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

A reconditioned CLC engine typically costs £1,500–£6,000 supply only, depending on engine — the volume CLC 200 CDI diesel sits at £2,500–£4,200. Fitting adds £650–£1,200. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which Mercedes CLC engine is the most reliable?

The CLC 320 CDI (OM642 V6 diesel) is the most dependable CLC engine — smooth, refined and robust with few major failure modes beyond the well-documented oil cooler seal leak. The CLC 200 CDI (OM646) is the sensible choice for most buyers: economical, simple and proven.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes CLC?

The M271 four-cylinder petrols suffer from timing chain and camshaft adjuster wear (45k–90k miles). Diesel OM646 engines suffer injector seal failure ("Black Death"). The OM642 V6 diesel has oil cooler seal leaks. The CLC 350 (M272 V6) carries balance shaft sprocket wear risk on early cars. Rust can also appear on suspension components and rear arches.

Is the Mercedes CLC reliable?

It depends heavily on engine choice and maintenance history. The OM642 diesel is the most robust option; the OM646 is also solid. M271-engined cars carry a significant timing chain risk — always check for documented chain replacement. The CLC 350 is reliable but has higher running costs and balance shaft concerns on early examples.

Which Mercedes CLC engine should I avoid?

The M271 (CLC 180/200 Kompressor) without documented timing chain history is the one to avoid — chain and cam adjuster failure can occur from 45,000 miles and is expensive to fix. The early CLC 350 (pre-late 2008) also carries balance shaft risk. The CLC 180 Kompressor with 122 bhp is also underpowered for the car's weight.

How do I know if my CLC engine needs replacing?

Cold-start rattle (M271 timing chain), black carbon residue around injectors (OM646 diesel), or a flashing engine management light and rough running (M272 balance shaft) are the key warnings. Blue smoke, rough idle or sudden loss of power on any engine also warrant immediate inspection.

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

Depends on the car's value. Against a well-kept £8,000 CLC 320 CDI, a £3,500–£6,000 recon is 44–75% of the car's value — marginal but sometimes worth it. Against a tired £4,000 example, the same recon is 88–150% — walk away. Our 70% Mercedes threshold is the line.

How long do Mercedes CLC engines last?

The OM642 V6 diesel can exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing and oil cooler maintenance. The OM646 is similarly durable. The M271's life is limited by the timing chain; addressed proactively, it can reach 150,000+ miles. The CLC's interior quality is good, but rust on suspension components is a common issue as cars age.

What is the difference between the CLC-Class and the C-Class SportCoupé?

Both share the same CL203 chassis. The CLC-Class (2008–2011) is the facelifted and rebadged version of the C-Class SportCoupé (2000–2008), with revised styling, a higher-quality interior and updated engines. The CLC replaced the SportCoupé in the UK market. Engine costs are identical; body-specific parts differ. See the SportCoupé page for pre-2008 variants.

How do I find my Mercedes CLC engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate (visible through the windscreen, lower passenger side), stamped on the engine block, and detailed in your vehicle registration documents (V5C). Tell us your variant (CLC 200 CDI, CLC 320 CDI, etc.) and approximate registration date, and we'll confirm it — 25+ vetted Mercedes specialists will verify it for free.

Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the CLC-Class specifically — the M271 petrols, the OM646 diesels and the V6 options that defined the CL203's final chapter.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (CLC)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M271.921M271Petrol, supercharged1.8L (1796cc)122 bhp (90 kW)2008–2011CLC 180 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.946M271Petrol, supercharged1.8L (1796cc)143 bhp (105 kW)2008–2011CLC 180 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.948M271Petrol, supercharged1.8L (1796cc)163 bhp (120 kW)2008–2011CLC 200 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.950M271Petrol, turbocharged1.8L (1796cc)184 bhp (135 kW)2008–2011CLC 180 Kompressor (late)★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M272.960M272Petrol V63.5L (3498cc)272 bhp (200 kW)2008–2011CLC 350★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM646.962OM646Diesel I42.1L (2148cc)122 bhp (90 kW)2008–2011CLC 200 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

OM646.963OM646Diesel I42.1L (2148cc)136 bhp (100 kW)2008–2011CLC 220 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

