Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic (X218)

Mercedes CLS 2012 3.0 diesel description

Estate car / wagon Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic has been produced from 2012 to 2014. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 265 horsepower on 3800 rpm and torque 620 Nm (Newton metres) on 1600 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 360 000 and 600 000 kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs 
The Mercedes-Benz OM642 is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel widely used in many models under the 3.0 CDI or 350 CDI designation. It is known for strong performance and good durability when maintained properly, and well-kept engines are capable of exceeding 500,000  ...  This Mercedes CLS 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51 and oil capacity is 8.8 litres.

Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 7 gears.
Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.7 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 250 km/h.

In combined cycle (city and motorway), the Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic fuel consumption is 6.6 litres per 100km (15.2 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 7.9 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 5.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 80 litres or 21.14 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 1200 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1340 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this Mercedes real everyday fuel consumption is 8.8 litres per 100 km, which is 33% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real Mercedes CLS fuel consumption.

With the same engine there is also Mercedes CLS version with rear wheel drive and automatic gearbox (Mercedes CLS 2012 3.0 Shooting Brake 350 CDI AT) available, which manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.6 litres per 100 km or 9 % - 6.0 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is similar - 8.8 litres per 100 km.
Mercedes CLS 3.0 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
Mercedes CLS 2012

Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic technical data

Model: Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic
Body style: Estate car / wagon
Production period: 2012. January ... 2014. January 
Engine: 2987 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 174 g/km
Power: 265 HP ON 3800 RPM Torque: 620 NM ON 1600 RPM
Gearbox: Automatic gearbox (7 gears) Drive type: All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Top speed: 250 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.6 (combined) 7.9 (urban) 5.9 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 8.8 l/100km (26.7 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres (21.1 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.96m (length) 1.88m (width) 1.42m (height)
Turning diameter: 11.2 meters
Trunk capacity: 590 litres
Trunk max capacity: 1550 litres (with rear seats folded down)
Gross weight: 2495 kg

Mercedes CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic engine OM642 350 CDI

Engine reliability and common problems:

The Mercedes-Benz OM642 is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel widely used in many models under the 3.0 CDI or 350 CDI designation. It is known for strong performance and good durability when maintained properly, and well-kept engines are capable of exceeding 500,000 km. At the same time, the unit has several characteristic weak points that tend to appear with age.

One of the most well-known problems affects early engines produced before around 2010. The oil cooler sits deep in the valley of the V-engine, and the sealing gaskets eventually harden and begin to leak. When this happens, oil accumulates in the center of the engine block, and fixing the issue requires significant disassembly, making the repair relatively expensive.

The intake system can also cause trouble. The swirl flaps are operated by plastic linkages that may break over time, which leads to uneven engine operation, warning lights, and reduced power. The Bosch fuel system itself is generally efficient, but the piezo injectors are sensitive to fuel quality and are expensive to replace, often with little possibility of repair.

Turbocharger problems sometimes appear as mileage grows. Carbon deposits may cause the variable geometry mechanism to stick, and in some cases particles from a deteriorating exhaust manifold can damage the turbocharger. The engine is also quite sensitive to oil pressure. Issues with the oil pump, contaminated oil, or overheating can lead to bearing damage if lubrication becomes insufficient.

Additional concerns include the crankcase ventilation system, where the membrane inside the PCV valve may fail, as well as typical diesel emissions components such as the EGR valve and diesel particulate filter, which can become clogged over time.

Despite these weaknesses, the OM642 remains a respected engine when serviced correctly. It delivers strong performance, uses a durable double-row timing chain, and the cylinder heads are equipped with hydraulic lifters that reduce maintenance needs. With regular oil changes—preferably every 10,000 km or sooner—and good-quality fuel, it can be a long-lasting and capable diesel engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 360,000 to 600,000 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 2987 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 83 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 92 mm
Compression ratio 18 : 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 400,000 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 CLS 2012 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic oil type 5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51
Oil capacity 8.8 litres (9.3 quarts) More service info
Coolant capacity 10.8 litres (11.4 quarts)
Power 231 - 265 HP ON 3800 RPM
Torque 540 - 620 NM ON 1600 RPM
Start of production (year) 2005
Duration of production 21 years
Engine also used on Mercedes C klase Mercedes E klase Mercedes ML Mercedes S klase and 5 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.

All Mercedes CLS estate car [2012 - 2014] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Drive type
Mercedes CLS 2012 2.1 Shooting Brake 250 CDI

Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.1 Diesel 204 HP 5.3 l/100km Rear wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 3.0 Shooting Brake 350 CDI

Most powerfull diesel version (265 HP)

3.0 Diesel 265 HP 6.0 l/100km Rear wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 3.0 Shooting Brake 350 CDI 4Matic 4x4

Most powerfull diesel version (265 HP)

3.0 Diesel 265 HP 6.6 l/100km All wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 3.5 Shooting Brake 350

Most fuel efficient petrol version

3.5 Petrol 306 HP 7.3 l/100km Rear wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 4.7 Shooting Brake 500 4.7 Petrol 408 HP 9.2 l/100km Rear wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 4.7 Shooting Brake 500 4Matic 4x4 4.7 Petrol 408 HP 9.8 l/100km All wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 5.5 Shooting Brake 63 AMG

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds

5.5 Petrol 525 HP 10.1 l/100km Rear wheel
Mercedes CLS 2012 reviews
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