MercedesBenz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 and 230 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M111, M271 and M272 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
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From £1,200 to £4,500
Used from £500 · Reconditioned from £1,200 · Common codes: M111.961, M271.948, M272.920, M272.921
From £500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,200
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The C220 and C230 petrol badges span multiple generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, representing the mid-range petrol options. The C220 was offered in the W202 generation with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder M111 engine. The C230 badge evolved from a 2.3-litre four-cylinder in the W202 to a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder in the W203, and finally to a 2.5-litre V6 M272 in the W203 and W204 generations - offering a smooth, refined alternative to the four-cylinder range.
Variant HistoryMercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The C220 and C230 petrol badges span multiple generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, representing the mid-range petrol options. The C220 was offered in the W202 generation with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder M111 engine. The C230 badge evolved from a 2.3-litre four-cylinder in the W202 to a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder in the W203, and finally to a 2.5-litre V6 M272 in the W203 and W204 generations - offering a smooth, refined alternative to the four-cylinder range.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size Range1.8L - 2.5L across the badge's history
Power Output Range148-204 hp (110-150 kW) across all generationsEngine History Timeline
M111.961 2.2L four-cylinder petrol, 148 hp - W202 C220 launch; DOHC 16-valve; 210 Nm torque
M111.975 2.3L four-cylinder petrol, 148 hp - W202 C230 launch; same power output as C220 but larger displacement
M271.948 1.8L supercharged petrol, 163 hp - W203 C230 Kompressor launch; Eaton M45 supercharger; 230 Nm torque
M272.920 2.5L V6 petrol, 204 hp - W203 C230 launch; 245 Nm torque; 90° V6 architecture
M272.921 2.5L V6 petrol, 204 hp - W204 C230 launch; 245 Nm torque; continued V6 offering
W204 C230 production ends; replaced by C250 CGI four-cylinder
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size Range1.8L - 2.5L across the badge's historyPower Output Range148-204 hp (110-150 kW) across all generationsYears Produced1994-2009 (as "220" / "230" petrol)Every engine fitted to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 and 230 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.2L Four-Cylinder Petrol (1994-2000)
Power Output148 hp (110 kW) at 5,500 rpmTorque210 Nm at 4,000 rpmYears Fitted1994-2000
Compatible Trim Levels
- C220 (W202)
- C220 Classic
- C220 Elegance
- C220 Sport
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£500-£1,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,200-£2,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,800-£3,000
Common Failure
The M111 is generally robust but suffers from camshaft position sensor failure, head gasket failure on higher-mileage units, and ignition coil failure. The engine uses a timing chain that is durable when properly maintained.
The C220 and C230 petrol have been powered by three distinct engine families - the M111 (W202), the M271 (W203) and the M272 (W203/W204). The M111 is robust but suffers from head gasket and camshaft sensor issues. The M271 is notorious for timing chain stretch. The M272 V6 has a well-documented balance shaft sprocket weakness. Rebuilt C220 and C230 petrol engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components designed to address the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The W203 C230 Kompressor Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 230 Kompressor (M271.948, W203, 2000-2005)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
The M271 uses a single-row timing chain that stretches prematurely, often combined with failing camshaft adjusters (phasers). Symptoms include a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. P0017 almost always points to a stretched timing chain or a failing camshaft adjuster. The M271 engine is an interference design - if the timing chain breaks or slips, valves and pistons hit and the engine is effectively junk.
