MercedesBenz CLC 180 / 200 Petrol Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes

A replacement M271 engine for a CLC 180 or 200 petrol typically costs between £600 and £3,800 depending on the engine code and condition. Used units start from £600-£1,600, reconditioned from £1,200-£2,800, and fully rebuilt from £1,800-£3,800. A replacement motor of type 271.957 (similar family) costs on average £2,750 in good condition, with reconditioned units costing up to £3,124. Labour for supply & fit adds £500-£900.

• Used M271.946 (CLC 180 Kompressor): £600-£1,300
• Rebuilt M271.950 (CLC 200 Kompressor): £2,000-£3,400
• Rebuilt M271.860 (CLC 200 CGI): £2,200-£3,800

All CLC 180 and 200 petrol engines use the M271 engine, which has a timing chain, not a belt. The M271 uses a single-row timing chain that is considered a wear item - failure typically occurs between 45,000-90,000 miles. The CLCs had the latest M271 Kompressor engine and the major issue on this engine is the timing chain stretching around/after 80k miles. A rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start is the classic warning sign. The M271 Kompressor timing chain can let go without warning, while the CGI version normally gives adequate warning.

• M271: timing chain - single-row, prone to stretch at 45k-90k miles
• Kompressor variants: chain can fail without warning
• CGI variants: usually gives adequate warning before failure

On M271-equipped CLC 180 and 200 petrol models, the most common symptom is a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start. Other signs include the check engine light (P0016 or P0017 codes), rough idle, loss of power, extended cranking, and hard starting. If the chain breaks, pistons meet valves and the motor is done. The M271 engine is an interference design - if the timing chain breaks or slips, valves and pistons hit and the engine is effectively junk.

• Cold-start rattle from the front of the engine
• Check engine light with P0016/P0017 codes
• Extended cranking and hard starting

It depends on the car's condition and mileage. A CLC 180 or 200 petrol is typically worth £2,000-£5,000 - a rebuilt M271 engine (£2,000-£3,400) can be a worthwhile investment if the car is in good condition. For lower-value examples, a targeted repair (timing chain, camshaft adjusters) may be more economical than a full replacement. The M271 engine can run 200,000 km+ reliably if addressed early.

• Vehicle worth £2,000-£3,500: targeted repair often more economical
• Vehicle worth £3,500+: rebuilt engine with warranty is viable
• Preventative timing chain replacement: best value at first rattle

All three use the M271 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, but with different induction and injection systems. The CLC 180 Kompressor uses the M271.946 with an Eaton M45 supercharger, producing 143 hp. The CLC 200 Kompressor uses the M271.950 with the same supercharger but a higher-output tune, producing 184 hp. The CLC 200 CGI uses the M271.860 with direct injection (stratified-charged gasoline injection) instead of a supercharger, also producing 184 hp. The CGI variant offers improved fuel economy but is susceptible to intake valve carbon buildup.

• M271.946 (CLC 180 Kompressor): 143 hp, supercharged
• M271.950 (CLC 200 Kompressor): 184 hp, supercharged
• M271.860 (CLC 200 CGI): 184 hp, direct-injection (CGI)

Power loss in the CLC 180 and 200 petrol depends on the engine configuration. On Kompressor variants, timing chain stretch can cause cam timing drift, reducing power. On CGI variants, carbon buildup on intake valves from direct injection can restrict airflow and cause power loss. Supercharger coupler wear can also cause performance issues on Kompressor cars. A diagnostic check with Mercedes STAR or compatible equipment is essential to identify the exact cause.

• Timing chain stretch (all M271) - power loss + rattling
• Carbon buildup (CGI) - rough idle and power loss
• Supercharger wear (Kompressor) - rattling and performance loss