Mercedes Benz CLK 230/320 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz CLK 230 and CLK 320 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M111 and M112 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network
How it works
3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine
Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.
Variant History
Mercedes CLK 230/320 Petrol Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor and CLK 320 were the performance pillars of the first-generation C208 CLK range from 1997 to 2002. The CLK 230 Kompressor delivered 193 hp via a supercharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder M111 engine, while the CLK 320 offered a silky-smooth 218 hp from its 3.2-litre M112 V6. Both engines were available in coupé (C208) and cabriolet (A208) body styles.
Mercedes CLK 230/320 Petrol Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement
The Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor and CLK 320 are powered by two of Mercedes' most respected engines of the era - the supercharged M111 four-cylinder and the naturally aspirated M112 V6. Both are generally robust and reliable when properly maintained. However, age-related issues do arise: the M111 suffers from timing chain rattle and supercharger clutch wear, while the M112 is known for crankshaft position sensor failure and oil consumption from worn valve stem seals. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
The timing chain tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to slacken and produce a rattling noise on startup. Incorrect engine oil grade can accelerate chain wear. The camshaft adjuster can also fail, producing a clicking or rattling noise.
Rattling on cold start is the early warning sign. Don't ignore it - specialist timing chain replacement at £800-£1,300 resolves the issue if done promptly. The M111 is otherwise a robust engine, and replacing the timing chain before failure can extend engine life significantly. If the chain has already slipped, a rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components is the only safe option.
The supercharger (Kompressor) magnetic clutch bearing wears out, producing a squealing or rattling noise. The clutch can also fail electrically due to corroded contacts or a faulty relay. Symptoms include loss of power, whistling or squealing noises on acceleration, and fault codes P1525 or P0443.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Supercharger Clutch Replacement
£400-£700
£250-£500
Intermediate - Supercharger Rebuild
£1,200-£2,000
£500-£900
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine
£3,000-£4,500
£2,000-£3,000
Our recommendation
The M111 Kompressor engine is otherwise robust. On a CLK 230 with a failed supercharger but otherwise healthy engine, specialist clutch replacement for £250-£500 or a full supercharger rebuild for £500-£900 is the right answer - far more cost-effective than replacing the whole engine. However, if the supercharger has failed catastrophically and sent debris into the engine, a replacement engine may be required.
The crankshaft position sensor fails due to heat cycling, causing internal wiring to break. Symptoms include the engine stalling when hot, difficulty restarting after 5-15 minutes, and no fault codes stored. The sensor is located at the back of the engine and is tricky to access.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
£300-£500
£150-£300
Intermediate - Full Engine Electrical Inspection
£500-£800
£300-£500
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine
£3,500-£5,500
£2,500-£4,000
Our recommendation
The M112 V6 is widely regarded as one of Mercedes' most reliable engines. Crankshaft position sensor failure is the most common issue and is easily fixed. If your CLK 320 stalls when hot and won't restart for 5-15 minutes, start with the CPS - it's a £150-£300 specialist fix. The M112 engine is otherwise robust and, with proper maintenance, can exceed 150,000-200,000 miles.
Over time, valve stem seals harden and crack, allowing oil to seep past the valve guides and into the combustion chambers, where it is burned. Symptoms include blue smoke on startup, increased oil consumption, and in severe cases, fouled spark plugs.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Valve Stem Seal Replacement
£1,500-£2,500
£1,000-£1,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine
£3,500-£5,500
£2,500-£4,000
Our recommendation
Oil consumption on the M112 is typically due to worn valve stem seals - not piston rings. If you're burning oil but the engine runs smoothly, specialist valve stem seal replacement at £1,000-£1,800 resolves the issue. The M112 is otherwise bulletproof, so it's worth fixing rather than replacing the entire engine.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes CLK 230/320 Petrol
Engine failure on a CLK 230 Kompressor or CLK 320 doesn't have to mean the end of the car. Whether you're dealing with M111 timing chain rattle, supercharger clutch failure, or M112 crankshaft position sensor issues, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes CLK 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.
Mercedes CLK 230/320 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Everything Mercedes Benz CLK 230/320 Petrol owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.
A Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor or CLK 320 replacement engine typically costs between £900 for a used unit and £2,500 for a fully rebuilt engine. Specialist fitting adds £400-£700.
Used M111/M112 engines: £900-£1,800 depending on mileage and condition
Reconditioned units: £1,200-£2,200 supply only
Rebuilt units: £1,500-£2,500 with 12-month warranty
Specialist fitting adds £400-£700; dealer labour is significantly higher
12-month warranty included on all rebuilt units through EnginesMarket
The M111 and M112 are two of Mercedes' most reliable engines from this era. The M112 V6 is particularly bulletproof, with no balance shaft issues (unlike the later M272). The M111 is also robust but suffers from timing chain rattle and supercharger clutch wear.
M112 V6: widely regarded as one of Mercedes' most robust modern engines
M111 four-cylinder: timing chain rattle on startup is the main warning sign
Both engines can exceed 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance
Regular oil changes every 10,000 miles are critical for longevity
The M111 engine can develop a rattling noise on startup due to a worn timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. The camshaft adjuster can also fail, producing a clicking or rattling noise.
Rattling on cold start is the classic warning sign
Incorrect engine oil grade can accelerate chain wear
Chain and tensioner replacement costs £800-£1,300 at a specialist
Catch it early - a jumped chain can destroy the engine
The M112 V6 engine is known for crankshaft position sensor failure, which causes the engine to stall when hot and take 5-15 minutes to restart. The sensor can fail due to heat cycling, with internal wiring breaking.
Stalling when hot is the classic symptom
No fault codes are often stored
The sensor is located at the back of the engine and is tricky to access
On a CLK 230/320 worth £2,000-£6,000, specialist engine replacement at £1,500-£2,500 is worthwhile if the body and interior are in excellent condition. However, if the car has rust, electrical issues, or poor bodywork, consider scrapping it.
CLK values have stabilised at "rock bottom" prices
A clean, well-maintained CLK is worth saving
Rebuilt M111/M112 engines cost £1,500-£2,500 supply only
If the car has other major issues, replacement may not be cost-effective
Both are reliable, but the M112 V6 in the CLK 320 is widely considered the more robust engine. It has no balance shaft issues (unlike the later M272) and is known for exceptional longevity. The M111 four-cylinder is also reliable but has more age-related issues.
M112 V6 (CLK 320): bulletproof, no major known weaknesses
M111 four-cylinder (CLK 230): timing chain and supercharger clutch are common wear items
Both engines can exceed 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance
The M112 is generally the more desirable engine for reliability
Compare Mercedes CLK 230/320 Petrol Engine Prices Today
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor or CLK 320 petrol engine replacement is free, quick and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above to get matched with vetted UK specialists who stock the exact M111 or M112 engine for your CLK - whether you need a used unit, a reconditioned engine or a fully rebuilt motor with a 12-month warranty. Get back on the road with confidence, without the main dealer premium.
300+300+ CLK 230/320 petrol engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt CLK 230/320 petrol engine
Compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes Benz CLK 230/320 Petrol engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.