Second Hand Mercedes-Benz CLS CV Joints

Yes, CV joints exist on the CLS, but not on every variant — they are found on the front driveshafts of all CLS models (W219, W218, and C257), since even though these are rear-wheel-drive cars, the front suspension uses CV joints within the driveshaft assembly for smooth articulation. Additionally, CLS models with 4MATIC all-wheel drive have CV joints at all four corners. If you drive a standard rear-wheel-drive CLS, you have CV joints at the front; if you have a 4MATIC variant, you have them front and rear.

The W219 (2004–2010) and W218 (2011–2018) are entirely different generations with different suspension geometry, subframe designs, and driveshaft specifications, so the CV joints are not interchangeable between them. Always tell your breaker your exact registration so they can match the correct generation and driveshaft type to your car. Never assume parts cross over between these two generations.

Yes, generation matters significantly — the W219 (2004–2010), W218 (2011–2018, facelifted around 2014), and C257 (2018–2023) each have distinct driveshaft and CV joint specifications. Within the W218, there was a mid-cycle refresh around 2014, and while the core driveshaft design remained broadly similar across that generation, you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration rather than assume a pre-facelift and post-facelift unit will swap directly. Engine size can also affect driveshaft rating, so quote your engine alongside your reg.

Trim level alone does not affect CV joint fitment — the joints are determined by drivetrain layout (rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC), engine output, and generation, not by whether the car is badged AMG Line or a standard specification. The AMG 53 variant uses a 4MATIC+ drivetrain, so it will have CV joints at all four corners rather than just the front, which is a meaningful mechanical difference worth flagging to your breaker. Quote your exact engine and drivetrain alongside your registration to make sure you get the right part.

Yes, side matters: the nearside (NS, passenger side) and offside (OS, driver side) driveshafts on the CLS are different lengths due to the differential positioning, so you must specify which side you need when contacting a breaker. Getting the wrong side is a common and easily avoided mistake, so confirm this clearly when requesting a quote. If you are unsure which side has failed, a mechanic can identify it before you order.

The CLS shares its platform with the E-Class — the W219 CLS is closely related to the W211 E-Class, and the W218 CLS shares its architecture with the W212 E-Class — so there is potential for some overlap in driveshaft and CV joint components. However, exact interchangeability depends on engine variant, drivetrain layout, and specific build date, and you should not assume a cross-model swap without confirming the part numbers with the breaker against both registrations. A good breaker can look up both vehicles and tell you definitively whether the joints match.