Mercedes-Benz CLA 117 Coupé 180, 122 PS, 6-speed manual (2013–2016)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 (2013-2019): known problems and buying guide

  A middling buy. Check recalls by VIN, the airbag warning light and the diesel software record before you pay.

• Engine guide Mercedes M270 1.6 and 2.0 turbo petrol (A 180, A 200, CLA 200): problems, costs and what to check

  A decent engine when the oil is changed on time, but a cold-start rattle or unusual engine noise on a 2015 car should stop the deal.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Check open campaigns by VIN (no tools). Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for open campaigns on the airbags, brake booster, starter and fuel lines. Bad: any open campaign, or no written answer.
2. Airbag warning light (needs a scanner). Switch the ignition on. The airbag light should go out after a few seconds. A scanner reads stored airbag faults. Bad: a lit light, or stored airbag faults.
3. Starter record (no tools). On a 2014 to 2017 car, ask for the record of the starter current limiter campaign. Bad: no record.
4. Brake pedal (test drive). On an empty road at low speed, brake gently. Bad: the pedal needs extra pressure.
5. Seat belt record (no tools). Ask for proof that the seat belt bolt torque check was done under the 2014 campaign. Bad: no record.

From the engine guide

1. Timing chain (scanner needed). Start the engine cold and listen for a metallic rattle for 1-3 seconds. Ask for Xentry live cam data and check for codes P0016, P0017 and P0011. Bad: a rattle, any of those codes, or a chain reported as slack. A jumped chain can destroy the engine.
2. Camshaft (no scanner). For a 2015 car, listen for unusual engine noise at idle and under load, and check for power loss and rough running. Bad: a noisy engine, or power loss and rough running on the test drive.
3. Thermostat (scanner needed). From cold, the engine should reach about 80 C within 10 minutes, and the live reading should sit between 95 and 105 C. Read codes P0128 or P1296. Bad: a temperature that stays low, overheating, or either code.
4. Coolant (no scanner). Check the level when cold and again after a few weeks. Bad: a falling level or coolant stains around the expansion tank.
5. Injectors and intake valves (scanner needed). Look for rough idle, misfires, power loss and higher fuel use. Bad: a misfire code or a rough idle.
6. Oil and service history (no scanner). Ask for oil change records. Long gaps between changes and short trips speed up chain wear. Bad: long gaps or no records.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions