Mercedes Benz CLA 180/200 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz CLA 180 and CLA 200 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M270 and M282 petrol engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £1,500 to £3,500
Used from £900 · Reconditioned from £1,500 · Common codes: M270 DE16 AL, M282 DE14 AL
From £900
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,500
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 CLA 180/200 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz CLA 180/200 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes CLA 180 and CLA 200 petrol variants launched with the first-generation C117 in 2013, powered by the M270 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. For the second-generation C118 from 2019, the entry-level petrol engines switched to the Renault-Nissan-Mercedes co-developed M282 1.3-litre unit.

Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes CLA 180 and CLA 200 petrol variants launched with the first-generation C117 in 2013, powered by the M270 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. For the second-generation C118 from 2019, the entry-level petrol engines switched to the Renault-Nissan-Mercedes co-developed M282 1.3-litre unit.
Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol
Engine History Timeline
M270 DE16 AL 1.6L turbo petrol, 122 hp (CLA 180) / 156 hp (CLA 200) - C117 launch
Facelift; M270 DE16 AL carries over with minor emissions updates
M282 DE14 AL 1.3L turbo petrol, 136 hp (CLA 180) / 163 hp (CLA 200) - C118 second-generation launch; 1.6L M270 discontinued
48V mild hybrid (EQ Boost) added to select CLA 200 petrol variants
6-speed manual discontinued on petrol CLA models; 7G-DCT automatic becomes standard
Key Specs Snapshot
Every petrol engine fitted to the Mercedes CLA 180 and CLA 200 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.6L Turbo Petrol (2013-2019)
Compatible Trim Levels
- CLA 180
- CLA 180 Sport
- CLA 180 AMG Line
- CLA 200
- CLA 200 Sport
- CLA 200 AMG Line

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£900-£1,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,500-£2,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,800-£3,500
Common Failure
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure are well-documented on early M270 units, particularly pre-2014 models, presenting as metallic rattling on cold start. High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure can also occur, shedding metal through the fuel system.


The M270 1.6-litre petrol engine in first-generation C117 CLA 180 and CLA 200 models has established a clear reputation for timing chain issues, particularly on pre-2014 units. The later M282 1.3-litre unit in the C118 generation is generally more reliable but has its own known weaknesses, including carbon build-up and cylinder deactivation system faults. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.

