01
Mercedes M271.951/952 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The updated 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection (CGI) petrol engine fitted to facelift Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class models from 2011 to 2014. Reconditioned Mercedes M271.951/952 units are typically available from £2,500 , reflecting consistent specialist demand for this specific revision.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£1,500
Reconditioned from
£2,500
Rebuilt from
£4,000
GB
Secure enquiry - no spam.
Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Mercedes M271.951/952 - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
M271.951 / M271.952
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
1.8L inline-4 turbocharged CGI (direct injection)
Power Output(s)
156hp (.951) - 184hp (.952)
Years Produced
2011-2014
UK Models Fitted
2 Mercedes models - full list in Compatibility below
Replaced
M271.950 / M271.960
Replaced By
M274
Most Common Failure
Timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster wear
Reconditioned Price Range
£2,500-£4,500 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for M271.951/952 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Mercedes Models Use the M271.951/952-
TAG: Fitted To
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | W204 (Facelift) | C180 CGI | 2011-2014 | |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | W204 (Facelift) | C200 CGI, C250 CGI | 2011-2014 | |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | W212 (Facelift) | E200 CGI, E250 CGI | 2011-2013 |
02
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
03
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
CROSS-BRAND
M271.951/952 is documented across 3 BMW applications spanning C-Class, E-Class. 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 M271.951/952 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Prices
Mercedes M271.951/952 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £1,500-£3,000 | £2,150-£3,910 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £2,500-£4,500 | £3,150-£5,410 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £4,000-£6,500 | £4,650-£7,410 | 12-24 months |
The final cost of a Mercedes M271.951/952 engine replacement is heavily influenced by the condition of the intake tract. Because this is a CGI (direct injection) engine, replacement specialists will often recommend or include a "walnut blast" carbon cleaning of the intake valves during the swap, which can add £300-£600 to the labour bill but prevents immediate post-swap running issues. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide for a detailed breakdown of what is included at each price tier.
Labour Guide
Fitting a Mercedes M271.951/952 typically takes 8-12 hours at £65/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes.
Price Factors
Ready to compare M271.951/952 quotes?
Get competitive quotes from trusted UK specialists today.
Common Problems
Mercedes M271.951/952 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the M271.951/952, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: Timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster wear.
1. Timing Chain Stretch and Camshaft Adjuster Wear
1. Timing Chain Stretch and Camshaft Adjuster Wear
Typical onset:
60,000-100,000 miles
What happens:
The M271 architecture is notorious for premature timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster (VVT pulley) wear. This manifests as a distinct metallic rattling noise on cold starts, followed by check engine lights indicating camshaft correlation faults (e.g., P0016/P0017) and rough running. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact.
Repair vs replace:
If caught early, a full timing chain kit, tensioner, and updated camshaft adjuster replacement is viable. However, if the chain has already jumped and caused internal damage, a full Mercedes M271.951/952 engine replacement is the only reliable solution.
Read more about this issue
2. Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (CGI Specific)
2. Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (CGI Specific)
Typical onset:
50,000-90,000 miles
What happens:
Because fuel is injected directly into the cylinder rather than the intake port, there is no fuel "washing" effect to clean the intake valves. Oil vapours from the PCV system and EGR gases accumulate, forming hard carbon deposits on the intake valves and ports. This leads to rough idle, misfires, and reduced power.
Repair vs replace:
Carbon buildup is addressed via walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of the intake tract, not engine replacement. However, severe neglect combined with timing chain issues can compound repair costs, making a reconditioned swap more economical than piecemeal repairs.
Read more about this issue
Compare rebuilt M271.951/952 prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the Mercedes M271.951/952
The M271.951 and M271.952 engine codes are stamped directly onto a machined pad on the engine block, typically located near the oil filter housing or the bell housing. The code 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 M271.951/952 with the pre-facelift M271.950 (156hp) and M271.960 (184hp), or the larger M274. While they share the same 1.8-litre turbocharged architecture, the .951/.952 variants feature revised ECU mapping and updated camshaft adjusters. Fitting a .950 or .960 as a direct replacement will result in ECU incompatibility and potential sensor mismatches. Furthermore, the M274 is a completely different 2.0-litre longitudinal engine with different accessory brackets, mounting points, and wiring looms, making it a non-starter for a direct swap.
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M271.951/952 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
M271.950 / M271.960
- The pre-facelift CGI variants; owners of pre-2011 W204 or W212 models should look here, as the .951/.952 revisions feature updated camshaft adjusters and revised ECU mapping.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
M274
- The direct successor introduced from 2012, moving to a 2.0L turbocharged layout with significantly improved timing chain and camshaft adjuster designs, largely resolving the M271's most costly failure.
Related JLR Variants
M271.910 / M271.940
- The supercharged Kompressor variants of the same family; owners of pre-2007 W203 or W209 models should look here instead, as the port-injected architecture differs entirely from the CGI direct-injection setup.
Confirm the exact M271.951/952 fitment
Not 100% sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M271.951/952 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement Mercedes M271.951/952 - 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 M271.951/952 is only advisable for lower-mileage host vehicles and *only* if accompanied by documented, stamped service history proving the timing chain, tensioner, and camshaft adjusters have been replaced. Without this history, the risk of inheriting the same catastrophic stretch issues is unacceptably high.
Reconditioned:
This is the most recommended route for the M271.951/952. A proper reconditioned unit will include a brand-new timing chain kit, updated camshaft adjusters, and a cleaned intake tract to address CGI carbon buildup, directly addressing the engine's known weak points out of the box.
Rebuilt:
A full rebuild is justified if your original M271.951/952 suffered a jumped timing chain that damaged the cylinder head, valves, or pistons. A specialist rebuild will machine the block, fit updated timing components, and ensure all oil galleries are clear of debris from the failed chain.
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 facelift hosts like the W204 C-Class or W212 E-Class, current UK market values typically sit between £4,000 and £12,000 . With a reconditioned M271.951/952 replacement costing from £2,500 (plus fitting), the repair cost can represent 40-70% of the vehicle's value on well-kept examples, making replacement financially viable. However, on sub-£4,000 hosts, we strongly advise evaluating the car's scrap or part-exchange value before committing to a full engine replacement.
Compare M271.951/952 Engine Prices Now
Related Engines
Engines Related to the Mercedes M271.951/952
Explore engines that are closely related to the Mercedes-Benz M271.951/952, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
M271.950 / M271.960
- The pre-facelift CGI variants; owners of pre-2011 W204 or W212 models should look here, as the .951/.952 revisions feature updated camshaft adjusters and revised ECU mapping.
Successor
M274
- The direct successor introduced from 2012, moving to a 2.0L turbocharged layout with significantly improved timing chain and camshaft adjuster designs, largely resolving the M271's most costly failure.
Sibling
M271.910 / M271.940
- The supercharged Kompressor variants of the same family; owners of pre-2007 W203 or W209 models should look here instead, as the port-injected architecture differs entirely from the CGI direct-injection setup.
FAQ
Mercedes M271.951/952Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes M271.951/952 engine replacement cost in the UK-
A Mercedes M271.951/952 engine replacement typically costs between £2,500 and £4,500 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 £4,000-£6,500 supply-only. Compare M271.951/952 engine replacement quotes from vetted UK specialists.
Compare M271.951/952 quotesQuestion 2What is the most common failure with the Mercedes M271.951/952 engine-
The most documented failure pattern for the M271.951/952 is timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster wear, typically occurring between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Early warning signs include a metallic rattling noise on cold starts and check engine lights for camshaft correlation faults, and as a CGI engine, intake valve carbon buildup is also a common secondary issue. Get quotes for a rebuilt M271.951/952 with the timing chain failure already addressed.
Compare M271.951/952 quotesQuestion 3Which Mercedes models use the M271.951/952 engine-
The M271.951 and M271.952 are fitted specifically to the facelift Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) and E-Class (W212) models from 2011 to 2014. They power badges including the C180 CGI, C200 CGI, C250 CGI, E200 CGI, and E250 CGI, and you should always verify your exact fitment via registration lookup. Confirm your exact M271.951/952 fitment before requesting a quote.
Compare M271.951/952 quotesQuestion 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned Mercedes M271.951/952 engine-
A reconditioned Mercedes M271.951/952 is strongly recommended over a used unit due to the well-documented timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster failure risks. Used units carry a high probability of inheriting the same latent chain wear unless accompanied by stamped proof of a full chain kit replacement, whereas a proper reconditioned M271.951/952 includes a new timing chain, tensioner, and updated camshaft adjusters as standard. View our reconditioned Mercedes M271.951/952 engine options with 12-month warranties.
Compare M271.951/952 quotesQuestion 5What is the difference between the M271.951/952 and the M271.950/960-
The M271.951 and M271.952 are the updated 2011+ facelift revisions of the M271 CGI engine, featuring revised ECU mapping and updated camshaft adjuster components compared to the pre-2011 M271.950 and M271.960. While they share the same 1.8-litre turbocharged architecture, fitting a pre-facelift unit as a direct replacement can result in ECU incompatibility and potential sensor mismatches. Enter your registration above to confirm your exact M271.951/952 engine code.
Compare M271.951/952 quotesCompare Mercedes M271.951/952 Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation comparison for your exact Mercedes M271.951/952 engine code. Our registration lookup confirms your precise fitment before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing for your specific vehicle. With reconditioned M271.951/952 units starting from an estimated £2,500, comparing specialist quotes takes just two minutes and could save you hundreds on your replacement.
Vetted UK Specialists
Vetted UK specialists for M271.951/952 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.
Get Free M271.951/952 Engine Quotes