Balance shaft / idler sprocket wear (pre-2008)
usually 80,000–180,000 km · High risk
model years 2004–2008 only
Signs: Engine light P0016 / P0017, rattle
Fix: Replace sprocket and chain
€2,500–5,000
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 V6 & V8 (Mercedes M272 / M273)
Petrol · 2,496 / 2,996 / 3,498 / 4,663 / 5,461 cm³ · 150–285 kW
13
model generations
3
known faults
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 13 model generations, among them: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211), Mercedes-Benz GLK (X204), Mercedes-Benz ML (W164) and 7 more.
The most expensive known risk is balance shaft / idler sprocket wear (pre-2008): it usually appears at 80,000–180,000 km and costs €2,500–5,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,496 / 2,996 / 3,498 / 4,663 / 5,461 cm³ |
| Power | 150–285 kW |
| Years | 2004–2013 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~8.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | M272, M273 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Intake manifold flap failure
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Engine light, power loss
Fix: Replace intake manifold
€500–1,200
Thermostat / coolant leaks
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Slow warm-up, coolant loss
Fix: Replace thermostat
€150–400
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) 2000–2007Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) 2007–2014Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209) 2002–2010Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219) 2004–2010Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) 2002–2009Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) 2009–2016Mercedes-Benz GL (X164) 2006–2012Mercedes-Benz GLK (X204) 2008–2015Mercedes-Benz ML (W164) 2005–2011Mercedes-Benz R-Class (W251) 2005–2013Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) 2005–2013Mercedes-Benz SL (R230) 2001–2011Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) 2004–2011
Common questions
Does the 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 V6 & V8 (Mercedes M272 / M273) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 V6 & V8 (Mercedes M272 / M273) engine take?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~8.0 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 V6 & V8 (Mercedes M272 / M273) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: balance shaft / idler sprocket wear (pre-2008) (80,000–180,000 km, €2,500–5,000); intake manifold flap failure (100,000–200,000 km, €500–1,200).
Which cars have the 2.5 / 3.0 / 3.5 V6 & V8 (Mercedes M272 / M273) engine?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211), Mercedes-Benz GLK (X204), Mercedes-Benz ML (W164) and 7 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026