01
Mercedes M133 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol engine fitted to high-performance Mercedes-AMG compact models from 2013 to 2019, including the A45, CLA45, and GLA45. Reconditioned Mercedes M133 units are typically available from £8,000 , reflecting the specialist nature of AMG engine replacement and consistent demand for this high-performance platform.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£4,000
Reconditioned from
£8,000
Rebuilt from
£12,000
GB
Secure enquiry - no spam.
Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Mercedes M133 - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
M133.980
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
2.0L inline-4 turbocharged (AMG)
Power Output(s)
265kW (360hp) - 280kW (381hp) depending on tune
Years Produced
2013-2019
UK Models Fitted
3 Mercedes-AMG models - full list in Compatibility below
Replaced
None (first of its kind)
Replaced By
M139
Most Common Failure
Timing chain stretch and turbocharger wastegate rattle
Reconditioned Price Range
£8,000-£14,000 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for M133 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Mercedes Models Use the M133-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | W176 | A45 AMG | 2013-2019 | |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C117 | CLA45 AMG | 2013-2019 | |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA | X156 | GLA45 AMG | 2014-2019 |
02
Mercedes-Benz CLA
03
Mercedes-Benz GLA
CROSS-BRAND
M133 is documented across 3 BMW applications spanning A-Class, CLA, GLA. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
Not sure which engine your car has?
Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M133 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
Mercedes M133 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £4,000-£8,000 | £5,040-£9,430 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £8,000-£14,000 | £9,040-£15,430 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £12,000-£18,000 | £13,040-£19,430 | 12-24 months |
The final cost of a Mercedes M133 engine replacement is heavily influenced by the condition of the turbocharger and the history of the timing chain. If turbo failure has caused internal oil contamination or if the timing chain has jumped teeth, a standard reconditioned swap may not suffice, pushing the requirement toward a fully rebuilt unit with upgraded thermal management components. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide for a detailed breakdown of what is included at each price tier.
Labour Guide
Fitting a Mercedes M133 typically takes 12-16 hours at £65/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes, as the AMG-specific turbo plumbing and thermal management components require careful access planning.
Price Factors
Ready to compare M133 quotes?
Get competitive quotes from trusted UK specialists today.
Common Problems
Mercedes M133 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the M133, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Timing chain stretch and turbocharger wastegate rattle.
1. Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Wear
1. Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Wear
Typical onset:
50,000-90,000 miles
What happens:
The M133 operates under extreme thermal and mechanical stress. Over time, the timing chain can stretch and the tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure. This manifests as a distinct metallic rattling noise on cold starts, followed by check engine lights indicating camshaft correlation faults. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth, leading to catastrophic valve-to-piston contact.
Repair vs replace:
If caught early, replacing the timing chain kit, tensioners, and guides is viable, though it is a labour-intensive job requiring significant front-end strip-down. If internal damage has already occurred, a full Mercedes M133 engine replacement is the only reliable solution.
Read more about this issue
2. Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Bearing Wear
2. Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Bearing Wear
Typical onset:
60,000-100,000 miles
What happens:
The single large turbocharger is prone to wastegate actuator wear and linkage rattle, leading to boost pressure faults and underboost complaints. In severe cases, bearing wear allows oil to leak into the intake or exhaust tract, causing blue smoke and accelerated carbon buildup.
Repair vs replace:
Early wastegate rattle can sometimes be addressed with actuator replacement. However, if bearing wear has led to oil ingestion and internal engine scoring, the turbocharger must be replaced, which can push the requirement toward a fully rebuilt unit to prevent repeat failure.
Read more about this issue
Compare rebuilt M133 prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the Mercedes M133
The M133.980 engine code is stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN. Common Confusion Warning: Owners frequently confuse the M133 with other Mercedes 2.0-litre engines: - M139: The direct 2.0L AMG successor introduced in 2019. While similar in displacement, the M139 features a completely different block architecture, revised turbo sizing, and updated engine management, making it incompatible as a direct swap. - M270 and M274: The standard 2.0L turbocharged engines found in non-AMG models. These lack the M133's forged internals, AMG-specific turbocharger, and high-performance ECU mapping. Fitting an M139, M270, or M274 as a direct replacement will result in severe ECU, wiring loom, and exhaust manifold incompatibilities.
