The CLA C117 brought four-door coupe styling to the Mercedes compact range, based on the MFA platform shared with the A-Class W176. The CLA 220 CDI uses the 2.1-litre OM651 with a single variable-nozzle turbocharger, rated at 125 kW/170 PS and later 130 kW/177 PS, paired exclusively with the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic. It offers strong motorway economy and a premium interior, though the firm ride on larger wheels and restricted rear headroom are common criticisms. Mercedes announced its new `d` diesel naming for introduction from the start of 2015, so the change from CLA 220 CDI to CLA 220d is a market-dependent badge transition beginning in 2015 rather than a July 2016 facelift event.· more· less
Strong torque, excellent economyPremium coupe styling and interior
Mercedes-level repair costs7G-DCT gearbox can judder in traffic
Buy if: You want a stylish diesel compact with strong motorway economy and can find one with full service history showing regular oil and gearbox fluid changes.
Avoid if: You mostly drive short urban trips (DPF clogging risk) or cannot budget for Mercedes-level repair costs when turbo or injector issues arise.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€16,200
median asking price, typically 160,000 km
Typical range€13,800 – €19,800
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€900 – €1,700/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €900 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€400 – €800 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€16,200
Typically €13,800 – €19,800, at around 160,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€900 – €1,700per year
€500 – €900
service, tyres, brakes
€400 – €800
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€16,900
median asking price, typically 160,000 km
Typical range€14,500 – €19,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€900 – €1,700/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €900 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€400 – €800 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€16,900
Typically €14,500 – €19,000, at around 160,000 km.
Chain elongation causes cold-start rattle and risks engine damage if ignored · more· less
The OM651 timing chain is rear-mounted (between engine and gearbox), making replacement labour-intensive. The plastic chain guides degrade from heat and oil deposits, while the tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure. Symptoms include a metallic rattling noise on cold start that fades after a few seconds. Typically surfaces between 130,000 and 200,000 km, though poor oil maintenance can accelerate wear. Mercedes-Benz issued a recall for oil leaks at the chain tensioner on vehicles produced between February and November 2014 (over 100,000 vehicles in Germany). Parts cost approximately €400-600 for a full kit (chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets). Labour runs 8-12 hours because the engine often needs to be separated from the gearbox. Independent specialist quotes typically range from €1,200-1,800, while dealer quotes can reach €2,500-3,500.
7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox judder and clutch wear
up to €3,0002 of 7
Clutch shudder and jerky low-speed shifts worsen without regular fluid changes · more· less
The 7G-DCT (724.0) dual-clutch transmission is standard on the CLA 220 CDI and known for developing shudder during low-speed manoeuvres, particularly from a standstill. Symptoms typically appear after 80,000-120,000 km, especially if the transmission fluid has never been changed. Mercedes specifies a fluid and filter change at 100,000 km or five years; specialists separately advise going as short as 60,000 km, which is their recommendation rather than a manufacturer requirement. A simple fluid change costs €250-400 and often resolves early-stage judder. If the clutch pack is worn, a full dual-clutch replacement including the flywheel costs €1,500-2,500 at a specialist or up to €3,000 at a dealer. Over 70% of faulty gearboxes presented to specialists had never had a fluid change in the first 100,000 km.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
up to €2,5003 of 7
Diesel particulate filter blocks if the car is predominantly used for short urban trips · more· less
The DPF requires periodic regeneration, which happens automatically during sustained motorway driving. Cars used primarily for short trips under 15 km may not reach sufficient exhaust temperature for regeneration, leading to progressive soot accumulation. Early signs include a dashboard warning light and slightly increased fuel consumption. A forced regeneration at a workshop costs €200-400. If the DPF is severely blocked, professional off-vehicle cleaning costs €400-700. Full DPF replacement costs €1,500-2,500. Prevention: regular motorway runs of at least 20-30 minutes, and avoiding exclusively short-distance use.
EGR valve clogging
up to €1,0004 of 7
Carbon buildup causes the EGR valve to stick, leading to rough idle and reduced power · more· less
The exhaust gas recirculation valve accumulates soot and carbon deposits over time, particularly on cars that do frequent short trips or spend a lot of time idling. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, and check engine lights. EGR cleaning at a specialist costs €200-400, while full replacement of the valve and cooler runs €500-1,000. The issue typically develops gradually between 80,000-150,000 km. Regular highway driving and quality diesel fuel help reduce buildup. When replacing, the intake manifold also benefits from cleaning, which adds €100-200 to the job.
