The Mercedes — Benz M 276.822 is a 3,498 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT). In standard configuration, it delivered 200–240 kW (272–326 PS) and 370–380 Nm of torque, providing smooth power delivery ideal for mid — luxury applications.
Fitted to models such as the W204 C — Class, W212 E — C…
All production years (2012–2017) meet Euro 6 emissions standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.822 is a 3,498 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-luxury vehicles (2012–2017). It combines direct injection (BlueDIRECT) with variable valve timing to deliver smooth power delivery and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with improved fuel economy over previous V6 designs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 200–240 kW (272–326 PS) | |
Torque | 370–380 Nm @ 3,500–5,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (BlueDIRECT), multi-hole injectors | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (integrated VVT) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 187 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.822 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W204/W212 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 W218 and revised intake manifolds in the W212-and from 2014 the facelifted W204 models adopted updated fuel pumps, 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 276.822 delivers smooth performance and good refinement, but early models (2012–2014) had reliability concerns, especially high-pressure fuel pump failures. Later revisions (post-2014) improved pump 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 high-pressure fuel pump wear (leading to hard starting or misfires), 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 3.5L V6 was used in several mid-luxury models during the 2012–2017 period. It powered the C-Class (W204 C350), E-Class (W212 E350), CLS-Class (W218 CLS350), and ML-Class (W166 ML350). It replaced the M272 and was succeeded by the M274 turbocharged inline-4 in most applications.
Yes, but with limitations. As a naturally aspirated engine, power gains from ECU remapping are modest (+20–40 kW). More significant increases require forced induction (supercharger/turbo) or displacement upgrades. Tuning should preserve factory valve timing and fuel delivery to avoid reliability issues.
Moderate for a V6. In an E350 (W212), typical consumption is ~10.5 L/100km (city) and ~6.8 L/100km (highway), or about 27 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures depend on driving style, but expect 25–32 mpg (UK) on mixed roads. Premium fuel (98 RON) is recommended for optimal performance.
Yes. The M276 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 fuel pump 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 direct-injection petrol engines and change it every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper VVT and fuel system 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.