Second Hand Mercedes-Benz CLA Differential

The Mercedes-Benz CLA ran as the C117 generation from 2013 to 2019, with a facelift arriving in 2016, so a 2014 and a 2018 car sit either side of that facelift boundary. Engine code and gearbox type are the key fitment factors, and while many drivetrain components carried across the facelift, whether a specific differential crosses that 2016 boundary without issue is something you should confirm with the breaker against both registration numbers before buying.

Yes, the engine code matters more than the year or badge — a 220d and a 180d may share a model year but use entirely different drivetrain components, including the differential. You can find your engine code on your V5C or by running a VIN check, and supplying it to the breaker is the single most useful thing you can do to narrow down a correct match. Never rely on the displacement badge alone, as Mercedes frequently used the same badge across different actual engine variants.

No, trim level does not affect differential fitment on the CLA — AMG Line and Sport are cosmetic and equipment packages rather than mechanical specifications. What actually determines fitment is the engine code, fuel type (petrol or diesel), and whether the car has a manual or automatic gearbox. You may notice cosmetic differences between stripped parts from different trim cars, but the differential itself will be the same unit for the same engine and gearbox combination.

No, these are very different vehicles mechanically — the CLA 45 AMG used a high-output turbocharged four-cylinder with a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system, while the CLA 220 uses a different engine driving the front wheels, so the differential from one will not suit the other. Always supply your exact engine code to the breaker so they can match the unit correctly to your drivetrain.

The differential itself is a central drivetrain component and is generally not affected by whether the car is left- or right-hand drive, so the handedness of the donor vehicle should not be a fitment concern for this part. Engine code, gearbox type, and generation remain the factors that matter. That said, confirm with the breaker that no ancillary brackets or mounting differences exist between markets, as minor production variations can sometimes apply.

The CLA C117 ran from 2013 to 2019 with a mid-cycle facelift in 2016, and for most engine and gearbox combinations the differential remained consistent within a given powertrain variant across those years. However, ancillary and mounting changes can occur during a production run without a formal facelift, so confirm with the breaker using your exact registration or engine code rather than assuming any two same-engine cars from within the generation are identical.