Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLA Class petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M270 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo engines - supply & fit available nationwide for both front-wheel drive and 4MATIC variants.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £1,500 to £4,200
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £1,800 · Common codes: M270.910, M270.920
From £1,200
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 GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz GLA 200 and GLA 250 petrol models defined the first-generation X156 GLA's petrol range, powered by the M270 family of transverse-mounted four-cylinder turbocharged engines - the 1.6-litre in the GLA 200 and the 2.0-litre in the GLA 250 - before being replaced by the M282 and M260 engines in the second-generation H247 from 2020.

Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz GLA 200 and GLA 250 petrol models defined the first-generation X156 GLA's petrol range, powered by the M270 family of transverse-mounted four-cylinder turbocharged engines - the 1.6-litre in the GLA 200 and the 2.0-litre in the GLA 250 - before being replaced by the M282 and M260 engines in the second-generation H247 from 2020.
Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 / GLA 250
Engine History Timeline
GLA 200 launched with M270 DE16 AL 1.6L turbo petrol 156hp, 250Nm torque, 6-speed manual or 7G-DCT automatic
GLA 250 launched with M270 DE20 AL 2.0L turbo petrol 211hp, 350Nm torque, 7G-DCT automatic as standard
GLA 250 4MATIC introduced with all-wheel drive and 2.0L M270 engine
Facelift with revised styling engine line-up unchanged
X156 production ends H247 second-generation replaces M270 with M282 (1.3L) and M260 (2.0L) engines
Key Specs Snapshot
Every M270 petrol engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 and 250 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points from real owner experience.
Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.6L Petrol (2013-2020)
Compatible Trim Levels
- GLA 200
- GLA 200 SE
- GLA 200 Sport
- GLA 200 AMG Line
- GLA 200 Urban


Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 Petrol engine replacement
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,500-£3,800
Common Failure
The M270 1.6L is prone to timing chain stretch and tensioner wear, typically causing a rattling noise on cold start from approximately 80,000-100,000 miles. High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure is also documented on higher-mileage examples.


The Mercedes Benz GLA 200 and GLA 250 rely on the M270 petrol engine family - generally smooth and efficient when properly maintained, but with well-documented vulnerabilities. Timing chain stretch, high-pressure fuel pump failure, camshaft actuator wear, and carbon buildup on intake valves are the most frequently cited issues. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below we break down the most common GLA petrol engine failures, what they cost to fix, and when replacement is the smarter financial decision.

