Used Mercedes-Benz CLS Gear Stick

It depends on the variant. Early W219 CLS models (2004–2010) with a manual gearbox do have a conventional gear stick, but many CLS models across all generations use an automatic gearbox with a column-mounted or centre-console selector rather than a traditional floor-mounted stick — so what you may actually be looking for is an automatic gear selector or selector stalk instead. Confirm with the breaker exactly which selector type your car has before ordering, as the two are completely different parts.

Both years fall within the first-generation W219 CLS (2004–2010), so you are within the same platform, which is a promising starting point for manual-gearbox cars. That said, ancillary and mounting changes can occur mid-production even within a generation, so confirm the engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and verify directly with the breaker that the donor car matches your registration before buying.

These are two distinct generations with different platforms, so a straight swap across that boundary is unlikely to be straightforward. The second-generation W218 was facelifted in 2014, adding further potential variation even within its own generation. Name the generation boundary clearly when speaking to the breaker and give them your engine code and registration so they can check compatibility properly.

Trim level itself does not determine the mechanical specification of the gear stick — what matters is the engine code and gearbox type. However, AMG models like the CLS 63 are exclusively automatic, so they will have a selector unit rather than a conventional stick, and there may be cosmetic differences in the selector's finish or paddle-shift equipment compared to standard models. Focus on matching the engine code and gearbox type rather than the trim badge.

The W218 was facelifted in 2014, and while the core platform remains the same, ancillary and mounting details can change across a facelift boundary. Whether a pre-facelift (2011–2014) selector or gear stick will interchange directly with a post-facelift (2014–2018) car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, rather than assume either way.

The most important detail is your engine code, found on your V5 logbook or via a VIN check — this matters far more than the badge or body style. You should also tell the breaker whether your car is manual or automatic, the year of manufacture, and your full registration so they can cross-reference the exact specification. Because ECU pairing and coding requirements for selector units can vary, ask the breaker directly whether any programming will be needed before the part will work in your car.