How much does a Mercedes GLC-Class C253 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned C253 engine typically costs £1,800–£18,000 supply only, depending on engine — the volume M274 four-cylinder petrol sits at £1,800–£4,200, while the M177 V8 in the AMG GLC 63 S is the most expensive at £12,000–£18,000. Fitting adds £650–£1,500 depending on engine complexity and specialist rates. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes GLC-Class C253?

Camshaft adjuster wear on the M274/M264 petrol fours, cooling system leaks on the M276 V6 (GLC 43), injector seal failure ("Black Death") on the OM651 diesel (pre-facelift), and valve stem seal wear on the M177 V8 (GLC 63). The M276 V6 is particularly sensitive to cooling system neglect, and the OM651 requires injector seal attention around 80,000–130,000 miles.

Is the Mercedes GLC-Class C253 reliable?

Overall reliability is good for a modern premium SUV coupé. The M274, M264, and OM654 are proven, durable units. The main caveats are the M276's cooling system, the OM651's injector seals (pre-facelift), and the M177's valve stem seals — all are known issues that should be budgeted for. Facelift cars (2019+) with M264 and OM654 engines are newer and generally more refined.

Which Mercedes GLC-Class C253 engine should I avoid?

No engine outright — but the M276 V6 (GLC 43) has documented cooling system issues that can be expensive to address. The M177 V8 (GLC 63) has valve stem seal wear and is eye-wateringly expensive to repair. If you're on a budget, the four-cylinder GLC 300 is the sweet spot. Avoid any pre-facelift OM651 diesel without documented injector service history — "Black Death" repairs can be costly.

How do I know if my C253 engine needs replacing?

Cold-start rattle on petrol engines (camshaft adjusters), persistent coolant loss on the V6 (cooling system leaks), black carbon buildup around injectors on pre-facelift diesels ("Black Death"), or blue smoke on startup on the GLC 63 (valve stem seals) are the key warning signs. Use our diagnostic calculator for a personalised assessment.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes GLC-Class C253 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a well-kept £25,000 GLC 300, a £2,200–£4,000 recon is 9–16% of the car's value — viable. Against a tired £12,000 GLC 220 d, a £2,000–£3,800 recon is 17–32% — still viable. For a GLC 63 S, a £40,000+ car justifies a £12,000–£18,000 recon; a £25,000 example makes it a much harder call. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line — most C253s sit comfortably above it.

How long do Mercedes GLC-Class C253 engines last?

The M274 four-cylinder petrol can exceed 150,000–200,000 miles with regular servicing and prompt camshaft adjuster attention. The OM654 diesel is similarly durable — 200,000+ miles is achievable with proper AdBlue system care. The M177 V8 can last 150,000+ miles but typically requires valve stem seal replacement at 30,000–70,000 miles, which is a significant cost.

What is the difference between the C253 and X253 GLC-Class?

Both are the first-generation GLC-Class (2015–2022). The X253 is the conventional SUV body style (2015–2022). The C253 is the coupé SUV body style (2016–2022, this page), with a raked roofline and sleeker styling. Engines are shared across both body styles, though the coupé adds additional weight and slightly reduced cargo capacity. See the X253 page for the SUV's specifics.

How do I find my Mercedes GLC-Class C253 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate (under the bonnet or on the driver's door pillar), on the engine block, and in the vehicle documentation. Tell us your variant (GLC 200, GLC 250, GLC 300, GLC 43, GLC 63, GLC 63 S, GLC 220 d, GLC 250 d, GLC 300 d, GLC 350 d, GLC 400 d) and approximate model year (pre-2019 or post-2019 facelift) and we'll identify it — 25+ vetted Mercedes specialists will confirm it for free.

