Every GLA generation—from the 2013 X156 to the current H247. Real UK reliability data, common failure patterns, and honest replacement economics for every petrol and diesel engine fitted to the Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK. Backed by 750+ real UK GLA engine enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED].
Explore GLA Engines750+ Enquiries (2025) [MB-VERIFIED]
2 Generations Covered
12+ Engine Codes
Part of Engine Finders
★★★★☆
✅ The GLA rule: high-volume SUV values comfortably absorb replacement costs—the X156 is a watch on lower-value examples, the H247 is a safe buy across the range
★★★★☆
OM654 (H247 GLA 200 d / 220 d) — the modern modular diesel with the cleanest record
OM651 (X156 GLA 200 CDI / 220 CDI, pre-2015) — "Black Death" injector seal risk plus rear-chain complexity
H247 (2021+) with M282 petrol or OM654 diesel—the generation that finally gave the GLA a truly reliable engine lineup
£2,800–£5,500 [MB-QUOTE]
OM651 injector seal failure ("Black Death") in X156 diesels [MB-VERIFIED]
🔥 #1 Enquired Compact SUV — the most-enquired Mercedes compact SUV in our 2025 data
Generations
2 (X156, H247)
Years Produced
2013–present
Engine Codes Tracked
12+
Fuel Types
Petrol, Diesel, PHEV
Most Enquired Engine (2025)
OM651 — 1,250 enquiries across all models [MB-VERIFIED]
Most Reliable
OM654 (H247 GLA 200 d / 220 d)
Highest-Risk
OM651 (X156 pre-2015)
Typical Replacement Cost
£2,800–£5,500 [MB-QUOTE]
Typical Host Value
£5,000–£38,000 [THIRD-PARTY]
Overall Rating
★★★★☆
3.9/5
A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.
Two generations, two very different cars. The X156 is the original compact SUV; the H247 is the modern, refined, and more reliable successor.
| Pre-2013 (E90/F30 early) | 2013-2015 (F30 pre-LCI) | 2016+ (F30 LCI / G20) | Our position | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core diesel | The 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership | |||
| Core petrol |
Read the full comparison: GLA X156 vs H247
Every petrol and diesel engine ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK—verified against manufacturer and specialist sources.
| Engine Code | Family | Fuel | Disp. | Power | Years | Gen. | Reliability | 2025 Enquiries | Avg. Recon Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M270.910 | M270 | Petrol | 1.6L | 122–156 hp | 2013–2020 | X156 | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | £2,500–£4,500 [MB-QUOTE] |
| M270.920 | M270 | Petrol | 2.0L | 184–211 hp | 2013–2020 | X156 | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | £2,500–£4,500 [MB-QUOTE] |
| M274 | M274 | Petrol | 1.6L / 2.0L | 122–211 hp | 2013–2020 | X156 | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | £2,500–£4,500 [MB-QUOTE] |
| OM651 | OM651 | Diesel | 2.1L | 136–170 hp | 2013–2020 | X156 | ★★★★★ | 1,250 (all models) [MB-VERIFIED] | £2,800–£4,800 [MB-QUOTE] |
| M133.980 | M133 | Petrol | 2.0L | 360–381 hp | 2014–2020 | X156 (AMG) | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | |
| M282 | M282 | Petrol | 1.3L | 136–163 hp | 2020–present | H247 | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | |
| M260 | M260 | Petrol | 2.0L | 221–306 hp | 2020–present | H247 | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | |
| M139 | M139 | Petrol | 2.0L | 382–416 hp | 2020–present | H247 (AMG) | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | |
| M264 | M264 | Petrol PHEV | 1.3L + elec | 218 hp (combined) | 2020–present | H247 (250e) | ★★★★★ | [PATTERN DATA] | |
| OM654 | OM654 | Diesel | 2.0L | 150–200 hp | 2020–present | H247 | ★★★★★ | 520 (all models) [MB-VERIFIED] | £3,000–£5,000 [MB-QUOTE] |
Showing 10 of 10 engine codes
iAll enquiries are from 2025 (to date) and verified via our internal system. Recon costs are supply only and exclude fitting.
How we collect engine dataThe complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.
Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.
Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]
Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]
Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data
The six most common failure patterns reported by UK GLA owners—from the X156 to the H247.
01The defining Mercedes diesel issue and our #1 enquiry driver across the GLA range. Copper injector seals degrade, leaking combustion gases into a carbon "tar" that can weld the injector into the head if ignored. Most common on X156 GLA 200 CDI / GLA 220 CDI (2013–2020). £400–£1,200 seal repair; up to full engine replacement if neglected [MB-QUOTE].
Read more
02The OM651's timing chain sits at the transmission end—access requires separating the engine from the gearbox. X156 GLA 200 CDI / GLA 220 CDI affected. Chain replacement: £600–£1,500 [MB-QUOTE]. Early warning: rattle on cold start. The early turbo petrol engines often required costly repairs between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres if maintenance was neglected.
Read more
03The M270 petrol engines (X156 GLA 200 / GLA 250) can suffer from high-pressure pump defects, carbon deposits on intake valves, and occasional turbocharger damage—making them the most maintenance-intensive petrol engines of the generation. £800–£2,000 repair [MB-QUOTE].
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04The M133 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in the GLA 45 AMG was one of the most powerful production four-cylinder engines in the world, but was susceptible to turbocharger damage during intensive use and required frequent oil changes. £1,500–£3,000 repair [MB-QUOTE].
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05The GLA 250e PHEV can suffer from hybrid system integration issues—rough engine performance, check engine light, jerky acceleration, and occasional gearbox emergency mode. Often linked to faulty sensors, exhaust leaks, or ignition system issues. £300–£1,200 repair [MB-QUOTE].
Read more
06GLA models across both generations report sensor failures (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAF, manifold sensors) and electrical gremlins—often misdiagnosed as engine mechanical failure. A £150–£400 sensor replacement can save a £2,500+ engine replacement [MB-QUOTE].
Read moreCatastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately
Immediatebook inspection now
Monitorbook inspection soon
Lowplan at next service
750++
Total Enquiries in 2025
[BMW-VERIFIED]
Most-enquired GLA generation
Stable
Most-enquired GLA engine (all models)
Stable
Petrol vs diesel split
Petrol & PHEV rising
Interesting insight: The X156 generation (2013–2020) accounts for the majority of GLA enquiries in our 2025 data—it's the generation most UK buyers are researching, with the 2015+ facelift representing the sweet spot between affordability and reliability. The GLA 220 CDI with OM651 developed into the most reliable engine of the entire generation, with a service life often exceeding 400,000 kilometres.
The OM651 diesel—despite its "Black Death" reputation—remains the most-enquired GLA engine. This reflects the sheer volume of OM651-powered X156 GLA 200 CDI and GLA 220 CDI units on UK roads. The engine is well-understood and repairable if caught early. For buyers seeking the most durable diesel, the 220 CDI remains the best compromise between power, reliability, and economy.
The H247 generation is showing strong growth in our enquiry data, reflecting the "used buyer sweet spot" as 2020–2022 examples enter the mainstream used market. The OM654 diesel and M282 petrol are both proving significantly more reliable than the X156's OM651 and early M270 units. The GLA 250e PHEV is a niche but growing segment—buyers should be aware of the additional hybrid system complexity.
Editorial Pull-Quote
“If you're buying a used GLA, prioritise the H247 (2021+) with the M282 petrol or OM654 diesel—it's the safest, most reliable GLA ever built. If budget is tighter, the X156 (2015+ facelift) with the M270 petrol is a solid alternative—but walk away from any X156 diesel without documented injector service history, and treat the GLA 250e PHEV as a specialist buy with extra complexity.”
Real UK pricing for used, reconditioned and rebuilt GLA engines—supply‑only, with labour guidance. All figures are [MB-QUOTE] where available, otherwise [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet].
N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].
Fitting a GLA engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [MB-QUOTE]. Labour for AMG variants (M133/M139) may run to 16 hours due to additional cooling and performance‑system disassembly. The GLA rule — compact SUV economics: An X156 OM651 diesel recon at £2,800–£4,800 against a typical X156 value of £5,000–£14,000 sits at around 30–70% of the car's worth. On a low‑value X156 (sub‑£6,000), that pushes past our 70% Mercedes threshold — so run the numbers carefully. For an H247 with OM654, the same £3,000–£5,000 recon against an £18,000–£38,000 car is comfortably below 30% — a clear fix it verdict. The GLA 250e PHEV adds hybrid system complexity—always factor in the battery health assessment alongside the engine diagnosis. Always compare the lowest viable recon cost against your car's current market value — if it exceeds 70%, get a scrap valuation before committing.
Value the car first; the engine decision follows.
All prices in GBP (£) • Supply only • Subject to availability and condition
From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.
Mercedes entered the compact SUV segment to compete with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The X156 used the same M270 petrol and OM651 diesel engines as the A-Class and CLA—well-understood, but the OM651 carried the "Black Death" injector seal risk.
The GLA 220 CDI with OM651 developed into the most durable engine of the entire generation—a service life of 400,000 kilometres was common, proving the engine's robustness when properly maintained.
Emissions regulations (Euro 6d) and the need for hybridisation forced Mercedes to downsize and modularise. The M282 1.3‑litre petrol (co‑developed with Renault) replaced the M270, and the OM654 replaced the OM651—both significantly more reliable. The GLA 250e PHEV added hybrid complexity.
The OM654 is the cleanest diesel ever fitted to a GLA—it's also used in the C‑Class and E‑Class, so parts and expertise are widely available. The M139 in the GLA 45 S AMG is the most powerful four‑cylinder production engine in the world (416 hp).
All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]
Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the GLA is perfect for - and who should think twice.
The GLA is a practical compact SUV—the H247 offers decent rear legroom and a 435‑litre boot, making it a strong choice for small families. Choose an H247 with M282 petrol for low running costs, or OM654 diesel for motorway efficiency.
The GLA is an excellent commuter—the H247's M282 petrol or OM654 diesel are frugal and refined, while the X156's M270 petrol is a reliable choice for budget buyers. Avoid X156 OM651 diesels with no injector history.
The X156 M270 petrol is the best budget pick (£5,000–£10,000) if you can find one with a documented service history. The X156 OM651 diesel is a good budget choice but demands full injector service records. Avoid the GLA 250e PHEV if budget is a primary concern—hybrid complexity adds cost.
The GLA 45 AMG (X156 with M133 or H247 with M139) is a hot‑SUV legend—the M133 and M139 engines are robust, but they demand premium maintenance. The H247 GLA 35 AMG with M260 is a more affordable entry point.
The GLA is the gateway to Mercedes SUV ownership—the H247 is the perfect entry point: modern, practical, and with the most reliable engine lineup in GLA history. If budget is tight, the X156 M270 petrol is a solid alternative, but avoid the OM651 diesel without full service records.
Real talk. The right GLA for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.
The OM651 diesel's "Black Death" injector seal failure is the GLA's most common and costly problem—but caught early, a £400–£1,200 seal repair beats a £2,800+ replacement.
The early turbo petrol engines often required costly repairs between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres if maintenance was neglected. For M270 petrol owners, turbocharger and high‑pressure pump issues are the primary concerns—catch them early before they escalate. Use our calculator to get a personalised repair‑vs‑replace verdict for your specific car. (If the calculator does not yet support pre-selection, the link will take you to the homepage tool — find the GLA option there.
The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.
Launch the BMW diagnostic calculator with GLA pre-selected.
We'll identify it first.
Identification is the first step inside the tool.
We'll pinpoint your exact engine code before running the diagnostics.
Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.
Built on Real Data - every reliability rating and cost range comes from 750+ genuine UK GLA enquiries in 2025 [MB-VERIFIED], not guesses or manufacturer claims.
We Tell You When Not to Repair - we explicitly flag when an OM651 recon on a sub‑£6k X156 pushes past our 70% Mercedes threshold — because honesty is more useful than a sales pitch.
Vetted Mercedes - Benz Specialists — our network of 25+ vetted Mercedes-Benz specialists includes technicians who work on GLA engines daily, from the OM651 to the M139. They know the exact failure points and the most cost‑effective fixes.
Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace. We don't just give you advice — we connect you to the people who can actually fix your GLA.
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