The Mercedes — Benz M272.968 is a 3,498 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2011. It features variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, sequential multi — point fuel injection, and an aluminium block and head, delivering smooth power delivery and refined operation. In standard tune it produced 180 kW (245 PS), with higher — output versions reaching 200 kW (272 PS) and torque outputs between 310–350 Nm, making it ideal for mid — size luxury ap…
All production years (2005–2011) meet Euro 4 emissions standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M272.968 is a 3,498 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for mid-size luxury models (2005–2011). It combines variable valve timing with sequential multi-point injection to deliver smooth power delivery and linear throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances refinement with performance in rear-wheel-drive platforms.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve with dual VVT | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 92.9 mm × 86.0 mm | |
Power output | 180–200 kW (245–272 PS) | |
Torque | 310–350 Nm @ 2,500–5,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (ME 2.1) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, mechanical coolant pump | |
Turbocharger | N/A | |
Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted), interference design | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 185 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M272.968 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211/W203/R230 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Ferrari under engine partnership agreements. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the E-Class and revised intake manifolds in the SL-Class-and from 2008 the facelifted E-Class W211 LCI adopted the M272DE35 with updated cam followers, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Ferrari's 4.3L V8 units to share valve train technology. 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 M272.968 offers smooth performance and refinement, but early models (2005-2007) had cam follower reliability concerns. Later revisions (post-2008) improved durability with updated components, so well-maintained examples can exceed 200,000 km. Regular servicing with MB 229.5 oil and adherence to 15,000 km intervals greatly enhance longevity.
Key issues include inlet cam follower wear, intake manifold carbon buildup, mechanical coolant pump failure, and ignition coil faults. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins, particularly SIB 230070/08 for cam follower concerns. Using correct oil and timely maintenance are essential preventative measures.
This 3.5L V6 petrol was used in the E-Class (W211), C-Class (W203), and SL-Class (R230) from 2005-2011. It powered variants including E350, C350, and SL350. Ferrari also used valve train technology derived from this engine in the F430 (2004-2009).
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the M272968 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In an E350 (200 kW) from 2007, combined consumption is ~9.8 L/100 km (~29 mpg UK). Highway driving can achieve ~7.5 L/100 km (~38 mpg UK). Real-world figures vary, but expect 25-35 mpg UK on mixed roads. Performance variants (SL350) consume more under spirited driving.
Yes. The M272.968 uses an interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, piston-to-valve contact is likely, potentially causing severe internal engine damage. Timing chain replacement is recommended per service schedule to prevent catastrophic failure.
Mercedes specifies MB 229.5 (5W-40) synthetic oil. This formulation is essential for high-temperature protection of the cam follower system. Change oil every 15,000 km or annually to prevent premature wear and maintain valve train integrity.
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.