Cheap Mercedes-Benz GLA Cylinder Head

The GLA X156 generation ran from 2014 to 2019, with a facelift arriving in 2017, so a 2015 and a 2018 unit are from different phases of the same generation. Whether the cylinder head physically crosses that 2017 facelift boundary depends on the engine code, which is more important than the year alone — get the engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and give it to the breaker. Your breaker can then confirm against your registration whether the specific head you're looking at is a match.

Cylinder heads follow the engine code, not the badge, so if a GLB or GLC shares the exact same engine code as your GLA the internal architecture may be similar — but these are different vehicles with different production histories and potential ancillary differences. Don't assume compatibility based on the Mercedes badge or engine size alone; always give the breaker both registration numbers so they can cross-reference the engine codes directly. Never rely on badge or model name alone for a mechanical part like a cylinder head.

The GLA 200 and GLA 250 are different engine variants, not just trim levels — the 200 and 250 badges denote different states of tune and in some cases different engine codes entirely, so the cylinder heads are not necessarily interchangeable. Trim names like Sport, AMG Line, or Executive describe interior and cosmetic specification and make no difference to cylinder head fitment whatsoever. Always confirm the engine code on your V5 rather than going by the badge on the boot.

No, petrol and diesel cylinder heads are completely different components and are not interchangeable under any circumstances. Fuel type is one of the most fundamental fitment factors for a cylinder head, so always make sure the donor vehicle is the same fuel type as yours. Give your breaker your engine code and fuel type upfront to avoid any confusion.

The gearbox type itself — manual or automatic — does not directly change the cylinder head specification, but it can be a useful cross-reference when a breaker is checking a donor vehicle matches yours overall. What matters most is the engine code, which you can find on your V5 or via a VIN check. Provide the full engine code to your breaker and they'll confirm the head is correct for your vehicle.

The GLA X156 was facelifted in 2017, and while both a 2015 and a 2018 car sit within the same overall X156 generation, there can be ancillary and mounting changes between pre-facelift and post-facelift vehicles that affect whether a head drops straight in. The engine code is the most reliable guide — if both cars share the exact same code the core head may well be compatible, but confirm any differences in ancillaries and mounts with the breaker against your specific registration before buying.