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M133 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
M133.980
The M133.980 engine code is stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
V5C
The M133.980 engine code is stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN.
Related JLR Variants
M139
- M139: The direct 2.0L AMG successor introduced in 2019. While similar in displacement, the M139 features a completely different block architecture, revised turbo sizing, and updated engine management, making it incompatible as a direct swap.
Confirm the exact M133 fitment
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M133 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement Mercedes M133 - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used Mercedes M133 is only advisable for lower-mileage host vehicles and *only* if accompanied by documented, stamped service history proving rigorous oil changes (every 5,000-8,000 miles) and no prior complaints of cold-start rattles or boost faults. The risk of inheriting timing chain stretch or turbo bearing wear is unacceptably high without this proof.
Reconditioned:
This is the most recommended route for the M133. A proper reconditioned unit will include brand-new timing chain components, a tested or replacement turbocharger, and refreshed thermal management seals, directly addressing the AMG engine's known weak points out of the box.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified if your original M133 suffered a jumped timing chain that damaged the cylinder head, valves, or pistons, or if severe turbo failure caused oil starvation to the crankshaft bearings. A specialist rebuild will machine the block, fit upgraded thermal management components, and ensure all oil galleries are clear.
Supply & Fit Line:
Sourcing a replacement is only half the job. Our network provides full supply and fit services, ensuring the engine is installed by Mercedes and AMG-specialist technicians with a nationwide warranty backing both the labour and the unit.
Vehicle Value Note:
For performance hosts like the W176 A45, C117 CLA45, and X156 GLA45, current UK market values typically sit between £12,000 and £35,000 . With a reconditioned M133 replacement costing from £8,000 (plus £1,040-£1,430 fitting), the repair cost generally represents 20-40% of the vehicle's value, making replacement financially viable for well-maintained examples. However, for sub-£12,000 hosts, we strongly advise evaluating the car's scrap or part-exchange value before committing to an AMG engine replacement.
Compare M133 Engine Prices Now
Related Engines
Related Engines
Explore engines that are closely related to the Mercedes-Benz M133, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
None (first of its kind)
None (first of its kind)
Successor
M139
M139
Sibling
M133.980
The M133.980 engine code is stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN.
Sibling
V5C
The M133.980 engine code is stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN.
FAQ
M133Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a reconditioned M133 engine cost-
A reconditioned M133 engine typically costs £8,000-£14,000 supply-only.
Compare M133 quotesQuestion 2How much does a used M133 engine cost-
Used M133 engines usually start from £4,000-£8,000 depending on mileage and provenance.
Compare M133 quotesQuestion 3What should I check before buying a M133 replacement-
For performance hosts like the W176 A45, C117 CLA45, and X156 GLA45, current UK market values typically sit between £12,000 and £35,000 . With a reconditioned M133 replacement costing from £8,000 (plus £1,040-£1,430 fitting), the repair cost generally represents 20-40% of the vehicle's value, making replacement financially viable for well-maintained examples. However, for sub-£12,000 hosts, we strongly advise evaluating the car's scrap or part-exchange value before committing to an AMG engine replacement.
Compare M133 quotesQuestion 4Can I swap another engine code in place of M133-
Always verify the exact code before ordering. Common related codes include M133.980, V5C, M139, but calibration, ancillaries, and emissions hardware can differ.
Compare M133 quotesCompare M133 Engine Prices Today
For performance hosts like the W176 A45, C117 CLA45, and X156 GLA45, current UK market values typically sit between £12,000 and £35,000 . With a reconditioned M133 replacement costing from £8,000 (plus £1,040-£1,430 fitting), the repair cost generally represents 20-40% of the vehicle's value, making replacement financially viable for well-maintained examples. However, for sub-£12,000 hosts, we strongly advise evaluating the car's scrap or part-exchange value before committing to an AMG engine replacement.
Vetted UK Specialists
Vetted UK specialists for M133 replacements
Minimum 12-Month Warranty
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Nationwide Delivery
Nationwide delivery plus supply and fit availability
Expert Support
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Compare M133 Engine Prices