How much does a Mercedes X156 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned X156 engine typically costs £1,600–£6,500 supply only, depending on the engine — the OM651 diesel sits at £2,800–£4,800, while the M270 petrol is £1,800–£4,200 and the AMG M133 is £3,500–£6,500. Fitting adds £650–£1,500 depending on the variant. Use our calculator for a personalised quote.

Which X156 engine is the most reliable?

The OM651 2.1-litre diesel (GLA 200 d/GLA 220 d) is the most reliable choice — it's Mercedes-developed, refined, and has a strong track record when serviced properly. The M270 2.0-litre petrol is also very dependable. Avoid the Renault-sourced OM607 1.5-litre diesel.

What are the common problems with the X156?

The OM651 diesel can suffer from injector seal leaks (known as 'Black Death'); the M270 petrol engine can develop timing chain wear and, in some cases, camshaft issues; and the M133 AMG engine can experience turbocharger failure if not maintained correctly. Regular servicing is key.

Is the Mercedes X156 reliable overall?

Yes — the X156 is generally well-regarded for reliability, especially with the OM651 diesel and M270 petrol engines. The Renault-sourced OM607 is less refined and has more reported issues. The AMG M133 is reliable when properly maintained but demands meticulous servicing.

Which X156 engine should I avoid?

The OM607 1.5-litre diesel (GLA 180 CDI/d) — it's a Renault unit that suffers from turbocharger and DPF problems and lacks the refinement of the Mercedes-developed OM651. The M133 AMG is not an engine to avoid, but buyers should be aware of the higher running costs.

How do I know if my X156 engine needs replacing?

Warning signs include a ticking noise from the engine bay (OM651 injector seals), a rattling noise on cold start (M270 timing chain), turbo whine/whistle (M133 AMG), or a sudden loss of power. If you notice any of these, have the car inspected immediately — ignoring them can lead to a full engine failure.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes X156 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. A well-kept X156 is worth £5,000–£16,000, so a £2,800–£4,800 OM651 recon is 18–96% of its value. On a sub-£5,000 X156, the recon may approach or exceed our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'd advise walking away. Against a well-kept £10,000+ example, the same recon drops to 28–48% — a repair decision, not a financial one.

How long do Mercedes X156 engines last?

The OM651 diesel can easily exceed 150,000 miles with regular servicing and early attention to the injector seals. The M270 petrol is similarly durable. The M133 AMG can also reach high mileages but requires more frequent servicing and careful maintenance.

What is the difference between the X156 and the newer H247?

The X156 is the first-generation GLA (2013–2019), built on the MFA platform shared with the A-Class and CLA. The H247 is the second-generation GLA (2019–present), built on the newer MFA2 platform with updated engines (including M282, M260, OM654) and improved technology. Both are covered on their own generation pages.

How do I find my Mercedes X156 engine code?

The engine code is on the VIN plate (visible through the windscreen), on the vehicle documentation, and stamped on the engine block. For the X156, common codes are M270 (petrol), M133 (AMG petrol), OM651 (diesel, 2.1L), and OM607 (diesel, 1.5L). Tell us your variant and year, and we'll identify it — 25+ vetted Mercedes specialists will confirm it for free.

X156 Engine Replacement Cost UK

Name: Mercedes GLA X156 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngines.uk

Mercedes GLA X156 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the X156 specifically — including the M270 petrol family, the AMG M133, and the OM651 diesel range.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (X156)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M270.910M270Petrol, turbo1.6L (1595cc)122–156 bhp2013–2019GLA 180, GLA 200★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — well-regarded MFA petrol; some timing chain concerns]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M270.920M270Petrol, turbo2.0L (1991cc)211 bhp2013–2019GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — torquey 2.0-litre; reliable when maintained]— (pattern data)£2,000–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

M133.980M133Petrol, turbo2.0L (1991cc)360–381 bhp2014–2019GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — AMG-tuned M133; powerful but demanding]370 [MB-VERIFIED]£3,500–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]

OM607.951OM607Diesel, turbo1.5L (1461cc)109 bhp2014–2019GLA 180 CDI / d★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — Renault-sourced; economical but less refined]— (pattern data)£1,600–£3,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM651.930OM651Diesel, turbo2.1L (2143cc)136–177 bhp2013–2019GLA 200 CDI / d, GLA 220 CDI / d★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — Mercedes-developed; reliable but watch injector seals]1,250 [MB-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,800 [MB-QUOTE]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M270.910M270Petrol, turbo122–156 bhp2013–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — well-regarded MFA petrol; some timing chain concerns]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M270.920M270Petrol, turbo211 bhp2013–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — torquey 2.0-litre; reliable when maintained]— (pattern data)£2,000–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]

