How much does a Mercedes A35 AMG engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned A35 AMG (M260.920) engine typically costs £4,500–£7,500 supply only. Fitting adds £2,000–£3,500 depending on location and workshop rates. A replacement M260.920 engine costs on average £5,834 in good condition, with a new or reconditioned engine costing up to £7,779. Main dealer new engines start from £9,000–£15,000+ supply only. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

Is the Mercedes A35 AMG engine reliable?

The M260 engine has a mixed reputation. The most critical issue is cylinder head failure due to increased wear on exhaust valve seat rings and valve guides. Mercedes has issued an extended warranty in some regions covering the cylinder head to 15 years or 241,000 km. Timing chain tensioner failure, thermostat housing leaks, and camshaft adjuster solenoid failure are also documented. With proper maintenance, these engines can be reliable, but the cylinder head issue is a genuine concern.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes A35 AMG?

The main known issues are: (1) Cylinder head failure — causing misfires, rough running, and loss of compression; covered by extended warranty in some regions, (2) Timing chain tensioner failure — causing cold-start rattle and risk of catastrophic engine damage, (3) Thermostat housing leaks — plastic housing cracks and leaks coolant, and (4) Camshaft adjuster solenoid failure — causing rough idle and reduced power.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes A35 AMG engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and condition. Against a well-kept £15,000–£25,000 A35 AMG, a £5,000–£7,500 recon is 20–50% of the car's value. For a clean example with full service history, replacement is often worth it given the A35's strong retained values. However, if the car has other issues (transmission, electrical faults, accident damage), evaluate total repair costs before committing.

How do I find my Mercedes A35 AMG engine code?

The A35 AMG uses the M260.920 engine code — a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 306 hp (225 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. The engine code is stamped on the cylinder block. Tell us your registration and we'll confirm it for free.

Is the A35 AMG cylinder head issue covered by warranty?

Mercedes has issued an extended warranty in some regions (ECR-M0002-22-010) covering the cylinder head on M260 engines to 15 years or 241,000 km. This affects 2019–2022 A-Class, CLA, GLA, and GLB vehicles. Check with your dealer whether your vehicle is covered. If not, cylinder head replacement can cost £4,000–£6,000.

Mercedes A35 AMG2018–present1 Engine Generation

Mercedes A35 AMG Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Mercedes A35 AMG UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes A35 AMG specialists. The 2.0-litre M260 turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 306 hp — compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines with supply & fit available nationwide.

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Mercedes A35 AMG Engines — from £2,500 to £8,500Engine code: M260.920

Mercedes A35 AMG Engines — from £2,500 to £8,500· Engine code: M260.920

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Mercedes A35 AMG — Which Engine Does Your Car Actually Have?

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

2.0L turbo four-cylinder — 306 hp, 400 Nm. Cylinder head and timing chain tensioner failures are well-documented. Extended warranty available for cylinder head

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

W177/V177

2018–presentM260.920★★☆☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,500–£7,500 [MB-QUOTE]2.0L turbo four-cylinder — 306 hp, 400 Nm. Cylinder head and timing chain tensioner failures are well-documented. Extended warranty available for cylinder head

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes A35 AMG Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£4,500–£7,500

Fitted (Indie)£6,500–£9,500

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£2,500–£5,000£3,500–£6,5001–6 monthsBudget priority; lower-mileage donor

Reconditioned Engine£4,500–£7,500£6,500–£9,50012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£5,500–£8,500£7,500–£10,50012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£9,000–£15,000+£11,000–£17,000+24–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Labour estimate: Fitting an A35 AMG engine typically takes 12–16 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). Cylinder head replacement is a major repair requiring specialist attention.

→ Compare A35 AMG engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems

1. Cylinder Head Failure (The Defining M260 Fault)

Symptoms: Check engine light, rough engine running, misfires (especially on one cylinder), loss of compression, high out-of-spec emission values

Typical mileage: 18,000–44,000 miles — can occur as early as 5,000 miles

Repair cost: £4,000–£6,000 (cylinder head replacement)

Replacement cost: £5,500–£10,500 (if ignored — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you experience rough running or a check engine light, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

This is the single most critical issue affecting the M260 engine. Mercedes has acknowledged increased wear on exhaust valve seat rings and valve guides, which can cause insufficiently sealed combustion chambers. A warranty extension has been issued in some regions (ECR-M0002-22-010) covering the cylinder head to 15 years or 241,000 km. Some owners have reported failures as early as 5,000–8,000 miles. If you experience rough running or misfires, have the cylinder head inspected immediately. A £4,000–£6,000 cylinder head replacement is dramatically cheaper than a £5,500–£10,500 engine replacement. Check with your dealer whether your vehicle is covered by the extended warranty.

Read the full cylinder head failure guide → /failures/m260-cylinder-head-failure/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

1. Cylinder Head Failure (The Defining M260 Fault)

Symptoms: Check engine light, rough engine running, misfires (especially on one cylinder), loss of compression, high out-of-spec emission values

Typical mileage: 18,000–44,000 miles — can occur as early as 5,000 miles

Repair cost: £4,000–£6,000 (cylinder head replacement)

Replacement cost: £5,500–£10,500 (if ignored — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you experience rough running or a check engine light, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

Read the full cylinder head failure guide → /failures/m260-cylinder-head-failure/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

2. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine on cold start for a few seconds, engine misfires, check engine light with timing-related fault codes

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles — can occur with insufficient oil pressure or infrequent oil changes

Repair cost: £800–£2,000 (tensioner replacement) / £2,500–£4,500 (full timing chain service)

Replacement cost: £5,500–£10,500 (if chain jumps — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattling on cold start, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

Timing chain tensioner wear is a known issue on the M260 engine. A worn tensioner gives the timing chain too much slack, leading to a slapping noise, especially on cold start. If the chain jumps timing, catastrophic engine failure can occur. Using the correct specification oil (e.g., MB 229.5) and adhering to strict 10,000 km (6,000 mile) service intervals is the best defence against premature timing chain system failure. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, get the tensioner inspected immediately.