Why the GLA 200 / 250 Rattles on Cold Start
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes Benz GLA Class GLA 200 (M270 DE16 AL) and GLA 250 (M270 DE20 AL), 2013-2020
Typical Failure Mileage
80,000 - 100,000 miles
Root Cause
The M270 uses a dual-stage timing chain system that requires more attention than a single-chain setup. Insufficient oil pressure during cold starts, combined with chain guide wear, leads to elongation of the chain. Once the tensioner exceeds its adjustment range, chain slap produces the characteristic rattle on cold start. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth with catastrophic valve-piston contact.
Why It Happens
The M270 uses a dual-stage timing chain system that requires more attention than a single-chain setup. Insufficient oil pressure during cold starts, combined with chain guide wear, leads to elongation of the chain. Once the tensioner exceeds its adjustment range, chain slap produces the characteristic rattle on cold start. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth with catastrophic valve-piston contact.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£800-£1,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£450-£750
What it involves
Replace timing chain tensioner and guides only, oil and filter change
Suitability
60k-80k miles. Only viable if chain has not stretched significantly
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,100-£1,700
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets, and camshaft actuators
Suitability
80k-100k miles. Corrects the root cause properly
Dealer (parts + labour)
£4,500-£6,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,800-£4,200
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt M270 with new timing components, chain, and upgraded tensioner
Suitability
Full long-block warranty. Required if chain has jumped
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Tensioner & Guides Replacement Minor | £800-£1,200 | £450-£750 | Replace timing chain tensioner and guides only, oil and filter change | 60k-80k miles. Only viable if chain has not stretched significantly | |
Major - Full Timing Chain Set Best Value | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,100-£1,700 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets, and camshaft actuators | 80k-100k miles. Corrects the root cause properly | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £4,500-£6,500 | £2,800-£4,200 | Supply & fit rebuilt M270 with new timing components, chain, and upgraded tensioner | Full long-block warranty. Required if chain has jumped |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical GLA 200 or GLA 250 (X156) is worth £8,000-£18,000 depending on age, mileage and condition - the full replacement cost of £2,800-£4,200 is modest relative to vehicle value for most examples. For vehicles worth under £8,000, evaluate repair options first.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your GLA 200 or 250 rattles for 1-2 seconds on cold start, catch it early with a specialist chain replacement (£1,100-£1,700) - this is far cheaper than waiting for full engine failure. On a car with over 100,000 miles, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components often delivers better long-term value than spending £1,100-£1,700 on repairs that leave a high-mileage bottom end in place.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes Benz GLA 200 or GLA 250
A failed petrol engine doesn't have to mean the end of your GLA. Whether you're dealing with an M270 timing chain stretch, HPFP failure, carbon buildup, or dual-mass flywheel rattle, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLA Class specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point, a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, and nationwide delivery with supply & fit options available.
Compare rebuilt M270 Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 engine prices
Important 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 GLA Class 200 or 250. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does it cost to replace a GLA 200 or GLA 250 petrol engine in the UK-
A GLA 200 or GLA 250 petrol engine replacement typically costs between £1,500 and £4,200 depending on condition type and whether fitting is included. M270 1.6L and 2.0L units range from £1,500 to £4,200 supply only.
- Rebuilt M270 (GLA 200 / 250): £1,500-£4,200 supply only
- Reconditioned units: £1,800-£3,500
- Used engines from breakers: £1,200-£3,200 but higher risk
- Labour for supply & fit adds £800-£1,500 to any engine price
Question 2Is the M270 engine in the GLA 200 and 250 reliable-
The M270 is considered a fundamentally sound engine, with 200,000 km examples common across all platforms. However, it has predictable weak points that are entirely manageable with the right maintenance approach.
- Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear from 80,000-100,000 miles
- High-pressure fuel pump failure on higher-mileage units
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (inherent to direct injection)
- Camshaft actuator wear causing ticking on cold start
- Post-2014 engines have improved chain tensioners and engine management
Question 3What are the signs of M270 timing chain failure in a GLA petrol-
The M270's timing chain system typically shows warning signs before complete failure.
- Rattling or clanking noise on cold start lasting 1-3 seconds
- Rough idle and loss of power
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation fault codes
- Metallic ticking noise from the engine when warm
- If ignored, the chain can jump teeth and destroy the engine
Question 4Should I repair or replace my GLA 200 or 250 petrol engine-
Repair if the failure is isolated (e.g., timing chain tensioner, HPFP, camshaft actuators, carbon cleaning). Replace if there's bottom end damage, bore scoring, or catastrophic timing chain failure.
- Timing chain replacement at specialist: £1,100-£1,700 - do this at first sign of rattle
- HPFP replacement: £500-£800 - do this immediately after first cut-out
- Walnut blasting: £300-£500 - preventative every 60,000 miles
- Full M270 rebuild: £2,800-£4,200 - for catastrophic failure or 100k+ miles
- Given GLA values (£8,000-£18,000), a rebuilt engine is typically good value
Question 5How do I know which engine code my GLA 200 or 250 has-
Check your vehicle log book (V5C) for the engine number, which includes the engine code prefix.
- V5C log book shows full engine number with code prefix
- Engine code stamped on cylinder block
- GLA 200 (2013-2020): M270.910 (M270 DE16 AL, 1.6L, 156hp)
- GLA 250 (2013-2020): M270.920 (M270 DE20 AL, 2.0L, 211hp)
- Service history documents list engine type
Question 6Can I fit a used GLA 200 or 250 petrol engine myself-
We strongly advise against DIY fitting on a GLA petrol. The transverse-mounted engine layout, 7G-DCT gearbox alignment, and ECU coding requirements demand specialist equipment and expertise.
- Transverse engine mounting requires specialist alignment
- 7G-DCT transmission alignment needs precise setup
- ECU coding and immobiliser synchronisation required
- Specialist supply & fit costs £800-£1,500 - worth every penny
Question 7What warranty comes with a reconditioned GLA 200 or 250 petrol engine-
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty, with many specialists offering 24-month coverage on M270 rebuilds. This includes parts and labour for any manufacturing defect or installation error.
- 12-month unlimited mileage is the minimum standard
- M270 rebuilds often include 24-month warranty
- All warranties cover parts, labour, and MOT compliance
- Extended warranties available at point of purchase
Compare Mercedes Benz GLA Class 200 / 250 PetrolEngine PricesToday
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