M133.980M133Petrol, turbo360–381 bhp2014–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — AMG-tuned M133; powerful but demanding]370 [MB-VERIFIED]£3,500–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]

OM607.951OM607Diesel, turbo109 bhp2014–2019★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — Renault-sourced; economical but less refined]— (pattern data)£1,600–£3,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM651.930OM651Diesel, turbo136–177 bhp2013–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — Mercedes-developed; reliable but watch injector seals]1,250 [MB-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,800 [MB-QUOTE]

Overview

Mercedes GLA X156 — Overview

The X156 is the first generation of the Mercedes‑Benz GLA, a subcompact luxury crossover SUV unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and launched in December 2013.

Built on the Mercedes MFA platform shared with the W176 A‑Class, W246 B‑Class, and C117 CLA, it offered the compact SUV equivalent of the A‑Class with a raised ride height and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The engine range spanned from the 1.5-litre OM607 diesel to the fire‑breathing M133 in the GLA 45 AMG, with a facelift arriving in 2017.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes MFA (shared with W176 A‑Class, W246 B‑Class, C117 CLA, X156 GLA)

Predecessor

none (new model line)

Successor

H247 (2019–present)

Sibling body styles in this generation

none (GLA is standalone compact SUV)

Market Intelligence

The X156 GLA generated 1,250+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM651 diesel as the most‑requested powertrain.

Mercedes GLA X156 — Overview

The X156 is the first generation of the Mercedes‑Benz GLA, a subcompact luxury crossover SUV unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and launched in December 2013.

Built on the Mercedes MFA platform shared with the W176 A‑Class, W246 B‑Class, and C117 CLA, it offered the compact SUV equivalent of the A‑Class with a raised ride height and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The engine range spanned from the 1.5-litre OM607 diesel to the fire‑breathing M133 in the GLA 45 AMG, with a facelift arriving in 2017.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes MFA (shared with W176 A‑Class, W246 B‑Class, C117 CLA, X156 GLA)

Predecessor

none (new model line)

Successor

H247 (2019–present)

Sibling body styles in this generation

none (GLA is standalone compact SUV)

Market Intelligence

The X156 GLA generated 1,250+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM651 diesel as the most‑requested powertrain.

Best & Worst Engines

Best Diesel Overall

OM651.930 (GLA 200 d / 220 d)

“Mercedes' own 2.1‑litre diesel, first used in the B‑Class, is the pick of the X156 diesel range — smooth, torquey, and backed by a strong reliability record when serviced properly. The 220 d variant delivers 177 bhp with 350 Nm of torque.”

Who it's for: buyers who want a modern, efficient diesel without the Renault‑sourced compromises.

Best Petrol Overall

M270.920 (GLA 250)

“Mercedes' 2.0‑litre turbo petrol, delivering 211 bhp with a responsive character and strong torque. It's the enthusiast's choice in the X156 range.”

Who it's for: buyers who want genuine performance from a compact SUV.

Highest Risk

OM607.951 (GLA 180 CDI / d)

“The Renault‑sourced 1.5‑litre diesel is economical but lacks the refinement and long‑term durability of Mercedes' own OM651. It has known turbo and DPF issues, particularly on higher‑mileage examples.”

Who it's for: buyers on a tight budget who prioritise low running costs over longevity.

Most Expensive Failure

M133.980 (GLA 45 AMG) — turbocharger and cooling system

“The high‑output AMG engine demands meticulous maintenance; turbocharger failure due to oil feed line contamination has been the subject of a service campaign. Cooling system issues can also be costly if neglected.”

Who it's for: buyers who want AMG performance and can afford the premium running costs.

Best Value

M270.910 (GLA 200)

“The 1.6‑litre turbo petrol offers the best balance of performance (156 bhp), economy, and reliability. It's the sweet spot in the X156 petrol range.”

Who it's for: buyers who want a petrol without the AMG running costs.

Most Overlooked

M270.920 (GLA 250 4MATIC)

“The 211 bhp 2.0‑litre with all‑wheel drive offers genuine year‑round capability. It's often overlooked in favour of the diesel but offers a better real‑world balance for UK weather.”

Who it's for: buyers who need all‑weather traction without the top‑spec premium.

