Timing chain stretch / camshaft adjuster (pre-2008)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
model years 2002–2008 only
Signs: Rattle on start, timing codes — the chain can jump
Fix: Replace chain, guides and adjusters
€1,200–2,500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.6 / 1.8 Kompressor / CGI (Mercedes M271)
Petrol · 1,595 / 1,796 cm³ · 90–150 kW
7
model generations
3
known faults
231,000
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 7 model generations, among them: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz SLK / SLC (R172), Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) and 1 more.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch / camshaft adjuster (pre-2008): it usually appears at 80,000–160,000 km and costs €1,200–2,500 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,595 / 1,796 cm³ |
| Power | 90–150 kW |
| Years | 2002–2015 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~5.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | M271 |
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.
Camshaft adjuster magnet oil leak
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Oil in the wiring plug — can reach the ECU
Fix: Replace magnet, check the harness
€150–600
Crankcase breather hoses
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil leaks, whistle
Fix: Replace hoses
€100–300
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) 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 C-Class (W203) 2000–2007Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) 2007–2014Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209) 2002–2010Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) 2002–2009Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) 2009–2016Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) 2004–2011Mercedes-Benz SLK / SLC (R172) 2011–2020
Common questions
Does the 1.6 / 1.8 Kompressor / CGI (Mercedes M271) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.6 / 1.8 Kompressor / CGI (Mercedes M271) engine take?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~5.5 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.6 / 1.8 Kompressor / CGI (Mercedes M271) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch / camshaft adjuster (pre-2008) (80,000–160,000 km, €1,200–2,500); camshaft adjuster magnet oil leak (80,000–160,000 km, €150–600).
Which cars have the 1.6 / 1.8 Kompressor / CGI (Mercedes M271) engine?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz SLK / SLC (R172), Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) and 1 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