48V belt starter-generator
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Start-stop faults, 48V warning
Fix: Replace RSG unit
€700–1,500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264)
Petrol · 1,497 / 1,991 cm³ · 115–190 kW
12
model generations
1
known faults
860,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 12 model generations, among them: Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214), Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) and 6 more.
The most expensive known risk is 48V belt starter-generator: it usually appears at 60,000–160,000 km and costs €700–1,500 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,497 / 1,991 cm³ |
| Power | 115–190 kW |
| Years | 2018–2027 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 0W-20 / 5W-30 · MB 229.71 / 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | M264, M260 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) 2018–Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W247) 2018–Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) 2014–2021Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) 2021–Mercedes-Benz CLA (C118) 2019–Mercedes-Benz CLS (C257) 2018–2023Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) 2016–2023Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) 2023–Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247) 2020–Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247) 2019–Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253) 2015–2022Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) 2022–
Common questions
Does the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine take?
0W-20 / 5W-30 · MB 229.71 / 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: 48V belt starter-generator (60,000–160,000 km, €700–1,500).
Which cars have the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine?
Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214), Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) and 6 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026