Best Diesel Overall

OM651.930 (GLA 200 d / 220 d)

“Mercedes' own 2.1‑litre diesel, first used in the B‑Class, is the pick of the X156 diesel range — smooth, torquey, and backed by a strong reliability record when serviced properly. The 220 d variant delivers 177 bhp with 350 Nm of torque.”

Who it's for: buyers who want a modern, efficient diesel without the Renault‑sourced compromises.

Best Petrol Overall

M270.920 (GLA 250)

“Mercedes' 2.0‑litre turbo petrol, delivering 211 bhp with a responsive character and strong torque. It's the enthusiast's choice in the X156 range.”

Who it's for: buyers who want genuine performance from a compact SUV.

Highest Risk

OM607.951 (GLA 180 CDI / d)

“The Renault‑sourced 1.5‑litre diesel is economical but lacks the refinement and long‑term durability of Mercedes' own OM651. It has known turbo and DPF issues, particularly on higher‑mileage examples.”

Who it's for: buyers on a tight budget who prioritise low running costs over longevity.

Most Expensive Failure

M133.980 (GLA 45 AMG) — turbocharger and cooling system

“The high‑output AMG engine demands meticulous maintenance; turbocharger failure due to oil feed line contamination has been the subject of a service campaign. Cooling system issues can also be costly if neglected.”

Who it's for: buyers who want AMG performance and can afford the premium running costs.

Best Value

M270.910 (GLA 200)

“The 1.6‑litre turbo petrol offers the best balance of performance (156 bhp), economy, and reliability. It's the sweet spot in the X156 petrol range.”

Who it's for: buyers who want a petrol without the AMG running costs.

Most Overlooked

M270.920 (GLA 250 4MATIC)

“The 211 bhp 2.0‑litre with all‑wheel drive offers genuine year‑round capability. It's often overlooked in favour of the diesel but offers a better real‑world balance for UK weather.”

Who it's for: buyers who need all‑weather traction without the top‑spec premium.

Mercedes GLA X156 — Ownership Economics

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

M270.910 (GLA 180/200)40k–80kTiming chain wear, valve fouling£500–£1,200£1,800–£3,500

Good Value — cheap to run, watch for chain noise.

M270.920 (GLA 250)50k–90kWater pump, coolant leaks£400–£1,000£2,000–£4,200

Best Petrol — powerful and reliable.

M133.980 (GLA 45 AMG)30k–60kTurbo wear, cooling system£800–£2,500£3,500–£6,500

AMG Tax — high performance, high running costs.

OM607.951 (GLA 180 CDI/d)60k–100kTurbo failure, DPF clogging£500–£1,200£1,600–£3,000

Budget Diesel — economical but Renault‑sourced.

OM651.930 (GLA 200 d/220 d)80k–150kInjector seal leaks (Black Death)£400–£1,200£2,800–£4,800

Best Diesel — efficient, durable, Mercedes‑developed.

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

M270.910 (GLA 180/200)40k–80kTiming chain wear, valve fouling£500–£1,200£1,800–£3,500

Good Value — cheap to run, watch for chain noise.

M270.920 (GLA 250)50k–90kWater pump, coolant leaks£400–£1,000£2,000–£4,200

Best Petrol — powerful and reliable.

M133.980 (GLA 45 AMG)30k–60kTurbo wear, cooling system£800–£2,500£3,500–£6,500

AMG Tax — high performance, high running costs.

OM607.951 (GLA 180 CDI/d)60k–100kTurbo failure, DPF clogging£500–£1,200£1,600–£3,000

Budget Diesel — economical but Renault‑sourced.

OM651.930 (GLA 200 d/220 d)80k–150kInjector seal leaks (Black Death)£400–£1,200£2,800–£4,800

Best Diesel — efficient, durable, Mercedes‑developed.

The X156 rule

A £2,800–£4,800 OM651 recon against a £5,000–£16,000 X156 sits at 18–96% of the car's value. On a sub‑£5,000 X156, that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well‑kept £10,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 28–48% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which X156 Costs Least To Own?
GLA 200 d (OM651) — best balance of economy and reliability.
Which X156 Costs Most To Own?
GLA 45 AMG (M133) — high‑performance running costs add up.
Which X156 Is Best Value?
GLA 200 (M270.910) — the sweet spot in the petrol range.

Common Problems

01

OM651

Injector Seal Leaks (Black Death)

Affected models:

GLA 200 CDI / d, GLA 220 CDI / d (OM651)

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles

Root cause:

The injector seals on the OM651 can fail, allowing combustion gases to escape past the injector. This creates a carbon buildup that sounds like a ticking noise and can eventually damage the cylinder head.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

If you hear a ticking noise from the engine bay, have the injector seals checked immediately — a £400–£1,000 repair is far cheaper than the £2,800–£4,800 replacement that follows if the head is damaged.

Compare OM651 engine prices for your X156 diesel

02

M270

Timing Chain Wear

Affected models:

GLA 180, GLA 200, GLA 250 (M270)

Typical failure mileage:

40,000–80,000 miles

Root cause:

The M270's timing chain tensioner can wear, leading to a rattling noise on cold start. In some cases, camshaft failure due to inadequately welded cams has been reported on certain model years.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

At the first sign of cold‑start rattle, have the timing chain inspected immediately — a £600–£1,200 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than the £1,800–£3,500 replacement that follows if the chain fails.

Compare M270 engine prices for your X156 petrol

03

M133

Turbocharger Failure (AMG)

Affected models:

GLA 45 AMG (M133)

Typical failure mileage:

30,000–60,000 miles

Root cause:

The high‑output M133 turbocharger can suffer from oil feed line contamination, leading to premature turbo failure. Mercedes issued a service campaign to address this issue.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On AMG models, stick to strict service intervals (every 6,000–8,000 miles) and use the correct high‑grade oil — an £800–£1,800 turbo rebuild is far cheaper than the £3,500–£6,500 replacement that follows a catastrophic failure.

Compare M133 engine prices for your GLA 45 AMG

X156 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

GLA 180 / GLA 200M270.910£800–£1,800£1,800–£3,500£2,800–£4,5008–12 hrs

GLA 250 / GLA 250 4MATICM270.920£1,000–£2,200£2,000–£4,200£3,200–£5,50010–14 hrs

GLA 45 AMG 4MATICM133.980£2,000–£3,800£3,500–£6,500£5,000–£8,50012–16 hrs

GLA 180 CDI / dOM607.951£700–£1,500£1,600–£3,000£2,500–£4,2008–12 hrs

GLA 200 CDI / d / GLA 220 CDI / dOM651.930£1,500–£2,800£2,800–£4,800£4,000–£6,50010–14 hrs

No Generation variance from the Model Page's baseline figures — the X156 shares its MFA platform with the A‑Class (W176), B‑Class (W246), and CLA (C117), so engine‑bay access and labour times are consistent across the range. Costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLA 180 CDI / dGLA 200 CDI / dGLA 220 CDI / d

Petrol Variants

GLA 180GLA 200GLA 250GLA 250 4MATICGLA 45 AMG 4MATIC

Scope note: All variants listed are X156 first‑generation GLA only. The GLA was a new model line in 2013, so there is no direct predecessor within the GLA nameplate.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLA 180 CDI / dGLA 200 CDI / dGLA 220 CDI / d

Petrol Variants

GLA 180GLA 200GLA 250GLA 250 4MATICGLA 45 AMG 4MATIC

Scope note: All variants listed are X156 first‑generation GLA only. The GLA was a new model line in 2013, so there is no direct predecessor within the GLA nameplate.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

1.1. OM651 (2.1 diesel) — most‑requested across the Mercedes range [MB‑VERIFIED]
2.2. M270 (2.0 petrol) — strong demand for performance variants
3.3. M133 (AMG) — enthusiast demand for the GLA 45

Most Requested E90 Variants

1.1. GLA 200 d
2.2. GLA 250
3.3. GLA 45 AMG

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£1,600–£6,500 supply only [MB‑QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

1.1. OM651 injector seal leaks (Black Death)
2.2. M270 timing chain wear
3.3. M133 turbocharger failure (AMG)

Live Feed

VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries

Mercedes GLA 200 d X156 (OM651)

London

Ticking noise from engine bay, suspected injector seal leak

5

enquiries

Mercedes GLA 250 X156 (M270)

Birmingham

Cold‑start rattle, timing chain suspect

4

enquiries

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG X156 (M133)

Manchester

Turbo noise, suspected bearing wear

3

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

Why UK Mercedes X156 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted X156 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.
Compare X156 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms, and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for X156
covering every variant from GLA 180 CDI to GLA 45 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes X156 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 GLA X156 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes X156 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted X156 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.
Compare X156 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms, and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for X156
covering every variant from GLA 180 CDI to GLA 45 AMG, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes X156 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 GLA X156 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Mercedes GLA X156 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes GLA X156 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Mercedes GLA X156 — Overview

Mercedes GLA X156 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

Mercedes GLA X156 — Ownership Economics

Common Problems

X156 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK Mercedes X156 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Why UK Mercedes X156 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk