Mercedes M271 E18
The most famous engine problem is the stuck exhaust valves due to soot.
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engines
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class is a German compact class car produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2008 to 2011. The name of the model comes from Coupe Leicht C-class, which in German means “light coupe of the C-class”. The car is built on the W203 platform. The car was manufactured in Brazil at the manufacturer’s plant Juiz de Fora. The predecessor of the model was the CL203 sports coupe. The model itself had several configurations depending on the engine modification – CLC 200 Kompressor, CLC 160, CLC 230, CLC 250.
The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class was offered with 5 engines between 2008 and 2011 (4 petrol, 1 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.6 to 3.5 liters, power output from 88 to 292 hp. All of them use a timing chain. 3 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes OM646 (about 400,000 km).
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class C203 2008–2010 | |||||||
| Mercedes OM646 | 2008–2010 | 2.1 L R4 | 88–170 hp | diesel, turbo | chain | 6.5–9.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 2008–2011 | |||||||
| Mercedes M271 E18 | 2008–2011 | 1.8 L R4 | 122–204 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 5.5 L | ~320,000 km |
| Mercedes M271 E16 | 2008–2011 | 1.6 L R4 | 129–156 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 5.5 L | ~300,000 km |
| Other Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Mercedes M272 E35 | 2004–2013 | 3.5 L V6 | 258–292 hp | petrol | chain | 8 L | ~320,000 km |
| Mercedes M272 E25 | 2005–2011 | 2.5 L V6 | 204 hp | petrol | chain | 8 L | ~275,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class?
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class C203 (2008–2010): Mercedes OM646; Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 (2008–2011): Mercedes M271 E18 and Mercedes M271 E16.
Which Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engines are: Mercedes OM646 — about 400,000 km; Mercedes M271 E18 — about 320,000 km; Mercedes M272 E35 — about 320,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M271 E16 — 5.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M271 E18 — 5.5 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E25 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes M272 E35 — 8 L (5W-30); Mercedes OM646 — 6.5–9.5 L (5W-40, MB 229.5 / 229.51).
Does the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mercedes M271 E16, Mercedes M271 E18, Mercedes M272 E25, Mercedes M272 E35 and Mercedes OM646.
Was the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Mercedes OM646.
Engine details
Mercedes OM646
The motor is equipped with a reliable Bosch fuel system with electromagnetic injectors, but leaks at the injection pump seals or wear…
Mercedes M272 E35
The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.
Mercedes M272 E25
The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.
Mercedes M271 E16
The most famous engine problem is the stuck exhaust valves due to soot.
Models with the same engines
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 5 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz Vito/Viano/V-Class 2 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz R-Class 1 shared engine