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Mercedes M264 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine fitted to modern Mercedes-Benz core models from 2017 onwards, including the C-Class, E-Class, and GLC. Reconditioned Mercedes M264 units are available from £3,500 , reflecting consistent specialist demand for this modern platform.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£1,800
Reconditioned from
£3,500
Rebuilt from
£5,000
GB
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Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Mercedes M264 - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
M264 (M264.910, M264.920, M264.930)
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
2.0L inline-4 turbocharged (often with 48V mild-hybrid ISG)
Power Output(s)
163hp - 258hp (depending on specific model tune)
Years Produced
2017-Present
UK Models Fitted
6+ Mercedes models - full list in Compatibility below
Replaced
M274 / M270
Replaced By
M254
Most Common Failure
Cylinder head cracking and 48V ISG integration issues
Reconditioned Price Range
£3,500-£6,000 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for M264 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Mercedes Models Use the M264-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | W205 (Facelift) | C200, C300 | 2018-2021 | |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | W213 (Facelift) | E200, E300, E350 | 2019-2023 | |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | X253 (Facelift) | GLC200, GLC300, GLC300e | 2019-2022 | |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | V167 | GLE350, GLE350e | 2019-Present | |
| Mercedes-Benz A-Class | W177 | A200, A250 | 2018-Present | |
| Mercedes-Benz CLA | C118 | CLA200, CLA250 | 2019-Present |
02
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
03
Mercedes-Benz GLC
04
Mercedes-Benz GLE
05
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
06
Mercedes-Benz CLA
CROSS-BRAND
M264 is documented across 6 BMW applications spanning C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, A-Class, CLA. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Prices
Mercedes M264 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £1,800-£3,500 | £2,450-£4,410 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £3,500-£6,000 | £4,150-£6,910 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £5,000-£8,000 | £5,650-£8,910 | 12-24 months |
The final cost of a Mercedes M264 engine replacement is heavily influenced by the presence of the 48V mild-hybrid Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). If the cylinder head has cracked or the ISG has caused internal contamination, a standard reconditioned swap may not suffice, pushing the requirement toward a fully rebuilt unit with updated 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 M264 typically takes 10-14 hours at £65/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
Price Factors
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Common Problems
Mercedes M264 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the M264, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Cylinder head cracking and 48V ISG integration issues.
1. Cylinder Head Cracking and Coolant Loss
1. Cylinder Head Cracking and Coolant Loss
Typical onset:
40,000-80,000 miles
What happens:
The M264 has developed a documented pattern of cylinder head cracking, particularly in the valve bridge area between the exhaust valves. This leads to internal coolant leaks, misfires, and white smoke from the exhaust. If ignored, coolant ingress can hydrolock the cylinders or wash away cylinder wall oil, leading to catastrophic bottom-end failure.
Repair vs replace:
While a standalone cylinder head replacement is possible, the labour intensity and risk of underlying block damage often make a full Mercedes M264 engine replacement the more reliable long-term solution.
Read more about this issue
2. 48V ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) Contamination
2. 48V ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) Contamination
Typical onset:
50,000-90,000 miles
What happens:
In models equipped with the EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system, the ISG is mounted directly between the engine and transmission. Seal failures within the ISG can allow electrical coolant or oil to migrate into the engine bay or internal components, triggering warning lights and potential engine shutdowns.
Repair vs replace:
If caught early, the ISG unit and associated seals can be replaced. However, if contamination has severely degraded the engine oil or caused internal scoring, a full rebuilt Mercedes M264 unit is required to prevent repeat failures.
Read more about this issue
Compare rebuilt M264 prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the Mercedes M264
The M264 engine code is stamped directly onto the engine block, typically located on a machined pad near the oil filter housing or on the cylinder head. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number" and can be decoded from the full VIN via a Mercedes dealer or online checker. Common Confusion Warning: Owners frequently confuse the M264 with its predecessor, the M274, or the smaller M260. While they share a similar modular architecture, the M264 features a revised turbocharger setup, updated engine management software, and, in many applications, the integrated 48V ISG system. Fitting an M274 or M260 as a direct replacement will result in ECU incompatibility, wiring loom mismatches, and potential mounting issues.
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M264 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
M274
- The M274 it replaced featured a similar modular architecture but lacked the integrated 48V mild-hybrid system and had different turbocharger mounting points.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
M270
- The smaller displacement predecessor found in A-Class and CLA models, which shares some architectural DNA but is not a direct swap for the M264.
Related JLR Variants
M254
The latest evolution of this modular family, featuring further electrification and updated thermal management to address earlier cooling vulnerabilities.
Confirm the exact M264 fitment
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M264 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement Mercedes M264 - 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 M264 is only advisable for lower-mileage host vehicles (e.g., newer A-Class or C-Class models) and *only* if accompanied by a full service history proving regular oil changes and no prior cylinder head or ISG-related repairs. Without this history, the risk of inheriting the same cracking or contamination issues is unacceptably high.
Reconditioned:
This is the most recommended route for the M264. A proper reconditioned unit will include a brand-new or updated cylinder head, revised ISG seals (if applicable), and refreshed turbocharger components, directly addressing the engine's known weak points out of the box.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified if your original M264 suffered catastrophic coolant ingestion that scored the cylinder walls or damaged the crankshaft bearings. A specialist rebuild will machine the block, fit updated head components, and upgrade all cooling and lubrication pathways to prevent a repeat failure.
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-specialist technicians with a nationwide warranty backing both the labour and the unit.
Vehicle Value Note:
For modern hosts like the W205 C-Class or X253 GLC, current UK market values typically sit between £12,000 and £25,000. With a reconditioned M264 replacement costing from £3,500 (plus fitting), the repair cost generally represents 20-40% of the vehicle's current market value, making replacement a financially viable option compared to older generations. However, always evaluate the specific condition and mileage of your vehicle before committing.
Compare M264 Engine Prices Now
Related Engines
Engines Related to the Mercedes M264
Explore engines that are closely related to the Mercedes-Benz M264, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
M274
- The M274 it replaced featured a similar modular architecture but lacked the integrated 48V mild-hybrid system and had different turbocharger mounting points.
Predecessor
M270
- The smaller displacement predecessor found in A-Class and CLA models, which shares some architectural DNA but is not a direct swap for the M264.
Successor
M254
The latest evolution of this modular family, featuring further electrification and updated thermal management to address earlier cooling vulnerabilities.
Sibling
M260
- The 1.3-litre variant of this modern modular family, suited for lighter compact models rather than the mid-size applications of the M264.
FAQ
Mercedes M264Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes M264 engine replacement cost in the UK-
A Mercedes M264 engine replacement typically costs between £3,500 and £6,000 for a reconditioned supply-only unit . Fitted costs generally add £650-£910 for independent specialist labour, and fully rebuilt units with upgraded components can reach £5,000-£8,000 supply-only. Compare M264 engine replacement quotes from vetted UK specialists.
Compare M264 quotesQuestion 2What is the most common failure with the Mercedes M264 engine-
The most documented failure pattern for the M264 is cylinder head cracking, particularly in the valve bridge area, leading to internal coolant loss and misfires. Early warning signs include unexplained coolant drops and white exhaust smoke, and in 48V mild-hybrid models, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) seal failures can also cause internal contamination. Get quotes for a rebuilt M264 with these known weaknesses addressed.
Compare M264 quotesQuestion 3Which Mercedes models use the M264 engine-
The M264 is fitted to core Mercedes-Benz models from 2017 onwards, including the C-Class (W205), E-Class (W213), GLC (X253), and A-Class (W177). It powers badges ranging from the C200 and C300 to the GLC300 and E350, and you should always verify your exact fitment via registration lookup, as some markets or late-build models may use the newer M254. Confirm your exact M264 fitment before requesting a quote.
Compare M264 quotesQuestion 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned Mercedes M264 engine-
A reconditioned Mercedes M264 is strongly recommended over a used unit due to the known cylinder head cracking and 48V ISG contamination risks. Used units carry a high risk of inheriting the same latent defects unless accompanied by stamped proof of preventative head replacement, whereas reconditioned units include updated cylinder heads and revised ISG seals, providing a reliable long-term solution. View our reconditioned Mercedes M264 engine options with 12-month warranties.
Compare M264 quotesQuestion 5How do I know if my car has the M264 and not the M274 or M260-
The M264 engine code is stamped on the engine block near the oil filter housing and is listed on your V5C registration document. It is commonly confused with the older M274 or the smaller M260, but these are not direct interchange replacements due to ECU and wiring loom differences, and fitting the wrong revision will result in compatibility errors and potential mounting issues. Enter your registration above to confirm your exact M264 engine code.
Compare M264 quotesCompare Mercedes M264 Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation comparison for your exact Mercedes M264 engine code and sub-code. Our registration lookup confirms your precise fitment before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing for your specific vehicle. With reconditioned M264 units starting from an estimated £3,500, comparing specialist quotes takes just two minutes and could save you hundreds on your replacement.
Vetted UK Specialists
Vetted UK specialists for M264 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.
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