MercedesGLA2013–Present2 GenerationsM270OM651M282OM654M133M139

GLA Engines - The Complete UK Guide

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 Engines
  • 750+ Enquiries (2025) [MB-VERIFIED]
  • 2 Generations Covered
  • 12+ Engine Codes
  • Part of Engine Finders

GLA -
The Ownership Verdict

Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating

★★★★☆

Replacement Economics

✅ 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

Reliability

★★★★☆

Most Reliable Engine

OM654 (H247 GLA 200 d / 220 d) - the modern modular diesel with the cleanest record

Highest-Risk Engine

OM651 (X156 GLA 200 CDI / 220 CDI, pre-2015) - "Black Death" injector seal risk plus rear-chain complexity

Best Used Buy

H247 (2021+) with M282 petrol or OM654 diesel-the generation that finally gave the GLA a truly reliable engine lineup

Average Engine Replacement

£2,800–£5,500 [MB-QUOTE]

Most Common Failure Enquiry

OM651 injector seal failure ("Black Death") in X156 diesels [MB-VERIFIED]

Mercedes Ranking

🔥 #1 Enquired Compact SUV - the most-enquired Mercedes compact SUV in our 2025 data

GLA
at a Glance

  • 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 modelsMB-VERIFIED

  • Most Reliable

    OM654 (H247 GLA 200 d / 220 d)

  • Highest-Risk

    OM651 (X156 pre-2015)

  • Typical Replacement Cost

    £2,800–£5,500MB-QUOTE

  • Typical Host Value

    £5,000–£38,000THIRD-PARTY

Overall Rating

★★★★☆

3.9/5

A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.

GLA Generations -
Find Your Vehicle

Two generations, two very different cars. The X156 is the original compact SUV; the H247 is the modern, refined, and more reliable successor.

🔥 Most Enquired - 272 enquiries (2025) [MB-VERIFIED]

2013–2020

• M270 petrol

★★★★★
Explore X156

2020–present

• M282 petrol

★★★★★
Explore H247

The H247 (2020) is the generation that finally made the GLA a convincing premium compact SUV. It moved to the M282 1.3-litre petrol (co-developed with Renault) and the OM654 2.0-litre diesel-both significantly more reliable than the OM651 it replaced. The X156's OM651 diesel carries the same "Black Death" injector seal risk as the C-Class and E-Class; the H247's OM654 is a much cleaner design. Buy 2021+ if your budget allows.

★★★★★
Explore revolution

Read the full comparison: GLA X156 vs H247

GLA Engine Codes -
The Database

Every petrol and diesel engine ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz GLA in the UK-verified against manufacturer and specialist sources.

Proprietary UK Data

Every figure below is powered by real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.

Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
OM651Diesel1,250
OM654Diesel520
M133.980Petrol-
M139Petrol-
M260Petrol-
M264Petrol PHEV-
M270.910Petrol-
M270.920Petrol-
M274Petrol-

Data sources:

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

Common GLAEngine Problems

The six most common failure patterns reported by UK GLA owners-from the X156 to the H247.

01

OM651 "Black Death" Injector Seal Failure (X156)

Catastrophic if Ignored

The 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
02

OM651 Rear Timing Chain Tensioner Wear (X156)

Immediate

The 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
03

M270 Turbocharger and High-Pressure Pump Issues (X156)

Monitor

The 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].

Read more
04

M133 Turbocharger Wear (X156 GLA 45 AMG)

Monitor

The 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].

Read more
05

M264 PHEV System Issues (H247 GLA 250e)

Monitor

The 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
06

Electrical & Sensor Failures (All Generations)

Low

GLA 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 more

Urgency Key

Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately

Immediatebook inspection now

Monitorbook inspection soon

Lowplan at next service

GLA Market Intelligence - What 750+ UK Owners Told Us in 2025

750++

Total Enquiries in 2025

[MB-VERIFIED]

Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend

Most-enquired GLA generation

X156 - 272 enquiries [MB-VERIFIED]

Stable

Most-enquired GLA engine (all models)

OM651 - 1,250 enquiries [MB-VERIFIED]

Stable

Petrol vs diesel split

~50% diesel, ~45% petrol, ~5% PHEV [MB-VERIFIED]

Petrol & PHEV rising

Insights from the data:

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

The One Thing We'd Tell Every GLA Buyer

“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.”

GLA Engine Replacement Costs
By Generation

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].

TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty

Important Notes

N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].

Labour Estimate

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.

The ownership rule - generation is everything:

Value the car first; the engine decision follows.

All prices in GBP (£)   •   Supply only   •   Subject to availability and condition

How the GLA Engine Range Evolved -2013 to Today

From early petrol and diesel families through to modern powertrains - how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation.

