MercedesBenz C-Class 300 Petrol Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M272, M276, M274 and M254 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £1,800 to £5,500
Used from £600 · Reconditioned from £1,800 · Common codes: M272.947, M272.948, M276.957, M274.920, M254.920
From £600
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,800
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 300 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The C300 petrol badge has represented the V6 and high-performance four-cylinder petrol options across three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. From the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre M272 V6 in the W204, through the 3.5-litre M276 V6 in the facelift W204, to the turbocharged 2.0-litre M274 four-cylinder in the W205, and finally the advanced M254 2.0-litre mild hybrid in the W206 - the C300 has consistently offered a compelling blend of power, refinement and efficiency.
Variant HistoryMercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The C300 petrol badge has represented the V6 and high-performance four-cylinder petrol options across three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. From the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre M272 V6 in the W204, through the 3.5-litre M276 V6 in the facelift W204, to the turbocharged 2.0-litre M274 four-cylinder in the W205, and finally the advanced M254 2.0-litre mild hybrid in the W206 - the C300 has consistently offered a compelling blend of power, refinement and efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol
Fuel TypePetrol (MHEV from 2021)
Engine Size Range2.0L - 3.5L across the badge's history
Power Output Range231-258 hp (170-190 kW) across all generationsEngine History Timeline
M272.947 3.0L V6 petrol, 231 hp (170 kW) - W204 C300 launch; 300 Nm torque; naturally aspirated 90° V6
M272.948 3.0L V6 petrol, 231 hp - W204 C300 4MATIC variant
M276.957 3.5L V6 petrol, 252 hp (185 kW) - W204 C300 facelift; 340 Nm torque; direct injection replaces M272
M274.920 2.0L turbo petrol, 241-245 hp (180 kW) - W205 C300 launch; 370 Nm torque; 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds
M274.920 with EQ Boost 258 hp - W205 C300 facelift; mild hybrid assistance
M254.920 2.0L MHEV turbo petrol, 258 hp (190 kW) - W206 C300 launch; 400 Nm torque; 48V ISG system
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (MHEV from 2021)Engine Size Range2.0L - 3.5L across the badge's historyPower Output Range231-258 hp (170-190 kW) across all generationsYears Produced2007-present (as "300" petrol)Every engine fitted to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.0L V6 Petrol (2007-2012)
Power Output231 hp (170 kW) at 6,000 rpmTorque300 Nm at 2,500-5,000 rpmYears Fitted2007-2012
Compatible Trim Levels
- C300 (W204/S204)
- C300 4MATIC (W204/S204)
- C300 Sport
- C300 Elegance
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£600-£1,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,200-£4,000
Common Failure
The M272 is known for balance shaft sprocket wear on early production engines (2004-2008). The balance shaft gear wears prematurely, causing the timing to be thrown off and triggering fault codes P0016/P0017. Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idle, and potential engine damage if not addressed. The M272 engine is prone to balance shaft failure.
The C300 petrol has been powered by four distinct engine families across the W204, W205 and W206 generations - the M272 3.0L V6, the M276 3.5L V6, the M274 2.0L turbo, and the M254 2.0L mild hybrid. Each has distinct failure patterns. Rebuilt C300 petrol engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components designed to address the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The W204 C300 V6's Critical Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 petrol (M272.947 and M272.948, W204, 2007-2012)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
Early M272 engines (2004-2008) suffer from balance shaft sprocket wear due to improperly hardened metal gears. The balance shaft gear wears prematurely, causing the timing to be thrown off and triggering fault codes P0016/P0017. Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idle, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Why It Happens
Early M272 engines (2004-2008) suffer from balance shaft sprocket wear due to improperly hardened metal gears. The balance shaft gear wears prematurely, causing the timing to be thrown off and triggering fault codes P0016/P0017. Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idle, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,200-£3,500
What it involves
Replace balance shaft with updated sprocket, timing chain, tensioner, guides
Suitability
Required if caught early; prevents catastrophic failure
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,000-£7,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,500
What it involves
Full engine rebuild with new balance shaft, timing components, cylinder head work
Suitability
Required if timing has jumped or engine damage has occurred
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,500-£8,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,200-£5,500
What it involves
Complete replacement with professionally rebuilt M272 unit featuring upgraded balance shaft and timing components
Suitability
Best long-term value; ensures all weak points addressed
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Balance Shaft & Timing Chain Replacement Minor | £3,500-£5,000 | £2,200-£3,500 | Replace balance shaft with updated sprocket, timing chain, tensioner, guides | Required if caught early; prevents catastrophic failure | 1 - 2 days |
 Post-Failure Engine Rebuild Best Value | £5,000-£7,500 | £3,500-£5,500 | Full engine rebuild with new balance shaft, timing components, cylinder head work | Required if timing has jumped or engine damage has occurred | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - rebuilt M272 engine Best Value | £5,500-£8,000 | £3,200-£5,500 | Complete replacement with professionally rebuilt M272 unit featuring upgraded balance shaft and timing components | Best long-term value; ensures all weak points addressed | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical W204 C300 is worth £3,000-£8,000. For vehicles under £4,000, a balance shaft replacement (£2,200-£3,500) is usually the better financial decision than a full engine replacement. For higher-value examples, a rebuilt M272 with warranty (£3,200-£5,500) offers peace of mind.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your W204 C300 V6 throws codes P0016/P0017 and you have an early M272 engine, the balance shaft sprocket is almost certainly the cause. A balance shaft and timing chain replacement at a specialist (£2,200-£3,500) is the most cost-effective solution. On a C Class worth £3,000-£8,000, if the engine has already suffered damage, a fully rebuilt M272 with upgraded components may be the better long-term investment.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Petrol
Engine failure doesn't always mean the end of the road for your C300 petrol. Whether your M272 needs a balance shaft replacement, your M274 has a wrist pin failure, your M254 has a camshaft centre valve defect, or a full rebuild is required, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 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 M272 Mercedes-Benz C300 petrol 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 300 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 300 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
A replacement engine for a C300 petrol typically costs between £600 and £5,500 depending on the engine code and condition. Used M272 units start from £600-£1,500, reconditioned from £1,800-£3,200, and fully rebuilt M254 engines from £3,200-£5,500. Labour for supply & fit adds £500-£1,000.
