Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Rear Tailgate

No — the first-generation CLA (C117, 2013–2019) and the second-generation CLA (C118, 2019–present) are completely different platforms with different body pressings, so the tailgates are not interchangeable. These are separate generations with distinct shapes, so a tailgate from a C117 will not fit a C118 regardless of the year it was made. Always confirm the generation with your breaker against your registration plate before ordering.

The first-generation CLA was facelifted in 2016, and while the overall platform (C117) remained the same, rear panel pressings can differ between pre- and post-facelift cars. You should treat the 2016 facelift as a potential fitment boundary for the tailgate and confirm with your breaker whether the specific part from a pre-2016 car will match a post-2016 car against your registration. Never assume a direct swap across a facelift year without checking.

Trim level does not affect the fundamental fitment of the tailgate on the CLA — the pressing is the same across SE, Sport, and AMG Line variants within the same generation. However, you may find cosmetic differences such as badging, spoiler lips, or differing glass aperture finishes between trims, so factor that in if appearance matters to you. Confirm with your breaker that any cosmetic details match what you need, but fitment-wise the trim name alone is not a barrier.

No — the CLA Shooting Brake (estate body style) has a completely different tailgate to the standard CLA (saloon/four-door coupe body style), and the two are not interchangeable. Body style is the first thing to establish when sourcing a used tailgate, and these two variants have entirely different rear-end pressings despite sharing the same platform. Make sure you and your breaker are both clear on which body style your car is before agreeing a price.

Both a 2015 and a 2018 CLA sit within the first-generation C117 platform (2013–2019), but the 2016 facelift is a potential boundary for pressing changes at the rear. A 2015 car is pre-facelift and a 2018 car is post-facelift, so while the generation is the same, you should confirm with your breaker that the specific tailgate will match your car before purchasing. Quoting your registration to the breaker is the most reliable way to check this.

No — engine and gearbox choice have no bearing on which rear tailgate fits your CLA. What matters is the generation (C117 or C118), the body style, and whether your car is pre- or post-facelift. Focus your conversation with the breaker on those points rather than your engine code.