How much does an M266 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M266 typically costs £2,000–£3,500 supply only [ESTIMATED], varying by displacement (1.5L, 1.7L or 2.0L). Fitting adds £550–£1,100 depending on labour rates.

Is the M266 a reliable engine?

The M266 is considered a reliable small petrol engine, earning 4.0★ out of 5 [ESTIMATED] — but the 2.0L turbo (M266) in the A250 has known timing chain tensioner issues. Regular oil changes are essential.

What is the most common M266 failure?

Timing chain tensioner wear is the most common issue, particularly on the 2.0L turbo variant — rattling on cold start‑up typically appears from 60,000 miles onwards. If ignored, chain slack can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Which Mercedes models use the M266?

The M266 powered the W169 A‑Class (2004–2012), W245 B‑Class (2005–2011), W176 A‑Class (2012–2018), and W246 B‑Class (2011–2018) — the backbone of Mercedes' small‑car petrol range for over a decade.

How long does the M266 last?

With regular servicing and early attention to timing chain noise, 120,000–180,000 miles is achievable. High‑mileage examples often require replacement of chain tensioners and sometimes camshaft adjusters.

Mercedes-BenzM266Petrol1.5/1.7/2.0L I42004–2018

Mercedes-Benz M266 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The M266 is Mercedes' compact transverse four-cylinder petrol – found in A-Class and B-Class models; reliable overall, but timing chain tensioner wear is a known weakness. Backed by real UK enquiries [ESTIMATED].

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Mercedes-Benz M266 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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Jaguar M266 (1.5L / 1.7L / 2.0L) Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

M266 (1.5L / 1.7L / 2.0L)

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

95–193 hp [ESTIMATED]

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

1.5L (1,498 cc) / 1.7L (1,699 cc) / 2.0L (2,034 cc) Inline-4

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

2004–2018

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

M266 (1.5L / 1.7L / 2.0L)

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

1.5L (1,498 cc) / 1.7L (1,699 cc) / 2.0L (2,034 cc) Inline-4

Power Range

95–193 hp [ESTIMATED]

Years Produced

2004–2018

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

out of 5

88% confidence – based on owner forums, specialist reports, and documented TSBs; proprietary enquiry figures are estimated.

The M266 is a generally reliable, efficient small petrol four – but timing chain tensioner wear can cause rattles on start-up – buy with documented service history.

Best for:

Urban drivers, first-time Mercedes owners, and anyone seeking a straightforward petrol A-Class or B-Class.

Avoid if:

You expect V6 smoothness or are looking at high-mileage examples without timing chain history.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.0★ × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint below £3,000 → 20

20 /20

Repairability

Most repairs straightforward; timing chain work more involved on transverse layout

12 /20

Parts Supply

Widely available from Mercedes and aftermarket; M266-specific parts well-stocked

16 /20

Replacement Economics

TBC (Depends on host vehicle value – see R-to-V flag guidance)

0 /20

Total Engine Score

0 / 20

Rating:

out of 5

88% confidence – based on owner forums, specialist reports, and documented TSBs; proprietary enquiry figures are estimated.

The M266 is a generally reliable, efficient small petrol four – but timing chain tensioner wear can cause rattles on start-up – buy with documented service history.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.0★ × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint below £3,000 → 20

20 /20

Repairability

Most repairs straightforward; timing chain work more involved on transverse layout

12 /20

Parts Supply

Widely available from Mercedes and aftermarket; M266-specific parts well-stocked

16 /20

Replacement Economics

TBC (Depends on host vehicle value – see R-to-V flag guidance)

0 /20

Total Engine Score

0 / 20

Best for:

Urban drivers, first-time Mercedes owners, and anyone seeking a straightforward petrol A-Class or B-Class.

Avoid if:

You expect V6 smoothness or are looking at high-mileage examples without timing chain history.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 0+ models from multiple years.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details →

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

Cross-link: Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand fitment.

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [JAGUAR-QUOTE]

Fitting an M266 typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED]. Transverse engine layout requires careful access.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand cost comparison applies.

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Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

Fitting an M266 typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED]. Transverse engine layout requires careful access.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand cost comparison applies.

Compare M266 engine prices from UK specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

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