How much does a Mercedes E‑Class W212 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned W212 engine typically costs £1,500–£12,000 supply only, depending on engine — the volume OM651 diesel sits at £1,800–£3,800, while the M157 AMG V8 ranges up to £12,000. Fitting adds £650–£1,500 depending on the variant. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes E‑Class W212?

Balance shaft sprocket wear on the M272 V6 (2009–2011 petrol models), timing chain stretch and injector seal failure on the OM651 four‑cylinder diesel, oil cooler seal leaks on the OM642 V6 diesel, camshaft adjuster wear on the M271 four‑cylinder petrol, and head bolt/camshaft adjuster issues on the M156 AMG V8.

Is the Mercedes E‑Class W212 reliable?

It depends heavily on which engine and maintenance history. The OM651 diesel and M276 V6 petrol are the two most reliable options. The M272 V6 carries a known balance shaft risk on early models — check history before buying. The M156 AMG V8 is a masterpiece but demands meticulous maintenance and carries high repair costs.

Which Mercedes W212 engine should I avoid?

No engine outright — but a high‑mileage M272 V6 (E 300 / E 350, 2009–2011) without documented balance shaft history is the one purchase we consistently advise against. A neglected M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011) with ticking noises is the second. An OM651 diesel with visible timing chain rattle should also be approached with caution.

How do I know if my W212 engine needs replacing?

Check engine light with camshaft position codes (M272), timing chain rattle on cold start (OM651/OM642), oil leaks from the engine bay (OM642), ticking noise on cold start (M156/M271), or coolant loss (M156 head bolts) are the key warning signs. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.

How long do Mercedes W212 engines last?

The OM651 diesel can exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing. The OM642 V6 diesel is similarly durable. The M276 V6 petrol is capable of high mileage with regular maintenance. The M272's limiting factor is the balance shaft — addressed proactively, it can reach 150,000+ miles. The M156's head bolts and camshaft adjusters are the limiting factors — repaired, it's a durable engine but costs escalate.

What is the difference between the W212, S212 and C207/A207?

The W212 is the 4‑door saloon (this page, 2009–2016), the S212 is the 5‑door estate (2009–2016), and the C207/A207 are the coupé and convertible (2010–2017) — which are based on the W204 C‑Class platform and are covered on their own Generation Pages. All share most engines but body‑specific labour costs vary.

How do I find my Mercedes W212 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate, in the vehicle documentation, and on the engine block itself. The 8th character of the VIN often indicates the engine variant. Tell us your variant and approximate registration date (pre‑ or post‑2013 facelift) and we'll identify it — 25+ vetted specialists will confirm it for free.

W212 Engine Replacement Cost UK

Name: Mercedes E‑Class W212 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngines.uk

