How much does a Mercedes C292 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned C292 engine typically costs £3,500–£15,000 supply only, depending on engine — the GLE 350 d diesel sits at £3,500–£6,000. Fitting adds £800–£1,800. Use our calculator for a personalised figure.

Which Mercedes C292 engine is the most reliable?

The GLE 350 d (OM642 V6 diesel) is the most dependable C292 engine — smooth, refined and robust with few major failure modes beyond the well-documented oil cooler seal leak. The GLE 400 (M276 V6 petrol) is also a solid choice, though early examples can suffer from timing chain wear; regular maintenance and oil changes are essential.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes C292?

The OM642 V6 diesel suffers from oil cooler seal leaks (80k–150k miles). The M276 V6 petrol has timing chain and cam adjuster wear. The M278 V8 (GLE 500) suffers from turbo coolant line and valve seal degradation. The M157 V8 (GLE 63/63 S) has high running costs and complex maintenance. The Airmatic air suspension system is also a common failure point on higher-mileage examples.

Is the Mercedes C292 reliable?

It depends heavily on engine choice and maintenance history. The OM642 diesel is the most robust option. M276-engined cars can be reliable if the timing chain is addressed proactively. The M278 and M157 V8s are reliable for performance engines but have higher running costs and more complex maintenance. Always check service history and ensure oil changes were performed on schedule. The Airmatic suspension is a common non-engine issue.

Which Mercedes C292 engine should I avoid?

The M278 V8 (GLE 500) without documented coolant system maintenance is one to approach with caution — turbo coolant line and valve seal issues can be expensive to fix. The GLE 63 and 63 S AMG (M157) are phenomenal cars but running costs are substantial; avoid neglected examples without full service history. For the M276 V6, always check for documented timing chain work.

How do I know if my C292 engine needs replacing?

Cold-start rattle (M276 timing chain), oil in the V of the engine and burning oil smell (OM642 diesel), blue smoke or coolant loss (M278/M157 V8s), or a sudden loss of power on any engine are the key warnings. Check engine lights, rough idle or misfires also warrant immediate inspection.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes C292 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on the car's value. Against a well-kept £18,000 C292, a £3,500–£6,000 recon is 19–33% of the car's value — a sensible repair. Against a tired £10,000 example, the same recon is 35–60% — marginal but often justifiable if the car is otherwise excellent. Our 70% Mercedes threshold is the line; with strong GLE residual values, most well-maintained examples justify the repair.

How long do Mercedes C292 engines last?

The OM642 V6 diesel can exceed 200,000 miles with proper servicing and oil cooler maintenance. The M276 V6 petrol can reach 150,000+ miles if the timing chain is addressed proactively. The M278 and M157 V8s can also reach high mileages but require more frequent maintenance and are more expensive to run. The C292's interior and electronics are generally robust, though the Airmatic suspension may need attention from 80,000 miles.

What is the difference between the C292 and the W166 GLE?

The C292 is the coupé-styled variant of the W166 GLE SUV. Both share the same platform, engines and mechanicals. The C292 features a dramatically sloping roofline, a wider track and a lower ride height, sacrificing some practicality for style. The W166 offers significantly more headroom and load space. Engine costs are identical; body-specific parts differ. The W166 SUV is covered on a separate page.

How do I find my Mercedes C292 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate (visible through the windscreen, lower passenger side), stamped on the engine block, and detailed in your vehicle registration documents (V5C). Tell us your variant (GLE 350 d, GLE 63 AMG, etc.) and approximate registration date, and we'll confirm it — 25+ vetted Mercedes specialists will verify it for free.

Mercedes GLE-Class C292 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Mercedes GLE-Class C292 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the GLE Coupé specifically — from the OM642 diesel to the M276 biturbo V6 and the mighty M157 AMG V8.

Engine CodeFamilyFuelDisplacementPowerYears (C292)Variants (badges)Reliability2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

OM642.824OM642Diesel V6, turbo3.0L (2987cc)249 bhp (185 kW)2015–2019GLE 350 d★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM642.826OM642Diesel V6, turbo3.0L (2987cc)258 bhp (190 kW)2015–2019GLE 350 d★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo3.0L (2996cc)333 bhp (245 kW)2015–2019GLE 400 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo3.0L (2996cc)367 bhp (270 kW)2015–2019GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo3.0L (2996cc)390 bhp (287 kW)2015–2019GLE 43 AMG 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,800–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M278.928M278Petrol V8, biturbo4.7L (4663cc)456 bhp (335 kW)2015–2019GLE 500 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£5,000–£9,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M157.982M157Petrol V8, biturbo5.5L (5461cc)557 bhp (410 kW)2015–2019GLE 63 AMG 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£8,000–£14,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M157.982M157Petrol V8, biturbo5.5L (5461cc)585 bhp (430 kW)2015–2019GLE 63 S AMG 4MATIC★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£9,000–£15,000 [MB-QUOTE]

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

OM642.824OM642Diesel V6, turbo249 bhp (185 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

OM642.826OM642Diesel V6, turbo258 bhp (190 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo333 bhp (245 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo367 bhp (270 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M276.821M276Petrol V6, biturbo390 bhp (287 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£3,800–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]

M278.928M278Petrol V8, biturbo456 bhp (335 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£5,000–£9,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M157.982M157Petrol V8, biturbo557 bhp (410 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£8,000–£14,000 [MB-QUOTE]

M157.982M157Petrol V8, biturbo585 bhp (430 kW)2015–2019★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£9,000–£15,000 [MB-QUOTE]

Overview

Mercedes GLE-Class C292 — Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé C292 — the coupé-styled variant of the first-generation GLE-Class — was unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and went on sale in July 2015.

Based on the W166 GLE SUV platform, the C292 featured a dramatically sloping roofline, a wider track and a lower ride height than its more practical sibling. The range launched with the GLE 350 d (V6 diesel) and GLE 450 AMG (V6 biturbo petrol) models, both equipped with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. A mid-life update saw the GLE 43 AMG (390 bhp) join the range, along with the mighty GLE 63 and 63 S AMG models powered by the M157 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. Production continued until 2019, when the C292 was replaced by the C167.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes W166 (shared with GLE SUV)

Predecessor

None (new model line)

Successor

C167 (2019–present)

Sibling body styles in this generation

W166 GLE (SUV)

Market Intelligence

No [MB-VERIFIED] enquiry data exists for the GLE C292 — the model is absent from EM_Proprietary_Data's per-model table, reflecting its lower-volume UK status compared to the W166 GLE SUV.

Mercedes GLE-Class C292 — Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé C292 — the coupé-styled variant of the first-generation GLE-Class — was unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show and went on sale in July 2015.

Based on the W166 GLE SUV platform, the C292 featured a dramatically sloping roofline, a wider track and a lower ride height than its more practical sibling. The range launched with the GLE 350 d (V6 diesel) and GLE 450 AMG (V6 biturbo petrol) models, both equipped with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. A mid-life update saw the GLE 43 AMG (390 bhp) join the range, along with the mighty GLE 63 and 63 S AMG models powered by the M157 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. Production continued until 2019, when the C292 was replaced by the C167.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes W166 (shared with GLE SUV)

Predecessor

None (new model line)

Successor

C167 (2019–present)

Sibling body styles in this generation

W166 GLE (SUV)

Market Intelligence

No [MB-VERIFIED] enquiry data exists for the GLE C292 — the model is absent from EM_Proprietary_Data's per-model table, reflecting its lower-volume UK status compared to the W166 GLE SUV.

Best & Worst Engines

Thin-Data Summary

“The GLE C292's engine range offers genuine performance breadth. For most buyers, the GLE 350 d (OM642 V6 diesel) is the standout: smooth, refined and robust with few major failure modes beyond the well-documented oil cooler seal leak. The GLE 400 (M276 biturbo V6) is a strong petrol choice, though early examples can suffer from timing chain and cam adjuster issues. The GLE 450 AMG and GLE 43 AMG offer more power from the same M276 V6 — the extra performance comes with marginally higher running costs but the same fundamental reliability profile. The GLE 500 (M278 V8) delivers effortless V8 grunt, but the hot-vee design means higher running costs and potential turbo-related issues. The GLE 63 and 63 S AMG (M157 V8) are genuine performance icons — 557–585 bhp from a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 — but running costs are substantial and the engine is complex. Buying instruction: prioritise the GLE 350 d diesel for long-term ownership; for petrol buyers, the M276 V6 (GLE 400/450/43) offers the best balance of performance and reliability, but check for documented timing chain maintenance.”

Who it's for:

Thin-Data Summary

“The GLE C292's engine range offers genuine performance breadth. For most buyers, the GLE 350 d (OM642 V6 diesel) is the standout: smooth, refined and robust with few major failure modes beyond the well-documented oil cooler seal leak. The GLE 400 (M276 biturbo V6) is a strong petrol choice, though early examples can suffer from timing chain and cam adjuster issues. The GLE 450 AMG and GLE 43 AMG offer more power from the same M276 V6 — the extra performance comes with marginally higher running costs but the same fundamental reliability profile. The GLE 500 (M278 V8) delivers effortless V8 grunt, but the hot-vee design means higher running costs and potential turbo-related issues. The GLE 63 and 63 S AMG (M157 V8) are genuine performance icons — 557–585 bhp from a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 — but running costs are substantial and the engine is complex. Buying instruction: prioritise the GLE 350 d diesel for long-term ownership; for petrol buyers, the M276 V6 (GLE 400/450/43) offers the best balance of performance and reliability, but check for documented timing chain maintenance.”

Who it's for:

Mercedes GLE-Class C292 — Ownership Economics

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

OM642.824/826 (GLE 350 d)100k–180kOil cooler seal leak£800–£1,500£3,500–£6,000

Best diesel — smooth, refined, reliable

M276.821 (GLE 400)60k–120kTiming chain wear£800–£2,000£3,500–£6,000

Good V6 — balance of performance and reliability

M276.821 (GLE 450/43 AMG)60k–120kTiming chain wear£800–£2,000£3,500–£6,500

More power — same reliability as 400

M278.928 (GLE 500)60k–100kTurbo coolant lines, valve seals£1,500–£3,000£5,000–£9,000

V8 luxury — fast, but costly to maintain

M157.982 (GLE 63/63 S)50k–80kValve seals, turbo issues£2,000–£4,000£8,000–£15,000

Performance icon — AMG tax applies

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

OM642.824/826 (GLE 350 d)100k–180kOil cooler seal leak£800–£1,500£3,500–£6,000

Best diesel — smooth, refined, reliable

M276.821 (GLE 400)60k–120kTiming chain wear£800–£2,000£3,500–£6,000

Good V6 — balance of performance and reliability

M276.821 (GLE 450/43 AMG)60k–120kTiming chain wear£800–£2,000£3,500–£6,500

More power — same reliability as 400

M278.928 (GLE 500)60k–100kTurbo coolant lines, valve seals£1,500–£3,000£5,000–£9,000

V8 luxury — fast, but costly to maintain

M157.982 (GLE 63/63 S)50k–80kValve seals, turbo issues£2,000–£4,000£8,000–£15,000

Performance icon — AMG tax applies

The C292 rule

A £3,500–£6,000 GLE 350 d recon against a £10,000–£25,000 C292 sits at 14–60% of the car's value. On a sub-£12,000 example, that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £18,000+ example, the same recon drops to a more manageable 19–33% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

Which C292 Costs Least To Own?
GLE 350 d (OM642) — simple V6 diesel, robust, well-supported.
Which C292 Costs Most To Own?
GLE 63 S AMG (M157) — twin-turbo V8 complexity, AMG-specific parts, high running costs.
Which C292 Is Best Value?
GLE 350 d (OM642) — the most reliable engine in the range with strong economy and refinement.

Common Problems

01

OM642

Oil Cooler Seal Leak

Affected models:

C292 GLE 350 d (OM642.824/826), 2015–2019.

Typical failure mileage:

80,000–150,000 miles.

Root cause:

The oil cooler seals on the OM642 V6 diesel are a known weak point across the Mercedes range. The seals degrade over time, allowing oil to leak into the valley of the V6. The repair is labour-intensive, requiring removal of the intake manifold and significant disassembly.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any OM642-engined C292 over 80,000 miles, budget for an oil cooler seal replacement — £800–£1,500 is a reasonable preventative cost to avoid potential engine damage from oil loss.

Compare OM642 engine prices for your C292

02

M276

Timing Chain and Cam Adjuster Wear

Affected models:

C292 GLE 400, GLE 450 AMG, GLE 43 AMG (M276.821), 2015–2019.