Why the Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol M270 Rattles on Cold Start
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol (M270 DE16 AL, 2013-2019)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
The timing chain tensioner loses hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to slacken and stretch. Plastic chain guides can also fail, particularly on early 2013-2014 production units. The chain is positioned at the front of the M270 engine, making replacement more accessible than the rear-chain diesel units - but it remains a labour-intensive job.
Why It Happens
The timing chain tensioner loses hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to slacken and stretch. Plastic chain guides can also fail, particularly on early 2013-2014 production units. The chain is positioned at the front of the M270 engine, making replacement more accessible than the rear-chain diesel units - but it remains a labour-intensive job.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,600-£2,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,000-£1,500
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets
Suitability
60,000-80,000 miles if caught before chain stretch
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500-£4,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£3,500
What it involves
Supply & fit fully rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components, bench tested, 12-month warranty
Suitability
100,000+ miles or if timing has jumped
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Preventative Chain & Tensioner Replacement Minor | £1,600-£2,200 | £1,000-£1,500 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets | 60,000-80,000 miles if caught before chain stretch | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £3,500-£4,500 | £2,500-£3,500 | Supply & fit fully rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components, bench tested, 12-month warranty | 100,000+ miles or if timing has jumped |
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
On a CLA 180/200 petrol, preventative timing chain replacement at a specialist for £1,000-£1,500 is excellent value if you catch the rattle early. However, once the chain has stretched to the point of timing errors or no-start conditions, full replacement is the only safe route. We see too many owners chasing cheap repairs after failure; it rarely ends well.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol
Engine failure on a CLA 180 or CLA 200 petrol doesn't have to mean the end of the car. Whether you're dealing with M270 timing chain rattle, HPFP collapse, or M282 carbon build-up, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes CLA petrol specialists. Every rebuilt engine includes upgraded components designed to prevent the original failure from recurring, backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Compare prices today and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare rebuilt M270 DE16 AL Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
Mercedes CLA 180/200 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
A Mercedes CLA 180 or CLA 200 petrol replacement engine typically costs between £900 for a used unit and £3,500 for a rebuilt M270 engine, with M282 rebuilt units reaching £3,800. Specialist fitting adds £450-£800.
- Used M270/M282 engines: £900-£2,200 depending on mileage and condition
- Rebuilt M270 units: £1,800-£3,500 supply only
- Rebuilt M282 units: £2,200-£3,800 supply only
- Specialist fitting adds £450-£800; dealer labour is significantly higher
- 12-month warranty included on all rebuilt units through EnginesMarket
Question 2Is the Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol engine reliable- What problems should I watch for-
The M270 1.6-litre petrol in pre-2014 CLA 180 and CLA 200 models is the least reliable of the petrol range due to timing chain tensioner failure. Post-2019 M282 1.3-litre units are more reliable but can suffer from carbon build-up and cylinder deactivation issues.
- M270 timing chain rattling on cold start signals imminent tensioner failure
- Pre-2014 M270 units have the highest failure rate
- M282 engines require regular high-quality fuel to minimise carbon build-up
- Both engines benefit from oil changes every 10,000 miles (not Mercedes' 15,000-mile interval)
Question 3How long do Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol engines last-
Well-maintained M270 1.6-litre petrol engines typically reach 120,000-150,000 miles. M282 1.3-litre units are too new for full longevity data but are expected to achieve similar mileage with proper maintenance.
- M270 (2013-2019): 120k-150k miles with regular servicing
- M282 (2019+): promising design but carbon build-up requires attention from 40k miles
- Regular oil changes every 10,000 miles significantly extends life
Question 4Which Mercedes CLA petrol engine should I avoid when buying used-
The 2013-2014 CLA 180 and CLA 200 with the M270 1.6-litre engine carry the highest risk due to timing chain tensioner failure. Post-2019 M282 1.3-litre units are significantly more reliable.
- 2013-2014 M270 (CLA 180/200): highest complaint rate for timing chain issues
- 2015-2019 M270: improved but still monitor for chain rattle
- 2019+ M282 (1.3L): fewer major failures; carbon build-up is the main concern
- Always check service history for regular oil changes
Question 5How much does timing chain replacement cost on a Mercedes CLA 180/200 petrol-
Timing chain replacement on a CLA 180/200 petrol costs £1,000-£1,500 at a specialist or £1,600-£2,200 at a main dealer. This is preventative work. If the chain has already slipped, full engine replacement at £2,500-£3,500 is required.
- Specialist preventative chain/tensioner replacement: £1,000-£1,500
- Dealer pricing for same work: £1,600-£2,200
- Rattling noise on cold start for 1-2 seconds is the early warning sign
- Once timing jumps, valves contact pistons - engine is beyond repair
Question 6Is it worth replacing the engine on a Mercedes CLA 180 or CLA 200 petrol-
Yes, if the car is otherwise sound. A CLA 180/200 petrol worth £6,000-£10,000 with a failed M270 engine justifies a £2,500-£3,500 rebuilt engine. For older, high-mileage petrol models, a used engine at £900-£1,800 is often the smarter financial choice.
- CLA 180/200 with good body/interior: replacement engine is cost-effective
- 120,000+ mile examples: consider used engine over rebuilt
- Specialist rebuilt engines fix original design weaknesses and include warranty
- Compare against £3,500-£4,500 main dealer new engine quotes
Question 7Mercedes CLA 180 vs CLA 200 petrol - which engine is more reliable-
The CLA 180 and CLA 200 share the same engine family in each generation (M270 1.6L or M282 1.3L) - the difference is purely in engine mapping and power output. Reliability is identical between the two variants.
- Both CLA 180 and CLA 200 use the same M270/M282 engine hardware
- Power difference is electronic mapping, not mechanical differences
- Service history matters more than which variant you choose
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