Mercedes E‑Class W212 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the W212/S212 specifically — including the pre‑ and post‑facelift engine changes that define this generation's ownership story.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (W212)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M271 DE18 LAM271Petrol, turbo I41,796 cc184 PS (135 kW)2009–2013E 200★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271 DE18 LAM271Petrol, turbo I41,796 cc204 PS (150 kW)2009–2013E 250★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M274 DE20 LAM274Petrol, turbo I41,991 cc184 PS (135 kW)2013–2016E 200★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M274 DE20 LAM274Petrol, turbo I41,991 cc211 PS (155 kW)2013–2016E 250★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 KE30M272Petrol, V62,996 cc231 PS (170 kW)2009–2011E 300★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 KE35M272Petrol, V63,498 cc272 PS (200 kW)2009–2013E 350★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 DE35M272Petrol, V6 (CGI)3,498 cc292 PS (215 kW)2009–2011E 350 CGI★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M276 DE35M276Petrol, V63,498 cc252–306 PS2011–2016E 300, E 350★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M276 DE30ALM276Petrol, V6 biturbo2,996 cc333 PS (245 kW)2013–2014E 400★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M273 KE55M273Petrol, V85,461 cc388 PS (285 kW)2009–2011E 500★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,000–£6,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M278 DE46 LAM278Petrol, V8 biturbo4,663 cc408 PS (300 kW)2011–2016E 500★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,500–£7,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M156 E63M156Petrol, V86,208 cc525 PS (386 kW)2009–2011E 63 AMG★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£5,500–£10,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M157 DE55 LAM157Petrol, V8 biturbo5,461 cc525–585 PS2011–2016E 63 AMG / S★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£5,000–£12,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I42,143 cc136 PS (100 kW)2010–2016E 200 CDI / BlueTEC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I42,143 cc170 PS (125 kW)2009–2016E 220 CDI / BlueTEC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£1,800–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I42,143 cc204 PS (150 kW)2009–2014E 250 CDI / BlueTEC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£2,000–£3,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 + electricOM651Diesel hybrid2,143 cc + 20 kW motor231 PS (170 kW)2012–2016E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM642 DE30 LAOM642Diesel, V6 turbo2,987 cc204 PS (150 kW)2009–2010E 300 CDI★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM642 DE30 LAOM642Diesel, V6 turbo2,987 cc231–265 PS2009–2016E 350 CDI / BlueTEC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,800–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M271 DE18 LAM271Petrol, turbo I4184 PS (135 kW)2009–2013★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M271 DE18 LAM271Petrol, turbo I4204 PS (150 kW)2009–2013★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,500–£2,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M274 DE20 LAM274Petrol, turbo I4184 PS (135 kW)2013–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M274 DE20 LAM274Petrol, turbo I4211 PS (155 kW)2013–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 KE30M272Petrol, V6231 PS (170 kW)2009–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 KE35M272Petrol, V6272 PS (200 kW)2009–2013★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M272 DE35M272Petrol, V6 (CGI)292 PS (215 kW)2009–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

M276 DE35M276Petrol, V6252–306 PS2011–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M276 DE30ALM276Petrol, V6 biturbo333 PS (245 kW)2013–2014★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M273 KE55M273Petrol, V8388 PS (285 kW)2009–2011★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,000–£6,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M278 DE46 LAM278Petrol, V8 biturbo408 PS (300 kW)2011–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£3,500–£7,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M156 E63M156Petrol, V8525 PS (386 kW)2009–2011★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£5,500–£10,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M157 DE55 LAM157Petrol, V8 biturbo525–585 PS2011–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£5,000–£12,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I4136 PS (100 kW)2010–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£1,800–£3,200 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I4170 PS (125 kW)2009–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£1,800–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 DE22 LAOM651Diesel, turbo I4204 PS (150 kW)2009–2014★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]1,250 [MB‑VERIFIED]£2,000–£3,800 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM651 + electricOM651Diesel hybrid231 PS (170 kW)2012–2016★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM642 DE30 LAOM642Diesel, V6 turbo204 PS (150 kW)2009–2010★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,500–£4,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

OM642 DE30 LAOM642Diesel, V6 turbo231–265 PS2009–2016★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL]— (pattern data)£2,800–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

Overview

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Overview

The W212 is the fourth‑generation E‑Class, launched in March 2009 as the successor to the W211.

It introduced a more angular design language with quad‑headlights replaced by single‑lamp units, a longer wheelbase, and a range of new engines including the OM651 four‑cylinder diesel family. A major 2013 facelift brought significant styling changes, improved engines, and new safety features — reported to be the most significant mid‑cycle refresh Mercedes had ever undertaken. The W212 was succeeded by the W213 in 2016.

Key Facts

Platform

W212 (Mercedes‑Benz fourth‑generation E‑Class platform)

Predecessor

W211 (third‑generation E‑Class)

Successor

W213 (fifth‑generation E‑Class)

Sibling body styles in this generation

S212 (estate), C207/A207 (coupé/convertible — based on W204 C‑Class platform)

Market Intelligence

The W212 E‑Class generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM651 diesel and M271/<a href='https://mercedesengines.uk/engine/m274'>M274</a> petrol variants as these cars enter their second decade of service.

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Overview

The W212 is the fourth‑generation E‑Class, launched in March 2009 as the successor to the W211.

It introduced a more angular design language with quad‑headlights replaced by single‑lamp units, a longer wheelbase, and a range of new engines including the OM651 four‑cylinder diesel family. A major 2013 facelift brought significant styling changes, improved engines, and new safety features — reported to be the most significant mid‑cycle refresh Mercedes had ever undertaken. The W212 was succeeded by the W213 in 2016.

