Mercedes-Benz A-Class A35 AMG Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

A replacement M260 engine for an A35 AMG typically costs between £1,200 and £7,800 depending on condition. Used units start from £1,200-£2,500, reconditioned from £2,800-£5,000, and fully rebuilt from £3,800-£7,800. A replacement M260.920 engine costs on average £5,834 in good condition, with new or reconditioned engines costing up to £7,779. Labour for supply & fit adds £600-£1,000 for AMG-specialist work.

• Used M260.920: £1,200-£2,500
• Reconditioned M260.920: £2,800-£5,000
• Rebuilt M260.920: £3,800-£7,800

The A35 AMG uses the M260 engine, which has a timing chain, not a belt. However, the M260 is known for timing chain tensioner wear - a rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign. Mercedes has issued a TSB (08.02.16) for this issue, with an updated tensioner part (A2600502000) available.

• M260: timing chain - durable but tensioner can fail
• Cold-start rattle is the warning sign
• Updated tensioner part available

Common signs of engine problems in the A35 AMG include: a rattling noise on cold start (timing chain tensioner), misfires or rough running (cylinder head issues), excessive oil consumption or blue smoke from the exhaust (piston ring wear), and turbocharger lag or overheating. If you experience any of these, have the car inspected immediately.

• Rattling on cold start - timing chain tensioner
• Misfires - cylinder head or ignition system
• Oil consumption - piston rings or valve seals

It depends on the car's condition and mileage. A W177 A35 AMG is typically worth £15,000-£35,000 - a rebuilt M260 engine (£3,800-£7,800) is usually well within the car's value and can be a worthwhile investment if the car is in good condition. For lower-value examples or those with multiple issues, a specialist repair (tensioner, cylinder head) may be more economical than a full replacement.

• Vehicle worth £15,000-£20,000: rebuilt engine viable for good condition cars
• Vehicle worth £20,000+: rebuilt engine usually justifies cost
• Tensioner/cylinder head repairs: often more economical than full replacement

Both the A35 AMG and A250 use the M260.920 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, but with significantly different outputs. The A250 produces 224 hp, while the A35 AMG produces 306 hp - an 82 hp increase. The A35 AMG's M260 features a twin-scroll turbocharger, revised engine management, and AMG-specific calibration. Both share the same 83.0mm bore and 92.0mm stroke measurements.

• A250: 224 hp, single-scroll turbo
• A35 AMG: 306 hp, twin-scroll turbo, AMG calibration
• Same engine architecture, different tuning and hardware

On M260-equipped A35 AMG models, misfires are most commonly caused by cylinder head deformation allowing combustion gases to leak. Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or clogged fuel injectors are also common culprits. Overseas owners have reported cylinder head leakage as a common issue on A35 models, with some markets seeing extended warranties offered for this problem.

• Cylinder head deformation - common on 2018-2020 models
• Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils
• Clogged fuel injectors