SLK 1.8L Petrol Engines
from £1,800 to £3,500
Rebuilt units from £1,800 · Common codes: M271, 271.948, 271.955, 271.946
Mercedes Benz ENGINE MARKETPLACE
Mercedes SLK M271/M272/OM651 Engine Solutions - UK Specialists
Get quotes from trusted UK Mercedes SLK engine specialists. Compare reconditioned & used engines for SLK 200 to SLK 55 AMG - M271/M272/OM651 covered. Get a quote before it's too late.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
SLK 3.5L V6 Engines
from £2,500 to £4,500
Rebuilt units from £2,500 · Common codes: M272, 272.960, 272.967
SLK 5.5L AMG V8 Engines
from £3,500 to £9,000
Rebuilt units from £3,500 · Common codes: M113, M152, 113.010
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Compare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine prices
Supply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsInstant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsHow It Works
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz SLK Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz SLK Replacement Engine
12-Month Warranty
Supply & Fit Available
Nationwide Delivery
Trusted UK Suppliers
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Live UK Engine Market Data
What Are UK Drivers Paying for Mercedes Benz SLK Engine Replacement
This table outlines typical UK rebuilt engine costs for Mercedes Benz SLK variants, covering documented failure causes, chassis codes, fuel types, and engine sizes.
Average Market Prices
↻ Last updated: 4 Aug 26, 9:26
Customer Reviews
Trusted by Mercedes Benz SLK Owners Across the UK
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,081 verified customers who sourced reconditioned and used Mercedes Benz SLK engines through EngineMarket.
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Variants We Cover
Mercedes Benz SLK Engine ReplacementAll Variants Covered
Mercedes Benz SLK 280
M272 3.0L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £2,400-£4,400
Mercedes Benz SLK 320
M112 3.2L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £2,200-£4,200
Not sure which variant your Mercedes Benz SLK is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.
SLK
Engine Codes
Mercedes Benz SLK Engine CodesFull Technical Specifications & Replacement Guide
Every engine code fitted to the Mercedes Benz SLK across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Diesel Engines
Extracted from detailed diesel engine families across Mercedes Benz SLK variants.
OM646 - 2.1L/2.2L Diesel
Main replacement triggers are timing chain wear, EGR / cooling faults and turbo-control issues.
Compatible variants
SLK 200 CDISLK 220 CDISLK 220 CDI SportSLK 220 CDI SE
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,800 - £3,200
Supply only
Technical specifications
- Fuel type
- Diesel
- Engine size
- 2.1L / 2.2L
- Power output
- 102-150 hp
- Years fitted
- 1999-2016
Common failures
- ●Main replacement triggers are timing chain wear, EGR / cooling faults and turbo-control issues.
- ●Confirm exact engine code and fitment before ordering.
- ●Ask for warranty and supply & fit terms.
Not sure which engine code?
Can’t find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we’ll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Mercedes Benz SLK engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
SLK
Common Problems
Mercedes Benz SLK Engine Problems - What It Costs to Fix & When Replacement Makes Sense
Mercedes Benz SLK M272 Balance Shaft Failure - Why V6 Engines Suffer Catastrophic Timing Loss
Mercedes Benz SLK M272 Balance Shaft Failure
Most affected vehicles
Mercedes Benz SLK 300SLK 350
Mercedes Benz SLK 300, SLK 350, SLK 350 AMG Sport (2004-2011, M272.960, M272.967, M272.975)
Failure mileage range
50,000 - 90,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
Early-production M272 V6 engines featured a hardened steel balance shaft gear that wore prematurely against a softer composite sprocket. Once the gear teeth skip, timing alignment is lost, triggering P1200/P1208 fault codes and often causing bent valves or complete engine seizure.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Early Symptom Check & Code Clear | £150 - £350 | £90 - £180 | Diagnostic scan, oil pressure test, and temporary EML reset | Only buys a few hundred miles; does not stop mechanical wear |
| Intermediate - Balance Shaft Gear & Chain Kit | £3,200 - £4,800 | £2,100 - £2,900 | Engine removal, balance shaft gear replacement, updated tensioners, full timing re-alignment | Extends engine life 30k-50k miles; assumes no internal valve damage |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt / Reconditioned M272 V6 | £5,500 - £7,200 | £3,500 - £4,800 | Supply & fit of upgraded rebuilt V6 with revised balance shaft, new timing kit, gaskets, and 12-month warranty | Permanent resolution; eliminates all hidden wear and restores factory compression |
Our recommendation
If your SLK 350 is already throwing P1200 codes or running rough, the internal timing jump has likely occurred and a repair kit will not save it. We recommend a full rebuilt M272 with the updated steel sprocket, as the cost differential against an in-engine repair is narrow once labour for engine removal is factored in.
