What are the common problems with the Mercedes CLA250?

The most frequently reported issues are timing chain tensioner wear and stretch (rattling on cold start, misfires, lack of power), camshaft weld failure (2015 model recall — engine damage and stalling risk), PCV valve failure (check engine light P052E, rough idle), and engine mount wear.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes CLA250 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and which generation. Against a well-kept £18,000 CLA250, a £4,000 recon is 22% — worth it. Against a tired £6,000 example, the same recon approaches our 70% Mercedes threshold — get a scrap valuation first.

How do I find my Mercedes CLA250 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. C117/X117 (2013–2019): M270 DE20 AL. C118/X118 (2019–present): M260. The chassis code is the easiest tell — C117/X117 is the first-generation CLA, C118/X118 is the second-generation.

Can I repair the timing chain on the CLA250, or does it need full engine replacement?

Yes — if caught early. A preventative timing chain and tensioner replacement costs £800–£2,000. Skipped oil changes are a primary cause of tensioner wear. If ignored and the chain snaps, the engine is an interference design — pistons and valves collide, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately. Regular oil changes using MB 229.5 spec oil are the single most effective preventative measure.

Mercedes CLA2502013–present2 Engine Generations

Mercedes CLA250 Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Mercedes CLA250 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngine.uk

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Mercedes CLA250 Engines — from £1,800 to £7,500Common codes: M270, M260

Mercedes CLA250 Engines — from £1,800 to £7,500· Common codes: M270, M260

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

The CLA250 THROUGH TIME — Era Map

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

Era Note

The original CLA250 — a 2.0-litre turbo. Timing chain tensioner and camshaft weld issues are the main concerns.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

C117/X117 (1st Gen CLA) BMW 320d C117/X117 (1st Gen CLA)

2013–2019M270 DE20 AL (2.0L 4-cyl Turbo)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]The original CLA250 — a 2.0-litre turbo. Timing chain tensioner and camshaft weld issues are the main concerns.

C118/X118 (2nd Gen CLA) BMW 320d C118/X118 (2nd Gen CLA)

2019–presentM260 (2.0L 4-cyl Turbo)★★★½☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£3,200–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER]The updated 2.0-litre turbo. Revised engine with improved power but still prone to timing chain and PCV issues.

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches — Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes CLA250 Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£3,000–£5,500

Fitted (Indie)£4,200–£7,000

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,800–£3,500£2,700–£4,8001–6 monthsBudget priority; vehicle under £6,000

Reconditioned Engine£3,000–£5,500£4,200–£7,00012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£4,500–£7,500£5,700–£9,00012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£6,500–£10,000+£8,000–£12,000+24–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the M270 and M260 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines. A full engine replacement can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £5,000 on average, with Mercedes-Benz engine replacements typically around £3,500 or more. Main dealer new engines can exceed £10,000.

Labour estimate: Fitting a CLA250 engine typically takes 10–14 hours at £70–£100/hr (independent) or £120–£180/hr (London/SE dealer).

→ Compare CLA250 engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear & Stretch — M270 & M260

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting a few seconds, metallic ticking from the engine, engine misfires, rough running, lack of power, difficulty starting.

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles (some owners recommend servicing at 70,000 miles)

Repair cost: £800–£2,000 (chain + tensioner replacement)【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Replacement cost: £3,000–£7,500 (if chain snaps and valves strike pistons)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

Timing chain tensioner wear is a known issue on both M270 and M260 engines. Skipped oil changes are a primary cause — gritty or poor-quality oil starves the tensioner of proper lubrication. The M270 engine is prone to rattling timing chains, especially if oil changes were delayed. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, get the chain and tensioners inspected immediately. Regular oil changes using MB 229.5 spec oil are essential.

Read the full timing chain failure guide

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear & Stretch — M270 & M260

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting a few seconds, metallic ticking from the engine, engine misfires, rough running, lack of power, difficulty starting.

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles (some owners recommend servicing at 70,000 miles)

Repair cost: £800–£2,000 (chain + tensioner replacement)【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Replacement cost: £3,000–£7,500 (if chain snaps and valves strike pistons)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

Read the full timing chain failure guide

2. Camshaft Weld Failure — M270 (2015 Model Year)

Symptoms: Engine damage, stalling, engine warning light, loss of power, potential crash risk.

Typical mileage: Any mileage — recall affected specific 2015 CLA250 vehicles

Repair cost: Free under recall (camshaft replacement)【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Replacement cost: £3,000–£7,500 (if engine damage occurs)

🔴 Immediate - check if your vehicle is affected by the recall

Our recommendation:

Mercedes issued a recall for certain 2015 CLA250 vehicles due to intake or exhaust camshafts whose welds may fail and cause engine damage. Engine damage may result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and replace the affected camshafts free of charge. If you own a 2015 CLA250, check if your vehicle is affected by this recall immediately.

Read the full camshaft failure guide

3. PCV (Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Failure — M270 & M260

Symptoms: Check engine light (code P052E), rough idle, engine running poorly at idle, oil consumption.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles

Repair cost: £200–£600 (PCV valve replacement)【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Replacement cost: £3,000–£7,500 (if left untreated leads to engine damage)

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently

Our recommendation:

Mercedes issued an extended warranty for certain vehicles with a check engine light code P052E. The component that malfunctioned is the crankcase valve (PCV valve), which has caused issues while the car is idling. If you experience rough idle or a check engine light, have the PCV system inspected.

Read the full PCV failure guide

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CLA250 — 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.

CLA250 — 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 SenseTiming chain tensioner wear✅ Yes£800–£2,000Preventative — catches the fault before catastrophic failureCamshaft weld failure (2015 recall)✅ YesFree under recallCheck if your vehicle is affectedPCV valve failure✅ Yes£200–£600Well-understood repair; extended warranty may cover itEngine mounts worn✅ Yes£500–£1,200Common on many Mercedes modelsTiming chain snap (valve contact)❌ Usually No£3,000–£7,500Typically requires full engine replacement or complete rebuild

Buying This CLA250? Check These First

Buy If

Post-2019 M260 preferred over early M270 (improved design)
2015 models: Camshaft recall completed
Full Mercedes service history with evidence of regular oil changes using MB 229.5 spec oil
No cold-start rattle — a quiet startup suggests healthy timing chain

Avoid If

2015 model with no proof of camshaft recall completion
Cold-start rattle with no timing chain history
Check engine light (P052E) with no PCV repair history
Poor service history — these engines are unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The CLA250 is Mercedes' stylish entry-level four-door coupe, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. The first-generation M270 engine has known issues: timing chain tensioner wear, a camshaft weld recall on 2015 models, and PCV valve failures. The second-generation M260 is an improvement but still has timing chain and PCV concerns. Buy on documented history, not on faith. A well-maintained CLA250 is a £15,000–£30,000 premium coupe; a neglected one is a £5,000 engine replacement waiting to happen.

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

→ Compare CLA250 engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes CLA250 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start — Listen for rattling or ticking (timing chain tensioner warning)

Service History — including which engine era (M270 or M260) and confirmed oil-change intervals using MB 229.5 spec oil

Camshaft Recall (2015) — Has the camshaft weld recall been completed? (critical for 2015 models)

PCV Check — Any history of check engine light (P052E) or rough idle? (PCV valve warning)

Engine Mounts — Any vibration or clunking? (engine mounts are common failures)

Smoke Check — Blue smoke on startup can indicate turbo or valve seal issues

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Any unresolved timing, PCV, or camshaft issues?

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.

M270 DE20 AL (2.0L 4-cyl Turbo)

Years2013–2019

Power211 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) @ 5,500 rpm · 350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Engine CodeGenerationYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M270 DE20 AL (2.0L 4-cyl Turbo)2013–2019211 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) @ 5,500 rpm · 350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm— (pattern data)£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

M260 (2.0L 4-cyl Turbo)2019–present224 PS (165 kW / 221 hp) @ 5,500 rpm · 350 Nm @ 1,800–4,000 rpm— (pattern data)£3,200–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specs

M270 DE20 AL (C117/X117)Displacement: 1,991 cc · Cylinders: 4-cylinder inline, 4 valves per cylinder · Bore x Stroke: 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm · Compression Ratio: 9.8:1 · Fuel System: Direct injection · Turbocharger: Single turbocharger · Valvetrain: DOHC

M260 (C118/X118)Displacement: 1,991 cc · Cylinders: 4-cylinder inline, DOHC, 16 valves · Bore x Stroke: 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm · Compression Ratio: 10.5:1 · Fuel System: Direct injection · Turbocharger: Single turbocharger

→ Compare CLA250 engine prices for your Mercedes

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure (M270)

Timing chain tensioner wear and camshaft weld failure (2015 recall)

Most Common Failure (M260)

Timing chain wear and PCV valve failure

Average Enquiry Mileage

40,000

–70,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£3,000

–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Most Requested Engine Code

M270 / M260

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

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

Regional Demand

London22%

South East18%

Midlands14%

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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