Mercedes-Benz · W205 · 2014-2018

Mercedes-Benz C Serisi C180 specs and common problems

One of the first models that comes to mind for a premium sedan in Turkey. On the M274 1.6 turbo petrol engine, chain stretch and oil leaking from the cam adjuster magnets into the wiring are the best-known problems.

Engine code
M274 (1.6 turbo)
Engine oil · 5W-30
6 L
Timing
Chain
Original size
205/60 R16
LPG
Conditional

01 / 07

How much oil does the C Serisi C180 take?

The C Serisi C180 takes about 6 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: MB 229.5.

Engine oil
5W-30
With filter
6 L
Approval
MB 229.5
Alternative
0W-30
7G-Tronic automatic
MB 236.14 · ≈ 5.5 L (with sump change)
Coolant
MB 325.0 · ≈ 7 L
Brake fluid
DOT 4+

The value may vary by engine version; if there's no dipstick, it is checked with a service tool.

02 / 07

Timing chain and maintenance

TimingChain

No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear

A rattle on first start shows chain stretch; if ignored, the camshaft sprockets get damaged.

Oil change
15,000 km or once a year
Spark plug
4 pcs · 60,000 km
Valves / tappets
Hydraulic tappets.
Air filter
30,000 km
Power
156 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
Displacement
1,595 cc
Fuel
Petrol · Turbo, intercooler
Valvetrain
DOHC 16V, dual variable cam timing
Injection
Direct injection
Transmission
6-speed manual / 7-speed automatic (7G-Tronic Plus)
Emissions
Euro 6

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
33/35 PSI
Full load
36/41 PSI
Original size
205/60 R16
Alternative sizes
225/50 R17 · 225/45 R18 (front) / 245/40 R18 (rear)
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x112
Centre bore
66.6 mm
Wheel
7J x 16 ET43
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the C Serisi C180 suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable (direct injection)

Special LPG system compatible with direct injection

  • Standard LPG kits can't be used on direct-injection engines; the cost is high.

05 / 07

C Serisi C180 common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    Oil leak from the cam adjuster magnet

    High Risk

    After 60,000 km

    Symptom:
    Oil in the cam magnet connectors, check engine light, P0016 / P0011.
    Cause:
    Oil seeping past the magnet seal travels through the wiring all the way to the ECU.
    Proper fix:
    The magnets are replaced and the oil-soaked wiring harness checked. If oil has reached the ECU, the ECU may be affected too.
  2. #02

    Timing chain stretch

    High Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Rattle on cold start.
    Cause:
    Worn chain and tensioner, long oil change intervals.
    Proper fix:
    The chain, tensioner and guides are replaced.
  3. #03

    Thermostat failure

    Low Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    Engine warms up slowly or temperature fluctuates.
    Cause:
    Electronic thermostat failure.
    Proper fix:
    Thermostat replacement.

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the C Serisi C180

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the C Serisi C180 take?

The C Serisi C180 (M274 (1.6 turbo)) takes about 6 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the MB 229.5 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.

When should the timing chain on the C Serisi C180 be replaced?

This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear. A rattle on first start shows chain stretch; if ignored, the camshaft sprockets get damaged.

What tyre pressure should the C Serisi C180 run?

With the original 205/60 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 35 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 41 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the C Serisi C180 suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable (direct injection). Standard LPG kits can't be used on direct-injection engines; the cost is high.

What are the common problems of the C Serisi C180?

The best-known problems are: Oil leak from the cam adjuster magnet, Timing chain stretch, Thermostat failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·