Turbocharger wear or failure
up to €3,5005 of 7
The variable-nozzle turbo can develop shaft play, oil leaks, or boost control issues · more· less
The CLA 220 CDI uses a single variable-nozzle turbocharger, the same architecture as the lower-output OM651 variants rather than a sequential two-turbo system. Turbo issues typically surface between 120,000-160,000 km and can include oil misting from seals, whistling noises, boost leaks, or actuator failure. One documented case showed a turbo repair quote of €1,700 at 50,000 km. Full turbocharger replacement costs €2,500-3,500 at a specialist. Allowing the engine to idle briefly before switching off after hard driving helps extend turbo life.
Coolant system leaks (thermostat housing, head connection)
up to €1,2006 of 7
Cylinder head coolant nozzle and thermostat housing develop leaks with age · more· less
Mercedes issued a service action (1204P59A93) for coolant loss from the cylinder head coolant connection nozzle on 200, 220, and 250 CDI OM651 variants. The thermostat housing and associated O-rings are also known leak points. Symptoms include a slowly dropping coolant level, sweet smell from the engine bay, or visible coolant traces. Thermostat housing replacement costs €300-600, while the head connection nozzle repair costs €400-800 depending on accessibility. The turbo coolant return line O-rings can also leak, typically costing €150-300 for parts and labour. Regular coolant level checks are essential.
Valve cover gasket oil leak
up to €6007 of 7
Rocker cover gasket hardens with age, causing oil seepage on the engine exterior · more· less
Oil leaks from the valve cover (rocker cover) gasket are a common age-related issue on the OM651. The gasket material hardens and shrinks over time, allowing oil to seep along the top of the engine. While not immediately dangerous, it can lead to oil dripping onto exhaust components and producing a burning smell. The gasket itself costs €30-50, but labour is approximately 2-3 hours due to accessibility. Independent specialist cost is typically €250-400, while a dealer may charge €400-600. Commonly develops between 100,000-150,000 km.
Robust diesel drivetrain, but maintenance-sensitive
The OM651 diesel is a proven engine used across many Mercedes models, and when properly maintained it can comfortably exceed 200,000 km. The main concerns centre on the timing chain (monitor for cold-start rattle) and the 7G-DCT gearbox, where regular fluid changes are essential. Complete service history with oil changes at 15,000 km intervals and documented gearbox fluid changes significantly reduces ownership risk.
Service history
Complete Mercedes dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at or before every 15,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires may wear faster on sport-suspension models.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for rattling or unusual noises in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including urban stop-and-go traffic and motorway speeds to test boost delivery and the gearbox.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
A metallic rattling from the rear of the engine during the first 5-30 seconds of cold start indicates chain stretch. This is the single most important check.
Test 7G-DCT gearbox in stop-and-go traffic
Drive for at least 15 minutes in city traffic. Feel for shuddering, jerking, or hesitation when pulling away from stops. This reveals clutch condition.
Verify gearbox fluid change history
Mercedes' own interval is 100,000 km or five years, and specialists advise shortening it. No record of any change at 120,000+ km is a significant red flag.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Inspect for coolant leaks under the engine
Look for pink/orange coolant traces around the thermostat housing and cylinder head connection. Check coolant level in the expansion tank.
Check for oil leaks on top of the engine
Inspect the valve cover gasket area for oil seepage. Some seepage is cosmetic, but heavy leaking onto exhaust components creates a fire risk.
Accelerate firmly and check for black smoke
No visible black smoke from the exhaust during hard acceleration indicates healthy injectors. Blue smoke suggests turbo seal issues.
Coolant connection nozzle (cylinder head) service actionVerify completed
Passenger classification system - BR117 vehicles built 28 August 2014 to 2 November 2017Verify completed
Brake servo malfunction - left-hand-drive OM651 vehicles, production through April 2013Verify completed
Driveshaft fault - CLA built through June 2013Verify if applicable
The CLA C117 has been subject to approximately 25 recalls across its production run. Contact Mercedes-Benz with the VIN to verify all applicable recalls and service campaigns have been completed. The steering column earthing fault, the high pressure fuel line campaign and the timing chain tensioner oil leak are the ones to confirm. The piezo-to-solenoid injector conversion sometimes listed against this car does not apply: Mercedes specified solenoid injectors for the CLA 220 CDI from its 2013 launch.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all used CLA C117 models
Rust perforation warranty (30 years)May still apply on newer C117 models (check with dealer)
Extended warrantyAvailable through Mercedes dealers or third-party providers
All CLA C117 models are now outside the standard 2-year factory warranty. Mercedes offers extended warranty packages through dealers, though pre-existing faults are typically excluded. The 30-year rust perforation warranty may still be active on later production cars, subject to terms.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