Key Facts

Platform

W212 (Mercedes‑Benz fourth‑generation E‑Class platform)

Predecessor

W211 (third‑generation E‑Class)

Successor

W213 (fifth‑generation E‑Class)

Sibling body styles in this generation

S212 (estate), C207/A207 (coupé/convertible — based on W204 C‑Class platform)

Market Intelligence

The W212 E‑Class generated significant UK engine enquiry demand in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM651 diesel and M271/<a href='https://mercedesengines.uk/engine/m274'>M274</a> petrol variants as these cars enter their second decade of service.

Best & Worst Engines

Best Diesel Overall

OM651 (E 220 CDI / BlueTEC)

““The 2.1‑litre four‑cylinder diesel is the W212's most dependable engine — proven across millions of miles in taxi and fleet service, with genuine 200,000+ mile potential. The 170 PS version delivers effortless performance without the V6 diesel's higher running costs.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy and six‑figure mileage potential.”

Who it's for:

Best Petrol Overall

M274 (E 200 / E 250, 2013–2016)

““The 2.0‑litre turbo four is a significant improvement over the M271 — smoother, more efficient, and free of the older engine's camshaft adjuster issues. 211 PS in the E 250 is plenty for executive duties.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want a modern petrol E‑Class without V6 running costs.”

Who it's for:

Highest Risk

M272 V6 (E 300 / E 350 / E 350 CGI, 2009–2011)

““The M272's balance shaft sprocket wear is this generation's defining risk — a design flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but didn't extend the warranty as widely as with later engines.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risk and have documented balance shaft history.”

Who it's for:

Most Expensive Failure

M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)

““The 6.2‑litre naturally aspirated V8 is a masterpiece — but punishing to repair. Head bolt failure, camshaft adjuster wear, and tappet issues are well‑documented. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.”

Who it's for:

Best Value

OM651 (E 220 CDI)

““The entry‑level diesel shares the same robust OM651 architecture as the more powerful versions — but costs less to buy and less to replace. Timing chain and injector seal maintenance are the only real demands.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy on a tighter budget.”

Who it's for:

Most Overlooked

M276 V6 (E 350, 2012–2016)

““Often overshadowed by the V8 models, the M276 V6 is actually the most refined petrol in the range — smoother than the M272, more reliable than the M156, and with 306 PS in the E 350, genuinely quick. It’s the sweet spot of the W212 petrol range.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 refinement without AMG running costs.”

Who it's for:

Best Diesel Overall

OM651 (E 220 CDI / BlueTEC)

““The 2.1‑litre four‑cylinder diesel is the W212's most dependable engine — proven across millions of miles in taxi and fleet service, with genuine 200,000+ mile potential. The 170 PS version delivers effortless performance without the V6 diesel's higher running costs.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy and six‑figure mileage potential.”

Who it's for:

Best Petrol Overall

M274 (E 200 / E 250, 2013–2016)

““The 2.0‑litre turbo four is a significant improvement over the M271 — smoother, more efficient, and free of the older engine's camshaft adjuster issues. 211 PS in the E 250 is plenty for executive duties.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want a modern petrol E‑Class without V6 running costs.”

Who it's for:

Highest Risk

M272 V6 (E 300 / E 350 / E 350 CGI, 2009–2011)

““The M272's balance shaft sprocket wear is this generation's defining risk — a design flaw that can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but didn't extend the warranty as widely as with later engines.” Who it’s for: Buyers who understand the risk and have documented balance shaft history.”

Who it's for:

Most Expensive Failure

M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)

““The 6.2‑litre naturally aspirated V8 is a masterpiece — but punishing to repair. Head bolt failure, camshaft adjuster wear, and tappet issues are well‑documented. A full replacement runs well into five figures.” Who it’s for: AMG enthusiasts with deep pockets and full service history.”

Who it's for:

Best Value

OM651 (E 220 CDI)

““The entry‑level diesel shares the same robust OM651 architecture as the more powerful versions — but costs less to buy and less to replace. Timing chain and injector seal maintenance are the only real demands.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want diesel economy on a tighter budget.”

