Mercedes‑Benz CLK270 / CLK320 CDI Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes‑Benz CLK CDI specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used 2.7‑litre five‑cylinder and 3.0‑litre V6 turbo‑diesel engines — OM612 and OM642 variants across the C209/A209 generation — supply & fit available nationwide.
The CLK270 / CLK320 CDI THROUGH TIME — Era Map
Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.
Era Note
2.7L inline‑5 diesel — 170 bhp, 400 Nm; injector seal leaks ("black death") and fuel pump issues are the main concerns
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.
Mercedes‑Benz CLK270 / CLK320 CDI Engine Replacement Costs
Figures above reflect current CLK CDI replacement costs. The OM642 3.0 V6 variant typically sits at the higher end of the range. See the Era Map above for generation‑specific pricing.
Labour estimate: Fitting a CLK CDI engine typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).
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CLK270 / CLK320 CDI — 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?
Buying This CLK CDI? Check These First
Buy If
- CLK270 (2002–2005) with injector seals recently replaced (no black death residue)
- CLK320 (2005–2009) with timing chain history (post‑2010 or chain replaced)
- Full service history with regular oil changes — both engines are sensitive to oil quality
- No cold‑start rattling (timing chain health — OM642)
- No oil leaks around the V of the engine (oil cooler seal health — OM642)
- Swirl flap and EGR system recently serviced
Avoid If
- Black carbon deposits around injectors — injector seal leaks ("black death") are developing (OM612)
- Cold‑start rattling and no timing chain history — budget for chain work (OM642)
- Oil loss or burning oil smell — oil cooler seals may be failing (OM642)
- No service history — both engines are unforgiving of neglect
- Engine warning light with no diagnosis — may indicate timing, injector or EGR problems
Closing Verdict
The CLK270 and CLK320 CDI are Mercedes‑Benz's stylish diesel coupés and cabriolets from the C209/A209 generation. The CLK270 (2002–2005) uses the OM612 2.7‑litre inline‑five — a robust engine with a weakness for injector seal leaks ("black death") and fuel pump issues. The CLK320 (2005–2009) uses the OM642 3.0‑litre V6 — a more powerful and refined engine with 224 bhp and 510 Nm torque, but with well‑documented vulnerabilities: timing chain stretch on pre‑2010 units, oil cooler seal leaks, swirl flap rod breakage, and exhaust manifold cracks. With typical CLK values ranging from £3,000 to £10,000, an engine replacement is a significant investment — a well‑maintained example with documented maintenance history is the safest choice. The CLK320 offers significantly more performance, but the OM642 requires proactive attention to its known weaknesses.
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Buying Checklist
Before you buy a used Mercedes‑Benz CLK270 / CLK320 CDI (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:
Injector Seals — Inspect for black carbon deposits around injectors ("black death" warning — OM612) — see the map above
Cold Start — Listen for rattling or clattering (timing chain tensioner warning — OM642 particularly)
Service History — Including which engine era (OM612 or OM642) and oil‑change discipline
Timing Chain — For OM642 (CLK320): check for any chain work or cold‑start rattle
Oil Leaks — Check around the V of the engine for oil cooler seal leaks (OM642)
Swirl Flap / EGR — Check for smooth idle and acceleration; any roughness may indicate issues (OM642)
Engine Warning Light — Have codes read; unresolved issues may indicate timing, injector, EGR or sensor problems
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.
Engine Codes
This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.
OM612.962 / OM612.967
Technical Specs
OM642.910 — CLK320 CDI→ Compare CLK CDI engine prices for your CLK‑Class
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Market Intelligence
Most Common Failure (CLK270)
Injector seal leaks ("black death") — the most frequent CLK270 engine enquiry
Most Common Failure (CLK320)
Timing chain stretch and oil cooler seal leaks — the most frequent CLK320 engine enquiries
Average Enquiry Mileage
60,000
–90,000 miles
[PATTERN DATA]
Average Replacement Cost
£4,000
–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only
[PLACEHOLDER]
Most Requested Engine Code
OM642.910
[PATTERN DATA]
Peak Enquiry Season
Winter — cold starts expose timing chain wear
[PATTERN DATA]
Regional Demand
PATTERN DATA
Regional Demand Breakdown
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 condition, 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.
Why UK Mercedes‑Benz CLK270 / CLK320 CDI Owners Trust MercedesEngine.uk
Trusted CLK CDI Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real CLK270 and CLK320 CDI owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across every engine era — OM612 and OM642 — covering the C209/A209 generation.
Compare CLK CDI Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit. We cover the 2.7‑litre five‑cylinder and 3.0‑litre V6 turbo‑diesels specifically, with specialists who understand the injector seal ("black death") issues, OM642 timing chain vulnerabilities, oil cooler seal leaks, and the unique requirements of the CLK‑Class.
UK Engine Replacement Services for CLK CDI
supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering every generation of this badge since 2002, with a 12‑month warranty as standard across our network.
Find the best Mercedes‑Benz CLK270 / CLK320 CDI engine replacement UK owners rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your CLK‑Class back on the road with confidence.
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No hidden fees
No Obligation
Get quotes with zero pressure
UK Specialists
20+ vetted experts
12-Month Warranty
As standard
Nationwide Delivery
Supply & fit available