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2.0 TSI / TFSI vs M270/M274: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the M270/M274 carries less risk than the 2.0 TSI / TFSI: 43/100 (moderate risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The 2.0 TSI / TFSI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «High oil consumption»; the M270/M274 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Camshaft breakage due to a defective weld (2015 units)».

Risk index

2.0 TSI / TFSI

54

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

M270/M274

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

13 sourcesHow we work

Is the 2.0 TSI / TFSI reliable?

It depends above all on the generation. The earliest units (2008-2012, without Valvelift) have more oil consumption complaints and somewhat more chain and tensioner wear; from 2012 the Valvelift design reduced oil consumption but kept carbon build-up on the intake valves as a weak point until, around 2016, supplementary indirect injection was added. The thermostat housing with the integrated water pump leaks coolant in several generations.[1][2][3][4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.0 TSI / TFSI faults

Is the M270/M274 reliable?

The M270 (transverse, front-wheel drive) and the M274 (longitudinal, rear-wheel drive) are the family of turbocharged, direct-injection 4-cylinder engines that Mercedes-Benz has fitted since 2011 in 1.6 and 2.0 litres. They are generally solid engines —the timing chain no longer gives trouble— but with documented faults: camshaft breakage caused by a defective weld (2015) and, on the M274, oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster into the connector.[6][7][8]

See the 5 of the M270/M274 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.0 TSI / TFSI and M270/M274
2.0 TSI / TFSIM270/M274
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,984 cm³1,991 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power170–320 hp102–245 hp
Productionsince 2008[1][9]since 2011[6][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)54High risk43Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity21
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: High oil consumption
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  3. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves
  1. Critical severity: Camshaft breakage due to a defective weld (2015 units)
  2. Medium severity: Oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster into the electrical connector (M274)
  3. Medium severity: Coolant leaks: thermostat and expansion tank
Most expensive documented repairup to €4,000High oil consumptionPublished figure[11]up to €500NOx sensor failure (code P2200) on the M274Published figure[7]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 3B / evo, with added indirect injection (2016 onwards, 190-320 hp)[1][5][12]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 1, without Valvelift (2008-2012, 170-220 hp)[2][3][12][13]
  • 2.0 TSI/TFSI Gen 2/3, with Valvelift and direct injection only (2012-2016, 180-230 hp)[2][3][12]
  • M270 1.6 turbo 102-156 hp[8]
  • M270 2.0 turbo 156-218 hp[8]
  • M274 2.0 turbo 156-245 hp[7][8]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

2.0 TSI / TFSI

See the 42 models with the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

M270/M274

See the 9 models with the M270/M274

Other comparisons

With the 2.0 TSI / TFSI

With the M270/M274

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Volkswagen EA888 engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Fiabilité Volkswagen (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. Fiabilité Audi (datos de propietarios por modelo)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Motores TFSI: características, ventajas e inconvenientesAutofácil · Motoring press · published 18 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Motor 2.0 TFSI 190 CV (ficha técnica)km77 · Technical documentation · published 13 May 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Mercedes-Benz M270 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Mercedes M274: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Mercedes M270: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Audi TTWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Mercedes-Benz Clase A (2012): información técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Tu coche quema aceite: 6 señales de alarma y la solución definitiva para salvar tu motorAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 19 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Témoignages fiabilité Audifiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  13. Témoignages fiabilité Volkswagenfiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French