The Mercedes — Benz M272.952 is a 3,498 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features a DOHC 24 — valve configuration with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, delivering 200 kW (272 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. This evolution of the M272 series introduced spray — guided direct injection, enhancing fuel stratification and combustion efficiency while maintaining smooth power delivery.
Fitted to models such as the W204 C — Class, W2…
All production years (2008–2015) meet Euro 5 emissions standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M272.952 is a 3,498 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for mid-size and executive platforms (2008–2015). It combines spray-guided direct fuel injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances driving dynamics with regulated emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
Power output | 200 kW (272 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 350 Nm @ 2,500–5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Spray-guided direct injection (ME 9.7 ECU) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (dual-row, non-interference) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 180 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M272.952 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W204/W211 platforms with longitudinal mounting and adapted for transverse applications in the X204 GLK-Class. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the X204 and revised engine mounts in the W211-and from 2012 the updated W211 facelift adopted revised intake runners and ECU mapping, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M272.952 offers responsive performance and improved efficiency over earlier M272 variants, but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup, especially in city driving. Well-maintained engines with regular intake cleaning, use of MB 229.51 oil, and adherence to 15,000 km service intervals can reliably exceed 180,000 km. Post-2012 models benefit from revised intake designs that reduce deposit accumulation.
Primary issues include intake valve carbon buildup (due to direct injection), high-pressure fuel pump failure, throttle body faults causing limp mode, and ignition coil failures. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and verified through technical workshops and DVSA data. Carbon cleaning and fuel system maintenance are critical for long-term reliability.
This 3.5L petrol engine was used in the W204 C-Class (C 300), W211 E-Class (E 300), X204 GLK-Class (GLK 300), and C209 CLK-Class (CLK 300). It was produced from 2008 to 2015 and replaced by turbocharged M276 engines. All variants meet Euro 5 emissions standards.
Limited potential. As a naturally aspirated direct-injection engine, ECU remapping yields modest gains (typically +10–15 kW). Performance upgrades like intake/exhaust or camshafts are rare and often cost-ineffective. The design prioritizes refinement and efficiency over tunability, so modifications are generally not recommended.
Moderate. In a W204 C 300 (2010), combined consumption is ~9.5 L/100km (~30 mpg UK). City driving may see 11–13 L/100km, while highway runs can achieve 7.0–8.0 L/100km. Real-world figures depend on driving style, but expect 28–32 mpg UK on mixed routes for a well-maintained unit.
No. The M272.952 uses a non-interference timing chain design. If the chain fails or jumps, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, immediate repair is still required to avoid valve timing issues and drivability problems.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting MB 229.51 standard. This synthetic oil is critical for protecting the high-pressure fuel pump and dual variable valve timing system. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months to ensure long-term reliability and prevent carbon buildup.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.