M271 vs M104

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M104 BEST 85/100
+50 points over M271
0 / 100
AVOID M271 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BEST M104 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M271
M104
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
35
85
Years
2002--2014
1990--1997
Displacement
1796 cc
3199 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Supercharged
Petrol Na
Power
184--204 hp
193--231 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€2,300--€5,500
€500--€2,000

Character

M271

"Single-row timing chain stretches causing catastrophic failure. Avoid."

M104

"W124/R129/W140 inline-6. One of Mercedes' most reliable engines. Bulletproof bottom end. Wiring harness biodegrades (uses soy-based insulation). Head gasket solid. 400k+ km possible."

Issues Comparison

M271 3

◆ CRITICAL
Single-row timing chain stretch — catastrophic €1,500--€3,500 60,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Supercharger clutch / belt failure €600--€1,500 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Valve cover gasket oil leak €200--€500 80,000 km--150,000 km

M104 1

▲ HIGH
Wiring harness biodegradation €500--€2,000 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

M271 15

C-Class W202 1993--2000 E-Class W210 1995--2002 C-Class W202 1994--2000 C-Class W202 1996--2000 C-Class W204 2009--2014 E-Class W212 2009--2013 C-Class W204 2007--2014 C-Class W204 2007--2014 SLK R172 2011--2020 E-Class W211 2002--2009 SLK R171 2004--2011 C-Class W203 2002--2007 C-Class W203 2002--2007 CLK W209 2002--2009 CLK 200 Kompressor C209 2002--2009 Coupe

M104 0

No models listed.

Full M271 Report Full M104 Report