Camshaft adjuster solenoid oil leak
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Oil in the wiring plug, check-engine light
Fix: Replace solenoids, check the harness
€200–500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M270)
Petrol · 1,595 / 1,991 cm³ · 90–180 kW
5
model generations
2
known faults
660,000
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 5 model generations, among them: Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176), Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246), Mercedes-Benz GLA (X156), Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117), Infiniti Q30 / QX30.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch: it usually appears at 150,000–250,000 km and costs €1,500–3,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,595 / 1,991 cm³ |
| Power | 90–180 kW |
| Years | 2011–2019 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · MB 229.5 · ~5.8 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | M270 |
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.
Timing chain stretch
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Cold-start rattle
Fix: Replace chain and adjusters
€1,500–3,000
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) 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.
Infiniti Q30 / QX30 2015–2019Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176) 2012–2018Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246) 2011–2018Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) 2013–2019Mercedes-Benz GLA (X156) 2013–2020
Common questions
Does the 1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M270) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M270) engine take?
5W-30 · MB 229.5 · ~5.8 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M270) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch (150,000–250,000 km, €1,500–3,000); camshaft adjuster solenoid oil leak (60,000–140,000 km, €200–500).
Which cars have the 1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M270) engine?
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176), Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246), Mercedes-Benz GLA (X156), Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117), Infiniti Q30 / QX30.
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