Mercedes Benz SLC 180/200 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SLC 180 and SLC 200 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the turbocharged M274 four-cylinder - supply & fit available nationwide.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £2,900 to £5,200
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £2,900 · Common codes: M274.910, M274.920
From £1,200
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,900
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 SLC 180/200 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz SLC 180/200 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz SLC 180/200 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SLC 180 and SLC 200 launched in 2016 as the rebadged successors to the SLK, powered by the modern M274 turbocharged four-cylinder engine family. The SLC 180 featured a 1.6-litre version producing 156hp, while the SLC 200 received a 2.0-litre unit delivering 184hp. Both engines featured direct injection and turbocharging, replacing the earlier M271 supercharged and turbocharged engines. Production continued until 2020 when the SLC was discontinued, making these models the final chapter of Mercedes' compact roadster lineage.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz SLC 180/200 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SLC 180 and SLC 200 launched in 2016 as the rebadged successors to the SLK, powered by the modern M274 turbocharged four-cylinder engine family. The SLC 180 featured a 1.6-litre version producing 156hp, while the SLC 200 received a 2.0-litre unit delivering 184hp. Both engines featured direct injection and turbocharging, replacing the earlier M271 supercharged and turbocharged engines. Production continued until 2020 when the SLC was discontinued, making these models the final chapter of Mercedes' compact roadster lineage.
Mercedes Benz SLC 180/200
Fuel TypePetrol (turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder)
Engine Size Range1.6L-2.0L (M274.910: 1,595cc; M274.920: 1,991cc)
Power Output Range156-184hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
M274.910 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder, 156hp @ 5,300rpm (SLC 180, R172 launch)
M274.920 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, 184hp @ 5,500rpm (SLC 200, R172 launch)
2020 - Both engines continue with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission from 2016
End of SLC production; R172 platform retired
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder)Engine Size Range1.6L-2.0L (M274.910: 1,595cc; M274.920: 1,991cc)Power Output Range156-184hp across the variant's historyYears Produced2016-2020Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz SLC 180 and 200 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M274 timing chain tensioner wear to thermostat failure and piston ring wear.
Mercedes Benz SLC 180/200 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz SLC 180/200 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.6L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder (2016-2020)
Power Output156 hp (115 kW) @ 5,300 rpmTorque250 Nm @ 1,200-4,000 rpmYears Fitted2016-2020Displacement1,595 ccCylindersInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged with direct injectionCompression Ratio10.3:1Engine CodeM 274.910
Compatible Trim Levels
- SLC 180
- SLC 180 AMG Line
- SLC 180 Sport
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
£2,900-£3,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,200-£4,400
Common Failure
Timing chain tensioner wear - the M274 engine can suffer from timing chain tensioner issues, resulting in a rattling noise on cold starts. Thermostat failure is a common and costly repair. Piston ring wear causing oil consumption has also been reported. The M274 engine family has several weak components, including camshaft actuators (solenoids).
The SLC 180 and 200's M274 turbocharged four-cylinder engines are modern, efficient and generally reliable, but they have well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. Timing chain tensioner wear, thermostat failure, and piston ring wear are the most common issues driving replacement enquiries. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The Modern SLC's Critical Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes SLC 180 (M274.910), SLC 200 (M274.920), 2016-2020
Typical Failure Mileage
45,000-80,000 miles
Root Cause
The M274 engine can suffer from timing chain tensioner issues, resulting in a rattling noise on cold starts. The tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure, allowing chain slack and guide wear. If ignored, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The M274 engine can suffer from timing chain tensioner issues, resulting in a rattling noise on cold starts. The tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure, allowing chain slack and guide wear. If ignored, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£200-£400
Specialist (parts + labour)
£150-£300
What it involves
Timing chain inspection, camshaft correlation check
Suitability
First step - confirms whether chain or tensioner is the issue
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£1,400-£1,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£950-£1,250
What it involves
Replace timing chain tensioner, inspect guides
Suitability
If caught early before chain stretch occurs
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,600
What it involves
Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, camshaft sprockets
Suitability
If rattle has persisted and chain stretch is confirmed
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£6,500-£8,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,400-£5,200
What it involves
Complete engine swap with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If timing failure has caused valve damage
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Diagnostics - Timing chain inspection Minor | £200-£400 | £150-£300 | Timing chain inspection, camshaft correlation check | First step - confirms whether chain or tensioner is the issue | 1 - 2 days |
 Intermediate - Timing chain tensioner replacement Best Value | £1,400-£1,800 | £950-£1,250 | Replace timing chain tensioner, inspect guides | If caught early before chain stretch occurs | 1 - 2 days |
Major - Full timing chain kit Best Value | £2,500-£4,000 | £1,800-£2,600 | Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, camshaft sprockets | If rattle has persisted and chain stretch is confirmed | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M274 engine Best Value | £6,500-£8,200 | £3,400-£5,200 | Complete engine swap with upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty | If timing failure has caused valve damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2016-2020 SLC 180 or 200 is worth approximately £12,000-£25,000 depending on mileage and condition. These premium roadsters retain strong values for well-maintained examples, making engine replacement a justifiable investment.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your SLC 180 or 200 exhibits a rattling noise on cold start, act immediately. The M274's timing chain tensioner is a known critical weakness. Specialist timing chain tensioner replacement at £950-£1,250 is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. If the chain has jumped timing, a full rebuilt M274 engine with upgraded timing components is the only safe option.