OM642.960OM642Diesel V63.0L (2987cc)224 bhp (165 kW)2008–2011CLC 320 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M271.921M271Petrol, supercharged122 bhp (90 kW)2008–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.946M271Petrol, supercharged143 bhp (105 kW)2008–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.948M271Petrol, supercharged163 bhp (120 kW)2008–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [MB-QUOTE]

M271.950M271Petrol, turbocharged184 bhp (135 kW)2008–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M272.960M272Petrol V6272 bhp (200 kW)2008–2011★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM646.962OM646Diesel I4122 bhp (90 kW)2008–2011★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

OM646.963OM646Diesel I4136 bhp (100 kW)2008–2011★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

OM642.960OM642Diesel V6224 bhp (165 kW)2008–2011★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

Overview

Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 — Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class — internally designated CL203 — launched in spring 2008 as a significant refresh of the C-Class SportCoupé.

Rather than developing an all-new model, Mercedes gave the ageing CL203 a comprehensive overhaul: revised front and rear styling, a higher-quality interior, improved sound deadening and an updated engine line-up. The CLC was positioned as a more upmarket and refined compact coupé, bridging the gap between the A-Class and the C-Class. Production continued until February 2011, when the CL203 platform was finally retired and replaced by the C204 C-Class Coupé. Around 30,000 CLCs were built.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes CL203 (shared with W203 C-Class)

Predecessor

C-Class SportCoupé (CL203, 2000–2008)

Successor

C204 Coupé (2011–2015)

Sibling body styles in this generation

CL203 chassis was used exclusively for the CLC-Class and earlier SportCoupé

Market Intelligence

No [MB-VERIFIED] enquiry data exists for the CLC-Class — the model is absent from EM_Proprietary_Data's per-model table, reflecting its low-volume UK status.

Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 — Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class — internally designated CL203 — launched in spring 2008 as a significant refresh of the C-Class SportCoupé.

Rather than developing an all-new model, Mercedes gave the ageing CL203 a comprehensive overhaul: revised front and rear styling, a higher-quality interior, improved sound deadening and an updated engine line-up. The CLC was positioned as a more upmarket and refined compact coupé, bridging the gap between the A-Class and the C-Class. Production continued until February 2011, when the CL203 platform was finally retired and replaced by the C204 C-Class Coupé. Around 30,000 CLCs were built.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes CL203 (shared with W203 C-Class)

Predecessor

C-Class SportCoupé (CL203, 2000–2008)

Successor

C204 Coupé (2011–2015)

Sibling body styles in this generation

CL203 chassis was used exclusively for the CLC-Class and earlier SportCoupé

Market Intelligence

No [MB-VERIFIED] enquiry data exists for the CLC-Class — the model is absent from EM_Proprietary_Data's per-model table, reflecting its low-volume UK status.

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

“The CLC-Class's engine range represents a refined selection from the CL203's final years. The CLC 320 CDI (OM642 V6 diesel) is the standout for buyers prioritising reliability and refinement — the OM642 is robust, smooth and proven over millions of miles across the Mercedes range. The CLC 200 CDI (OM646.962) is the sensible diesel choice for most buyers: economical, simple and well-supported. On the petrol side, the M271 series carries the same timing chain risk that defined the pre-facelift cars — cold-start rattle is the classic warning sign. However, the later M271.950 turbo engine (184 bhp) is considered an improvement over the earlier supercharged units, with fewer cam adjuster failures. The CLC 350 (M272 V6) is a rare and desirable upgrade, though the early balance shaft issue is a concern — check the engine number carefully. Buying instruction: prioritise post-2008 CLC 320 CDI diesels for long-term ownership; if buying a petrol, budget for a timing chain inspection on any M271-engined car and prefer the later turbocharged M271.950 where possible.”

