Recalls

Recalls & faults: Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake (2012-17)

Recalls: Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake

  • In January 2015, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the OM651 turbo-diesel engine that were available for sale during 2014. In these vehicles, the seal ring between the timing chain tensioner and the engine may leak oil – this could result in a hazard for other road users and, in extreme cases, a fire risk (PRA 2015/14509).
  • In March 2015, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake vehicles that were available for sale from 1 July 2012 to 1 December 2014. In these vehicles, the seal on the secondary bulkhead in the engine compartment could come loose and partially fall into the engine compartment. In extreme cases, the seal may come in contact with hot engine components and pose a fire risk (PRA 2015/14588).
  • In August 2015, a recall was issued for Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake vehicles that were available for sale from 1 April 2015 to 1 May 2015. In these vehicles, a damaged seal may have been fitted to the secondary bulkhead in the engine compartment; this seal could come loose and partially fall into the engine compartment. If this occurred and the seal came into contact with hot engine components, it could produce a risk of fire (PRA 2015/14888).


Problems and faults: Mercedes-Benz X218 CLS Shooting Brake

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

OM651: injector failure and timing chain/tensioner wear

  • For the OM651 engine, the Delphi piezo injectors that were fitted for the 125kW to 150kW variants (i.e. the 220 CDI BlueEfficiency and 250 CDI BlueEfficiency) experienced a high failure rate, generally occurring beyond 50,000 kilometres. If the injectors failed, the engine warning light would illuminate, the vehicle would enter ‘limp home’ mode and the engine run unevenly. Initially, revised piezo injectors were introduced. Subsequently, however, Mercedes-Benz initiated a customer service action whereby the original Delphi piezo injectors were replaced with magnetic solenoid injectors, a new ECU was installed, a fuel return line was retrofitted and the engine cover was changed. From around mid-2012, Mercedes-Benz ceased using piezo injectors for these engines and used magnetically-actuated solenoid injectors instead.
  • For the OM651 engine, there have been reports of wear of the simplex timing chain and/or chain tensioner at higher mileages. Since the chain is installed on the transmission side of the engine, access is restricted and replacement is expensive.


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