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271.910271.9xx271.942

M271 Kompressor 1.6/1.8 (KE16/KE18) engine: faults and reliability

Mercedes-Benz M271 (1.6/1.8 Kompressor and 1.8 CGI turbo) version

With caution

It shares the weak point documented for the whole M271 family: the timing chain and the camshaft sprockets can wear prematurely, according to the specialist source consulted, which does not describe any production period free of this problem within this version.[1]

Years
2002–2011
Power
122–194 hp
Faults that affect it
3
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
5
in our database

7 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Engine with a Roots-type mechanical supercharger (Kompressor) and multipoint injection, apart from the short-lived DE18 ML direct-injection (CGI) variant from 2003 to 2005 with 170 hp, which still uses a mechanical supercharger. Capacities of 1.8 litres (since 2002) and 1.6 litres (since 2008), with outputs of 122 to 194 hp depending on the model and market. The end year of this version is approximate: the switch to the EVO turbo revision was not simultaneous across all models, and the detail for each car is in 'applications'.[2][3]

Engine codes of this version: 271.910, 271.9xx, 271.942.

Faults of the 271.910 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and wear of the camshaft sprocketsYes: the M271 timing chain can stretch prematurely and wear the teeth of the camshaft sprockets, with a risk of damaging the engine. A specialist source describes this weak point as persistent throughout production, including the EVO turbo revision.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonTimingOil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiringYes: the camshaft adjuster solenoids (magnets) of the M271 can lose their seal, and the oil wicks up to the connector and the wiring loom, and can even reach the control unit. Mercedes-Benz has a specific repair cable (reference A2711502733) that is cheap to fit.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCrankcase ventilation hose under the supercharger: it cracks and lets in false airYes: the part-load crankcase ventilation hose, located under the supercharger, dries out and cracks with heat and oil, letting in false air. It causes a rough idle, jerking and the engine warning light; the part is cheap, but labour is expensive because of the difficult access.

Cars fitted with the 271.910 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Mercedes-Benz

Frequently asked questions

Is the 271.910 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It shares the weak point documented for the whole M271 family: the timing chain and the camshaft sprockets can wear prematurely, according to the specialist source consulted, which does not describe any production period free of this problem within this version.[1]

What faults does the 271.910 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: timing chain stretch and wear of the camshaft sprockets (critical severity), oil leaking from the camshaft adjuster solenoids into the wiring (medium severity) and crankcase ventilation hose under the supercharger: it cracks and lets in false air (medium severity).

Which cars use the 271.910 engine?

Mercedes-Benz Clase C W203 (2002–2007), Mercedes-Benz Clase C W204 (2007–2014), Mercedes-Benz Clase E W211 (2003–2009), Mercedes-Benz CLK C209 (2002–2003) and Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 (2004–2011).[2][4][5][6][7]

Are you buying a car with the 271.910 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. Mercedes M271: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Mercedes-Benz M271 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Mercedes-Benz M 271Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  6. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Mercedes-Benz SLK-ClassWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026