Who it's for:

Thin-Data Summary

“The CLC-Class's engine range represents a refined selection from the CL203's final years. The CLC 320 CDI (OM642 V6 diesel) is the standout for buyers prioritising reliability and refinement — the OM642 is robust, smooth and proven over millions of miles across the Mercedes range. The CLC 200 CDI (OM646.962) is the sensible diesel choice for most buyers: economical, simple and well-supported. On the petrol side, the M271 series carries the same timing chain risk that defined the pre-facelift cars — cold-start rattle is the classic warning sign. However, the later M271.950 turbo engine (184 bhp) is considered an improvement over the earlier supercharged units, with fewer cam adjuster failures. The CLC 350 (M272 V6) is a rare and desirable upgrade, though the early balance shaft issue is a concern — check the engine number carefully. Buying instruction: prioritise post-2008 CLC 320 CDI diesels for long-term ownership; if buying a petrol, budget for a timing chain inspection on any M271-engined car and prefer the later turbocharged M271.950 where possible.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 — Ownership Economics

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

M271.921/946 (CLC 180)45k–90kTiming chain + cam adjusters£800–£2,000£1,500–£2,800

High risk — budget for chain work

M271.948 (CLC 200)45k–90kTiming chain + cam adjusters£800–£2,000£1,800–£3,200

High risk — same as CLC 180

M271.950 (CLC 180 late)50k–100kTiming chain (less common)£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,500

Better — improved turbo unit

M272.960 (CLC 350)60k–100kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,000£3,500–£6,000

Watch — check engine number

OM646.962 (CLC 200 CDI)100k–150k+Injector seal failure£400–£1,000£2,500–£4,200

Solid diesel — robust and economical

OM646.963 (CLC 220 CDI)100k–150k+Injector seal failure£400–£1,000£2,500–£4,200

Good choice — more power, same reliability

OM642.960 (CLC 320 CDI)100k–180kOil cooler seal leak£800–£1,500£3,500–£6,000

Best diesel — smooth, refined, reliable

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

M271.921/946 (CLC 180)45k–90kTiming chain + cam adjusters£800–£2,000£1,500–£2,800

High risk — budget for chain work

M271.948 (CLC 200)45k–90kTiming chain + cam adjusters£800–£2,000£1,800–£3,200

High risk — same as CLC 180

M271.950 (CLC 180 late)50k–100kTiming chain (less common)£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,500

Better — improved turbo unit

M272.960 (CLC 350)60k–100kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,000£3,500–£6,000

Watch — check engine number

OM646.962 (CLC 200 CDI)100k–150k+Injector seal failure£400–£1,000£2,500–£4,200

Solid diesel — robust and economical

OM646.963 (CLC 220 CDI)100k–150k+Injector seal failure£400–£1,000£2,500–£4,200

Good choice — more power, same reliability

OM642.960 (CLC 320 CDI)100k–180kOil cooler seal leak£800–£1,500£3,500–£6,000

Best diesel — smooth, refined, reliable

The CLC rule

A £3,500–£6,000 CLC 320 CDI recon against a £4,000–£10,000 CLC sits at 35–150% of the car's value. On a sub-£5,000 example, that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £8,000+ example, the same recon drops to a more manageable 44–75% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which CLC Costs Least To Own?
CLC 200 CDI (OM646) — simple diesel, robust, affordable parts.
Which CLC Costs Most To Own?
CLC 350 (M272) — V6 complexity, balance shaft risk, premium parts.
Which CLC Is Best Value?
CLC 320 CDI (OM642) — the most reliable engine in the range with strong economy and refinement.

Common Problems

01

M271

Timing Chain and Cam Adjuster Wear

Affected models:

CLC 180 Kompressor, CLC 200 Kompressor (M271.921/946/948), 2008–2011.

Typical failure mileage:

45,000–90,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M271 engine family suffers from premature timing chain stretch and wear to the camshaft adjuster sprockets. The chain tensioner is also a known weak point. Cold-start rattling is the classic warning sign — if ignored, the chain can jump, causing piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic engine failure.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any M271-engined CLC with no documented chain history, treat this as overdue preventative maintenance — an £800–£1,800 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £2,500–£4,500 replacement that follows if ignored. Cold-start rattle is your warning; don't ignore it.

Compare M271 engine prices for your CLC

02

OM646

Injector Seal Failure ("Black Death")

Affected models:

CLC 200 CDI, CLC 220 CDI (OM646.962/963).

OM646 Injector Seal Failure ("Black Death")

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–130,000 miles.

