Second Hand Mercedes-Benz CLS Rear Tailgate

The CLS ran across three generations: the first-generation C219 from 2004 to 2010, the second-generation C218 from 2011 to 2018 (with a facelift around 2014), and the third-generation C257 from 2018 onwards. Each generation uses a completely different tailgate, so the generation of your car is the single most important thing to establish before sourcing a used part. Always quote your registration to the breaker so they can confirm the exact generation match.

Both sit within the second-generation C218 platform, but Mercedes did make styling updates around the 2014 facelift, and whether the tailgate pressing changed across that boundary is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration rather than assume. The generation is the right starting point, but crossing a facelift boundary on a rear panel like this carries enough uncertainty that a breaker checking your specific VIN is the safest route.

Trim level does not affect the structural fit of the tailgate — a C218 tailgate is a C218 tailgate regardless of whether your car is a standard CLS, AMG Line, or any other specification. That said, you may notice cosmetic differences such as badging, spoiler lips, or trim finishes on parts pulled from higher-spec cars, so bear that in mind when inspecting what a breaker is offering. The part will fit, but check the cosmetic details suit you before buying.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS in the UK was offered as a four-door fastback (officially a 'four-door coupe' in Mercedes' own marketing) and as a Shooting Brake five-door estate, not as a traditional two-door coupe. These body styles use completely different tailgates and will not interchange, so confirm with your breaker exactly which body style the donor vehicle is before proceeding.

No — the Shooting Brake (estate body) and the four-door fastback CLS have entirely different tailgates and rear structures, and the parts are not interchangeable between body styles. This is the first question any breaker will ask, so make sure you know which body style you have before requesting quotes. Body style is the starting point for all rear panel fitment on this car.

No, the C219 and C218 are entirely separate generations with different body structures, and their tailgates are not interchangeable. You need to source a tailgate from the same generation as your car, and ideally have the breaker check it against your registration to account for any mid-generation pressing changes that could affect the fit.