Who it's for:

Most Overlooked

M276 V6 (E 350, 2012–2016)

““Often overshadowed by the V8 models, the M276 V6 is actually the most refined petrol in the range — smoother than the M272, more reliable than the M156, and with 306 PS in the E 350, genuinely quick. It’s the sweet spot of the W212 petrol range.” Who it’s for: Buyers who want V6 refinement without AMG running costs.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Ownership Economics

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

M271 (E 200 / E 250, 2009–2013)60k–120kCamshaft adjuster / timing chain£600–£1,500£1,500–£2,800

Watch — budget for camshaft work

M274 (E 200 / E 250, 2013–2016)60k–120kTiming chain / injectors£500–£1,200£1,800–£3,500

Solid Choice — improved over M271

M272 (E 300 / E 350, 2009–2011)60k–120kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,500£2,000–£4,200

Risk vs Reward — budget for balance shaft

M276 (E 300 / E 350 / E 400)60k–120kTiming chain / injectors£500–£1,500£2,200–£5,000

Best Petrol — refined and reliable

M273 (E 500, 2009–2011)80k–150kIntake manifold / timing chain£600–£1,500£3,000–£6,000

Solid Choice — robust V8

M278 (E 500, 2011–2016)60k–120kTiming chain / turbo cooling£800–£2,000£3,500–£7,000

Solid Choice — improved over M273

M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)30k–60kHead bolts / camshaft adjusters£2,000–£4,000£5,500–£10,000

Most Expensive — fast but costly

M157 (E 63 AMG, 2011–2016)40k–80kTurbo / cooling system£1,000–£2,500£5,000–£12,000

Improved — better than M156

OM651 (E 200/220/250 CDI)80k–200k+Timing chain / injector seals£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,800

Best Diesel — proven and durable

OM642 (E 300/350 CDI)80k–180kOil cooler seals / swirl flaps£500–£1,500£2,500–£5,000

Solid Choice — robust V6 diesel

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

M271 (E 200 / E 250, 2009–2013)60k–120kCamshaft adjuster / timing chain£600–£1,500£1,500–£2,800

Watch — budget for camshaft work

M274 (E 200 / E 250, 2013–2016)60k–120kTiming chain / injectors£500–£1,200£1,800–£3,500

Solid Choice — improved over M271

M272 (E 300 / E 350, 2009–2011)60k–120kBalance shaft sprocket wear£1,500–£3,500£2,000–£4,200

Risk vs Reward — budget for balance shaft

M276 (E 300 / E 350 / E 400)60k–120kTiming chain / injectors£500–£1,500£2,200–£5,000

Best Petrol — refined and reliable

M273 (E 500, 2009–2011)80k–150kIntake manifold / timing chain£600–£1,500£3,000–£6,000

Solid Choice — robust V8

M278 (E 500, 2011–2016)60k–120kTiming chain / turbo cooling£800–£2,000£3,500–£7,000

Solid Choice — improved over M273

M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)30k–60kHead bolts / camshaft adjusters£2,000–£4,000£5,500–£10,000

Most Expensive — fast but costly

M157 (E 63 AMG, 2011–2016)40k–80kTurbo / cooling system£1,000–£2,500£5,000–£12,000

Improved — better than M156

OM651 (E 200/220/250 CDI)80k–200k+Timing chain / injector seals£400–£1,200£1,800–£3,800

Best Diesel — proven and durable

OM642 (E 300/350 CDI)80k–180kOil cooler seals / swirl flaps£500–£1,500£2,500–£5,000

Solid Choice — robust V6 diesel

The W212 rule

A £3,500 OM651 recon against a £6,000 W212 sits at 58% — that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold. Against a tired £4,000 W212, the same recon is over 85% — walk away. A £4,500 M276 recon against a well‑kept £10,000 E 350 is 45% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which W212 Costs Least To Own?
OM651 (E 220 CDI) — cheap timing chain and injector seal maintenance, proven four‑cylinder diesel.
Which W212 Costs Most To Own?
M156 (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011) — head bolt failure, camshaft adjuster wear, and V8 complexity add up fast.
Which W212 Is Best Value?
M276 (E 350, 2012–2016) — V6 refinement without the M272's balance shaft anxiety or the AMG's running costs.

