Mercedes-Benz A 250
More powerful 2.0L variant of the M270. Solid turbocharged four-cylinder with adequate performance. Oil consumption possible at high mileage.
Compact and Quick
155 kW in the compact Mercedes. Adequately powered, solid but not exciting.
Engine Weaknesses 7
A leaking camshaft adjuster solenoid allows oil to migrate into the wiring harness. Lambda sensors die first, then the engine ECU. Well-known failure pattern on all M270 variants.
Symptoms: Lambda fault codes, rough running, CEL. Oil smell in engine bay. In later stages multiple electrical faults
M270DE20 engines with manufacturing date July–September 2015: defective weld seam on the camshaft lobe leads to fracture and engine damage. Recall with free replacement.
Symptoms: Metallic noises from engine bay, power loss, in worst case engine stall
Identical issue to the M270DE16: electrically-controlled thermostat at the rear of the engine fails prematurely. Difficult removal drives workshop costs to 700–1,300 EUR.
Symptoms: Engine runs permanently below operating temperature, coolant temperature fluctuations, fault code P0128
M270 2.0 camshaft adjusters tend to wear from approx. 100,000 km with rattling noises on cold start. Revised adjusters from model year 2014.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering or rattling directly after cold start, idle hesitation, disappears after warm-up
Just like the M270DE16, the electronically controlled thermostat on the M270DE20 also fails early. Fault code P0128, irregular coolant temperature.
Symptoms: Temperature needle stays in the lower range or fluctuates, CEL, increased fuel consumption, code P0128
The variable oil pump control valve on the M270 can fail and trigger fault code P06DA. Wiring harness to the control valve frequently breaks.
Symptoms: Fault code P06DA00, check engine light, possibly reduced engine power
On direct injection engines, oil carbon from the crankcase ventilation builds up on the intake valves. Noticeable power loss from approximately 80,000–120,000 km.
Symptoms: Stumbling at low revs, power loss, increased consumption, cold-start problems, engine roughness at partial load
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Recall due to defective windscreen bonding. In an accident the screen may detach and occupant protection cannot be guaranteed. Affects vehicles up to July 2013.
7G-DCT judders when pulling away and during shifts 1–3, especially during the cold warm-up phase. Software updates often help but do not always solve the problem permanently. Clutch wear increased in urban traffic.
Xenon headlights of early model years permanently mist up internally. A complete xenon headlight costs over €1,000. LED headlights of facelift models (from autumn 2015) significantly more robust.
Certain condenser batch has defective welds and loses refrigerant. Replacement costs €1,200 including labour. Recall for A/C as fire risk known.
Early infotainment system (COMAND) of pre-facelift version freezes, starts slowly or crashes. Collision warning PRE-SAFE triggers false emergency braking. Software updates required.
According to MOT reports, indicators and hazard warning lights fail more than average on the W176. Defective relays or control units are usually the cause.
Plastic trim panels in the interior, panoramic roof and boot cover produce annoying creaking and rattling noises. Cheap interior for the brand's level is a common criticism.