Mercedes M266 4-cylinder engines from 1.5 to 2.0 liters were produced from 2004 to 2012 and were installed only on the compact A-Class model and the similar B-Class compact MPV. These power units were essentially just an updated version of the popular M166 engines.
1st gen Mercedes R4 family: M102, M111 E18, M111 E20, M111 E22, M111 E23, M166, M266, M271 E16, M271 E18.
Specifications
| Production years | 2004-2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 1498 (M 266 E 15) 1699 (M 266 E 17) 2034 (M 266 E 20) |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 95 (M 266 E 15) 116 (M 266 E 17) 136 (M 266 E 20) 193 (M 266 E 20 AL) |
| Torque output, Nm | 140 (M 266 E 15) 155 (M 266 E 17) 185 (M 266 E 20) 280 (M 266 E 20 AL) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 83 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69.2 (M 266 E 15) 78.5 (M 266 E 17) 94 (M 266 E 20) |
| Compression ratio | 11.0 9.0 (M 266 E 20 AL) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no BorgWarner K03 (M 266 E 20 AL) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes A170 2008) — city — highway — combined |
10.2 5.4 7.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 90 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes A-Class W169 in 2004 – 2012;
- Mercedes B-Class W245 in 2005 – 2011.
Disadvantages of the Mercedes M266 engine
- With reliability, this engine is doing great, but it does not tolerate low-quality fuel.
- From bad gasoline, the nozzles and the throttle assembly quickly become dirty here.
- There are a lot of complaints on specialized forums about lubricant leaks and a breakdown of the fuel pump in the tank.
- Another weak point of the motor is the air conditioning compressor clutch and generator.
- Due to the design features, many operations are carried out only with the removal of the engine.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M266
How much power does the Mercedes M266 make?
Power output of the Mercedes M266, hp: 95 (M 266 E 15); 116 (M 266 E 17); 136 (M 266 E 20); 193 (M 266 E 20 AL). Torque, Nm: 140 (M 266 E 15); 155 (M 266 E 17); 185 (M 266 E 20); 280 (M 266 E 20 AL).
How much oil does the Mercedes M266 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mercedes M266 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M266 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M266 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mercedes M266 is turbocharged (no; BorgWarner K03 (M 266 E 20 AL)).
Does the Mercedes M266 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M266 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M266 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M266 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M266?
Mercedes A170 2008: city 10.2, highway 5.4, combined 7.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M266 installed on?
Mercedes A-Class W169 in 2004 - 2012; Mercedes B-Class W245 in 2005 - 2011.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M266?
With reliability, this engine is doing great, but it does not tolerate low-quality fuel. From bad gasoline, the nozzles and the throttle assembly quickly become dirty here. All known problems.
