How much does a Mercedes C‑Class S203 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned S203 engine typically costs £1,200–£8,000 supply only, depending on engine — the volume OM646 diesel sits at £1,800–£3,200, while the C 55 AMG M113 V8 ranges up to £8,000. Fitting adds £650–£1,500 depending on the variant. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which Mercedes S203 engine is the most reliable?

The M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320) — robust, smooth, and free of the M271's camshaft adjuster issues and the M272's balance shaft concerns. The OM646 diesel is also a strong performer with proven 200,000+ mile potential when maintained correctly.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes C‑Class S203?

Injector seal failure ('Black Death') on the OM611/OM646 diesel, camshaft adjuster wear on the M271 supercharged petrol, balance shaft sprocket wear on the M272 V6, valve cover gaskets and timing chain wear on the M113 V8, and timing chain tensioner wear on the M112 V6.

Is the Mercedes C‑Class S203 reliable?

It depends heavily on which engine and maintenance history. The M112 V6 and OM646 diesel are the two most reliable options. The M272 V6 carries a known balance shaft risk — check history before buying. The M271 is improved over the older M111 but still has camshaft adjuster issues. The M113 V8 is reliable given its power output but demands meticulous maintenance.

Which Mercedes S203 engine should I avoid?

No engine outright — but a high‑mileage M272 V6 (C 230 / C 350) without documented balance shaft history is the one purchase we consistently advise against. A neglected OM611/OM646 diesel with visible carbon around the injectors is the second.

How do I know if my S203 engine needs replacing?

Tapping sound from the injector area (OM611/OM646 'Black Death'), timing chain rattle on start‑up (M271), check engine light with camshaft position codes (M272), or valve cover oil leaks and timing wear (M113) are the key warning signs. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes C‑Class S203 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a well‑kept £6,000 S203, a £3,200 OM646 recon is 53% of the car's value — safe. Against a tired £3,500 S203, the same recon is over 90% — walk away. Our 70% Mercedes threshold is the line.

How long do Mercedes S203 engines last?

The OM646 diesel and M112 V6 can exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing. The M271's limiting factor is the camshaft adjuster — addressed proactively, it can reach 150,000+ miles. The M272's balance shaft is the limiting factor — repaired, it's a durable engine. The M113 V8 is capable of high mileage but costs escalate.

What is the difference between the S203, W203 and CL203?

All three share the second‑generation C‑Class platform and most engines. The S203 is the 5‑door estate (this page, 2001–2007), the W203 is the 4‑door saloon (2001–2007), and the CL203 is the 3‑door SportCoupé (2001–2005). Costs vary slightly by body style due to labour access — see each generation's own page for specifics.

How do I find my Mercedes S203 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate, in the vehicle documentation, on the engine block itself, and in the service book. Tell us your variant and approximate registration date and we'll identify it — 25+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.

S203 Engine Replacement Cost UK

Name: Mercedes C‑Class S203 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngines.uk

Mercedes C‑Class S203 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the S203 estate specifically — including the pre‑ and post‑facelift engine changes that define this generation's ownership story.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (S203 estate)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M111.921M111Petrol, naturally aspirated1,998 cc95 kW (129 PS)2001–2002C 180★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,200–£2,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M111.946M111Petrol, supercharged1,998 cc120 kW (163 PS)2001–2002C 200 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M111.955M111Petrol, supercharged1,796 cc105 kW (143 PS)2002–2004C 180 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,200–£2,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.946M271Petrol, supercharged1,796 cc105 kW (143 PS)2004–2007C 180 Kompressor★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.940M271Petrol, supercharged1,796 cc120 kW (163 PS)2004–2007C 200 Kompressor★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.948M271Petrol, supercharged1,796 cc141 kW (192 PS)2004–2007C 230 Kompressor★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.912M112Petrol, V62,596 cc125 kW (170 PS)2001–2007C 240★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.953M112Petrol, V63,199 cc160 kW (218 PS)2001–2007C 320★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,800–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272.920M272Petrol, V62,496 cc150 kW (204 PS)2005–2007C 230★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272.960M272Petrol, V63,498 cc200 kW (272 PS)2005–2007C 350★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,000–£5,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M113 E55M113Petrol, V85,439 cc270 kW (367 PS)2004–2007C 55 AMG★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£4,500–£8,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM611.962OM611Diesel, turbo2,148 cc105 kW (143 PS)2001–2004C 220 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM646.963OM646Diesel, turbo2,148 cc110 kW (150 PS)2004–2007C 220 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM612.961OM612Diesel, 5‑cyl turbo2,685 cc125 kW (170 PS)2001–2004C 270 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM648.961OM648Diesel, 5‑cyl turbo2,685 cc130 kW (177 PS)2004–2007C 270 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.960M112Petrol, V6 supercharged3,199 cc260 kW (354 PS)2001–2004C 32 AMG Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M111.921M111Petrol, naturally aspirated95 kW (129 PS)2001–2002★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,200–£2,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M111.946M111Petrol, supercharged120 kW (163 PS)2001–2002★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M111.955M111Petrol, supercharged105 kW (143 PS)2002–2004★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,200–£2,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.946M271Petrol, supercharged105 kW (143 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.940M271Petrol, supercharged120 kW (163 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271.948M271Petrol, supercharged141 kW (192 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.912M112Petrol, V6125 kW (170 PS)2001–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.953M112Petrol, V6160 kW (218 PS)2001–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,800–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272.920M272Petrol, V6150 kW (204 PS)2005–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272.960M272Petrol, V6200 kW (272 PS)2005–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,000–£5,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M113 E55M113Petrol, V8270 kW (367 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£4,500–£8,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM611.962OM611Diesel, turbo105 kW (143 PS)2001–2004★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM646.963OM646Diesel, turbo110 kW (150 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM612.961OM612Diesel, 5‑cyl turbo125 kW (170 PS)2001–2004★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM648.961OM648Diesel, 5‑cyl turbo130 kW (177 PS)2004–2007★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M112.960M112Petrol, V6 supercharged260 kW (354 PS)2001–2004★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

Overview

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Overview

The S203 is the estate body of Mercedes‑Benz's second‑generation C‑Class, arriving in 2001 as the successor to the S202.

It introduced the 'four‑eyed' twin‑headlight design language, a longer wheelbase, and a more extensive standard equipment list than its rivals. A significant 2004 facelift brought revised styling, new engine families (M271 petrol, OM646/OM648 diesel), and the arrival of the C 55 AMG V8. The S203 shares its platform and engines with the W203 saloon but offers up to 1,500 litres of load space.

Key Facts

Platform

W203 (Mercedes‑Benz second‑generation C‑Class platform)

Predecessor

S202 (first‑generation C‑Class estate)

Successor

S204 (third‑generation C‑Class estate)

Sibling body styles in this generation

W203 (saloon), CL203 (SportCoupé)

Market Intelligence

The S203 estate generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM611/OM646 diesel and M271 supercharged petrol variants as these cars enter their third decade of service.

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Overview

The S203 is the estate body of Mercedes‑Benz's second‑generation C‑Class, arriving in 2001 as the successor to the S202.

It introduced the 'four‑eyed' twin‑headlight design language, a longer wheelbase, and a more extensive standard equipment list than its rivals. A significant 2004 facelift brought revised styling, new engine families (M271 petrol, OM646/OM648 diesel), and the arrival of the C 55 AMG V8. The S203 shares its platform and engines with the W203 saloon but offers up to 1,500 litres of load space.

Key Facts

Platform

W203 (Mercedes‑Benz second‑generation C‑Class platform)

Predecessor

S202 (first‑generation C‑Class estate)

Successor

S204 (third‑generation C‑Class estate)

Sibling body styles in this generation

W203 (saloon), CL203 (SportCoupé)

Market Intelligence

The S203 estate generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM611/OM646 diesel and M271 supercharged petrol variants as these cars enter their third decade of service.

Best & Worst Engines

Best Diesel Overall

OM646 (C 220 CDI, facelift, 2004–2007)

““The facelift OM646 improved on the OM611 with better injector design and common‑rail refinement. 150 PS and 340 Nm of torque deliver effortless estate‑car performance with genuine 200,000+ mile potential.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want a proven, efficient diesel estate without the 5‑cylinder’s higher running costs.”

Who it's for:

Best Petrol Overall

M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320)

““The M112 V6 is the S203's most robust petrol engine — smooth, torquey, and free of the M271's camshaft adjuster issues and the M272's balance shaft concerns. The 218 PS C 320 is the sweet spot.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 refinement without AMG running costs.”

Who it's for:

Highest Risk

M272 V6 (C 230 / C 350, 2005–2007)

““The M272's balance shaft sprocket wear is this generation's defining risk — a design flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but didn't extend the warranty as widely as with the M260.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risk and have documented balance shaft history.”

Who it's for:

Most Expensive Failure

C 55 AMG (M113 V8)

““The 367 PS 5.4‑litre V8 is a joy to drive but punishing to repair — valve cover gaskets, timing chain tensioners, and the entire engine bay's heat‑related wear add up fast. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.”

Who it's for:

Best Value

OM611 (C 220 CDI, pre‑facelift, 2001–2004)

““The older OM611 is cheaper to buy and cheaper to replace than the facelift OM646 — and with injector seal maintenance, it's equally durable. 143 PS and 340 Nm are plenty for estate duties.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy on a tighter budget.”

Who it's for:

Most Overlooked

M112 V6 (C 240, pre‑facelift)

““The 170 PS C 240 is often dismissed in favour of the C 320, but it shares the same robust M112 V6 architecture with lower running costs — and none of the M272's balance shaft anxiety.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 ownership without the V8 tax.”

Who it's for:

Best Diesel Overall

OM646 (C 220 CDI, facelift, 2004–2007)

““The facelift OM646 improved on the OM611 with better injector design and common‑rail refinement. 150 PS and 340 Nm of torque deliver effortless estate‑car performance with genuine 200,000+ mile potential.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want a proven, efficient diesel estate without the 5‑cylinder’s higher running costs.”

Who it's for:

Best Petrol Overall

M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320)

““The M112 V6 is the S203's most robust petrol engine — smooth, torquey, and free of the M271's camshaft adjuster issues and the M272's balance shaft concerns. The 218 PS C 320 is the sweet spot.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 refinement without AMG running costs.”

Who it's for:

Highest Risk

M272 V6 (C 230 / C 350, 2005–2007)

““The M272's balance shaft sprocket wear is this generation's defining risk — a design flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but didn't extend the warranty as widely as with the M260.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risk and have documented balance shaft history.”

Who it's for:

Most Expensive Failure

C 55 AMG (M113 V8)

““The 367 PS 5.4‑litre V8 is a joy to drive but punishing to repair — valve cover gaskets, timing chain tensioners, and the entire engine bay's heat‑related wear add up fast. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.”

Who it's for:

Best Value

OM611 (C 220 CDI, pre‑facelift, 2001–2004)

““The older OM611 is cheaper to buy and cheaper to replace than the facelift OM646 — and with injector seal maintenance, it's equally durable. 143 PS and 340 Nm are plenty for estate duties.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy on a tighter budget.”

Who it's for:

Most Overlooked

M112 V6 (C 240, pre‑facelift)

““The 170 PS C 240 is often dismissed in favour of the C 320, but it shares the same robust M112 V6 architecture with lower running costs — and none of the M272's balance shaft anxiety.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 ownership without the V8 tax.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict

M111 (C 180 / C 200 Kompressor)60k–120kSupercharger clutch / timing chain tensioner£400–£1,000£1,200–£2,800

Solid Choice — older but proven

M271 (C 180K / C 200K / C 230K)60k–120kCamshaft adjuster / timing chain£600–£1,500£1,500–£3,500

Improved — better than M111

M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320)100k–200k+Timing chain tensioner / valve cover gaskets£400–£1,200£2,200–£5,000

Best Petrol — robust V6

M272 V6 (C 230 / C 350)60k–120kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,500£2,200–£5,500

Risk vs Reward — budget for balance shaft work

M113 (C 55 AMG)40k–80kValve cover gaskets / timing chain wear£800–£2,000£4,500–£8,000

Most Expensive — fast but costly

OM611 (C 220 CDI, pre‑facelift)80k–180kInjector seal failure ('Black Death')£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,200

Best Value — proven diesel

OM646 (C 220 CDI, facelift)80k–180kInjector seals / timing chain£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,200

Best Diesel — improved common‑rail

OM612/OM648 (C 270 CDI)100k–200k+Injector seals / turbocharger£500–£1,500£2,200–£4,000

Solid Choice — 5‑cylinder torque

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict

M111 (C 180 / C 200 Kompressor)60k–120kSupercharger clutch / timing chain tensioner£400–£1,000£1,200–£2,800

Solid Choice — older but proven

M271 (C 180K / C 200K / C 230K)60k–120kCamshaft adjuster / timing chain£600–£1,500£1,500–£3,500

