Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250 and 300 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder - supply & fit available nationwide.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £1,950 to £4,500
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £2,200 · Common codes: M274.920, M264.920
From £1,200
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,200
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 GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The GLC 250 and 300 petrol models launched alongside the X253 GLC in 2015, offering the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 211hp and 245hp respectively. In 2019, the facelift brought the M264 with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology - more power, better efficiency, and the 48V belt-driven starter-generator that changed how these engines are serviced and repaired.

Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The GLC 250 and 300 petrol models launched alongside the X253 GLC in 2015, offering the M274 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 211hp and 245hp respectively. In 2019, the facelift brought the M264 with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology - more power, better efficiency, and the 48V belt-driven starter-generator that changed how these engines are serviced and repaired.
Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol
Engine History Timeline
M274.920 2.0L turbo petrol, 211hp (GLC 250 4MATIC, X253/C253)
M274.920 2.0L turbo petrol, 245hp (GLC 300 4MATIC, X253/C253)
M264.920 2.0L turbo petrol with 48V EQ Boost, 197hp (GLC 200, facelift X253) / 258hp (GLC 300, facelift X253)
X254 second-generation launched; GLC 300 continues with M254 GLC 250 badge retired
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250 and 300 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M274 timing chain wear to M264 cylinder head concerns.
Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.0L Turbo Petrol (2015-2019)
Compatible Trim Levels
- GLC 250 4MATIC
- GLC 250 4MATIC Coupe
- GLC 300 4MATIC
- GLC 300 4MATIC Coupe

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,200-£3,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,500-£4,000
Common Failure
Timing chain tensioner wear and camshaft adjuster (phaser) failure - cold-start rattle is the classic warning sign. Timing chain lifespan is approximately 80,000 miles (plus or minus 20,000 miles). Camshaft adjuster wear typically begins around 60,000-70,000 miles. The M274 also suffers from thermostat failure (labour-intensive to replace) and, at higher mileages, turbocharger failure.


The GLC 250 and 300 petrol models are powered by two generations of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder - the M274 (2015-2019) and the M264 (2019-2025). Both are fundamentally strong engines, but each has well-documented weak points. The M274 is known for timing chain tensioner wear and camshaft adjuster rattle. The M264 introduced 48V mild-hybrid complexity and has a known cylinder head exhaust valve failure. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

The Cold-Start Rattle
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes GLC 250 / 300 petrol (M274.920, 2015-2019)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-80,000 miles (timing chain); 60,000-70,000 miles (camshaft adjusters)
Root Cause
The camshaft adjusters (phasers) wear internally, and the timing chain stretches over time. Cold-start rattle - a 1-3 second rattling noise on startup - is the classic warning sign. If ignored, timing can jump, causing valve contact and catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The camshaft adjusters (phasers) wear internally, and the timing chain stretches over time. Cold-start rattle - a 1-3 second rattling noise on startup - is the classic warning sign. If ignored, timing can jump, causing valve contact and catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£400-£700
Specialist (parts + labour)
£300-£500
What it involves
Replace timing chain tensioner only - valid if caught immediately when rattle first appears
Suitability
Effective only if addressed within first 500 miles of noise
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, camshaft sprockets. Labour-intensive (8-10 hours).
Suitability
60k-80k miles with quality components
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,000-£3,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,500
What it involves
Replace both bank camshaft adjusters (phasers), reseal timing covers
Suitability
If rattle is from adjusters, not chain stretch
Dealer (parts + labour)
£6,500-£9,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£4,000-£6,000
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt M274 engine with updated tensioner and camshaft adjusters
Suitability
If timing has jumped causing valve damage
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preventative - Tensioner replacement Minor | £400-£700 | £300-£500 | Replace timing chain tensioner only - valid if caught immediately when rattle first appears | Effective only if addressed within first 500 miles of noise | |
Intermediate - Full timing chain kit Best Value | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,200-£1,800 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, camshaft sprockets. Labour-intensive (8-10 hours). | 60k-80k miles with quality components | |
Intermediate - Camshaft adjuster replacement Best Value | £2,000-£3,500 | £1,500-£2,500 | Replace both bank camshaft adjusters (phasers), reseal timing covers | If rattle is from adjusters, not chain stretch | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M274 engine with updated components Best Value | £6,500-£9,500 | £4,000-£6,000 | Supply & fit rebuilt M274 engine with updated tensioner and camshaft adjusters | If timing has jumped causing valve damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2015-2019 GLC 250 or 300 petrol 4MATIC is worth approximately £14,000-£28,000 depending on mileage and condition. The GLC 250/300 sits in the £15,000+ band - replacement cost is typically small relative to vehicle value, making a full rebuilt engine a justifiable investment for owners planning to keep the car. For higher-mileage examples approaching the £8,000-£15,000 band, evaluate both options carefully.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear the characteristic 2-3 second rattle only on cold start with no fault codes, replace the tensioner immediately - it's £300-500 well spent. Once chain skip triggers camshaft correlation codes (P0016/P0017), the full timing kit is mandatory. If the engine has jumped timing causing valve contact, only a full replacement engine makes financial sense. For camshaft adjuster rattle, replace both adjusters simultaneously - doing one bank alone invites a repeat workshop visit within months.

