If you’re searching for a Mercedes M271 engine for sale, chances are your car has already been to a workshop and the news wasn’t good. Maybe the timing chain rattles on a cold start, maybe the supercharger has started to howl, or maybe the engine let go after an oil leak nobody spotted. The car itself is usually still worth keeping. A C-Class, E-Class or CLK with a healthy body and interior is a lot cheaper to fix with a good engine than to replace.
The M271 is a clever little engine. It’s a 1.8 litre four cylinder that Mercedes boosted first with a supercharger and later with a turbo, so it could stand in for bigger six-cylinder engines. When it’s looked after it drives nicely and returns decent fuel figures. When it’s been neglected, it has a few well-known ways of letting you down.
We’re NJ Global Auto Parts. We sell used and rebuilt engines and ship them to buyers all over the world. This guide is what we’d tell you on the phone about a Mercedes M271 engine for sale: the versions, the specs, the cars it fits, the checks we make, the common faults, prices, shipping and fitting. Skip to whatever you need.
What You’re Buying With a Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale
The M271 replaced the older M111 four cylinder in the early 2000s. It’s an inline four with twin overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable timing on the camshafts. Most versions were built as “Kompressor” engines with a belt-driven supercharger, and that’s what you’ll see written on the boot lid of a lot of C200 and CLK200 cars.
Around 2008 to 2009 Mercedes updated it into the M271 EVO. The supercharger went and a turbocharger took its place. Some EVO engines kept port injection, and the CGI versions moved to direct injection. They all carry the M271 name, but the supercharged and turbocharged engines are quite different underneath the intake.
If you want the background, the Mercedes-Benz M271 engine page lists the versions and outputs. For buying, the key thing is knowing exactly which version your car left the factory with.
Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale: Full Specifications
These are the figures we’re asked for most. Outputs vary by model, market and year.
| Engine code | M271 (Kompressor), M271 EVO (turbo, including CGI) |
| Layout | Inline 4, petrol |
| Displacement | 1,796 cc (1.8 L) |
| Bore x stroke | 82.0 mm x 85.0 mm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 16 valves, variable cam timing |
| Cam drive | Timing chain |
| Forced induction | Supercharger (Kompressor) or turbocharger (EVO) |
| Fuel system | Port injection; direct injection on CGI versions |
| Power, Kompressor | Roughly 105 kW (143 PS) to 141 kW (192 PS) |
| Torque, Kompressor | Roughly 220 Nm to 260 Nm |
| Power, EVO / CGI | Roughly 115 kW (156 PS) to 150 kW (204 PS) |
| Torque, EVO / CGI | Roughly 250 Nm to 310 Nm |
| Production | Early 2000s to the mid 2010s |
| Replaced | M111 four cylinder |
The spread of outputs is wide because the same basic engine was tuned for everything from a base C180 to a C250 CGI. When we quote a Mercedes M271 engine for sale, we give you the exact code stamped on the block, the donor car and the year, so you can compare it with the engine in your car.
Which Mercedes Models Use the M271
The M271 went into a lot of cars. These are the ones people ask us about most:
- C-Class W203 (saloon, estate and Sportcoupe): C180 Kompressor, C200 Kompressor and the later 1.8 C230 Kompressor. The W203 C-Class was the car that made this engine common.
- CLC, the facelifted Sportcoupe.
- C-Class W204: early Kompressor models, then C180, C200 and C250 with the turbo EVO and CGI engines.
- CLK W209: CLK200 Kompressor coupe and cabriolet.
- E-Class W211: E200 Kompressor.
- E-Class W212 and C207: E200 CGI and E250 CGI in many markets.
- SLK R171: SLK200 Kompressor, plus early SLK200 models of the next generation.
A Kompressor engine from a 2004 C200 isn’t going to bolt straight into a 2011 E250 CGI. The block family is shared, but the induction, fuel system, wiring and engine computer are not. Send us your VIN and we’ll match a Mercedes M271 engine for sale to your exact car.
Kompressor, EVO or CGI: Which One Do You Need?
This is the question behind most of our M271 conversations.
Kompressor. The supercharged engine used from the early 2000s. It has a belt-driven blower, port injection and its own intake and engine computer. If your car has a supercharger, you need a Kompressor engine.
EVO with port injection. Turbocharged, used in some later C180 and C200 models. Different intake, turbo, exhaust manifold and electronics.
CGI. Turbocharged with direct injection, badged BlueEFFICIENCY on many cars. It has a high-pressure fuel pump and injectors that the other versions don’t.
You can’t mix and match these without a serious conversion. Buy the same version your car came with. A two-minute VIN check tells us which Mercedes M271 engine for sale is the right one, and it saves you a very expensive mistake.
7 Checks We Make on Every Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale
A clean engine cover in a photo tells you almost nothing. These are the checks we make, and the questions you should ask any seller.
1. Engine Number and Version
We photograph the engine number and record the donor car and year. That tells us whether it’s a Kompressor, EVO or CGI and which cars it suits. A seller who won’t send this photo is a seller to avoid.
2. Timing Chain Stretch
This is the big one on the M271. Early engines in particular can suffer from chain stretch and worn tensioners and guides, and a badly stretched chain can jump a tooth and damage valves. We check cam timing where we can, look for the warning codes that go with it, and listen at cold start on engines we can run. Every Mercedes M271 engine for sale we list comes with our notes on the chain.
3. Camshaft Adjuster Magnets and Oil in the Wiring
The M271 has solenoids on the front of the head that control the cam timing. Their seals can fail and let oil wick up the wiring, sometimes as far as the engine computer. We check the connectors and loom for oil. It’s an easy fix on the engine but an expensive one if it reaches the ECU.
4. Compression on All Four Cylinders
We test every cylinder and compare the readings. A low one points to valves, rings or head gasket trouble. We share the numbers with you before you pay for a Mercedes M271 engine for sale.
5. Supercharger or Turbo Condition
On Kompressor engines we check the supercharger for bearing noise, play and oil leaks, and look at the clutch and belt drive. On EVO and CGI engines we check the turbo for shaft play, oil on the compressor side and the condition of the wastegate.
6. Breather Hoses and Oil Leaks
The crankcase breather hoses go hard and crack with age, which causes vacuum leaks, rough idle and oil use. Oil leaks from the cam cover, oil filter housing and oil cooler seals are common too. We note every leak and every perished hose so you can budget for them.
7. What’s Included
A complete engine with the supercharger or turbo, intake, injectors and wiring is worth a lot more than a bare long block. We list exactly what’s fitted to each Mercedes M271 engine for sale and show it in the photos so you can compare prices properly.
Common M271 Problems You Should Know About
Knowing the weak points helps you judge any Mercedes M271 engine for sale and keep the one you buy healthy.
- Timing chain stretch. Linked to early chain and tensioner parts and to long oil change intervals. Mercedes revised the parts during production.
- Oil leaking into the wiring. From the cam adjuster solenoids. Replace the solenoids and check the harness.
- Perished breather hoses. Cause lean running, rough idle and oil smoke.
- Supercharger noise. Bearings and the clutch wear on high-mileage Kompressor engines.
- Injector trouble on CGI engines. The direct injectors are expensive and some have failed early.
- Oil cooler and filter housing leaks. Common and messy, but not a reason to reject an engine.
- Thermostat and water pump. Normal wear items that cause overheating if ignored.
For more on buying this engine you can also read our older guide to buying an M271.
Does Your Car Really Need a New Engine?
Before you spend big, make sure the engine is actually finished. A lot of M271 engines that run badly have problems around them rather than inside them.
These signs usually point to a replacement:
- Valve damage after the timing chain jumped.
- Low compression on one or more cylinders.
- A knock from the bottom end.
- Coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant.
- Metal in the oil filter.
