Petrol · 2,996 / 3,498 cm³ · 185–270 kW
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Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 9 model generations, among them: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213), Mercedes-Benz ML / GLE (W166), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz SL (R231), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) and 3 more.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain tensioners / oil check valves — cold-start rattle: it usually appears at 60,000–160,000 km and costs €400–2,500 to fix.
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,996 / 3,498 cm³ |
| Power | 185–270 kW |
| Years | 2010–2020 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 0W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | M276 |
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.
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start
Fix: Fit the updated tensioners and check valves; replace the chain if it has stretched
Signs: Oil in the wiring plug, check-engine light
Fix: Replace solenoids, check the harness
Signs: Slow warm-up, coolant loss
Fix: Replace thermostat
Intervals and typical prices, using the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) 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 |
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) 2011–2018Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) 2009–2016Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) 2016–2023Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS (X166) 2012–2019Mercedes-Benz ML / GLE (W166) 2011–2019Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) 2005–2013Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) 2013–2020Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) 2012–2020Mercedes-Benz SLK / SLC (R172) 2011–2020
Chain.
5W-30 / 0W-40 · MB 229.5 · ~6.5 L · every 15,000 km.
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain tensioners / oil check valves — cold-start rattle (60,000–160,000 km, €400–2,500); camshaft adjuster solenoid oil leak (60,000–140,000 km, €200–500).
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213), Mercedes-Benz ML / GLE (W166), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212), Mercedes-Benz SL (R231), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218) and 3 more.
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). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). 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