
Mercedes E-Class A238 Engines — The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the second-generation E-Class Cabriolet — from the M274 four-cylinder petrol to the M276 V6, the M256 straight-six that powered the E 53 AMG, and the M177 V8 in the E 63 S. Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the 2020 facelift's engine updates explained. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA].
Explore A238 EnginesMercedes E-Class A238 Engine Codes — The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the A238 cabriolet specifically — including pre-facelift M274/M276 units, post-facelift M264/M256 replacements, and the range-topping AMG V8.

Overview
Mercedes E-Class A238 — Overview
The A238 is the cabriolet variant of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, produced from 2017 to 2023 as the successor to the A207.
Built on the MRA platform shared with the W213 saloon, it combines E-Class luxury with open-top driving. The engine range spanned M274 four-cylinder petrols, M276 V6 petrols, the M256 straight-six in AMG E 53 guise, the M177 V8 in AMG E 63 variants, plus OM654, OM656 and OM642 diesel units. A 2020 facelift brought M264 engines with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology.
Key Facts
Platform
Mercedes MRA (Modular Rear Architecture)
Predecessor
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A207)
Successor
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet (A236)
Sibling body styles in this generation
W213 saloon, S213 estate, C238 coupé
Market Intelligence
The A238 E-Class Cabriolet generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M274 petrol fours and OM654 diesel remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.
Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary
“Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The A238's most dependable engine is the OM654 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel (E 220 d, 194 PS) — proven, economical, and widely considered the most sensible choice for the cabriolet. The M274 2.0-litre petrol (E 300, 245 PS) is the best pre-facelift petrol option — strong performance, proven durability, and no major systemic failures when properly maintained. The M256 straight-six in the E 53 AMG (435 PS) is a masterpiece of engineering — smooth, responsive, and with EQ Boost adding 16 kW of assistance, but it carries higher running costs. The M177 V8 in the E 63 S (612 PS) is an icon — epic performance but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid any pre-facelift car without documented service history, and be cautious of the M276 V6's cooling system — a known weakness on the E 400 and E 450.”
Who it's for:

Mercedes E-Class A238 — Ownership Economics
The A238 rule
A £2,200–£4,200 recon on a sub-£15,000 A238 sits at 15–28% of the car's value — viable on most examples. Against a £6,000 engine bill on an E 53, the car's value determines the decision — a £35,000 E 53 justifies a £6,000–£10,000 recon; a £20,000 example makes it a much harder call. For an E 63 S, a £50,000+ car justifies a £10,000–£18,000 recon. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line — most A238s sit comfortably above it.
Key Takeaways
Which A238 Costs Least To Own?
E 220 d (OM654) — proven diesel, excellent economy, cheap parts.
Which A238 Costs Most To Own?
AMG E 63 S (M177) — V8 complexity, specialist-only work, eye-watering parts prices.
Which A238 Is Best Value?
E 300 (M274.920) — 245 PS, reliable four-pot, strong performance without V6 running costs.
Common Problems

A238 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition
Core Variants
Core Variants
Diesel Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are A238 cabriolet only. W213 saloon, S213 estate, and C238 coupé share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since body style affects weight, aerodynamics, and to some extent, labour access. The A238 was produced from June 2017 to 2023, with a facelift in 2020.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
Most Requested E90 Variants
Average E90 Replacement Cost
Most Common E90 Failures
FAQ

Why UK Mercedes E-Class A238 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk
Trusted A238 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 A238's MRA platform and engine complexities.
Compare A238 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned OM654 or a used M177, we show you the real market.
UK Engine Replacement Services for A238
covering every variant from E 200 to AMG E 63 S, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide through our vetted specialist network.
Find the best Mercedes E-Class A238 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.