Read the full timing chain tensioner guide

3. Thermostat Housing Leak & Cooling System Issues

Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, visible coolant residue around the thermostat housing, low coolant warning light

Typical mileage: 30,000–60,000 miles — plastic housing can crack

Repair cost: £300–£800 (thermostat housing replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only (does not progress to engine replacement if addressed)

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if coolant level drops

Our recommendation:

The M260 engine's thermostat housing is made of plastic and can crack, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating. If you notice coolant loss or a low coolant warning, have the thermostat housing inspected immediately. Overheating can cause warped cylinder heads and exacerbate the existing cylinder head issues on these engines.

Read the full thermostat housing leak guide → /failures/thermostat-housing-leak/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

4. Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure

Symptoms: Rough idle, reduced power, poor throttle response, check engine light

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles

Repair cost: £300–£700 (solenoid replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only (does not progress to engine replacement if addressed)

🟡 Monitor - book inspection if symptoms develop

Our recommendation:

Camshaft adjuster solenoid failure is a documented issue on the M260 engine. Solenoid wear or oil contamination can cause rough idle and reduced power. If you experience these symptoms, have the solenoids inspected. Catching this early prevents more serious valve train damage.

Read the full camshaft adjuster solenoid guide → /failures/camshaft-adjuster-solenoid/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

Weighing Your Options?

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A35 AMG — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

A35 AMG — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseCylinder head failure✅ Yes£4,000–£6,000May be covered under extended warranty (15 years / 241,000 km)Timing chain rattle (early detection)✅ Yes£800–£2,000Preventative — catches the fault before catastrophic failureTiming chain jumped❌ Usually NoEngine replacementPiston-valve contact means full replacement requiredThermostat housing leak✅ Yes£300–£800Straightforward component replacementCamshaft adjuster solenoid failure✅ Yes£300–£700Component replacement — restores performance

Buying This A35 AMG? Check These First

Buy If

Vehicle covered by the M260 cylinder head extended warranty (2019–2022 models)
Full service history with regular oil changes (maximum 10,000 km / 6,000 mile intervals)
No cold-start rattling — this is a critical warning sign
Remainder of manufacturer warranty or extended warranty in place

Avoid If

No proof of cylinder head warranty coverage or service history
Cold-start rattle — indicates timing chain tensioner wear
Check engine light with misfire codes — cylinder head failure risk
Poor service history — the M260 is unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The Mercedes A35 AMG is a genuinely impressive hot hatch — 306 hp, 400 Nm, and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. But the M260 engine has a well-documented Achilles' heel: cylinder head failure due to exhaust valve guide wear. Mercedes has acknowledged the issue and issued an extended warranty in some regions (15 years / 241,000 km). Timing chain tensioner failure and thermostat housing leaks are also documented concerns. Buy a well-maintained example with warranty coverage, or budget for potential cylinder head work. Without history? Proceed with caution — the repair bills can be substantial.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

→ Compare A35 AMG engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes A35 AMG (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start — Listen for rattling or slapping noise from the engine (timing chain tensioner warning)

Cylinder Head Warranty — Check if the vehicle is covered by the M260 extended warranty (ECR-M0002-22-010)

Service History — Including the M260.920 engine and confirmed oil change intervals (maximum 10,000 km)

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Look for misfire or timing-related codes

Coolant Level — Check for frequent top-ups; thermostat housing leaks are common

Rough Running — Any misfires or rough idle? Cylinder head failure may be imminent

Oil Leaks — Look for oil residue around the engine

MOT History — Check for emissions-related failures

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.

M260.920

Years2018–present

Power306 hp (225 kW) / 400 Nm

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£4,500–£7,500【MB-QUOTE】

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M260.9202018–present306 hp (225 kW) / 400 Nm— (pattern data)£4,500–£7,500【MB-QUOTE】

Technical Specs

M260.920

Displacement1,991 cc (2.0L)

Cylinders4-cylinder inline

Bore83.0 mm / Stroke: 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio10.0:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-scroll turbocharger

ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power306 hp (225 kW) @ 6,100 rpm

Torque400 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm

0-62 mph4.7 seconds

Top Speed155 mph (limited)

Transmission7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT

Drivetrain4MATIC all-wheel drive

→ Compare A35 AMG engine prices for your Mercedes

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Cylinder head failure — caused by increased wear on exhaust valve seat rings and valve guides; Mercedes has issued extended warranty ECR-M0002-22-010

Average Enquiry Mileage

20,000

–50,000 miles【PATTERN DATA】

Average Replacement Cost

£5,000

–£6,500 reconditioned, supply only【MB-QUOTE】

Most Requested Engine Code

M260.920【PATTERN DATA】

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter — cold starts expose timing chain issues【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand

London22%

South East18%

North West (12%)【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

22%London

18%South East

Frequently Asked Questions

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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