Misfires, warning lights and rough idle, on the other hand, are often breather hoses, coils, plugs, a dirty throttle body or the cam solenoids. A good Mercedes specialist can tell you which camp you’re in. If the engine really is done, a Mercedes M271 engine for sale is the sensible way out. Send us the diagnosis and we’ll suggest the right engine and the parts worth keeping from your old one.
Used, Rebuilt or Long Block?
Used. A tested engine from a donor car, sold as described. For most owners who just want the car back, a used Mercedes M271 engine for sale is the sensible choice.
Rebuilt. A rebuilt Mercedes M271 engine for sale has been stripped, measured and reassembled with new wear parts where needed, usually including the timing chain, tensioner and guides. It costs more, but it deals with the M271’s best-known weakness.
Long block. The core engine without some of the ancillaries. A long block Mercedes M271 engine for sale is a good choice if your supercharger or turbo, injectors and accessories are healthy.
See what’s available now on our Mercedes M271 engine product page.
What Affects the Price of a Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale
Price is the first thing most people ask. Here’s what moves it:
- Version. CGI engines usually cost more than early Kompressor engines.
- Mileage and condition. Good compression, a healthy chain and clean oil push the value up.
- Completeness. A supercharger or turbo, injectors and wiring add real money.
- Used or rebuilt. A rebuild covers parts and a lot of labour.
- Freight. Where the engine is going matters, so we quote it up front.
A very cheap Mercedes M271 engine for sale usually has a reason for the price. It might have a stretched chain, it might be missing the blower, or it might be the wrong version for your car. Ask for photos and the engine number before you talk money.
Buying a Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale From Overseas
Most of our customers are a long way from us. Paying for an engine you can’t see in person feels risky, and that’s reasonable. Here’s how to take most of the risk out of it with any seller.
Ask for photos of the actual engine from several angles, including the engine number. Get the test results in writing. Confirm the freight cost and delivery point before you pay. And find out what happens if the engine arrives damaged. We do all of this as standard, because you’re trusting us with real money.
Many of our buyers are workshops ordering a Mercedes M271 engine for sale for a customer’s car. They need the details clear on paper, and private owners get exactly the same service. Talk to your mechanic before you order. They can confirm which version your car needs and tell you what they’ll want to reuse from the old engine.
Shipping a Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale Worldwide
We ship every Mercedes M271 engine for sale worldwide. Each engine goes out drained, with openings capped, strapped to a pallet or crated, and with the supercharger or turbo, sensors and wiring protected.
Sea freight is the usual choice because it costs much less. Air freight is available when the car needs to be back on the road quickly. We confirm the cost and the arrival port or airport before you commit.
You’ll receive the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill. Your customs broker handles duty and taxes at your end. Engines are classified under the HS system run by the World Customs Organization, so the paperwork is routine. Read our shipping policy for details and our refund and returns policy for what happens if anything arrives damaged.
Fitting Tips From Mercedes Specialists
These are the things good specialists do when they fit a Mercedes M271 engine for sale:
- Find out why the old engine died. If the chain jumped, find out why. If it overheated, fix the cooling system first.
- Check the wiring harness for oil. If the old cam solenoids leaked, the loom and even the ECU connector may be soaked. Clean or replace before fitting the new engine.
- Fit new breather hoses. They’re cheap and they fail often.
- Replace the cam solenoids if there’s any doubt about them.
- Fresh plugs, coils where needed, filters and fluids. Small cost, big peace of mind.
- Use the right oil. The M271 is fussy. Use an oil that meets the Mercedes approval listed in your service book.
- Clear codes and check adaptations with a proper scan tool after the first start.
- Change the oil early. A short first change after the engine settles is cheap insurance.
Looking After the M271 Once It’s Running
The M271 rewards good care. A few habits make a big difference to how long it lasts.
- Change the oil regularly. Clean oil is the best protection the timing chain has. Many specialists change it more often than the service indicator suggests.
- Listen at cold start. A rattle for a second or two after starting is the chain asking for attention. Don’t ignore it.
- Watch for oil around the cam solenoids. Catching a leak early saves the wiring.
- Let a turbo engine idle briefly after hard driving before you switch off.
- Keep the cooling system in good shape. Thermostat, water pump and coolant on schedule.
Treat it like that and a Mercedes M271 engine for sale you buy today has every chance of giving many more years of service.
M271 or a Bigger Engine?
Some owners ask whether they should swap to a six cylinder while the car is apart. It sounds tempting, but on these cars it’s rarely worth it. The wiring, engine computer, cooling, exhaust and sometimes the gearbox all change, and the paperwork in some countries gets complicated. For almost everyone, the right move is a matching Mercedes M271 engine for sale, fitted properly with the known weak points dealt with.
If your car came with a V6 in the first place, we stock the Mercedes M272 engine and the newer Mercedes M276 engine. For V8 cars there’s the Mercedes M273 engine.
Parts Worth Keeping From Your Old Engine
A lot of buyers forget this part, and it can save real money. Even a dead M271 usually has plenty of good parts bolted to it.
The alternator, starter, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump are often fine and can move straight across. The same goes for the intake pipes, the air box and many of the brackets. On Kompressor cars, the supercharger itself may be healthy if the failure was a jumped chain rather than an oil starvation problem. On CGI cars, injectors and the high-pressure pump are expensive, so it’s worth having them tested before you throw them away.
That’s why we always ask how your old engine failed. If it was oil starvation or a major overheat, we’d be careful about reusing anything that shares oil with it, like the turbo. If it was a chain that jumped, most of the outside parts are usually fine. Knowing this helps us pick the right Mercedes M271 engine for sale for you: sometimes a long block is plenty, sometimes a complete engine is the better buy.
Tell us what your mechanic found and we’ll suggest the most sensible option. There’s no point paying for a complete Mercedes M271 engine for sale if half of what comes with it is already sitting healthy in your garage. And if your mechanic isn’t sure, we’ll send extra photos of the parts on our engine so they can compare them with yours before you decide on a Mercedes M271 engine for sale.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay for a Mercedes M271 Engine for Sale
- Is it a Kompressor, EVO or CGI, and what car did it come from?
- Can I see a photo of the engine number?
- What were the compression readings?
- What’s the state of the timing chain?
- Any oil in the cam solenoid connectors or wiring?
- Is the supercharger or turbo included, and is it healthy?
- Is it used, rebuilt or a long block?
- What does the freight quote include?
We answer every one of these for each Mercedes M271 engine for sale on our site. If we don’t know, we say so.
Other Mercedes Engines We Supply
Beyond the engines above, we carry a wide range of Mercedes petrol and diesel engines. Our M277 buying guide and M159 buying guide cover the bigger engines, and you can browse everything under Mercedes engines or our full used engines range.
For official model information, the Mercedes-Benz website is the place to check.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We match each Mercedes M271 engine for sale to your VIN before you pay. You get photos of the actual engine, a written summary of our checks and a clear list of what’s included, flaws and all. And we quote freight up front, wherever you are.
If we don’t have the right engine for your car, we’ll tell you. We’d rather lose a sale than send you the wrong version. Read more about us or visit the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the M271 make?
Anywhere from about 105 kW (143 PS) on a base Kompressor to about 150 kW (204 PS) on the C250 CGI.
Can I fit a CGI engine in a Kompressor car?
Not without a big conversion. The fuel system, induction, wiring and computer are all different. Buy the matching version.
Is your Mercedes M271 engine for sale used or rebuilt?
We offer both. Each listing and quote says which.
Should I replace the timing chain on a used engine?
If the history is unknown or the chain shows wear, yes. It’s much easier with the engine out.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship worldwide by sea or air, with freight quoted before you pay.
What if it arrives damaged?
Contact us straight away with photos. We’ll work it out with you using our inspection record and your quote.
A Mercedes M271 engine for sale should come with real photos, honest notes and a seller who knows where these engines go wrong. That’s what we try to give every buyer. Send us your VIN through the contact page, tell us about your car, and we’ll tell you what we have and what it will cost to get it to you.