Compare rebuilt M272 Mercedes Benz SLK engine pricesReplacement Engine Options
Mercedes Benz SLK Engine TypesOptions, Costs & What to Expect
Every engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on your SLK variant, engine code and budget.
Mercedes Benz SLK Reconditioned Engines (Recon)£1,500 - £4,200((supply only))
Mercedes Benz SLK Rebuilt Engines£1,800 - £4,800((supply only))
Mercedes Benz SLK Used Engines£800 - £2,400((supply only))
Mercedes Benz SLK Remanufactured Engines£2,500 - £6,200((supply only))
Mercedes Benz SLK Refurbished Engines£1,200 - £3,600((supply only))
Compare Mercedes Benz SLK engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes Benz SLK within hours.
Engine Sizes
Mercedes Benz SLK Engines by SizeFind the Right Displacement for Your Variant
Every displacement officially fitted to the Mercedes Benz SLK across all UK generations is detailed below, with compatible engine codes, production years, and documented failure notes to help you identify the correct replacement unit.
Introduced during the R171 facelift and standardised across the R172 generation, the 2.1L four-cylinder turbo diesel became the backbone of the SLK’s efficiency-focused lineup. Featuring common-rail injection and BlueEFFICIENCY technology, it delivered strong low-end torque while meeting strict Euro 5 emissions standards. This displacement was heavily favoured by UK daily drivers seeking a practical, high-MPG roadster.
⚙
Engine Code(s)
OM646 (646.980), OM651 (651.980, 651.910)
▣
Compatible Models (UK)
SLK 200 CDI (R171, 2004-2010), SLK 250 CDI (R172, 2011-2016), SLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
ϟ
Power output
Verified by registration
△
Common Failure Points
Rear-mounted timing chain tensioner wear, oil cooler seal leaks, DPF regeneration issues at urban mileage.
Production Years: R171 LCI
Get quotes for Mercedes Benz SLK 2.1L diesel enginesMercedes Benz SLK Engines Fuel Type
Mercedes Benz SLK Engines by Fuel Type
Choose your Mercedes Benz SLK engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from early SLK 200 CDI diesel to the latest SLK 45 AMG turbo petrol.
Mercedes Benz SLK Diesel Engines
DieselDiesel SLK models span the R171 facelift and full R172 generation, offering efficient four-cylinder and V6 options that dominate high-mileage replacement enquiries.
Common Mercedes Benz SLK Diesel Engine Families
- •OM646 - Early 2.1L four-cylinder, swirl flap and injector issues
- •OM651 - Later 2.1L unit, timing chain tensioner weakness
- •OM642 - 3.0L V6 diesel, oil cooler leaks and EGR carbon
Found In
- •R171 facelift (2008-2011) - OM646, OM651
- •R172 (2011-2016) - OM651, OM642
Known For
- •Strong motorway fuel economy and low-end torque for grand touring
- •OM651 timing chain tensioner failures between 70k-100k miles
- •DPF regeneration issues on short-journey urban driving patterns
Typical Diesel Models
- •SLK 200 CDI
- •SLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
- •SLK 250 CDI
1 of 2
Mercedes Benz SLK Diesel Engines
DieselDiesel SLK models span the R171 facelift and full R172 generation, offering efficient four-cylinder and V6 options that dominate high-mileage replacement enquiries.
Common Mercedes Benz SLK Diesel Engine Families
- •OM646 - Early 2.1L four-cylinder, swirl flap and injector issues
- •OM651 - Later 2.1L unit, timing chain tensioner weakness
- •OM642 - 3.0L V6 diesel, oil cooler leaks and EGR carbon
Found In
- •R171 facelift (2008-2011) - OM646, OM651
- •R172 (2011-2016) - OM651, OM642
Known For
- •Strong motorway fuel economy and low-end torque for grand touring
- •OM651 timing chain tensioner failures between 70k-100k miles
- •DPF regeneration issues on short-journey urban driving patterns
Typical Diesel Models
- •SLK 200 CDI
- •SLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
- •SLK 250 CDI
Mercedes Benz SLK Petrol Engines
PetrolPetrol power defines the SLK range across all three UK generations, from supercharged four-cylinders to hand-built AMG V8s, with timing chain and balance shaft issues driving most replacement searches.
Common Mercedes Benz SLK Petrol Engine Families
- •M111 - Early 2.0L/2.3L supercharged, supercharger clutch wear
- •M112 - 3.2L V6, reliable iron block, flywheel wear
- •M271 - 1.8L turbo/supercharged, critical timing chain stretch
Found In
- •R170 (1996-2004) - M111, M112
- •R171 (2004-2011) - M271, M272, M113
- •R172 (2011-2016) - M271, M274, M276, M152, M133
Known For
- •Sharp throttle response and engaging sports car character across all displacements
- •M271 timing chain and guide rail failures between 60k-85k miles
- •M272 balance shaft gear wear causing catastrophic timing loss on early SLK 350
Typical Petrol Models
- •SLK 200 Kompressor/CGI
- •SLK 230 Kompressor
- •SLK 250/280
Not sure which fuel type your Mercedes Benz SLK has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Mercedes Benz SLK specialists.
Engine YearsGet quotes for 1996-2000 Mercedes Benz SLK replacement engines →
Mercedes Benz SLK Engines by YearWhat Was Fitted & WhenMercedes Benz SLK Engines by Year - What Was Fitted & When
This timeline covers every major engine change across the Mercedes Benz SLK's UK production run (1996-2016), organised so owners can quickly identify their engine code and compare rebuilt engine prices from UK specialists.
⚙Key Changes
- ✓First-generation R170 platform introduced with retractable hardtop (Vario-roof)
- ✓M111 Kompressor supercharged engines debut with Eaton M45 blower
- ✓M112 3.2L V6 added as premium option for refined performance
- ✓UK market receives right-hand drive SLK 200, 230 Kompressor and 320 variants
▣Main Engines
M111.947- 2.0L supercharged petrol (SLK 200 Kompressor)
M111.973- 2.3L supercharged petrol (SLK 230 Kompressor)
M112.947- 3.2L naturally aspirated petrol (SLK 320)
▰Popular Models
- •Mercedes Benz SLK 200 Kompressor
- •Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor
- •Mercedes Benz SLK 320
🔧Known For
- ✓Robust iron-block M111 engines with distinctive supercharger whine
- ✓M112 V6 praised for smoothness and long-term reliability
- ✓Supercharger clutch wear and intercooler hose splits common at 80k+ miles
- ✓Early R170 models now sought by classic Mercedes roadster enthusiasts
Engine Codes Covered:
M111.947M111.973M112.947Not sure which year your Mercedes Benz SLK was built- Enter your registration number and we'll identify the exact engine, model year, and compatible replacement options instantly - all backed by a minimum 12-month warranty from UK Mercedes Benz SLK specialists.
FAQ