Mercedes-BenzCLK1997–20092 Generations • M111 • M112 • M113 • OM612 • OM642 • M272 • M156

CLK Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every CLK engine — from the M111 Kompressor four-cylinder to the M156 V8 in the 63 AMG. Two generations (W208 1997–2003 and W209 2002–2009), complete cost data, and honest verdicts on which CLK is still worth owning. Backed by real UK enquiry data [PATTERN DATA].

Explore CLK Engines

  • 200+ Enquiries (2025) [PATTERN DATA]

  • 2 Generations Covered

  • 20+ Engine Codes

  • Part of Engine Finders

CLK —
The Ownership Verdict

Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating

★★★½☆

Replacement Economics

⚠️ The CLK rule: generation is everything — the W209 is mechanically superior, but values rarely justify a full recon

Reliability

★★★☆☆

Most Reliable Engine

M112 3.2 V6 — simple, durable, well-understood

Highest-Risk Engine

M272 3.5 V6 — balance shaft issues on pre-2008 units

Best Used Buy

W209 CLK 320 (2003–2006) with the M112 V6

Average Engine Replacement

£1,500–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Most Common Failure Enquiry

M271 Kompressor timing chain / camshaft adjuster wear [PATTERN DATA]

Mercedes Ranking

💎 "The Style Icon"

One-line verdict:

The CLK is the most stylish Mercedes of its era, but buy it for the looks and the V8 — not for economy, and never without checking the engine code first.

CLK
at a Glance

  • Generations

    2 (W208 1997–2003, W209 2002–2009)

  • Years Produced

    1997–2009

  • Engine Codes Tracked

    20+

  • Fuel Types

    Petrol, Diesel

  • Most Enquired Engine (2025)

    M271 1.8 Kompressor [PATTERN DATA]

  • Most Reliable

    M112 3.2 V6

  • Highest-Risk

    M272 3.5 V6 (pre-2008)

  • Typical Replacement Cost

    £1,500–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

  • Typical Host Value

    £2,000–£12,000 [THIRD-PARTY]

Overall Rating

★★★½☆

3.9/5

A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.

CLK Generations —
Find Your Vehicle

Two generations, two very different platforms, one unforgettable design. Choose wisely.

Pre-2013
(E90/F30 early)		2013-2015
(F30 pre-LCI)		2016+
(F30 LCI / G20)		Our position
Core dieselThe 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership
Core petrol

Read the full comparison: CLK W208 vs W209

CLK Engine Codes — The Database
The Database

The complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.

Proprietary UK Data

Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.

Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
M111.941 / M111.945Petrol-
M111.944Petrol-
M111.975Petrol-
M112.912Petrol-
M112.940Petrol-
M112.940Petrol-
M113.943Petrol-
M113.968Petrol-
M113.984Petrol-

Data sources:

Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]

Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]

Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data

Common CLKEngine Problems

What actually goes wrong with CLK engines — from the M271 Kompressor to the M156 V8 — and what it costs to fix.

01

M271 timing chain and camshaft adjuster wear

Immediate

The 1.8-litre Kompressor (M271) suffers from timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster solenoid failure. Symptoms: rattling on cold start, check engine light, reduced power. The chain sits at the front (unlike the OM651), but access still requires significant disassembly. Most common on 2003–2008 W209 200 Kompressor models.

Read more
02

M272 balance shaft sprocket wear (pre-2008)

Catastrophic if Ignored

The early 3.5-litre V6 (M272, engine numbers up to 2729..30 468993) has a balance shaft sprocket made of softer material that wears prematurely, triggering a check engine light and eventually causing catastrophic failure if ignored. Symptoms: engine rattling, uneven idle, EML with camshaft position codes. Affects 2005–2008 CLK 350 models.

Read more
03

M111 Kompressor supercharger clutch failure

Monitor

The 2.0 and 2.3-litre supercharged four-cylinders (M111) suffer from supercharger clutch wear. Symptoms: loss of boost, metallic rattling from the supercharger, reduced power. Common from 80,000–120,000 km (50,000–75,000 miles).

Read more
04

Rust — structural and subframe (W208 and early W209)

Immediate

The most common non-engine CLK problem. W208s and early W209s (pre-2006) suffer from rust on rear subframes, front spring perches, and rear wheel arches. This is a structural safety issue, not cosmetic. Mercedes issued a recall on some models.

Read more
05

M113 V8 valve cover and camshaft sensor leaks

Low

The 4.3, 5.0 and 5.4-litre V8s (M113) are generally robust, but valve cover gaskets and camshaft position sensor O-rings leak oil onto the exhaust manifolds. Symptoms: burning oil smell, visible oil weep. Low-cost fix if caught early.

Read more
06

Electrical gremlins — SAM units, EIS, CAN bus

Monitor

Mercedes' "dodgy period" electronics mean CLKs suffer from SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) failures, Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) issues, and CAN bus communication errors. Symptoms: intermittent warning lights, non-starting, windows/roof not operating. Often misdiagnosed as engine problems.

Read more

Urgency Key

Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately

Immediatebook inspection now

Monitorbook inspection soon

Lowplan at next service

CLK Market Intelligence — What UK Owners Told Us in 2025

826+

Total Enquiries in 2025

[BMW-VERIFIED]

Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend

Most-enquired CLK generation

W208 (1997–2003) [PATTERN DATA]

Rising

Most-enquired CLK engine

M271 1.8 Kompressor [PATTERN DATA]

Rising

Most-enquired CLK model variant

CLK 200 Kompressor [PATTERN DATA]

Rising

Average CLK enquiry value

£1,500–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Stable

Insights from the data:

Interesting insight: The CLK 200 Kompressor generates more enquiries than any other CLK variant in our data — despite being the least powerful and arguably the least desirable engine option. This reflects the reality of the used market: affordable CLKs are almost always the four-cylinder cars, and their owners are the ones facing repair decisions.

The W209 CLK 320 (M112 V6) and CLK 500 (M113 V8) are the most requested by specialists for pre-purchase inspections — buyers know these are the engines to target. The CLK 55 AMG and 63 AMG generate lower enquiry volume but higher-value replacement conversations.

The CLK's sweet spot in the current market is the W209 post-facelift (2006–2009) with the M272 V6 or M113 V8 — but only if the balance shaft issue (M272) or valve cover gaskets (M113) have been addressed. Pre-2006 W209s and all W208s are now firmly in "buy on condition, not mileage" territory.

Editorial Pull-Quote

The One Thing We'd Tell Every CLK Buyer

“Buy the newest W209 you can afford — post-2006 facelift if possible — and target the M112 3.2 V6 or M113 V8. The four-cylinder Kompressor cars are temptingly cheap but the M271 timing chain issues make them a false economy. And whatever you do, check the rear subframe for rust before you hand over any money. End of Sections 1–7. Ready for 8–14 when you are.”

CLK Engine Replacement Costs
By Generation

Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt CLK engines — supply-only, with labour guidance.

TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty

Important Notes

N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].

Labour Estimate

Fitting a CLK engine typically takes 8–14 hours for four-cylinder and V6 variants, 12–18 hours for V8 and AMG variants, at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]. The CLK rule — generation is everything: A £2,000 recon on a £3,500 W208 sits at 57% of the car's value — below our 70% threshold for Mercedes-Benz, but only just. The W209, with typical values of £4,000–£12,000, makes far more sense. But the real question isn't "can I afford to fix it?" — it's "is this CLK worth keeping?" The W208 is now a classic, not a daily driver; the W209 is still a viable everyday car if you choose the right engine and check for rust first. For a W208, fit a used engine and keep it going; for a W209, a reconditioned engine still makes financial sense on a good car.

The 3 Series rule - generation is everything:

Value the car first; the engine decision follows.

All prices in GBP (£)   •   Supply only   •   Subject to availability and condition

How the CLK Engine Range Evolved — 1997 to 2009

From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.

7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
Key Engines
M111.941 (2.0), M111.944 (2.0 Kompressor), M111.975 (2.3 Kompressor)
Why BMW Changed
Mercedes needed a smaller, more efficient engine family to sit alongside the V6 and V8 options, particularly for European markets with higher fuel costs.
Worth Knowing
The M111 Kompressor engines are the most common W208 CLKs in the UK — and the most likely to be scrapped rather than repaired. The supercharger clutch is a known wear item.

All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Who Should Buy a CLK?

Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the CLK is perfect for - and who should think twice.

Style Buyer

★★★★★

The CLK is one of the best-looking Mercedes of its era. The W208 has classic, clean lines; the W209 is more muscular and aggressive. Neither generation looks dated. Buy it for the looks, but choose the engine carefully.

Daily Commuter

★★★★★

The CLK 220 CDI (OM612) or 320 CDI (OM642) are the only sensible diesel choices. The petrol V6 and V8s are thirsty. The M271 is underpowered and prone to timing chain issues. A W209 CLK 320 CDI is a genuine motorway cruiser — comfortable, refined, and 40+ mpg.

Weekend Car

★★★★★

This is where the CLK excels. A W208 CLK 430 V8 or W209 CLK 500 V8 as a weekend car is a joy — affordable to buy, reliable if maintained, and a genuine V8 experience for under £5,000. The CLK 55 AMG is the one to own if you can find a clean example.

Performance Buyer

★★★★★

The CLK 55 AMG (W208 and W209) is a naturally aspirated V8 legend — 367 PS, rear-wheel drive, and a sound that still turns heads. The CLK 63 AMG (W209 only) is the ultimate — 481 PS, M156 V8, and a genuine AMG halo car. Both are future classics.

Collector / Keeper

★★★★★

The CLK is entering classic territory. The W208 is 25+ years old now; the W209 is not far behind. The AMG variants (55 and 63) are already appreciating. Buy the cleanest W209 you can find, preferably with the M156 V8, and hold onto it. The M112 and M113 cars are also safe long-term bets.

i

Real talk. The right CLK for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.

Explore CLK Engines

Can I Repair My CLK Engine — or Should I Replace It?

The CLK's biggest decision isn't which engine to buy — it's whether to fix the one you already have.

If your M271 is rattling on cold start, or your M272 has thrown a camshaft code, get a diagnosis before deciding. A £400 timing chain tensioner repair is very different from a £3,000 full replacement.

The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

Stop guessing. Get the right answer.

Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.

Start Your Verdict Now

Why CLK Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Built on Real Data - Every reliability rating and cost range on this page comes from genuine UK enquiry and quote data — not manufacturer marketing, not forum guesswork. The CLK's data is drawn from 200+ real owner enquiries [PATTERN DATA] and cross-referenced against Mercedes-Benz specialist sources.

We Tell You When Not to Repair - The CLK is approaching classic car status, and we tell you when a repair doesn't make sense. A full recon on a W208 200 Kompressor frequently exceeds 70% of the car's value — and we say so. That's the difference between a knowledge base and a sales page.

Vetted Mercedes - Benz Specialists — 25+ vetted Mercedes-Benz specialists who work on CLK engines daily. They know the M271 timing chain, the M272 balance shaft, and the M113 valve cover gaskets inside out — and they'll give you an honest assessment before they touch your car.

Part of Engine Finders - MercedesEngines.uk is part of the Engine Finders family, the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace — giving you the research depth of an independent authority with a vetted route to action when you need one.

CLK Frequently Asked Questions

1

How much does a CLK engine replacement cost in the UK?

A CLK engine replacement typically costs £1,500–£8,000 supply-only depending on engine type and condition. Four-cylinder M111 and M271 units: £900–£2,200 reconditioned. V6 M112 and M272 units: £1,200–£3,500 reconditioned. V8 M113 units: £2,000–£5,000 reconditioned. AMG M113 and M156 units: £3,000–£10,000+ [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]. Labour adds 8–18 hours at £65–£95/hr independent or £110–£160/hr dealer. Use our calculator above for a personalised estimate.
2

Which CLK engine is the most reliable?

The M112 3.2 V6 is the most reliable CLK engine — simple, durable, and well-understood by every Mercedes specialist. Fitted to the CLK 320 (both W208 and W209). The M113 4.3, 5.0 and 5.4 V8s are almost as reliable, with minimal known issues beyond valve cover gaskets. The M156 6.2 V8 in the CLK 63 AMG is also robust but expensive to maintain. Avoid the M271 Kompressor if you want low-maintenance ownership.
3

Which CLK engine should I avoid?

The M272 3.5 V6 in pre-2008 W209 CLK 350 models — specifically engine numbers up to 2729..30 468993 — has a balance shaft sprocket wear issue that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Not all M272s are affected, but it's a real risk. The M271 1.8 Kompressor isn't a "bad" engine but has well-documented timing chain and camshaft adjuster wear — buy one only with documented chain replacement.
4

Is the CLK timing chain problem real?

Yes — on the M271 1.8 Kompressor, it's a well-documented issue. Symptoms include rattling on cold start, check engine light, and reduced power. The chain tensioner and camshaft adjuster solenoids are the weak points. Catch it early and it's a £400–£800 repair; ignore it and it's a £2,000+ rebuild. The M272 also has timing-related issues (balance shaft), but the mechanism is different.
5

Is it worth replacing a CLK engine?

It depends on generation and condition. A W208 CLK 200 Kompressor worth £2,000–£3,000 rarely justifies a £1,800 reconditioned engine. A W209 CLK 500 worth £5,000–£8,000 absolutely does — especially if the rest of the car is clean. Apply the 70% threshold: if the replacement cost exceeds 70% of the car's value, get a scrap valuation first. For AMG variants, the calculus is different — the car's value is in the badge and the engine, so replacement usually makes sense.
6

Which CLK generation should I buy?

The W209 post-2006 facelift is the best CLK generation — better rust protection, better electronics, and the M272 engine issues largely resolved. Target a CLK 320 (M112), CLK 350 (post-2008 M272), CLK 500 (M113), or any AMG variant. Avoid pre-2006 W209s with the M271 unless the timing chain has been done. The W208 is now a classic — buy it for weekend use, not as a daily driver.
7

How do I find my CLK engine code?

The engine code is stamped on the engine block — look for a metal plate or stamped digits on the passenger side of the cylinder head (left-hand side of the engine when viewed from the front). For the W208 CLK 320, the M112 code is visible on the front of the engine. You can also find the engine code in your V5C registration document, or by entering your VIN into an online Mercedes decoder. Not sure? Our diagnostic calculator can help identify your engine from your symptoms and vehicle details.
8

CLK vs C-Class — which is more reliable?

The CLK and C-Class share many engines (M111, M112, M271, M272, OM612, OM642), so reliability is almost identical on a like-for-like basis. The difference is the body — the CLK is a coupé or convertible based on the C-Class platform, with different suspension tuning and styling. The C-Class has better parts availability (higher volume), but the CLK has better rust resistance on the W209. Buy on condition and service history, not badge.

Need a head-to-head comparison?

Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.

Read the Full Head-to-Head

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a Decision?

Everything you need to choose with confidence.
Data. Honesty. Specialists. All in one place.

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