Cost & Ownership Comparison
The W205 is cheaper to own than the W204 over a typical five‑year period, despite its higher purchase price. The W205's better fuel economy saves around £200–£400 per year, and its more modern emissions systems mean lower VED in many cases. The W204's lower entry price is tempting, but the risk of OM651 balance shaft wear (£1,000–£2,000 to fix) or M272 balance shaft failure (£2,500–£4,500) can quickly erode any upfront saving. The W205's AdBlue/EGR issues are generally less expensive to fix and more predictable. Over 50,000 miles, the W205 typically costs its owner £1,000–£1,500 less to run than the W204, making it the more financially sensible choice in the long run. For those on a tight budget, a well‑maintained W204 with documented engine work can still be a good option.
| Metric (5 yrs, 50k miles) | W204 (OM651 diesel) | W205 (OM654 diesel) |
|---|
| Fuel cost | £5,600–£6,200 | £5,200–£5,800 |
| Servicing (scheduled) | £900–£1,300 | £900–£1,300 |
| Tax (VED) | £700–£900 | £600–£800 |
| Insurance (estimated) | £2,000–£2,800 | £2,200–£3,000 |
| Total estimated | £9,200–£11,200 | £8,900–£10,900 |
These figures are [ESTIMATED] based on UK market data and our proprietary enquiry patterns. Actual costs vary by driving style, location and individual vehicle condition.