Don't Let Timing Chain Wear, Thermostat Failure, or Oil Consumption Write Off Your Mercedes SLC 180 or 200
Whether you're facing M274 timing chain tensioner wear on your SLC 180, thermostat failure on your SLC 200, or piston ring wear, 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 - improved timing chain tensioners, new cooling system components, and fresh piston rings - 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 modern M274 turbocharged engines inside out.
Compare rebuilt M274 Mercedes SLC 180/200 engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant 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 SLC 180 or 200. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz SLC 180/200 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes SLC 180 or 200 engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt M274 engine for the SLC 180 costs £3,200-£4,400 supply-only; a rebuilt M274 engine for the SLC 200 costs £3,400-£5,200 supply-only. Fitting adds £800-£1,200 depending on complexity - modern turbocharged work requires specialist knowledge.
- SLC 180 (M274.910): rebuilt unit £3,200-£4,400; used engine from £1,200
- SLC 200 (M274.920): rebuilt unit £3,400-£5,200; used engine from £1,300
- M274 timing chain tensioner replacement: £950-£1,250 at specialist
- M274 thermostat replacement: £350-£650 at specialist
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure on a Mercedes SLC 180 or 200-
Short summary: A rattling noise on cold start is the classic warning sign on the M274 engine. The timing chain tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure, allowing chain slack and guide wear. If ignored, it can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
- Rattling noise on cold start lasting 1-3 seconds - earliest warning
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Metallic debris in the engine oil (severe cases)
- If caught early, tensioner replacement costs £950-£1,250 at specialist
Question 3What causes oil consumption in a Mercedes SLC 180 or 200-
Short summary: One of the most prevalent issues with the M274 engine is excessive oil consumption. A class action lawsuit has alleged a piston defect causing premature failure in M274 engines. Worn piston rings can also allow oil to bypass into the combustion chambers.
- Oil consumption between services - monitor levels regularly
- Blue smoke from the exhaust on cold starts
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- If caught early, piston ring replacement costs £2,400-£3,600 at specialist
Question 4Is the Mercedes SLC 180 or 200 engine (M274) reliable-
Short summary: The M274 engine is a modern, efficient turbocharged four-cylinder, but it has known issues. Timing chain tensioner wear, thermostat failure, and piston ring wear are the most common problems. With these addressed, the engine is capable of 100,000+ miles.
- M274 is generally reliable with regular maintenance
- Timing chain tensioner wear is the most critical issue
- Thermostat failure is common and costly to repair
- Piston ring wear and oil consumption are well-documented
- Regular oil changes with MB 229.5 spec oil are essential
Question 5How long do Mercedes SLC 180 and 200 engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained M274 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work. Timing chain tensioner issues typically appear between 45,000-80,000 miles.
- M274 (SLC 180/200): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
- Timing chain tensioner inspection recommended from 45,000 miles
- Thermostat replacement may be needed from 50,000 miles
- Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec MB 229.5 oil
Question 6Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes SLC 180 or 200-
Short summary: Yes, if the SLC is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M274 costs £3,200-£5,200 - far less than replacing a £12,000-£25,000 vehicle. SLC values remain strong for well-maintained examples, making engine replacement a worthwhile investment.
- SLC 180/200 values: £12,000-£25,000 depending on condition and mileage
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- Supply & fit typically £4,000-£6,400 depending on engine code
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes SLC 180/200Engine PricesToday
500+ M274 turbocharged engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt SLC 180 and 200 engine
Nationwide UK delivery
supply & fit available for M274
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes SLC 180 or 200 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 turbocharged engine inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components, cooling system parts, and piston rings, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact SLC - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.
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