- Used M272.947 (W204 C300 V6): £600-£1,500
- Rebuilt M274.920 (W205 C300): £2,500-£4,800
- Rebuilt M254.920 (W206 C300): £3,200-£5,500
Question 2What is the difference between the M272, M276, M274 and M254 engines in the C300 petrol-
The M272 is a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V6 used in the W204 C300 (2007-2012), producing 231 hp. The M276 is a 3.5-litre V6 used in the W204 facelift C300 (2012-2014), producing 252 hp. The M274 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder used in the W205 C300 (2014-2021), producing 241-245 hp. The M254 is a 2.0-litre mild hybrid turbo used in the W206 C300 (2021-present), producing 258 hp.
- M272: 3.0L V6, 231 hp, W204 (2007-2012)
- M276: 3.5L V6, 252 hp, W204 (2012-2014)
- M274: 2.0L turbo I4, 241-245 hp, W205 (2014-2021)
- M254: 2.0L MHEV I4, 258 hp, W206 (2021-present)
Question 3What is the balance shaft failure on the M272 V6 engine-
Early M272 engines (2004-2008) suffer from balance shaft sprocket wear due to improperly hardened metal gears. This causes the timing to be thrown off, triggering fault codes P0016/P0017. Symptoms include a check engine light, rough idle, and potential 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 W204 C300
- Fault codes P0016/P0017 are the classic warning signs
- Repair at specialist: £2,200-£3,500
Question 4What is the M274 wrist pin issue and does it affect the C300-
The M274 engine suffers from a wrist pin / piston seizure failure. Mercedes technical service bulletin LI03.10-P-060916 addresses the wrist pin concern. The knocking noise might be attributed to the unfavourable tolerance of the piston wrist pin resulting in enlarged end float of the connecting rod in the piston. A petition was submitted to NHTSA requesting an investigation into alleged "wrong-sized wrist pins" in M274-equipped vehicles. There is no preventative fix - the first warning is often unusual engine noise or a misfire code.
- Affects M274 engines in W205 C300 (2014-2021)
- No preventative fix available
- Replacement with upgraded rebuilt unit is recommended
Question 5Does the C-Class 300 petrol have a timing belt or timing chain-
All C300 petrol engines use timing chains, not belts. The M272 (W204), M276 (W204 facelift), M274 (W205) and M254 (W206) all use timing chains. However, the M272 is known for balance shaft sprocket wear affecting timing accuracy, and the M276 is known for camshaft adjuster rattle. A rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign for timing chain issues.
- All C300 petrol engines: timing chain
- M272 balance shaft sprocket wear affects timing accuracy
- Regular oil changes are critical for chain longevity
Question 6What causes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 petrol to lose power-
Power loss in the C300 petrol depends on the engine. On M272 engines, balance shaft sprocket wear can cause timing drift and power loss. On M274 engines, the wrist pin/piston seizure failure can cause misfires and power loss. On M254 engines, 48V system faults or camshaft centre valve filter defects can cause reduced performance. A diagnostic check with Mercedes STAR or compatible equipment is essential to identify the exact cause.
- M272 balance shaft wear - power loss + check engine light
- M274 wrist pin failure - misfires and power loss
- M254 camshaft valve defect - oil starvation and power loss
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 PetrolEngine PricesToday
500+ C300 petrol M272, M276, M274 and M254 engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt C300 petrol engine
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supply & fit available
Comparing quotes for your C300 petrol is free, no-obligation, and specific to your exact M272.947, M272.948, M276.957, M274.920 or M254.920 engine code and generation. Our vetted UK specialists provide transparent pricing on used, reconditioned and rebuilt engines - with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty on every rebuilt unit. Enter your registration above, compare prices, and choose the right engine for your C-Class today.
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