Common Problems

01

M272

Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (E 300 / E 350 / E 350 CGI, 2009–2011)

Affected models:

W212 E 300, E 350, E 350 CGI (2009–2011).

M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear (E 300 / E 350 / E 350 CGI, 2009–2011)

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M272 V6's balance shaft sprocket has a design flaw — the sprocket wears prematurely, causing timing chain slack, camshaft position sensor codes, and eventual engine failure if ignored. Mercedes acknowledged the issue but did not issue a recall.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,500

£1,500–£3,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£5,500–£8,500

£3,000–£5,500

Our Recommendation

If your W212 E 350 develops a check engine light with camshaft position codes, get the balance shaft inspected immediately — a £1,500–£3,500 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £3,000–£5,500 replacement that follows if ignored.

Compare M272 engine prices for your W212 E 350

02

OM651

Timing Chain & Injector Seal Issues

Affected models:

W212 E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI, E 250 CDI (2009–2016).

OM651 Timing Chain & Injector Seal Issues

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–150,000 miles.

Root cause:

The OM651 four‑cylinder diesel has two known issues — timing chain stretch (particularly on earlier examples) and injector seal failure (carbon buildup around injectors, causing the classic 'diesel knock' and loss of power).

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,800

£400–£1,200

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,500–£6,000

£1,800–£3,800

Our Recommendation

If your W212 diesel develops a rattle on cold start or a tapping noise from the injector area, get it inspected immediately — a £400–£1,200 repair is far cheaper than the £1,800–£3,800 replacement that follows a failed chain or seized injector.

Compare OM651 engine prices for your W212 E 220 CDI

03

M156

Head Bolt Failure & Camshaft Adjuster Wear (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)

Affected models:

W212 E 63 AMG (2009–2011).

M156 Head Bolt Failure & Camshaft Adjuster Wear (E 63 AMG, 2009–2011)

Typical failure mileage:

30,000–60,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M156 V8 has two well‑documented issues — head bolt failure (the bolts can stretch or break, leading to coolant leaks and potential engine damage) and camshaft adjuster wear (causing a ticking noise on cold start and reduced performance).

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,500

£1,500–£3,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£8,000–£14,000

£5,500–£10,000

Our Recommendation

If your W212 E 63 AMG develops a ticking noise on cold start or coolant loss, get the camshaft adjusters and head bolts inspected immediately — a £1,500–£3,500 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £5,500–£10,000 replacement that follows a failed head gasket or seized camshaft.

Compare M156 engine prices for your W212 E 63 AMG

04

OM642

Oil Cooler Seal Leaks (E 300 CDI / E 350 CDI)

Affected models:

W212 E 300 CDI, E 350 CDI (2009–2016).

OM642 Oil Cooler Seal Leaks (E 300 CDI / E 350 CDI)

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–150,000 miles.

Root cause:

The OM642 V6 diesel's oil cooler seals degrade over time, causing oil leaks into the 'V' of the engine. This can lead to oil contamination of the engine bay, belt failure, and eventually engine damage if ignored.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,200–£2,200

£600–£1,500

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,500–£6,000

£2,500–£5,000

Our Recommendation

If your W212 diesel develops an oil smell or visible oil in the engine bay, get the oil cooler seals inspected immediately — a £600–£1,500 repair is far cheaper than the £2,500–£5,000 replacement that follows a neglected leak.

Compare OM642 engine prices for your W212 E 350 CDI

W212 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

E 200 (2009–2013)M271 DE18 LA£700–£1,500£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,00010–14 hrs

E 250 (2009–2013)M271 DE18 LA£800–£1,600£1,500–£2,800£2,500–£4,00010–14 hrs

E 200 (2013–2016)M274 DE20 LA£900–£1,800£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

E 250 (2013–2016)M274 DE20 LA£1,000–£2,000£1,800–£3,500£3,000–£5,50010–14 hrs

E 300 (2009–2011)M272 KE30£1,000–£2,200£2,000–£3,800£3,500–£6,00012–16 hrs

E 350 (2009–2011)M272 KE35£1,200–£2,500£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£6,50012–16 hrs

