this generation's defining risk — a design flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but didn't extend the warranty as widely as with later engines.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risk and have documented balance shaft history.

Who it's for:

M156 (CLS 63 AMG) engine

Most Expensive Failure

M156 (CLS 63 AMG)

“The 6.2‑litre naturally aspirated V8 is a masterpiece — but punishing to repair. Camshaft adjuster wear, tappet noise, and the entire engine's high‑strung nature add up fast. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.

Who it's for:

OM642 (CLS 320 CDI) engine

Best Value

OM642 (CLS 320 CDI)

“The entry‑level diesel shares the same robust OM642 architecture as the more powerful 350 CDI — but costs less to buy and less to replace. Oil cooler seals and swirl flaps are the only real demands.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy on a tighter budget.

Who it's for:

M113 (CLS 55 AMG) engine

Most Overlooked

M113 (CLS 55 AMG)

“Often overshadowed by the later M156, the supercharged 5.4‑litre M113 is actually more reliable — fewer camshaft issues, proven supercharger, and a more robust bottom end. 476 PS is still plenty in 2026.” Who it’s for: AMG buyers who want performance without the M156's anxiety.

Who it's for:

Mercedes CLS C219 — Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
M272 (CLS 280 / CLS 350)60k–120kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,500£1,800–£3,800
Risk vs Reward — budget for balance shaft work
M113 (CLS 500)80k–150k+Timing chain tensioner / valve cover gaskets£400–£1,200£2,500–£5,000
Best Petrol — robust V8
M273 (CLS 550)60k–120kIntake manifold / timing chain£600–£1,500£2,800–£5,500
Solid Choice — improved over M113
M113 E55 (CLS 55 AMG)40k–80kSupercharger clutch / heat‑related wear£800–£2,000£4,500–£8,000
Best AMG — more reliable than M156
M156 (CLS 63 AMG)30k–60kCamshaft adjuster / tappet wear£1,500–£3,500£5,500–£10,000
Most Expensive — fast but costly
OM642 (CLS 320/350 CDI)80k–180kOil cooler seal leaks / swirl flaps£400–£1,200£2,200–£4,500
Best Diesel — proven and durable

The C219 rule

A £4,000 OM642 recon against a £7,000 C219 sits at 57% — that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold. Against a tired £4,000 C219, the same recon is over 100% — walk away. A £5,000 M113 recon against a well‑kept £10,000 CLS 500 is 50% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

  • Which C219 Costs Least To Own?

    OM642 (CLS 320 CDI) — cheap oil cooler seal maintenance, proven V6 diesel.

  • Which C219 Costs Most To Own?

    M156 (CLS 63 AMG) — camshaft adjuster wear, tappet issues, and V8 complexity add up fast.

  • Which C219 Is Best Value?

    M113 (CLS 500) — V8 refinement without the M156's anxiety or the M272's balance shaft risk.

Common Problems

C219 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

No Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline figures — C219 shares the W211 E‑Class platform and engine‑bay access, so costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.

Core Variants

Core Variants

Scope note: All variants listed are C219 four‑door coupé only. The C218 and C257 are separate generations covered on their own Generation Pages.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

  1. 1.1. OM642 (CLS 320 CDI / CLS 350 CDI) — 1,250 enquiries [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)
  2. 2.2. M272 (CLS 350 / CLS 350 CGI) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
  3. 3.3. M113 (CLS 500 / CLS 55 AMG) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]

Most Requested E90 Variants

  1. 1.1. CLS 320 CDI
  2. 2.2. CLS 350
  3. 3.3. CLS 55 AMG

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£2,500–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only [MB‑QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

  1. 1.1. M272 balance shaft sprocket wear
  2. 2.2. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks
  3. 3.3. M156 camshaft adjuster & tappet wear
Live Feed
VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries
Mercedes CLS 320 CDI C219 (OM642)

Mercedes CLS 320 CDI C219 (OM642)

Birmingham
Oil leak, engine bay smoke

4

enquiries

Mercedes CLS 350 C219 (M272)

Mercedes CLS 350 C219 (M272)

London
Check engine light, camshaft position codes

3

enquiries

Mercedes CLS 55 AMG C219 (M113)

Mercedes CLS 55 AMG C219 (M113)

Manchester
Supercharger clutch noise, loss of boost

2

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

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