How much does a Mercedes CLK A208 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned A208 engine typically costs £1,500–£9,000 supply only, depending on engine — the volume M111 four-cylinder petrol sits at £1,500–£3,500, while the M113 V8 in the CLK 55 AMG is the most expensive at £5,000–£9,000. Fitting adds £650–£1,300 depending on engine complexity and specialist rates. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which Mercedes CLK A208 engine is the most reliable?

The M112 3.2-litre V6 (CLK 320, 218 PS) is widely considered the most reliable engine in the A208 range — smooth, torquey, with proven durability and no major systemic failures. The post-facelift M111.982 2.3-litre Kompressor (CLK 230, 197 PS) is also a strong choice, benefiting from the 2000 engine refresh.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes CLK A208?

Supercharger clutch failure on the M111 Kompressor engines, cooling system leaks on the M112 V6 and M113 V8, valve stem seal wear on the M113 V8 (particularly the CLK 55 AMG), and biodegradable wiring harness degradation on pre-2000 M111 cars. The 2000 facelift addressed many of these issues.

Is the Mercedes CLK A208 reliable?

Overall reliability is good for a late-1990s/early-2000s Mercedes. The M111 Kompressor engines are generally robust but require supercharger clutch attention around 60,000–100,000 miles. The M112 V6 is the most reliable option. The main caveat is the pre-2000 biodegradable wiring harness — if it hasn't been replaced, budget for it. Post-2000 cars are much improved.

Which Mercedes CLK A208 engine should I avoid?

The early M111.944 200 Kompressor (pre-facelift, 192 PS) is the one we'd advise caution on — it suffers from wiring harness issues and the Eaton M62 supercharger can be expensive to repair. The CLK 55 AMG is a genuine modern classic but carries eye-watering maintenance bills — only buy one with deep pockets and full service history.

How do I know if my A208 engine needs replacing?

Loss of boost or a rattling noise from the front of the engine (supercharger clutch failure on Kompressor cars), persistent coolant loss or overheating (M112/M113 cooling system), blue smoke on startup (valve stem seals on M113), or intermittent misfires and electrical gremlins (wiring harness on pre-2000 M111) are the key warning signs. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes CLK A208 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a well-kept £8,000 CLK 320, a £2,500–£4,500 recon is 31–56% of the car's value — viable. Against a tired £3,000 CLK 200, a £1,500–£2,800 recon is 50–93% — borderline. For a CLK 55 AMG, a £30,000 car justifies a £5,000–£9,000 recon; a £15,000 example makes it a much harder call. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line.

How long do Mercedes CLK A208 engines last?

The M112 V6 can exceed 200,000 miles with regular servicing and prompt cooling system attention. The M111 Kompressor four-cylinders can reach 150,000–200,000 miles with supercharger clutch replacement around 60,000–100,000 miles. The M113 V8 can last 150,000+ miles but typically requires valve stem seal replacement at 40,000–80,000 miles on AMG variants.

What is the difference between the A208 and C208 CLK?

Both are the first-generation CLK-Class (1997–2002 for the coupé, 1998–2003 for the cabriolet). The C208 is the 2-door coupé (1997–2002). The A208 is the 2-door cabriolet (1998–2003, this page). Engines are shared across both body styles, though the cabriolet adds structural reinforcement and weight, which slightly affects performance and fuel economy.

A208 Engine Replacement Cost UK

Mercedes CLK A208 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the A208 cabriolet specifically — including the full M111 Kompressor range, the M112 V6, and the M113 V8 AMG.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (A208)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M111.941 / M111.945M111Petrol2.0L (1998cc)136 PS / 100 kW1998–2000CLK 200★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.944M111Petrol, supercharged2.0L (1998cc)192 PS / 141 kW1998–2000CLK 200 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.956M111Petrol, supercharged2.0L (1998cc)163 PS / 120 kW2000–2002CLK 200 Kompressor (post-facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.975M111Petrol, supercharged2.3L (2295cc)193 PS / 142 kW1998–2000CLK 230 Kompressor★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.982M111Petrol, supercharged2.3L (2295cc)197 PS / 145 kW2000–2002CLK 230 Kompressor (post-facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M112.940M112Petrol3.2L (3199cc)218 PS / 160 kW1998–2002CLK 320★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M113.943M113Petrol4.3L (4266cc)279 PS / 205 kW1998–2003CLK 430★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M113.984M113Petrol5.4L (5439cc)347 PS / 255 kW1999–2002CLK 55 AMG★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£5,000–£9,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M111.941 / M111.945M111Petrol136 PS / 100 kW1998–2000★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.944M111Petrol, supercharged192 PS / 141 kW1998–2000★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.956M111Petrol, supercharged163 PS / 120 kW2000–2002★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.975M111Petrol, supercharged193 PS / 142 kW1998–2000★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M111.982M111Petrol, supercharged197 PS / 145 kW2000–2002★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M112.940M112Petrol218 PS / 160 kW1998–2002★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M113.943M113Petrol279 PS / 205 kW1998–2003★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M113.984M113Petrol347 PS / 255 kW1999–2002★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£5,000–£9,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Overview

Mercedes CLK A208 — Overview

The A208 is the cabriolet variant of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, produced from 1998 to 2003.

Based on the W202 C-Class platform, the CLK combined E-Class styling with C-Class underpinnings, creating a new grand touring niche for Mercedes. The engine range spanned M111 four-cylinder petrols — both naturally aspirated and supercharged — plus M112 V6 and M113 V8 units, with a 2000 refresh bringing revised M111 engines and the introduction of the CLK 55 AMG.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes W202 (C-Class)

Predecessor

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A124)

Successor

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (A209)

Sibling body styles in this generation

C208 coupé (1997–2002)

Market Intelligence

The A208 CLK Cabriolet generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M111 Kompressor engines and M112 V6 remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.

Mercedes CLK A208 — Overview

The A208 is the cabriolet variant of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, produced from 1998 to 2003.

Based on the W202 C-Class platform, the CLK combined E-Class styling with C-Class underpinnings, creating a new grand touring niche for Mercedes. The engine range spanned M111 four-cylinder petrols — both naturally aspirated and supercharged — plus M112 V6 and M113 V8 units, with a 2000 refresh bringing revised M111 engines and the introduction of the CLK 55 AMG.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes W202 (C-Class)

Predecessor

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A124)

Successor

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (A209)

Sibling body styles in this generation

C208 coupé (1997–2002)

Market Intelligence

The A208 CLK Cabriolet generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M111 Kompressor engines and M112 V6 remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

“Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The A208's most dependable engine is the M112 3.2-litre V6 (CLK 320, 218 PS) — smooth, torquey, and widely considered the pick of the range for its refined power delivery and proven durability. The post-facelift M111.982 2.3-litre Kompressor (CLK 230, 197 PS) is the best four-cylinder option — the 2000 refresh addressed many of the earlier M111's issues with a reinforced block and improved cylinder head. The M113 V8 in the CLK 430 (279 PS) offers effortless performance but carries higher running costs, while the CLK 55 AMG (347 PS) is a genuine modern classic — epic V8 soundtrack but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid early M111.944 200 Kompressor (192 PS) cars without documented supercharger service history — the Eaton M62 unit can be expensive to rebuild. Also avoid any car with neglected cooling systems, as the M112 and M113 V8s are sensitive to overheating.”

Who it's for:

Thin-Data Summary

“Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The A208's most dependable engine is the M112 3.2-litre V6 (CLK 320, 218 PS) — smooth, torquey, and widely considered the pick of the range for its refined power delivery and proven durability. The post-facelift M111.982 2.3-litre Kompressor (CLK 230, 197 PS) is the best four-cylinder option — the 2000 refresh addressed many of the earlier M111's issues with a reinforced block and improved cylinder head. The M113 V8 in the CLK 430 (279 PS) offers effortless performance but carries higher running costs, while the CLK 55 AMG (347 PS) is a genuine modern classic — epic V8 soundtrack but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid early M111.944 200 Kompressor (192 PS) cars without documented supercharger service history — the Eaton M62 unit can be expensive to rebuild. Also avoid any car with neglected cooling systems, as the M112 and M113 V8s are sensitive to overheating.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes CLK A208 — Ownership Economics

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

M111.941/945 (CLK 200)80k–130kWiring harness, MAF sensor£200–£500£1,500–£2,800

Budget Choice — simplest A208 to run

M111.944 (CLK 200 Kompressor pre-facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, wiring harness£500–£1,000£1,800–£3,200

Early Kompressor — more power, more to maintain

M111.956 (CLK 200 Kompressor facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, ignition coils£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Improved Kompressor — 163 PS, better reliability

M111.975 (CLK 230 Kompressor pre-facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, wiring harness£500–£1,000£2,000–£3,500

Strong Four — 193 PS but early M111 caveats

M111.982 (CLK 230 Kompressor facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, coil packs£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Best Four — 197 PS, reinforced block

M112.940 (CLK 320)80k–130kCooling system, engine mounts£400–£800£2,500–£4,500

Most Refined — the V6 sweet spot

M113.943 (CLK 430)60k–100kCooling system, valve cover gaskets£500–£1,000£3,500–£6,000

V8 Power — effortless but costly to maintain

M113.984 (CLK 55 AMG)40k–80kValve stem seals, cooling system£1,500–£3,000£5,000–£9,000

AMG Icon — epic engine, epic bills

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

M111.941/945 (CLK 200)80k–130kWiring harness, MAF sensor£200–£500£1,500–£2,800

Budget Choice — simplest A208 to run

M111.944 (CLK 200 Kompressor pre-facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, wiring harness£500–£1,000£1,800–£3,200

Early Kompressor — more power, more to maintain

M111.956 (CLK 200 Kompressor facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, ignition coils£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Improved Kompressor — 163 PS, better reliability

M111.975 (CLK 230 Kompressor pre-facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, wiring harness£500–£1,000£2,000–£3,500

Strong Four — 193 PS but early M111 caveats

M111.982 (CLK 230 Kompressor facelift)60k–100kSupercharger clutch, coil packs£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Best Four — 197 PS, reinforced block

M112.940 (CLK 320)80k–130kCooling system, engine mounts£400–£800£2,500–£4,500

Most Refined — the V6 sweet spot

M113.943 (CLK 430)60k–100kCooling system, valve cover gaskets£500–£1,000£3,500–£6,000

V8 Power — effortless but costly to maintain

M113.984 (CLK 55 AMG)40k–80kValve stem seals, cooling system£1,500–£3,000£5,000–£9,000

AMG Icon — epic engine, epic bills

The A208 rule

A £2,500–£4,500 recon on a sub-£5,000 A208 sits at 50–90% of the car's value — a serious decision. Against a well-kept £8,000+ example, the same recon drops to 31–56% — viable. For a CLK 55 AMG, a £30,000 car justifies a £5,000–£9,000 recon; a £15,000 example makes it a much harder call. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line — value the car first, then the engine.

Key Takeaways

Which A208 Costs Least To Own?
CLK 200 (M111.941/945) — simplest engine, cheapest parts, no supercharger.
Which A208 Costs Most To Own?
CLK 55 AMG (M113.984) — V8 complexity, specialist-only work, eye-watering parts prices.
Which A208 Is Best Value?
CLK 320 (M112.940) — 218 PS V6, proven reliability, strong performance without AMG running costs.

Common Problems

01

M111

Kompressor Supercharger Clutch Failure

Affected models:

A208 CLK 200 Kompressor, CLK 230 Kompressor (all M111 supercharged variants).

M111 Kompressor Supercharger Clutch Failure

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

The Eaton supercharger's electromagnetic clutch can fail, causing a loss of boost, reduced power, and a rattling noise from the front of the engine. The pre-facelift M62 unit is particularly prone to wear.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,200

£500–£800

Replace supercharger clutch and belt

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,000

£1,800–£3,200

Full supercharger replacement if internal damage

Our Recommendation

If your Kompressor is down on power or making a rattling noise from the front of the engine, have the supercharger clutch inspected immediately — £500–£800 is far cheaper than the £1,800+ replacement that follows if the supercharger fails internally. Post-facelift M111.956/M111.982 cars have improved reliability.

Compare M111 engine prices for your A208 CLK

02

M112

& M113 V8 Cooling System Leaks

Affected models:

A208 CLK 320 (M112), CLK 430 (M113), CLK 55 AMG (M113).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M112 V6 and M113 V8's cooling systems — particularly the water pump, thermostat housing, and coolant crossover pipes — are prone to leaks. The V6 and V8 layouts make access tight, increasing labour costs.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,400

£500–£900

Replace water pump, thermostat, and coolant pipes

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,000–£5,000

£2,000–£4,000

Full cooling system overhaul + engine inspection if overheated

Our Recommendation

Check coolant levels regularly and look for signs of leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing — £500–£900 in preventative work is cheap insurance against the £2,000+ bill that follows an overheat. This is the single most important job on any M112 or M113-powered A208.