E 350 CGI (2009–2011)M272 DE35£1,200–£2,500£2,200–£4,200£4,000–£7,00012–16 hrs

E 300 / E 350 (2011–2016)M276 DE35£1,200–£2,800£2,200–£4,500£4,000–£7,00012–16 hrs

E 400 (2013–2014)M276 DE30AL£1,500–£3,000£2,500–£5,000£4,500–£8,00012–16 hrs

E 500 (2009–2011)M273 KE55£1,800–£3,500£3,000–£6,000£5,500–£9,00014–18 hrs

E 500 (2011–2016)M278 DE46 LA£2,000–£4,000£3,500–£7,000£6,000–£10,00014–18 hrs

E 63 AMG (2009–2011)M156 E63£3,500–£6,000£5,500–£10,000£9,000–£15,00016–20 hrs

E 63 AMG / S (2011–2016)M157 DE55 LA£3,000–£6,000£5,000–£12,000£8,000–£16,00016–20 hrs

E 200 CDI / BlueTECOM651 DE22 LA£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

E 220 CDI / BlueTECOM651 DE22 LA£900–£2,000£1,800–£3,500£3,000–£5,50010–14 hrs

E 250 CDI / BlueTECOM651 DE22 LA£1,000–£2,200£2,000–£3,800£3,500–£6,00010–14 hrs

E 300 BlueTEC HybridOM651 + electric£1,500–£3,000£2,500–£4,500£4,500–£7,50012–16 hrs

E 300 CDI (2009–2010)OM642 DE30 LA£1,200–£2,500£2,500–£4,500£4,000–£7,00012–16 hrs

E 350 CDI / BlueTECOM642 DE30 LA£1,500–£3,000£2,800–£5,000£4,500–£8,00012–16 hrs

No Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline figures — W212 saloon and S212 estate share identical engine‑bay access, so costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

E 200 CDIE 200 BlueTECE 220 CDIE 220 BlueTECE 250 CDIE 250 BlueTECE 300 BlueTEC HybridE 300 CDIE 350 CDIE 350 BlueTEC

Petrol Variants

E 200E 250E 300E 350E 350 CGIE 400E 500E 63 AMGE 63 AMG S

Scope note: All variants listed are W212 saloon and S212 estate only. C207/A207 coupé and convertible are based on the W204 C‑Class platform and share some engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

E 200 CDIE 200 BlueTECE 220 CDIE 220 BlueTECE 250 CDIE 250 BlueTECE 300 BlueTEC HybridE 300 CDIE 350 CDIE 350 BlueTEC

Petrol Variants

E 200E 250E 300E 350E 350 CGIE 400E 500E 63 AMGE 63 AMG S

Scope note: All variants listed are W212 saloon and S212 estate only. C207/A207 coupé and convertible are based on the W204 C‑Class platform and share some engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

1.1. OM651 (E 220 CDI / E 250 CDI) — 1,250 enquiries [MB‑VERIFIED]
2.2. M276 (E 350, 2012–2016) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]
3.3. M274 (E 250, 2013–2016) — pattern data [PATTERN DATA]

Most Requested E90 Variants

1.1. E 220 CDI / BlueTEC
2.2. E 350
3.3. E 250

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£2,200–£4,500 reconditioned, supply only [MB‑QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

1.1. M272 balance shaft sprocket wear (2009–2011 V6 models)
2.2. OM651 timing chain stretch & injector seal failure
3.3. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks (V6 diesel)

Live Feed

VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries

Mercedes E 220 CDI W212 (OM651)

Birmingham

Timing chain rattle on cold start

5

enquiries

Mercedes E 350 W212 (M272)

London

Check engine light, camshaft position codes

3

enquiries

Mercedes E 350 CDI W212 (OM642)

Manchester

Oil leak, engine bay smoke

2

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

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Why UK Mercedes E‑Class W212 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted W212 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real W212 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare W212 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for W212
covering every variant from E 200 CDI to E 63 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes E‑Class W212 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 E‑Class W212 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Mercedes E‑Class W212 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes E‑Class W212 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Overview

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

Mercedes E‑Class W212 — Ownership Economics

Common Problems

W212 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK Mercedes E‑Class W212 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Why UK Mercedes E‑Class W212 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk