Mercedes CLK C208 Engines — The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the first-generation CLK coupé — from the entry-level M111 four-cylinder to the thundering M113 V8 in the CLK 55 AMG. Real UK replacement costs, honest reliability data, and the supercharged four-cylinder that defined this generation's personality. Backed by 890+ real UK M112 enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED].
Explore C208 Engines
Mercedes CLK C208 Engine Codes — The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the C208 coupé specifically — including the 1999 facelift and 2000 engine refresh that reshaped the range.
Overview
Mercedes CLK C208 — Overview
The C208 is the coupé variant of Mercedes-Benz's first-generation CLK-Class, introduced in 1997 as the successor to the C124 E-Class coupé.
Based on the W202 C-Class platform, it combined E-Class styling cues with C-Class underpinnings. A 1999 facelift brought cosmetic updates, while a 2000 engine refresh reshaped the four-cylinder range. The range-topping CLK 55 AMG, introduced in 1999, delivered 342 bhp from a hand-assembled 5.4-litre V8.
Key Facts
Platform
Mercedes-Benz W202 (C-Class)
Predecessor
Mercedes-Benz E-Class C124
Successor
Mercedes-Benz CLK C209
Sibling body styles in this generation
A208 cabriolet (1998–2003)
Market Intelligence
The M112 V6 engine family generated 890 real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED], concentrated on the CLK 320 as these ageing coupés enter classic-car territory.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
Omitted
“no diesel engine fitted to the C208.”
Who it's for:
Best Petrol Overall
M112.940 (CLK 320, 3.2L V6)
“The 3.2-litre V6 offers the perfect balance of refinement and reliability — smooth power delivery, no supercharger complexity, and a documented reputation for exceeding 150,000 miles with routine maintenance. Camshaft adjuster wear is its only real demand.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V6 smoothness without V8 running costs.
Highest Risk
M111.944 (pre-2000 CLK 200 Kompressor, 189 bhp)
“The supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder is a clever piece of engineering, but the supercharger clutch and timing chain tensioner are known weak points — and the 2000 refresh detuned it for a reason.”
Who it's for: only buyers with documented supercharger service history.
Most Expensive Failure
M113.984 (CLK 55 AMG)
“The 5.4-litre V8 delivers 342 bhp and a soundtrack to match, but it's an ageing AMG — valve cover oil leaks, timing chain wear, and the sheer cost of V8 parts make it the most expensive engine in the range to maintain.”
Who it's for: AMG collectors with deep pockets and full service history.
Best Value
M112.940 (CLK 320)
“The V6 offers genuine performance (7.4s to 60mph) with significantly lower running costs than the V8 — and sits in the same used price bracket as the four-cylinder cars. It's the sweet spot of the range.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the best all-round CLK experience.
Most Overlooked
M112.912 (CLK 240, 2.6L V6)
“Often overshadowed by the 320, the 2.6-litre V6 offers the same smooth six-cylinder character with slightly better fuel economy — and lower purchase prices because buyers overlook it.”
Who it's for: buyers who want V6 refinement on a budget.
Mercedes CLK C208 — Ownership Economics
The C208 rule
A £2,500–£4,500 M112 recon against a £3,000–£8,000 C208 sits at 30–150% of the car's value — on sub-£4,000 examples, it brushes or exceeds our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold. The M113 V8 recon at £4,000–£9,000 against a £5,000–£12,000 CLK 430/55 is 30–80% — viable on good examples, but walk away from tired ones. Value the car first; the engine is often worth more than the car on budget examples.
Key Takeaways
Which C208 Costs Least To Own?
CLK 200 (M111.945) — cheapest recon, simplest engine.
Which C208 Costs Most To Own?
CLK 55 AMG — V8 parts and specialist labour costs.
Which C208 Is Best Value?
CLK 320 (M112.940) — V6 smoothness without V8 running costs.
Common Problems
C208 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition
No Generation variance from the baseline figures — the C208 coupé shares its W202 platform with the C-Class of the era, and engine-bay access is consistent across the range.
Core Variants
Core Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are C208 coupé only (1997–2002). A208 cabriolet (1998–2003) shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since fitment and labour access vary slightly by body style. Note that the CLK 200 Kompressor was detuned from 192 PS to 163 PS in the 2000 engine refresh.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. M112.940 (CLK 320) — 890 [MB-VERIFIED]
- 2.2. M113.943 (CLK 430) — pattern data
- 3.3. M111.944 (CLK 200 Kompressor) — pattern data
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. CLK 320
- 2.2. CLK 230 Kompressor
- 3.3. CLK 200 Kompressor
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£1,200–£9,000 [MB-QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. M111 supercharger clutch failure
- 2.2. M112 camshaft adjuster wear
- 3.3. M113 valve cover oil leaks
Mercedes CLK 320 C208 (M112)
6
enquiries
Mercedes CLK 230 Kompressor C208 (M111)
4
enquiries
Mercedes CLK 430 C208 (M113)
3
enquiries
FAQ
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UK Engine Replacement Services for C208
covering every variant from CLK 200 to CLK 55 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply‑&‑fit available nationwide.
Find the best Mercedes CLK C208 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today — whether you need a simple four-cylinder, a smooth V6, or a thundering V8, we'll help you keep your classic on the road.