Compare M112/M113 engine prices for your A208 CLK

03

M113

V8 Valve Stem Seal Wear (CLK 55 AMG)

Affected models:

A208 CLK 55 AMG (M113.984).

M113 V8 Valve Stem Seal Wear (CLK 55 AMG)

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M113 V8's valve stem seals can harden and fail over time, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on startup. This is particularly common on high-performance AMG variants.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,000–£5,000

£2,000–£3,500

Replace valve stem seals

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£8,000–£12,000

£5,000–£9,000

Full engine rebuild if oil starvation has caused bottom-end damage

Our Recommendation

If your CLK 55 is smoking on startup or using oil between services, have the valve stem seals inspected immediately — a £2,000–£3,500 repair is far cheaper than the £5,000+ rebuild that follows. Budget for this as a preventative job at 50,000 miles if you plan to keep the car long-term.

Compare M113 engine prices for your A208 CLK 55 AMG

04

Pre-2000

M111 Wiring Harness Degradation

Affected models:

A208 CLK 200, CLK 200 Kompressor, CLK 230 Kompressor (pre-facelift, 1998–2000).

Pre-2000 M111 Wiring Harness Degradation

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

Early A208s used biodegradable wiring insulation that degrades with age and heat, causing short circuits, misfires, and erratic engine behaviour — the same issue that affects the W202 C-Class.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,200

£400–£700

Replace upper engine harness

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,500–£2,500

£1,000–£1,800

Replace upper and lower harnesses

Our Recommendation

If your pre-facelift A208 has no documented wiring harness replacement, budget for it immediately — £400–£700 is cheap insurance against the £1,000+ bill for chasing intermittent electrical faults. Post-facelift cars (2000–2002) are much improved.

Compare M111 wiring harness replacement quotes for your A208 CLK

A208 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

CLK 200M111.941/945£700–£1,400£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,0008–12 hrs

CLK 200 Kompressor (pre-facelift)M111.944£900–£1,600£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

CLK 200 Kompressor (facelift)M111.956£900–£1,600£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

CLK 230 Kompressor (pre-facelift)M111.975£1,000–£1,800£2,000–£3,500£3,200–£5,20010–14 hrs

CLK 230 Kompressor (facelift)M111.982£1,000–£1,800£2,000–£3,500£3,200–£5,20010–14 hrs

CLK 320M112.940£1,200–£2,500£2,500–£4,500£4,000–£6,50012–16 hrs

CLK 430M113.943£1,800–£3,500£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00014–18 hrs

CLK 55 AMGM113.984£2,500–£5,000£5,000–£9,000£7,500–£12,00016–20 hrs

Core Variants

Petrol Variants

CLK 200CLK 200 KompressorCLK 230 KompressorCLK 320CLK 430CLK 55 AMG

Scope note: All variants listed are A208 cabriolet only. C208 coupé shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since body style affects weight, aerodynamics, and to some extent, labour access. Production of the A208 cabriolet continued until March 2003, one year longer than the coupé.

Core Variants

Petrol Variants

CLK 200CLK 200 KompressorCLK 230 KompressorCLK 320CLK 430CLK 55 AMG

Scope note: All variants listed are A208 cabriolet only. C208 coupé shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since body style affects weight, aerodynamics, and to some extent, labour access. Production of the A208 cabriolet continued until March 2003, one year longer than the coupé.

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 CLK A208 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted A208 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Mercedes owners, as part of the Engine Finders network. We only work with specialists who understand the A208's M111 Kompressor and M113 V8 intricacies.
Compare A208 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned M112 or a used M113, we show you the real market.
UK Engine Replacement Services for A208
covering every variant from CLK 200 to CLK 55 AMG, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide through our vetted specialist network.

Find the best Mercedes CLK A208 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 CLK A208 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes CLK A208 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted A208 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Mercedes owners, as part of the Engine Finders network. We only work with specialists who understand the A208's M111 Kompressor and M113 V8 intricacies.
Compare A208 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned M112 or a used M113, we show you the real market.
UK Engine Replacement Services for A208
covering every variant from CLK 200 to CLK 55 AMG, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide through our vetted specialist network.

Find the best Mercedes CLK A208 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 CLK A208 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Mercedes CLK A208 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes CLK A208 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Mercedes CLK A208 — Overview

Mercedes CLK A208 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

Mercedes CLK A208 — Ownership Economics

Common Problems

A208 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK Mercedes CLK A208 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Why UK Mercedes CLK A208 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk