Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 diesel description
Coupe Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic has been produced from 2016 to 2018. It has four-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 2.1 litres, which produces power of 136 horsepower on 3200 rpm and torque 300 Nm (Newton metres) on 1400 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system and IHI / BorgWarner turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards available. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 250 000 to 420 000 kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs
The Mercedes-Benz OM651 is a 1.8–2.2-liter diesel engine used in models such as the 180 CDI and 200 CDI. It is known for good efficiency and strong durability, and well-maintained engines often exceed 400,000–500,000 km. The design includes a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum ...
This Mercedes CLA 2.1 engine oil type is 5W-30, 5W-40 and oil capacity is 7.2 litres.
Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic has front wheel drive (FWD) and automatic gearbox with 7 gears.
Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 9 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 220 km/h.
- Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 200d MT is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 0.5 seconds later (in 9.5 seconds)
- Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 200d Automatic AT 4x4

Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic technical data
| Model: | Mercedes CLA CLA 200d Automatic | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Coupe | ||
| Production period: | 2016. January ... 2018. December | ||
| Engine: | 2143 cm3 Diesel, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | no data |
| Power: | 136 HP ON 3200 RPM | Torque: | 300 NM ON 1400 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (7 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.0 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | no data | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 litres (13.2 gallons) | ||
| Car dimensions: | 4.64m (length) 1.78m (width) 1.43m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | ||
| Seats: | 5 seats | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 470 litres | ||
| Gross weight: | 2015 kg | ||
Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic engine OM651 180/200 CDI red
Engine reliability and common problems:
The Mercedes-Benz OM651 is a 1.8–2.2-liter diesel engine used in models such as the 180 CDI and 200 CDI. It is known for good efficiency and strong durability, and well-maintained engines often exceed 400,000–500,000 km. The design includes a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head with hydraulic lifters, and a combined timing drive that uses a chain together with gears and balance shafts. Simpler versions use an IHI variable-geometry turbocharger, while more powerful variants are equipped with a BorgWarner twin-turbo system. Despite its good reputation, the engine also has several well-known weaknesses.One of the most serious problems involves bearing damage caused by overheating of the engine oil. If the oil cooler becomes clogged, the oil temperature rises and its lubricating properties deteriorate, which can lead to oil starvation and bearing failure. Because of this, the oil cooler is often recommended to be cleaned or replaced preventively around every 100,000 km.
The timing chain itself is usually quite durable and may last up to 300,000 km, but the hydraulic chain tensioner can wear out much earlier. When this happens the chain begins to rattle, and replacing the tensioner can require significant labor. The fuel system has also caused trouble, particularly in early engines. Versions produced before 2011 used Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failure and in some cases caused severe engine damage. Later engines switched to electromagnetic injectors, which proved more reliable.
Another known weak point is the plastic intake manifold. After high mileage it can crack, allowing air leaks and triggering engine fault codes. Injectors may also seize in the cylinder head due to carbon buildup, which can make removal extremely difficult during repairs.
The cooling system includes a complex thermostat and pump arrangement with a vacuum actuator. When this mechanism fails, the engine may take too long to warm up or, in some cases, run hotter than intended. Additional issues occasionally reported include oil leaks, as well as clogging of the EGR system and diesel particulate filter.
Despite these shortcomings, the OM651 remains a capable and long-lasting diesel engine when maintained carefully. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil, monitoring the oil cooler condition, and proper servicing of the fuel system are essential for ensuring long-term reliability.
Overall, this engine can last around 250,000 to 420,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
| Engine displacement | 2143 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 83 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 99 mm |
| Compression ratio | 16.2 : 1 |
| Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
| Timing chain change interval | 250,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
| Fuel system | Common Rail Common rail fuel injection provides more engine power, is quieter, more environmentally friendly and offers better fuel economy, but is more expensive to maintain and repair. |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 CLA 200d Automatic oil type | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Oil capacity | 7.2 litres (7.6 quarts) More service info |
| Coolant capacity | 9.6 litres (10.1 quarts) |
| Power | 95 - 143 HP ON 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 - 360 NM ON 1400 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2010 |
| Duration of production | 16 years |
| Engine also used on | Mercedes C klase Mercedes E klase Mercedes A klase Mercedes B klase and 4 other models |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
Most often compared to
All Mercedes CLA coupe [2016 - 2018] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.5 CLA 180d | 1.5 Diesel | 109 HP | 3.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.5 CLA 180d | 1.5 Diesel | 109 HP | - | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.5 CLA 180d Automatic | 1.5 Diesel | 109 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.6 CLA 180 | 1.6 Petrol | 122 HP | - | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.6 CLA 180 Automatic | 1.6 Petrol | 122 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.6 CLA 200 | 1.6 Petrol | 156 HP | - | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 1.6 CLA 200 Automatic | 1.6 Petrol | 156 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 220 4x4 | 2.0 Petrol | 184 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 211 Hp | 2.0 Petrol | 211 HP | - | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 211 Hp Automatic | 2.0 Petrol | 211 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 211 Hp Automatic 4x4 | 2.0 Petrol | 211 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 218 Hp | 2.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 6.7 l/100km | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
|
Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 218 Hp Automatic
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 CLA 250 218 Hp Automatic 4x4 | 2.0 Petrol | 218 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes CLA 2016 2.0 AMG CLA 45 4x4
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds |
2.0 Petrol | 381 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 200d | 2.1 Diesel | 136 HP | - | Manual (6) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 200d Automatic | 2.1 Diesel | 136 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
| Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 200d Automatic 4x4 | 2.1 Diesel | 136 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 220d Automatic
Most powerfull diesel version (177 HP) |
2.1 Diesel | 177 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Front wheel |
|
Mercedes CLA 2016 2.1 CLA 220d Automatic 4x4
Most powerfull diesel version (177 HP) |
2.1 Diesel | 177 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