Don't Let Timing Chain Rattle, Cylinder Head Failure, or Oil Consumption Write Off Your Mercedes GLC
Whether you're facing M274 timing chain wear on your GLC 250/300 or M264 cylinder head failure on your facelift GLC 300, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes petrol specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network carries upgraded components addressing the original design weakness - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty with nationwide delivery and supply & fit options. Don't pay main dealer premiums. Compare prices from independent Mercedes specialists who know these 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines inside out.
Compare rebuilt M274 Mercedes GLC 250/300 petrol 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 GLC Class 250 or 300 petrol. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz GLC Class 250/300 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes GLC 250 or 300 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt M274 engine for the GLC 250 costs £2,500-£4,000 supply-only; a rebuilt M264 engine for the GLC 300 costs £3,200-£4,500 supply-only. Fitting adds £800-£1,500 depending on complexity.
- GLC 250 (M274.920): rebuilt unit £2,500-£4,000; used engine from £1,200
- GLC 300 (M264.920): rebuilt unit £3,200-£4,500; used engine from £1,500
- M274 timing chain kit (labour only): £1,200-£1,800 at specialist
- Price depends on engine code, year, mileage, and supplier warranty length
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure on a Mercedes GLC 250/300 petrol-
Short summary: A 1-3 second rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning - most common on M274 petrol engines (GLC 250/300, 2015-2019). Ignoring it risks engine seizure and £5,000+ repair bills.
- Cold start rattle that disappears after oil pressure builds - earliest warning sign
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016/P0017)
- Metallic swarf in engine oil indicates chain guides wearing away
- Preventative tensioner replacement costs £300-500 - full chain kit £1,200-1,800
Question 3Is the Mercedes GLC 300 petrol (M264) reliable- What are the common problems-
Short summary: The M264 is a modern, efficient engine with strong performance, but has a known cylinder head exhaust valve failure that can occur as early as 40,000 miles - causing misfire and sudden power loss. The 48V mild-hybrid system also adds complexity.
- Cylinder head / exhaust valve failure reported from 40,000 miles - misfire, power loss
- 48V BSG (belt-driven starter-generator) can fail - replacement is costly
- Some cylinder head replacements have been covered under warranty or goodwill
- Well-maintained M264 engines typically exceed 150,000 miles
Question 4How long do Mercedes GLC 250/300 petrol engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained M274 petrol engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work. The M264 is too new for definitive long-term data, but early indications suggest similar longevity with proper maintenance - assuming the cylinder head issue is addressed.
- M274 (250/300, 2015-2019): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
- M264 (300, 2019-2025): too early for definitive data - head failures reported from 40k miles
- Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec oil (MB 229.5)
- Late oil changes are the #1 cause of preventable failure on both engines
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes GLC 250 or 300 petrol-
Short summary: Yes, if the GLC is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major electrical faults. A rebuilt M274 costs £2,500-£4,000 - far less than replacing a £14,000-£38,000 vehicle. The GLC's strong residual values make engine replacement financially justifiable.
- GLC 250/300 values: £14,000-£38,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- Supply & fit typically £3,500-£6,000 depending on engine code
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Question 6What oil does my Mercedes GLC 250 or 300 petrol need-
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.5 high-performance oil for the M274 and M264 - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic. The M274 requires approximately 6.5 litres; the M264 requires approximately 6.1-7.0 litres.
- M274 (250/300, 2015-2019): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - high-spec synthetic only
- M264 (300, 2019-2025): MB 229.51 or 229.52 - low-SAPS for emissions system protection
- Never use non-approved oil - destroys timing chain tensioners and hydraulic lifters
- Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months - stretched intervals cause timing chain wear
Compare Mercedes GLC Class 250/300 PetrolEngine PricesToday
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12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt GLC 250 and 300 petrol engine
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supply & fit available for M274 and M264
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes GLC 250 or 300 petrol is completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. Enter your registration above to get tailored quotes from UK Mercedes petrol specialists who understand the M274 and M264 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components and updated cylinder heads, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact GLC - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.

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