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–120,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M276 V6 petrol engine family can suffer from premature timing chain stretch and wear to the camshaft adjuster sprockets. Cold-start rattling is the classic warning sign — if ignored, the chain can jump, causing piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic engine failure.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any M276-engined C292 with no documented chain history, treat this as overdue preventative maintenance — an £800–£1,800 repair is dramatically cheaper than the £2,500–£4,500 replacement that follows if ignored.

Compare M276 engine prices for your C292

03

M278

Hot-Vee V8 Turbo Coolant Leaks

Affected models:

C292 GLE 500 (M278.928), 2015–2019.

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

The M278 twin-turbo V8's "hot-vee" design places the turbos inside the V of the engine, generating significant heat. This causes the turbo coolant lines and valve stem seals to degrade prematurely, leading to coolant leaks and oil consumption.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any GLE 500, budget for a coolant system inspection at 60,000 miles — a £1,200–£2,000 preventative repair is cheaper than the £2,800–£5,000 rebuild that follows if ignored.

Compare M278 engine prices for your C292

04

Air

Suspension (Airmatic) Failures

Affected models:

All C292 variants with Airmatic air suspension (standard on most UK models).

Typical failure mileage:

60,000–100,000 miles.

Root cause:

The Airmatic air suspension system uses air struts and a compressor that can fail over time. The struts develop leaks, the compressor overheats and fails, or the valve block malfunctions. This is not an engine failure but is one of the most common and expensive non-engine issues on the GLE C292.

Tiered Cost Table

Our Recommendation

On any C292 over 60,000 miles, have the Airmatic system inspected — a £300–£600 preventative repair is cheaper than the £1,200–£2,500 replacement that follows if ignored. The compressor is a common failure point on higher-mileage examples.

Compare C292 air suspension repair quotes

C292 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

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

GLE 350 dOM642.824/826£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–14 hrs

GLE 400M276.821£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–14 hrs

GLE 450 AMGM276.821£1,800–£3,200£3,500–£6,000£5,000–£8,00012–14 hrs

GLE 43 AMGM276.821£2,000–£3,500£3,800–£6,500£5,500–£8,50012–14 hrs

GLE 500M278.928£2,500–£4,500£5,000–£9,000£7,000–£12,00016–20 hrs

GLE 63 AMGM157.982£4,000–£7,000£8,000–£14,000£12,000–£18,00018–24 hrs

GLE 63 S AMGM157.982£4,500–£8,000£9,000–£15,000£13,000–£20,00018–24 hrs

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLE 350 d

Petrol Variants

GLE 400 4MATICGLE 450 AMG 4MATICGLE 43 AMG 4MATICGLE 500 4MATICGLE 63 AMG 4MATICGLE 63 S AMG 4MATIC

Scope note: All variants listed are C292 (GLE Coupé, 2015–2019) only. The W166 GLE SUV shares the same engines but is covered on a separate Generation Page per the one-page-per-body-code rule. The GLE 450 AMG (367 bhp) was replaced by the GLE 43 AMG (390 bhp) in some markets, though both use the M276.821 engine.

Core Variants

Diesel Variants

GLE 350 d

Petrol Variants

GLE 400 4MATICGLE 450 AMG 4MATICGLE 43 AMG 4MATICGLE 500 4MATICGLE 63 AMG 4MATICGLE 63 S AMG 4MATIC

Scope note: All variants listed are C292 (GLE Coupé, 2015–2019) only. The W166 GLE SUV shares the same engines but is covered on a separate Generation Page per the one-page-per-body-code rule. The GLE 450 AMG (367 bhp) was replaced by the GLE 43 AMG (390 bhp) in some markets, though both use the M276.821 engine.

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 GLE C292 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

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Compare C292 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply-and-fit options side-by-side before you commit to any repair.
UK Engine Replacement Services for C292
covering every variant from the GLE 350 d to the GLE 63 S AMG, with supply-only or full supply-and-fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes GLE-Class C292 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted Mercedes specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes GLE-Class C292 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket

Why UK Mercedes GLE C292 Owners Trust MercedesEngines.uk

Trusted C292 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real GLE Coupé owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare C292 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply-and-fit options side-by-side before you commit to any repair.
UK Engine Replacement Services for C292
covering every variant from the GLE 350 d to the GLE 63 S AMG, with supply-only or full supply-and-fit available nationwide.

Find the best Mercedes GLE-Class C292 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted Mercedes specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes GLE-Class C292 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket