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M270/M274 vs 1.4 and 1.6 16v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the M270/M274 carries less risk than the 1.4 and 1.6 16v: 43/100 versus 45/100 (both moderate risk). The M270/M274 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Camshaft breakage due to a defective weld (2015 units)»; the 1.4 and 1.6 16v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt breakage or premature failure».

Risk index

M270/M274

43

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

1.4 and 1.6 16v

45

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

16 sourcesHow we work

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.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the M270/M274 faults

Is the 1.4 and 1.6 16v reliable?

The K4J (1.4) and K4M (1.6), both naturally aspirated 16-valve units, are simple and generally reliable petrol engines: no source consulted documents oil consumption or faults that destroy the block. Their most-cited weak point is the ignition coils, followed by the crankshaft sensor and, on versions with a variable valve timing unit, its pulley; a neglected belt can cause serious damage, as one case in the Renault Laguna II documents.[4][5][6][7]

See the 6 of the 1.4 and 1.6 16v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of M270/M274 and 1.4 and 1.6 16v
M270/M2741.4 and 1.6 16v
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,991 cm³—
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power102–245 hp75–135 hp
Productionsince 2011[1][8]since 1998[9][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)43Moderate risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults56
Of high or critical severity11
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  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
  1. Medium severity: Ignition coil failure
  2. High severity: Timing belt breakage or premature failure
  3. Medium severity: Crankshaft position sensor failure
Most expensive documented repairup to €500NOx sensor failure (code P2200) on the M274Published figure[2]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.6 16V 105-110 hp Dacia, without variable valve timing unit (K4M, 2004-2020)[7][12]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M270 1.6 turbo 102-156 hp[3]
  • M270 2.0 turbo 156-218 hp[3]
  • M274 2.0 turbo 156-245 hp[2][3]
  • 1.4 16V 75-100 hp (K4J, 1999-2012)[13][14]
  • 1.6 16V 110-135 hp with variable valve timing unit (K4M, 1998-2020)[6][15][16]
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

M270/M274

See the 9 models with the M270/M274

1.4 and 1.6 16v

See the 13 models with the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

Other comparisons

With the M270/M274

With the 1.4 and 1.6 16v

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. Mercedes-Benz M270 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Mercedes M274: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Mercedes M270: Typische Probleme & HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Laguna 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Duster 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Mercedes-Benz Clase A (2012): información técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Renault K-Type engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Moteur K RenaultWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Anexo:Motores de RenaultWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Logan 1Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  14. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  15. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Mégane 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  16. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Scénic 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French