C253 Engine Replacement Cost UK

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the C253 coupé SUV specifically — including pre-facelift M274/M276/OM651 units and post-facelift M264/M256/OM654 replacements.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (C253)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M274.920M274Petrol2.0L (1991cc)184 PS / 135 kW2016–2019GLC 200 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M274.920M274Petrol2.0L (1991cc)211 PS / 155 kW2016–2019GLC 250 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M274.920M274Petrol2.0L (1991cc)245 PS / 180 kW2016–2019GLC 300 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M264.920M264Petrol2.0L (1991cc)197 PS / 145 kW + EQ Boost2019–2022GLC 200 4MATIC (facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M264.920M264Petrol2.0L (1991cc)258 PS / 190 kW + EQ Boost2019–2022GLC 300 4MATIC (facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,400–£4,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M276.823M276Petrol3.0L (2996cc)367 PS / 270 kW2016–2019AMG GLC 43 4MATIC★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£4,000–£7,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M276.823M276Petrol3.0L (2996cc)390 PS / 287 kW2019–2022AMG GLC 43 4MATIC (facelift)★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£4,500–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M177.980M177Petrol4.0L (3982cc)476 PS / 350 kW2018–2022AMG GLC 63 4MATIC+★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£10,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M177.980M177Petrol4.0L (3982cc)510 PS / 375 kW2018–2022AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£12,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM651.921OM651Diesel2.1L (2143cc)170 PS / 125 kW2016–2019GLC 220 d 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM651.921OM651Diesel2.1L (2143cc)204 PS / 150 kW2016–2019GLC 250 d 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM654.920OM654Diesel2.0L (1950cc)194 PS / 143 kW2019–2022GLC 220 d 4MATIC (facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM654.920OM654Diesel2.0L (1950cc)265 PS / 195 kW2019–2022GLC 300 d 4MATIC (facelift)★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,800–£4,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM642.873OM642Diesel3.0L (2987cc)258 PS / 190 kW2016–2020GLC 350 d 4MATIC★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM656.929OM656Diesel2.9L (2925cc)330 PS / 243 kW2019–2022GLC 400 d 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M274.920M274Petrol184 PS / 135 kW2016–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M274.920M274Petrol211 PS / 155 kW2016–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M274.920M274Petrol245 PS / 180 kW2016–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£4,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M264.920M264Petrol197 PS / 145 kW + EQ Boost2019–2022★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£1,800–£3,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M264.920M264Petrol258 PS / 190 kW + EQ Boost2019–2022★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,400–£4,200 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M276.823M276Petrol367 PS / 270 kW2016–2019★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£4,000–£7,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M276.823M276Petrol390 PS / 287 kW2019–2022★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£4,500–£7,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M177.980M177Petrol476 PS / 350 kW2018–2022★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£10,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

M177.980M177Petrol510 PS / 375 kW2018–2022★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£12,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM651.921OM651Diesel170 PS / 125 kW2016–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,000–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM651.921OM651Diesel204 PS / 150 kW2016–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM654.920OM654Diesel194 PS / 143 kW2019–2022★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,200–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM654.920OM654Diesel265 PS / 195 kW2019–2022★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£2,800–£4,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM642.873OM642Diesel258 PS / 190 kW2016–2020★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

OM656.929OM656Diesel330 PS / 243 kW2019–2022★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]

Overview

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Overview

The C253 is the coupé variant of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, produced from 2016 to 2022 as the sleeker, more sporting counterpart to the X253 SUV.

Built on the MRA platform shared with the C-Class, it combines GLC practicality with a raked roofline. The engine range spanned M274 four-cylinder petrols, M276 V6 petrols in AMG GLC 43 guise, the M177 V8 in GLC 63 variants, plus OM651, OM654, OM642 and OM656 diesel units. A 2019 facelift brought M264 engines with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, the OM654 diesel, and the range-topping GLC 400 d.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes MRA (Modular Rear Architecture)

Predecessor

None (first GLC Coupé)

Successor

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé (X254/C254)

Sibling body styles in this generation

X253 SUV (2015–2022)

Market Intelligence

The C253 GLC Coupé generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M274 petrol fours and OM651 diesels remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Overview

The C253 is the coupé variant of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, produced from 2016 to 2022 as the sleeker, more sporting counterpart to the X253 SUV.

Built on the MRA platform shared with the C-Class, it combines GLC practicality with a raked roofline. The engine range spanned M274 four-cylinder petrols, M276 V6 petrols in AMG GLC 43 guise, the M177 V8 in GLC 63 variants, plus OM651, OM654, OM642 and OM656 diesel units. A 2019 facelift brought M264 engines with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, the OM654 diesel, and the range-topping GLC 400 d.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes MRA (Modular Rear Architecture)

Predecessor

None (first GLC Coupé)

Successor

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé (X254/C254)

Sibling body styles in this generation

X253 SUV (2015–2022)

Market Intelligence

The C253 GLC Coupé generated UK engine enquiries in 2025 [PATTERN DATA], with the M274 petrol fours and OM651 diesels remaining the most commonly discussed among specialists.

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

“Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The C253's most dependable engine is the M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (GLC 300, 245 PS) — strong performance, proven durability, and no major systemic failures when properly maintained. The OM654 2.0-litre diesel (GLC 220 d, 194 PS) introduced at facelift is also highly regarded — quieter, cleaner, and more economical than the OM651 it replaced. The M276 V6 in the GLC 43 offers effortless performance but carries higher running costs and is sensitive to cooling system neglect. The M177 V8 in the GLC 63 S (510 PS) is an icon — epic performance but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid any pre-facelift OM651 diesel without documented injector service history, and be cautious of the M276 V6's cooling system — a known weakness on the GLC 43.”

Who it's for:

Thin-Data Summary

“Thin-Data Fallback mode — one paragraph: The C253's most dependable engine is the M274 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol (GLC 300, 245 PS) — strong performance, proven durability, and no major systemic failures when properly maintained. The OM654 2.0-litre diesel (GLC 220 d, 194 PS) introduced at facelift is also highly regarded — quieter, cleaner, and more economical than the OM651 it replaced. The M276 V6 in the GLC 43 offers effortless performance but carries higher running costs and is sensitive to cooling system neglect. The M177 V8 in the GLC 63 S (510 PS) is an icon — epic performance but eye-watering maintenance bills. Avoid any pre-facelift OM651 diesel without documented injector service history, and be cautious of the M276 V6's cooling system — a known weakness on the GLC 43.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Ownership Economics

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

M274.920 (GLC 200)60k–100kCamshaft adjuster wear, thermostat£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Entry Choice — affordable C253 entry point

M274.920 (GLC 250)60k–100kCamshaft adjusters, HPFP£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Strong Four — 211 PS, proven reliability

M274.920 (GLC 300)60k–100kCamshaft adjusters, HPFP£500–£1,000£2,200–£4,000

Best Petrol — the sweet spot of the range

M264.920 (GLC 200 facelift)60k–100k48V system, water pump£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Modern Petrol — EQ Boost refinement

M264.920 (GLC 300 facelift)60k–100k48V system, water pump£500–£1,000£2,400–£4,200

Improved Power — 258 PS with EQ Boost

M276.823 (GLC 43 367 PS)50k–90kCooling system, engine mounts£600–£1,200£4,000–£7,000

AMG Entry — V6 performance, V8 running costs?

M276.823 (GLC 43 390 PS)50k–90kCooling system, turbo seals£600–£1,200£4,500–£7,500

Facelift AMG — more power, same caveats

M177.980 (GLC 63 476 PS)30k–70kValve stem seals, coolant pipes, engine mounts£1,500–£3,500£10,000–£16,000

V8 Icon — epic engine, epic bills

M177.980 (GLC 63 S 510 PS)30k–70kValve stem seals, coolant pipes£1,500–£3,500£12,000–£18,000

Ultimate C253 — the one to have if you can afford it

OM651.921 (GLC 220 d)80k–130kInjector seals, EGR, timing chain£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Economy Diesel — 170 PS, excellent economy

OM651.921 (GLC 250 d)80k–130kInjector seals, turbo actuator£400–£800£2,200–£3,800

Strong Diesel — 204 PS, 2.1L workhorse

OM654.920 (GLC 220 d facelift)80k–130kAdBlue system, EGR cooler£400–£800£2,200–£3,800

Best Diesel — quieter, cleaner, better

OM654.920 (GLC 300 d facelift)80k–130kAdBlue system, injector wear£500–£900£2,800–£4,500

Top Diesel — 265 PS, effortless torque

OM642.873 (GLC 350 d)80k–130kInjector seals, EGR, turbo£500–£1,000£3,000–£5,500

Proven V6 Diesel — older but robust

OM656.929 (GLC 400 d)80k–130kAdBlue system, injector wear£500–£1,000£3,500–£6,000

Six-Cylinder Diesel — 330 PS, refined

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

M274.920 (GLC 200)60k–100kCamshaft adjuster wear, thermostat£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Entry Choice — affordable C253 entry point

M274.920 (GLC 250)60k–100kCamshaft adjusters, HPFP£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Strong Four — 211 PS, proven reliability

M274.920 (GLC 300)60k–100kCamshaft adjusters, HPFP£500–£1,000£2,200–£4,000

Best Petrol — the sweet spot of the range

M264.920 (GLC 200 facelift)60k–100k48V system, water pump£400–£800£1,800–£3,200

Modern Petrol — EQ Boost refinement

M264.920 (GLC 300 facelift)60k–100k48V system, water pump£500–£1,000£2,400–£4,200

Improved Power — 258 PS with EQ Boost

M276.823 (GLC 43 367 PS)50k–90kCooling system, engine mounts£600–£1,200£4,000–£7,000

AMG Entry — V6 performance, V8 running costs?

M276.823 (GLC 43 390 PS)50k–90kCooling system, turbo seals£600–£1,200£4,500–£7,500

Facelift AMG — more power, same caveats

M177.980 (GLC 63 476 PS)30k–70kValve stem seals, coolant pipes, engine mounts£1,500–£3,500£10,000–£16,000

V8 Icon — epic engine, epic bills

M177.980 (GLC 63 S 510 PS)30k–70kValve stem seals, coolant pipes£1,500–£3,500£12,000–£18,000

Ultimate C253 — the one to have if you can afford it

OM651.921 (GLC 220 d)80k–130kInjector seals, EGR, timing chain£400–£800£2,000–£3,500

Economy Diesel — 170 PS, excellent economy

OM651.921 (GLC 250 d)80k–130kInjector seals, turbo actuator£400–£800£2,200–£3,800

Strong Diesel — 204 PS, 2.1L workhorse

OM654.920 (GLC 220 d facelift)80k–130kAdBlue system, EGR cooler£400–£800£2,200–£3,800

Best Diesel — quieter, cleaner, better

OM654.920 (GLC 300 d facelift)80k–130kAdBlue system, injector wear£500–£900£2,800–£4,500

Top Diesel — 265 PS, effortless torque

OM642.873 (GLC 350 d)80k–130kInjector seals, EGR, turbo£500–£1,000£3,000–£5,500

Proven V6 Diesel — older but robust

OM656.929 (GLC 400 d)80k–130kAdBlue system, injector wear£500–£1,000£3,500–£6,000

Six-Cylinder Diesel — 330 PS, refined

The C253 rule

A £2,200–£4,200 recon on a sub-£15,000 C253 sits at 15–28% of the car's value — viable on most examples. Against a £6,000 engine bill on a GLC 43, the car's value determines the decision — a £30,000 GLC 43 justifies a £4,000–£7,000 recon; a £15,000 example makes it a much harder call. For a GLC 63 S, a £40,000+ car justifies a £12,000–£18,000 recon. Our 70% Mercedes-Benz threshold is the line — most C253s sit comfortably above it.

Key Takeaways

Which C253 Costs Least To Own?
GLC 220 d (OM651) — proven diesel, excellent economy, cheap parts.
Which C253 Costs Most To Own?
AMG GLC 63 S (M177) — V8 complexity, specialist-only work, eye-watering parts prices.
Which C253 Is Best Value?
GLC 300 (M274.920) — 245 PS, reliable four-pot, strong performance without V6 running costs.

Common Problems

01

M274/M264

Petrol Camshaft Adjuster Wear

Affected models:

C253 GLC 200, GLC 250, GLC 300 (M274 and M264 petrol variants).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M274 and M264's camshaft adjusters can wear prematurely, causing a rattle on cold start and, in severe cases, timing chain stretch. This is particularly common on cars with extended oil change intervals.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£1,200–£2,000

£700–£1,200

Replace camshaft adjusters and timing chain tensioner

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,500–£5,500

£2,200–£4,000

Full timing chain and adjuster replacement

Our Recommendation

If your C253 petrol has a rattle on cold start, have the camshaft adjusters inspected immediately — £700–£1,200 is far cheaper than the £2,200+ bill that follows if the timing chain stretches or jumps. Use the correct oil spec and avoid extended service intervals.

Compare M274/M264 engine prices for your C253 GLC-Class

02

M276

V6 Cooling System Leaks

Affected models:

C253 AMG GLC 43 (all M276 V6 variants).

Typical failure mileage:

50,000–90,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M276 V6's cooling system — particularly the water pump, thermostat housing, and coolant crossover pipes — is prone to leaks. The V6 layout makes access tight, increasing labour costs. The facelift's power increase to 390 PS doesn't change the underlying cooling system architecture.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£800–£1,400

£500–£900

Replace water pump, thermostat, and coolant pipes

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,000–£5,000

£2,000–£4,000

Full cooling system overhaul + engine inspection if overheated

Our Recommendation

Check coolant levels regularly and look for signs of leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing — £500–£900 in preventative work is cheap insurance against the £2,000+ bill that follows an overheat. This is the single most important job on any M276-powered C253.

Compare M276 engine prices for your C253 GLC 43

03

OM651

Diesel Injector Seal Failure ("Black Death")

Affected models:

C253 GLC 220 d, GLC 250 d (pre-facelift OM651 diesel variants).

OM651 Diesel Injector Seal Failure ("Black Death")

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–130,000 miles.

Root cause:

The OM651's injector seals can fail, allowing combustion gases to escape past the seal — this creates a black, carbon-like buildup around the injector (hence "Black Death"). Left untreated, it can damage the cylinder head and require expensive repairs.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£600–£1,000

£400–£700

Replace injector seals and clean carbon deposits

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£2,500–£4,500

£1,800–£3,200

Cylinder head repair or replacement if damaged

Our Recommendation

Have the injector seals inspected at every service after 80,000 miles — £400–£700 in preventative work is a fraction of the £1,800+ bill that follows if the cylinder head is damaged. Use premium diesel and quality injector cleaner.

Compare OM651 engine prices for your C253 diesel

04

M177

V8 Valve Stem Seal Wear (GLC 63 / GLC 63 S)

Affected models:

C253 AMG GLC 63, AMG GLC 63 S (all M177 V8 variants).

M177 V8 Valve Stem Seal Wear (GLC 63 / GLC 63 S)

Typical failure mileage:

30,000–70,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M177's hot-vee design — turbos located in the V of the engine — generates significant heat, which can cause valve stem seals to harden and fail. This leads to oil consumption, blue smoke on startup, and eventually, more serious engine damage if ignored.

Tiered Cost Table

Preventative (Repair)

Dealer

Specialist

£3,000–£5,000

£2,000–£3,500

Replace valve stem seals

Catastrophic (Replacement)

Dealer

Specialist

£12,000–£18,000

£10,000–£16,000

Full engine rebuild if oil starvation has caused bottom-end damage

Our Recommendation

If your GLC 63 is smoking on startup or using oil between services, have the valve stem seals inspected immediately — a £2,000–£3,500 repair is far cheaper than the £10,000+ rebuild that follows. Budget for this as a preventative job at 50,000 miles if you plan to keep the car long-term.

Compare M177 engine prices for your C253 GLC 63

C253 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

GLC 200 (pre-facelift)M274.920£900–£1,600£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

GLC 250 (pre-facelift)M274.920£1,000–£1,800£2,000–£3,500£3,200–£5,20010–14 hrs

GLC 300 (pre-facelift)M274.920£1,100–£2,000£2,200–£4,000£3,500–£5,50010–14 hrs

GLC 200 (facelift)M264.920£900–£1,600£1,800–£3,200£3,000–£5,00010–14 hrs

GLC 300 (facelift)M264.920£1,200–£2,200£2,400–£4,200£3,800–£6,00010–14 hrs

AMG GLC 43 (367 PS)M276.823£2,000–£3,800£4,000–£7,000£6,000–£9,00014–18 hrs

AMG GLC 43 (390 PS)M276.823£2,200–£4,000£4,500–£7,500£6,500–£9,50014–18 hrs

AMG GLC 63 (476 PS)M177.980£5,000–£9,000£10,000–£16,000£14,000–£20,00018–24 hrs

AMG GLC 63 S (510 PS)M177.980£6,000–£10,000£12,000–£18,000£16,000–£22,00018–24 hrs

GLC 220 d (pre-facelift)OM651.921£1,000–£1,800£2,000–£3,500£3,200–£5,00010–14 hrs

GLC 250 d (pre-facelift)OM651.921£1,100–£2,000£2,200–£3,800£3,500–£5,50010–14 hrs

GLC 220 d (facelift)OM654.920£1,100–£2,000£2,200–£3,800£3,500–£5,50010–14 hrs

GLC 300 d (facelift)OM654.920£1,400–£2,500£2,800–£4,500£4,000–£6,50010–14 hrs

GLC 350 dOM642.873£1,500–£2,800£3,000–£5,500£4,500–£7,00012–16 hrs

GLC 400 dOM656.929£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–16 hrs

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLC 220 d 4MATICGLC 250 d 4MATICGLC 300 d 4MATICGLC 350 d 4MATICGLC 400 d 4MATIC

Petrol Variants

GLC 200 4MATICGLC 250 4MATICGLC 300 4MATICAMG GLC 43 4MATICAMG GLC 63 4MATIC+AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+

Scope note: All variants listed are C253 coupé SUV only. X253 SUV shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since body style affects weight, aerodynamics, and to some extent, labour access. The C253 was produced from June 2016 to 2022, with a facelift in 2019.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLC 220 d 4MATICGLC 250 d 4MATICGLC 300 d 4MATICGLC 350 d 4MATICGLC 400 d 4MATIC

Petrol Variants

GLC 200 4MATICGLC 250 4MATICGLC 300 4MATICAMG GLC 43 4MATICAMG GLC 63 4MATIC+AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+

Scope note: All variants listed are C253 coupé SUV only. X253 SUV shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page, since body style affects weight, aerodynamics, and to some extent, labour access. The C253 was produced from June 2016 to 2022, with a facelift in 2019.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

Most Requested E90 Variants

Average E90 Replacement Cost

Most Common E90 Failures

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

Why UK Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted C253 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. We only work with specialists who understand the C253's MRA platform and engine complexities.
Compare C253 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned OM654 or a used M177, we show you the real market.
UK Engine Replacement Services for C253
covering every variant from GLC 200 to AMG GLC 63 S, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide through our vetted specialist network.

Find the best Mercedes GLC-Class C253 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 GLC-Class C253 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted C253 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. We only work with specialists who understand the C253's MRA platform and engine complexities.
Compare C253 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Whether you need a reconditioned OM654 or a used M177, we show you the real market.
UK Engine Replacement Services for C253
covering every variant from GLC 200 to AMG GLC 63 S, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide through our vetted specialist network.

Find the best Mercedes GLC-Class C253 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 GLC-Class C253 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Overview

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Overview

Best & Worst Engines

Mercedes GLC-Class C253 — Ownership Economics

Common Problems

C253 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Market Intelligence

FAQ

Why UK Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Why UK Mercedes GLC-Class C253 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk