
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 EnginesMercedes 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.

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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
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
Diesel 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. OM642 (CLS 320 CDI / CLS 350 CDI) — 1,250 enquiries [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)
- 2.2. M272 (CLS 350 / CLS 350 CGI) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
- 3.3. M113 (CLS 500 / CLS 55 AMG) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. CLS 320 CDI
- 2.2. CLS 350
- 3.3. CLS 55 AMG
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£2,500–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only [MB‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. M272 balance shaft sprocket wear
- 2.2. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks
- 3.3. M156 camshaft adjuster & tappet wear

Mercedes CLS 320 CDI C219 (OM642)
4
enquiries

Mercedes CLS 350 C219 (M272)
3
enquiries

Mercedes CLS 55 AMG C219 (M113)
2
enquiries
FAQ

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