7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics

All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on verified UK enquiries in 2025. [MB-VERIFIED]

Who Should Buy a GLA?

Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the GLA is perfect for - and who should think twice.

Family Buyer

★★★★★

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.

Daily Commuter

★★★★★

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.

Budget Owner

★★★★★

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.

Performance Buyer

★★★★★

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.

First‑Time Premium SUV Buyer

★★★★★

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.

i

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.

Explore GLA Engines

Can I Repair My GLA Engine - or Should I Replace It?

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.

Path 1

Know your engine?

Launch the diagnostic calculator with GLA pre-selected.

Launch Diagnostic CalculatorGLA pre-selected
  • GLA pre-selectedAll generations covered
  • Real UK cost dataUsed, recon & rebuilt
  • Instant verdictRepair vs replace

Stop guessing. Get the right answer.

Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.

Start Your Verdict Now

Why GLA Owners Trust MercedesEngine.uk

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.

GLA Frequently Asked Questions

1

How much does a GLA engine replacement cost in the UK?

A full GLA engine replacement costs £2,500–£5,000 for a reconditioned unit (supply‑only) [MB-QUOTE], with labour adding £520–£780 (independent) or more in London/SE. The exact figure depends on your engine code: OM651 and M270 replacements are the most common (£2,500–£4,800), while AMG engines (M133/M139) can cost £8,000–£14,000 for a recon supply. The GLA 250e PHEV adds hybrid system complexity-factor in battery health assessment alongside engine diagnosis. Use our diagnostic calculator above for a personalised quote based on your engine and vehicle value.
2

Which GLA engine is the most reliable?

The OM654 diesel (fitted to the H247 GLA 200 d / GLA 220 d from 2020) is the most reliable GLA engine-it has materially fewer failure reports than the OM651 and a much cleaner emissions design. Among petrols, the M270 (X156) and M282 (H247) are both robust, with the M282 being especially reliable due to its simpler turbocharged design.
3

Which GLA engine should I avoid?

We don't say "avoid" outright, but the OM651 diesel (X156, 2013–2020) carries a real caveat: "Black Death" injector seal failure and rear‑timing‑chain complexity. It's a manageable, preventable issue with regular servicing-but buy only with documented injector service history. The early M270 turbo petrols (2013–2015) also required costly repairs between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometres if maintenance was neglected. We also advise caution with the GLA 250e PHEV-the hybrid system adds complexity, and a battery health assessment is essential before purchase.
4

Is the GLA timing chain problem real?

Yes-the OM651 diesel's timing chain sits at the gearbox end, making replacement labour‑intensive (8–12 hours). Early warning signs are a rattle on cold start and erratic idle. On the M270 petrol, timing chain stretch is less common but can occur on high‑mileage examples. If you hear a rattle, have it inspected immediately-chain replacement costs £600–£1,500, but a snapped chain can write off the engine.
5

Is it worth replacing a GLA engine?

It depends on your generation. For an H247 (£18,000–£38,000 value), a £3,000–£5,000 recon is well within the 70% threshold - worth it. For an X156 (£5,000–£14,000), an OM651 recon at £2,800–£4,800 can exceed 70% on lower‑value examples - run the numbers. For the GLA 250e PHEV, always factor in battery health-a failing battery can add £2,000–£4,000 to the replacement cost, pushing it past the threshold.
6

Which GLA generation should I buy?

The H247 (2021+) is the unequivocal recommendation - it's the safest, most reliable, and best‑value used buy. If your budget is tighter, the X156 (2015+ facelift) with the M270 petrol is a solid alternative - avoid pre‑2015 OM651 diesels unless you have full service records. The GLA 250e PHEV is a good choice for company car drivers-but factor in battery health and hybrid system maintenance.
7

How do I find my GLA engine code?

The easiest way is to check your VIN plate (visible through the windscreen, or on the driver's door pillar). The engine code is characters 6–8 of the VIN (e.g. "OM651" or "M270"). You can also find it on the engine block itself - on most GLAs, it's stamped on the front of the cylinder head or on a sticker near the timing cover. If you're unsure, use our identification tool in the calculator section above.
8

GLA vs GLC - which is more reliable?

They're different classes-the GLA is a compact SUV on the A‑Class platform; the GLC is a mid‑size SUV on the C‑Class platform. For reliability, the GLC's OM654 and M276 engines are well‑proven, while the GLA's OM654 and M282 are equally robust but with different packaging. The GLC offers more space and refinement; the GLA is cheaper to buy and run. Choose the GLA for urban agility and value; choose the GLC for comfort and motorway refinement. Read the full comparison: GLA vs GLC →

Need a head-to-head comparison?

Read our in-depth Mercedes reliability comparison guides.

Read the Full Head-to-Head

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