Petrol · 2014–2021
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)All about the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine
The 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine was fitted to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) (2014–2021). In the EU that is 15.3 % of all new cars of this generation.
The most expensive known risk is cylinder head failure (loss of compression, misfire): it usually appears at 20,000–150,000 km and costs €3,000–7,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Shaking at idle, misfire on one cylinder, loss of power and a lit engine light; low compression on one cylinder
Fix: Compression test at the first steady misfire; the cylinder head is replaced, ask Mercedes for warranty or goodwill help
Signs: No warning; after a hard side impact (e.g. hitting a kerb) the steering gear can jam.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer inspects the steering and replaces the electric steering gear free of charge.
Signs: No warning; road salt corrodes the bolts and power steering assistance can suddenly fail, mostly when parking.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer replaces the bolts with steel ones free of charge.
Signs: Airbag warning light or message; with a damaged clockspring, static discharge can deploy the driver airbag without a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN; the dealer adds a proper earth to the steering column free of charge.
Signs: Car sinks on one corner overnight, compressor runs often, suspension fault message.
Fix: Find the leak with leak spray or diagnostics and replace the leaking air strut or line before the compressor burns out.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Holds a gear too long then shifts hard, sticks in gear or limp mode, converter lock-up stops working; codes 0717 / 0718 / 0722 / 2201
Fix: Confirm with Mercedes-level diagnostics; replace or rebuild the conductor plate (with the valve body on early VGS1 units), change the fluid with the correct MB spec and code / adapt the unit
Signs: Harsh shifts when warm, drops from D to N at stops, starts in 3rd, reverse will not engage, 'F' on the dash; codes P073E00, P07B700
Fix: Read the codes and fluid condition; repair / rebuild the mechatronic (pressure sensors) or replace it, then change the fluid and run the adaptations
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) with the 1.5 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 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 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (115). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: cylinder head failure (loss of compression, misfire) (20,000–150,000 km, €3,000–7,000); airmatic air suspension leaks (strut, lines, compressor) (80,000–250,000 km, €500–2,000).
Chain.
0W-20 / 5W-30 · MB 229.71 / 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km.
2.1 CDI (Mercedes OM651)1.6 / 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M274)2.0 d (Mercedes OM654)1.6 dCi (Renault-Nissan R9M, also Mercedes OM626)
Mercedes-Benz GLC (X253) 2015–2022Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) 2021–Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) 2022–Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) 2023–
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
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. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026