The Mercedes — Benz M 274.940 is a 1,991 cc, inline — four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2017. It features direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT), twin — scroll turbocharging, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. Delivering 155–180 kW (211–245 PS) and 350–370 Nm of torque, it provides responsive low — end power ideal for compact and mid — size luxury applications.
Fitted to models such as the W205 C — Class, W213 E — Class, and X156…

All production years (2013–2017) meet Euro 6 emissions standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M 274.940 is a 1,991 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size luxury vehicles (2013–2017). It combines twin-scroll turbocharging with direct injection (BlueDIRECT) and variable valve timing to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with improved fuel economy over naturally aspirated predecessors.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,991 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 155–180 kW (211–245 PS) | |
Torque | 350–370 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (BlueDIRECT), multi-hole injectors | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (integrated VVT) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 164 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 274.940 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W205/W213 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with AMG variants in high-performance applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W213 and revised intake manifolds in the X156-and from 2015 the facelifted W205 models adopted updated turbocharger actuators, creating 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 M 274.940 delivers responsive performance and good efficiency, but early models (2013–2015) had reliability concerns, especially turbocharger actuator failures. Later revisions (post-2015) improved actuator durability, so well-maintained examples can be robust. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (5W-30 MB 229.51) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are turbocharger wastegate actuator failure (leading to boost loss), EGR valve clogging, and intake carbon buildup. Other complaints include ignition coil failures and occasional fuel injector deposits. These are well-documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins.
This 2.0L turbocharged petrol was used in several compact and mid-size models during the 2013–2017 period. It powered the C-Class (W205 C250/C300), E-Class (W213 E300), GLC-Class (X156 GLC250/GLC300), and CLA-Class (C117 CLA250/CLA300). It replaced the M271 and was succeeded by the M264 in most applications.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the M274940 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.
Efficient for a turbocharged petrol. In a C300 (W205), typical consumption is ~9.0 L/100km (city) and ~6.0 L/100km (highway), or about 31 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures depend on driving style, but expect 30–38 mpg (UK) on mixed roads. Premium fuel (98 RON) is recommended for optimal performance.
Yes. The M274 series is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can collide with open valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Chain maintenance and timely actuator replacement are critical to prevent this.
Mercedes specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting MB 229.51 specification. Always use a high-quality low-SAPS oil designed for turbocharged petrol engines and change it every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper turbo and VVT lubrication.
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.