Root cause:

The injector seals on the OM646 diesel engine degrade over time, allowing combustion gases to escape past the seal. This causes a characteristic black, tar-like carbon buildup around the injector — known in Mercedes circles as "Black Death" — which can eventually seize the injector in the cylinder head.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

At the first sign of a diesel smell in the cabin or visible black residue around injectors, get the seals inspected immediately — a £400–£800 seal replacement is far cheaper than the £900–£1,500 head repair that follows if ignored.

Compare OM646 engine prices for your CLC

03

OM642

Oil Cooler Seal Leak

Affected models:

CLC 320 CDI (OM642.960), 2008–2011.

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–150,000 miles.

Root cause:

The oil cooler seals on the OM642 V6 diesel are a known weak point. The seals degrade over time, allowing oil to leak into the valley of the V6. The repair is labour-intensive, requiring removal of the intake manifold and significant disassembly.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any CLC 320 CDI over 80,000 miles, budget for an oil cooler seal replacement — £800–£1,500 is a reasonable preventative cost to avoid potential engine damage from oil loss.

Compare OM642 engine prices for your CLC

04

M272

Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear

Affected models:

CLC 350 (M272.960), 2008–2011 (early production).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

Early M272 V6 engines (pre-2008) suffer from premature wear to the balance shaft sprocket, which is made of softer metal than the chain. This causes the timing chain to jump, leading to engine misfire, rough running and, in severe cases, piston-to-valve contact.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

If you're buying a CLC 350, check the engine number against the affected range — Mercedes revised the sprocket in late 2008. A £1,200–£2,000 preventative repair is cheaper than the £2,800–£5,000 replacement that follows if ignored.

Compare M272 engine prices for your CLC

CLC Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

CLC 180 KompressorM271.921/946£700–£1,500£1,500–£2,800£2,200–£4,00010–12 hrs

CLC 180 Kompressor (late)M271.950£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,500£2,500–£4,50010–12 hrs

CLC 200 KompressorM271.948£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,200£2,500–£4,50010–12 hrs

CLC 350M272.960£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–16 hrs

CLC 200 CDIOM646.962£1,200–£2,200£2,500–£4,200£3,500–£5,50010–12 hrs

CLC 220 CDIOM646.963£1,200–£2,200£2,500–£4,200£3,500–£5,50010–12 hrs

CLC 320 CDIOM642.960£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–14 hrs

No Generation variance from the baseline figures — the CL203/CLC shares its engine bay layout with the W203 C-Class, so costs are consistent.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

CLC 200 CDICLC 220 CDICLC 320 CDI

Petrol Variants

CLC 180 KompressorCLC 200 KompressorCLC 350

Scope note: All variants listed are CLC-Class (CL203, 2008–2011) only. The CLC 180 Kompressor was offered with both the supercharged M271.921/946 (143 bhp) and, in some markets, the later M271.950 turbo (184 bhp) — check your specific car's engine code. The CLC 350 (M272 V6) is a rare and desirable variant.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

CLC 200 CDICLC 220 CDICLC 320 CDI

Petrol Variants

CLC 180 KompressorCLC 200 KompressorCLC 350

Scope note: All variants listed are CLC-Class (CL203, 2008–2011) only. The CLC 180 Kompressor was offered with both the supercharged M271.921/946 (143 bhp) and, in some markets, the later M271.950 turbo (184 bhp) — check your specific car's engine code. The CLC 350 (M272 V6) is a rare and desirable variant.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

Most Requested E90 Variants

Average E90 Replacement Cost

Most Common E90 Failures

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

Why UK Mercedes CLC Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

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Compare CLC Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply-and-fit options side-by-side before you commit to any repair.
UK Engine Replacement Services for CLC
covering every variant from the CLC 180 Kompressor to the CLC 320 CDI, with supply-only or full supply-and-fit available nationwide.

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

Compare Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes CLC Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted CLC Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real CLC owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare CLC Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply-and-fit options side-by-side before you commit to any repair.
UK Engine Replacement Services for CLC
covering every variant from the CLC 180 Kompressor to the CLC 320 CDI, with supply-only or full supply-and-fit available nationwide.

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

Compare Mercedes CLC-Class CL203 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket