Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d and 300d engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the 2.1-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesels - supply & fit available nationwide.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £2,200 to £3,800
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £2,200 · Common codes: OM651, OM654
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 GLE Class 250d/300d Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The GLE 250d launched with the W166 generation in 2015 as the entry-level diesel, powered by the OM651 2.1-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder producing 204hp. In 2019, the W167 GLE 300d replaced it with the new-generation OM654 2.0-litre modular diesel - more efficient, more powerful, and built on an entirely new engine architecture that resolved many of the OM651's weaknesses.

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The GLE 250d launched with the W166 generation in 2015 as the entry-level diesel, powered by the OM651 2.1-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder producing 204hp. In 2019, the W167 GLE 300d replaced it with the new-generation OM654 2.0-litre modular diesel - more efficient, more powerful, and built on an entirely new engine architecture that resolved many of the OM651's weaknesses.
Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d
Engine History Timeline
OM651 2.1L twin-turbo diesel, 204hp (GLE 250d, W166)
OM654 2.0L turbo diesel, 245-265hp (GLE 300d, W167)
Facelift W167; OM654 continues with mild hybrid assistance
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d and 300d is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from OM651 timing chain stretch to OM654 EGR cooler vulnerabilities.
Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.1L Twin-Turbo Diesel (2015-2019)
Compatible Trim Levels
- GLE 250d 4MATIC
- GLE 250d 4MATIC AMG Line
- GLE 250d 4MATIC Night Edition

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£1,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,200-£2,600
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,500-£3,200
Common Failure
Timing chain stretch and guide wear - the OM651's single most critical failure point. The timing chain drives both camshafts and the high-pressure fuel pump; if it stretches beyond tolerance or a guide fails, consequences range from misfires and cam/crank correlation codes to catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth. Typical failure mileage: 75,000-120,000 miles (120,000-200,000 km).


The GLE 250d's OM651 and the GLE 300d's OM654 are both fundamentally robust four-cylinder diesels, but each has well-documented weaknesses that drive replacement decisions. The OM651's timing chain is its Achilles' heel - a simplex design that stretches over time. The OM654 suffers from EGR system clogging and cooler failures that can lead to performance issues and, if ignored, more serious engine damage. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

The W166 GLE 250d's Critical Weak Point
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes GLE 250d 4MATIC (OM651, 2015-2019)
Typical Failure Mileage
75,000-120,000 miles (120,000-200,000 km)
Root Cause
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain design that is prone to stretching over time. The chain drives both camshafts and the high-pressure fuel pump. If it stretches beyond tolerance or a guide fails, the consequences range from misfires and cam/crank correlation codes to catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth. Extended oil change intervals accelerate wear.
Why It Happens
The OM651 uses a simplex timing chain design that is prone to stretching over time. The chain drives both camshafts and the high-pressure fuel pump. If it stretches beyond tolerance or a guide fails, the consequences range from misfires and cam/crank correlation codes to catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth. Extended oil change intervals accelerate wear.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£400-£700
Specialist (parts + labour)
£300-£500
What it involves
Replace timing chain tensioner only
Suitability
Effective only if addressed immediately when rattle first appears
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£700-£1,200
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, camshaft sprockets
Suitability
If chain rattle is present but no fault codes
Dealer (parts + labour)
£4,500-£6,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£3,200
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt OM651 with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If chain 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 | Effective only if addressed immediately when rattle first appears | |
Intermediate - Full timing chain kit Best Value | £1,500-£2,500 | £700-£1,200 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, camshaft sprockets | If chain rattle is present but no fault codes | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt OM651 engine Best Value | £4,500-£6,000 | £2,500-£3,200 | Supply & fit rebuilt OM651 with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty | If chain has jumped causing valve damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2015-2019 GLE 250d 4MATIC is worth approximately £12,000-£20,000 depending on mileage and condition. The GLE 250d sits in the £8,000-£15,000 to £15,000+ band - replacement cost is typically justified for well-maintained examples.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise on cold start from your GLE 250d, act immediately. The OM651's timing chain is accessible with the engine in situ for tensioner and chain replacement, though gears and guides typically require more extensive work. Specialist pricing of £700-£1,200 for a full chain kit is significantly lower than dealer rates. One forum owner reported a £700 job for chain and tensioners, describing it as "not a big deal really". However, if the chain has jumped timing causing valve contact, a full replacement engine is the only safe option. On a GLE 250d worth £12,000-£20,000, a £1,000 specialist timing chain job is excellent preventative maintenance.

Don't Let Timing Chain Stretch or EGR Failure Write Off Your Mercedes GLE 250d or 300d
Whether you're facing OM651 timing chain wear on your GLE 250d or OM654 EGR system failure on your GLE 300d, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes diesel 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 four-cylinder diesels inside out.
Compare rebuilt OM651 Mercedes GLE 250d 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 GLE Class 250d or 300d. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz GLE Class 250d/300d Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes GLE 250d or 300d engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt OM651 engine for the GLE 250d costs £2,500-£3,200 supply-only; a rebuilt OM654 engine for the GLE 300d costs £2,800-£3,800 supply-only. Fitting adds £800-£1,500 depending on complexity.
- GLE 250d (OM651): rebuilt unit £2,500-£3,200; used engine from £1,200
- GLE 300d (OM654): rebuilt unit £2,800-£3,800; used engine from £1,500
- OM651 timing chain kit (labour only): £700-£1,200 at specialist
- OM654 EGR cooler replacement: £500-£750 at specialist
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure on a Mercedes GLE 250d-
Short summary: A rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign on the OM651 engine. If ignored, it can lead to misfires, cam/crank correlation codes, and catastrophic engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth.
- Cold start rattle that disappears after oil pressure builds - earliest warning
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
- Metallic swarf in engine oil indicates chain guides wearing away
- Preventative tensioner replacement costs £300-500 - full chain kit £700-1,200
Question 3Is the Mercedes GLE 300d engine (OM654) reliable-
Short summary: The OM654 is a modern, efficient diesel with strong performance. However, it has a known EGR system weakness - clogging and cooler failures that can occur from 50,000 miles. With proper maintenance and EGR attention, these engines exceed 150,000 miles.
- EGR valve and cooler clogging is the dominant issue
- EGR cooler leaks can cause coolant loss
- Rough idle and hesitation are classic symptoms
- Well-maintained OM654 engines exceed 150,000 miles
Question 4How long do Mercedes GLE 250d and 300d engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained OM651 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles (200,000-300,000 km) before major work. The OM654 is too new for definitive long-term data, but early indications suggest similar longevity with proper maintenance.
- OM651 (250d): 150,000-200,000+ miles with regular servicing
- OM654 (300d): too early for definitive data - EGR issues from 50k miles
- Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec low-SAPS oil
- Late oil changes accelerate timing chain wear on OM651 and EGR clogging on OM654
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes GLE 250d or 300d-
Short summary: Yes, if the GLE is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major electrical faults. A rebuilt OM651 costs £2,500-£3,200 - far less than replacing a £12,000-£20,000 vehicle. The GLE 300d's higher value (£25,000-£45,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.
- GLE 250d values: £12,000-£20,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
- GLE 300d values: £25,000-£45,000 - premium SUV residual values remain strong
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- Supply & fit typically £3,500-£5,500 depending on engine code
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Question 6What oil does my Mercedes GLE 250d or 300d need-
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies low-SAPS oil meeting MB 229.51 or 229.52 - typically 5W-30. The OM651 requires approximately 6.5 litres; the OM654 requires approximately 7 litres.
- OM651 (250d): MB 229.51/229.52 5W-30 low-SAPS - protects DPF and emissions systems
- OM654 (300d): MB 229.52 5W-30 low-SAPS - 7L capacity
- 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 and EGR clogging
Compare Mercedes GLE Class 250d/300dEngine PricesToday
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supply & fit available for OM651 and OM654
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