Why It Happens
The M271 uses a single-row timing chain that stretches prematurely, often combined with failing camshaft adjusters (phasers). Symptoms include a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. P0017 almost always points to a stretched timing chain or a failing camshaft adjuster. The M271 engine is an interference design - if the timing chain breaks or slips, valves and pistons hit and the engine is effectively junk.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,100-£1,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, both camshaft adjusters
Suitability
Best done at first rattle; prevents catastrophic failure
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,200-£3,800
What it involves
Cylinder head removal, valve replacement, piston inspection, full timing components
Suitability
Required if chain has slipped; bent valves almost certain
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£4,500-£6,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,200
What it involves
Complete replacement with professionally rebuilt M271 unit with upgraded timing components
Suitability
Best long-term value on higher-mileage cars
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Preventative Timing Chain & Tensioner Replacement Minor | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,100-£1,800 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, both camshaft adjusters | Best done at first rattle; prevents catastrophic failure | 1 - 2 days |
 Post-Failure Head Rebuild Best Value | £3,500-£5,500 | £2,200-£3,800 | Cylinder head removal, valve replacement, piston inspection, full timing components | Required if chain has slipped; bent valves almost certain | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - rebuilt M271 engine Best Value | £4,500-£6,500 | £2,500-£4,200 | Complete replacement with professionally rebuilt M271 unit with upgraded timing components | Best long-term value on higher-mileage cars | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical W203 C230 Kompressor is worth £2,000-£5,000. For vehicles under £3,500, a preventative chain replacement (£1,100-£1,800) is usually the better financial decision than a full engine replacement. For higher-value examples, a rebuilt M271 with warranty (£2,500-£4,200) offers peace of mind.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold starts - especially between 60,000 and 100,000 miles - act immediately. A preventative chain replacement at a specialist (£1,100-£1,800) saves thousands compared to waiting for failure.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 or 230 Petrol
Engine failure doesn't always mean the end of the road for your C220 or C230 petrol. Whether your M111 needs a head gasket, your M271 needs a timing chain, your M272 needs a balance shaft, or a full rebuild is required, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 and 230 petrol specialists. Every rebuilt engine supplied through our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty with nationwide delivery. Compare prices today and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare rebuilt M271 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 or 230 petrol. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 / 230 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 or 230 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
A replacement engine for a C220 or C230 petrol typically costs between £500 and £4,500 depending on the engine code and condition. Used M111 units start from £500-£1,300, reconditioned from £1,200-£2,400, and fully rebuilt M272 V6 engines from £2,200-£4,200. Labour for supply & fit adds £500-£1,000.
- Used M111.961 (W202 C220): £500-£1,200
- Rebuilt M271.948 (W203 C230 Kompressor): £2,000-£3,500
- Rebuilt M272.920 (W203 C230 V6): £2,200-£4,000
Question 2What is the balance shaft failure on the M272 V6 engine-
Early M272 engines (serial numbers below 2729..30 468993, 2004-2008) suffer from balance shaft sprocket wear due to soft metal being used in the manufacturing process of the timing gear. This causes the timing to be thrown off, triggering fault codes P0016/P0017 and potentially leading to costly engine damage if not addressed. Repair costs at a specialist are approximately £2,200-£3,500 for balance shaft and timing chain replacement.
- Affects early M272 engines in W203 and W204 C230
- Fault codes P0016/P0017 are the classic warning signs
- Repair at specialist: £2,200-£3,500
Question 3Does the C-Class 220 or 230 petrol have a timing belt or timing chain-
All C220 and C230 petrol engines use timing chains, not belts. The M111 (W202), M271 (W203) and M272 (W203/W204) all use timing chains. However, the M271 is known for timing chain stretch (60k-100k miles), and the M272 is known for balance shaft sprocket wear affecting timing accuracy. A rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign for timing chain issues.
- All C220/C230 petrol engines: timing chain
- M271 chain stretch common at 60k-100k miles
- M272 balance shaft sprocket wear affects timing accuracy
Question 4What are the signs of timing chain problems in a C-Class 220 or 230 petrol-
On M271-equipped models (W203 C230 Kompressor), the most common symptom is a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. Other signs include the check engine light (P0017 code), rough idle, loss of power, extended cranking, and hard starting. On M272-equipped models (W203/W204 C230 V6), codes P0016/P0017 indicate balance shaft sprocket wear.
- Cold-start rattle from the front of the engine
- Check engine light with P0016/P0017 codes (M272) or P0017 (M271)
- Extended cranking and hard starting
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 or 230 petrol-
It depends on the generation and condition. A W202 C220 or C230 is typically worth £1,000-£3,000 - a full engine replacement often exceeds the car's value, making a used engine or targeted repair more economical. A W203 C230 Kompressor is worth £2,000-£5,000 - a rebuilt M271 engine (£2,000-£3,500) can be a worthwhile investment if the car is in good condition. A W203/W204 C230 V6 is worth £2,500-£6,000 - a rebuilt M272 engine (£2,200-£4,200) is usually within the car's value.
- W202 (1994-2000): used engine or targeted repair
- W203 (2000-2007): rebuilt engine viable for good condition cars
- W204 (2007-2009): rebuilt M272 usually justifies cost
Question 6What is the difference between the M271 and M272 engines in the C230-
The M271 is a 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine used in the W203 C230 Kompressor (2000-2005), producing 163 hp with a timing chain. The M272 is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine used in the W203 and W204 C230 (2005-2009), producing 204 hp. The M272 offers more power and refinement but has the balance shaft sprocket weakness. The M271 is more prone to timing chain stretch.
- M271: 1.8L, supercharged I4, 163 hp, W203 (2000-2005)
- M272: 2.5L, naturally aspirated V6, 204 hp, W203/W204 (2005-2009)
- M272 has balance shaft weakness; M271 has timing chain stretch
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