M260 (DE20LA) vs M256
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
M260 (DE20LA)
"The transverse 2.0 turbo petrol in the A 220/A 250, B 250, CLA 250, GLA 250, GLB 250 and the AMG 35 models from 2018. German guides call it robust. Its known weak point is wear of the exhaust valve seats and guides: Mercedes extended the warranty in North America to 15 years / 150,000 miles and the fix is a new cylinder head. Check for misfire codes and ask whether the head has been replaced."
M256
"Mercedes returned to a straight six in 2017: 3.0 turbo with a 48V starter-generator (EQ Boost), in the S, E, CLS, GLE, GLS and AMG 43/53 models. German guides call it at least as reliable as the M276 V6, and no design flaw has shown up yet. The weak area is the 48V system - several recalls for 48V wiring and grounds, and a costly starter-generator if it fails out of warranty. Check recalls by VIN."