Improved — better than M111

M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320)100k–200k+Timing chain tensioner / valve cover gaskets£400–£1,200£2,200–£5,000

Best Petrol — robust V6

M272 V6 (C 230 / C 350)60k–120kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,500£2,200–£5,500

Risk vs Reward — budget for balance shaft work

M113 (C 55 AMG)40k–80kValve cover gaskets / timing chain wear£800–£2,000£4,500–£8,000

Most Expensive — fast but costly

OM611 (C 220 CDI, pre‑facelift)80k–180kInjector seal failure ('Black Death')£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,200

Best Value — proven diesel

OM646 (C 220 CDI, facelift)80k–180kInjector seals / timing chain£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,200

Best Diesel — improved common‑rail

OM612/OM648 (C 270 CDI)100k–200k+Injector seals / turbocharger£500–£1,500£2,200–£4,000

Solid Choice — 5‑cylinder torque

The S203 rule

A £3,200 OM646 recon against a £5,000 S203 sits at 64% — that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold. Against a tired £3,500 S203, the same recon is over 90% — walk away. A £2,800 M112 V6 recon against a well‑kept £6,000 example is 47% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which S203 Costs Least To Own?
OM611 (pre‑facelift C 220 CDI) — cheap injector seal maintenance, proven common‑rail diesel.
Which S203 Costs Most To Own?
C 55 AMG (M113 V8) — valve cover gaskets, timing chain wear, and V8 complexity add up fast.
Which S203 Is Best Value?
M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320) — six‑cylinder refinement without the M272's balance‑shaft anxiety.

Common Problems

01

M272

Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (C 230 / C 350)

Affected models:

S203 C 230, C 350 (2005–2007, facelift).

M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (C 230 / C 350)

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M272 V6's balance shaft sprocket has a design flaw — the sprocket wears prematurely, causing timing chain slack, camshaft position sensor codes, and eventual engine failure if ignored. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but did not issue a recall.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,500

£1,500–£3,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£5,500–£8,500

£3,500–£6,000

Our Recommendation

If your S203 C 230 or C 350 develops a check engine light with camshaft position codes, get the balance shaft inspected immediately — a £1,500–£3,500 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £3,500–£6,000 replacement that follows if ignored.

Compare M272 engine prices for your S203 C 350

02

OM611

/ OM646 Injector Seal Failure ('Black Death')

Affected models:

S203 C 220 CDI (2001–2007).

OM611 / OM646 Injector Seal Failure ('Black Death')

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–180,000 miles.

Root cause:

The injector seals on OM611 and OM646 engines degrade over time, allowing combustion gases to leak past the seals. This carbonises around the injector, causing the classic 'Black Death' — a tapping sound, loss of power, and eventually injector seizure if ignored.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,500

£400–£1,200

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,000–£5,000

£1,800–£3,200

Our Recommendation

If your S203 C 220 CDI develops a tapping sound or a loss of power, get the injector seals checked immediately — a £400–£1,200 seal replacement is far cheaper than the £1,800–£3,200 replacement that follows a seized injector.

Compare OM646 engine prices for your S203 C 220 CDI

03

M271

Camshaft Adjuster Wear (C 180K / C 200K / C 230K)

Affected models:

S203 C 180 Kompressor, C 200 Kompressor, C 230 Kompressor (2004–2007).

M271 Camshaft Adjuster Wear (C 180K / C 200K / C 230K)

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M271's camshaft adjuster mechanism wears prematurely, causing timing chain rattle on start‑up, reduced power, and check engine lights. The issue is well‑documented across the M271 engine family.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,200–£2,200

£600–£1,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,500–£5,500

£2,000–£3,800

Our Recommendation

If your S203 C 180 Kompressor or C 200 Kompressor develops a timing chain rattle on cold start, get the camshaft adjuster inspected immediately — a £600–£1,500 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £2,000–£3,800 replacement that follows a jumped timing chain.

Compare M271 engine prices for your S203 C 200 Kompressor

04

M113

Valve Cover Gaskets & Timing Chain Wear (C 55 AMG)

Affected models:

S203 C 55 AMG (2004–2007).

M113 Valve Cover Gaskets & Timing Chain Wear (C 55 AMG)

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M113 V8 generates significant heat in the engine bay, causing valve cover gaskets to harden and leak oil. Timing chain tensioner wear is also a known issue on higher‑mileage examples.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,500–£3,000

£800–£2,000

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£7,000–£12,000

£4,500–£8,000

Our Recommendation

If you own an S203 C 55 AMG, treat valve cover gasket and timing chain tensioner inspections as annual maintenance — £800–£2,000 now is far cheaper than the £4,500–£8,000 replacement that follows a neglected oil leak or timing failure.

Compare M113 engine prices for your S203 C 55 AMG

S203 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

VariantEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours

C 180 (2001–2002)M111.921£600–£1,200£1,200–£2,200£2,000–£3,2008–12 hrs

C 200 Kompressor (2001–2002)M111.946£700–£1,500£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,0008–12 hrs

C 180 Kompressor (2002–2004)M111.955£600–£1,200£1,200–£2,200£2,000–£3,2008–12 hrs

C 180 Kompressor (2004–2007)M271.946£700–£1,500£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,00010–14 hrs

C 200 Kompressor (2004–2007)M271.940£800–£1,600£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,00010–14 hrs

C 230 Kompressor (2004–2007)M271.948£1,000–£2,000£2,000–£3,500£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

C 240 (2001–2007)M112.912£1,200–£2,500£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£5,50012–16 hrs

C 320 (2001–2007)M112.953£1,500–£3,000£2,800–£5,000£4,500–£7,00012–16 hrs

C 230 (2005–2007)M272.920£1,200–£2,500£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£5,50012–16 hrs

C 350 (2005–2007)M272.960£1,500–£3,200£3,000–£5,500£5,000–£8,00012–16 hrs

C 55 AMG (2004–2007)M113 E55£2,500–£4,500£4,500–£8,000£7,000–£11,00016–20 hrs

C 220 CDI (2001–2004)OM611.962£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

C 220 CDI (2004–2007)OM646.963£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

C 270 CDI (2001–2004)OM612.961£1,000–£2,200£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£5,50012–16 hrs

C 270 CDI (2004–2007)OM648.961£1,000–£2,200£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£5,50012–16 hrs

C 32 AMG Kompressor (2001–2004)M112.960£2,000–£3,500£3,500–£6,500£6,000–£9,00014–18 hrs

No Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline figures — S203 estate shares identical engine‑bay access with its W203 saloon sibling, so costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

C 220 CDIC 270 CDI

Petrol Variants

C 180C 180 KompressorC 200 KompressorC 230 KompressorC 240C 320C 230C 350C 32 AMG KompressorC 55 AMG

Scope note: All variants listed are S203 estate only. W203 saloon and CL203 SportCoupé share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

C 220 CDIC 270 CDI

Petrol Variants

C 180C 180 KompressorC 200 KompressorC 230 KompressorC 240C 320C 230C 350C 32 AMG KompressorC 55 AMG

Scope note: All variants listed are S203 estate only. W203 saloon and CL203 SportCoupé share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

1.1. OM611 / OM646 (C 220 CDI) — 1,250 enquiries [MB‑VERIFIED] (OM651 proxy)
2.2. M271 (C 200 Kompressor / C 230 Kompressor) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
3.3. M112 V6 (C 240 / C 320) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]

Most Requested E90 Variants

1.1. C 220 CDI
2.2. C 200 Kompressor
3.3. C 320

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£1,800–£4,200 reconditioned, supply only [MB‑QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

1.1. OM611 / OM646 injector seal failure ('Black Death')
2.2. M271 camshaft adjuster wear
3.3. M272 balance shaft sprocket wear

Live Feed

VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries

Mercedes C 220 CDI S203 (OM646)

Birmingham

Tapping noise, loss of power

5

enquiries

Mercedes C 200 Kompressor S203 (M271)

London

Timing chain rattle on cold start

3

enquiries

Mercedes C 350 S203 (M272)

Manchester

Check engine light, camshaft position codes

2

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

Why UK Mercedes C‑Class S203 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted S203 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real S203 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare S203 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for S203
covering every variant from C 180 to C 55 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes C‑Class S203 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes C‑Class S203 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes C‑Class S203 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted S203 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real S203 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare S203 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for S203
covering every variant from C 180 to C 55 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes C‑Class S203 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes C‑Class S203 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Mercedes C‑Class S203 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes C‑Class S203 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Overview

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

Mercedes C‑Class S203 — Ownership Economics

Common Problems

S203 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK Mercedes C‑Class S203 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Why UK Mercedes C‑Class S203 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk