CLC Class Diesel Engines
from £1,200 to £3,800
Rebuilt units from £1,500 · Common codes: OM646, OM642, OM646.980, OM642.852
Get quotes from trusted UK Mercedes CLC engine specialists. Compare reconditioned & used engines for CLC 160 to CLC 350 - M271 covered. Find the best value for your budget.
CLC Class Diesel Engines
from £1,200 to £3,800
Rebuilt units from £1,500 · Common codes: OM646, OM642, OM646.980, OM642.852
CLC Class Petrol Engines
from £1,100 to £3,500
Rebuilt units from £1,400 · Common codes: M271, M272, M271.950, M272.960
CLC Class V6 Performance Engines
from £2,200 to £4,500
Rebuilt units from £2,200 · Common codes: M272E35, M272E25, M272.960, M272.940

Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
The table below shows typical UK rebuilt engine replacement costs across different Mercedes Benz CLC Class variants, covering known failure causes, engine codes, and fuel types.


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Not sure which variant your Mercedes Benz CLC Class is- Enter your registration number above - we’ll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.

Every engine code fitted to the Mercedes Benz CLC Class across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed diesel engine families across Mercedes Benz CLC Class variants.

OM646.981 / OM646.980 - 2.1L Diesel
Main replacement triggers are timing chain wear, EGR / cooling faults and turbo-control issues.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,400 - £3,200
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?
Can’t find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we’ll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Mercedes Benz CLC Class engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.

Mercedes Benz CLC Class M271 Timing Chain Failure
Most affected vehicles
Mercedes Benz CLC Class CLC 160, CLC 180 Kompressor, CLC 200 Kompressor, CLC 200 CGI (2008-2011, M271.910, M271.946, M271.950, M271.860)
Failure mileage range
45,000 - 80,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
The M271 uses a single-row timing chain that stretches over time, combined with a plastic tensioner guide that loses hydraulic pressure. Cold starts produce a distinctive rattle as the chain slaps against the timing cover. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth, causing valve-to-piston contact and complete engine destruction.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Preventative Timing Chain Replacement | £1,200 - £1,800 | £800 - £1,200 | Replacement of timing chain, tensioner, guides, and camshaft sprockets. Labour-intensive (8-10 hours) | 60,000+ miles. Only viable before chain jumps. Essential preventative maintenance |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt / Reconditioned Engine | £3,500 - £5,500 | £1,800 - £3,200 | Supply & fit of rebuilt M271 with upgraded timing components, new oil pump, and bench testing | 60,000+ miles. The right choice if chain has jumped or engine has suffered valve damage |
Our recommendation
On a CLC Class worth £1,500-£4,000, preventative timing chain replacement is almost always the better value if caught early. Listen for cold-start rattle - the moment you hear it, book a specialist inspection. If the chain has already jumped, replacement is your only safe option. A specialist using upgraded timing components will outlast the original design.
Compare M271 timing chain replacement quotes for your Mercedes Benz CLC Class
Every engine type for the Mercedes Benz CLC Class is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on your exact variant, engine code and budget.
Compare Mercedes Benz CLC Class engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes Benz CLC Class within hours.

Every displacement fitted to the Mercedes Benz CLC Class is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years, power outputs and common failure notes.
The 2.1-litre OM646 turbodiesel was the sole diesel displacement offered across the entire CLC Class range from 2008 to 2011. It powered the high-volume CLC 200 CDI and CLC 220 CDI variants, with two power outputs sharing the same basic block and common-rail injection architecture. This engine represented Mercedes' push for efficiency in the compact executive segment, delivering strong torque and respectable economy.
Engine Code(s)
OM646.980, OM646.981
Compatible Models (UK)
CLC 200 CDI (2008-2011), CLC 200 CDI Sport (2008-2011), CLC 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2009-2011), CLC 220 CDI (2008-2011), CLC 220 CDI Sport (2008-2011), CLC 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Swirl flap collapse into cylinders, injector seal leakage causing combustion knock, EGR valve clogging
Production Years: 2009-2011
Get quotes for Mercedes Benz CLC Class 2.1L diesel engines
Choose your Mercedes Benz CLC Class engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from the economical CLC 200 CDI to the performance-oriented CLC 350 Sport.
The CLC Class diesel range relied exclusively on Mercedes' OM646 four-cylinder and OM642 V6 units, with the 2.1-litre four-cylinder dominating UK replacement enquiries due to swirl flap failures.
Common Mercedes Benz CLC Class Diesel Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Diesel Models
The CLC Class diesel range relied exclusively on Mercedes' OM646 four-cylinder and OM642 V6 units, with the 2.1-litre four-cylinder dominating UK replacement enquiries due to swirl flap failures.
Common Mercedes Benz CLC Class Diesel Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Diesel Models
The CLC Class petrol lineup spans supercharged M271 four-cylinders and naturally aspirated M272 V6 units, with timing chain failures on the 1.8L and balance shaft wear on the 2.5L/3.5L driving most replacement enquiries.
Common Mercedes Benz CLC Class Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Not sure which fuel type your Mercedes Benz CLC Class has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Mercedes Benz CLC Class specialists.

The Mercedes Benz CLC Class was produced as a single generation (CL203) from 2008 to 2011, evolving through running changes rather than generational breaks - this timeline covers every engine fitted across that period.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
M271.910- 1.6L petrol (CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY)
M271.946- 1.8L supercharged petrol (CLC 180 Kompressor)
M271.950- 1.8L supercharged petrol (CLC 200 Kompressor)
M271.860- 1.8L direct-injection petrol (CLC 200 CGI)
M272.921- 2.5L V6 petrol (CLC 230)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
M271.910M271.946M271.950M271.860M272.921M272.960OM646.981OM646.980OM646.963OM642.852