The 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine was fitted to the Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) (2022–now). In the EU that is 94.5 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 2.0 197 hp, 2.0 204 hp, 2.0 269 hp, 2.0 258 hp, 2.0 252 hp, 2.0 163 hp, 2.0.
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.
Engine faults ✓ Checked against sources (10/2026)
✓ 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.
Cylinder head failure (loss of compression, misfire)
usually 20,000–150,000 km · High risk
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
€3,000–7,000
Gearboxes
5G / 7G / 9G-Tronic
9G-Tronic mechatronic / pressure sensor fault (no reverse, limp mode)
usually 60,000–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2014–2027 only
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
€800–3,000
Service plan for this engine
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,450–5,550. 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 GLC (X254) with the 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
Versions of this engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254)
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (14). 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.
- Steering SRPC2512 - Bolting of Steering Coupling08/09/2025 · R/2025/333
- Visibility SRPC2508 – Mounting of Multi-Purpose Camera & Interior Mirror01/07/2025 · R/2025/216
- High voltage / charging SRPC2501 - Processor Starter/Generator03/04/2025 · R/2025/124
- Fire risk SRPC2419 Misfire Detection M26404/12/2024 · R/2024/474
- Engine / loss of power SRPC2401 - System protection25/03/2024 · R/2024/130
- Fuel system On affected vehicles the bolting of the high-pressure fuel pump might not meet specifications.30/01/2024 · R/2024/013
- Doors / locks / lids On affected vehicles the bonding of the front rear and fixed side windows might not meet specifications.15/12/2023 · R/2023/328
- Other The socket for the towing device in the front crossmember might not meet specifications10/11/2023 · R/2023/291
Common questions
What are the biggest risks of the Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) with the 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: cylinder head failure (loss of compression, misfire) (20,000–150,000 km, €3,000–7,000).
Does the Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) have a timing belt or a chain?
Chain.
Which oil does the Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) 2.0 petrol (Mercedes M260 / M264) need?
0W-20 / 5W-30 · MB 229.71 / 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km.
Sources and notes
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