The Mercedes-Benz M 271.860 is a 1,796 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2012. It features a naturally aspirated design with variable valve timing (VVT) and electronic fuel injection (EFI), delivering 115 kW (156 PS) and 210 Nm of torque. Its compact dimensions and smooth operation made it ideal for compact and mid-size platforms.
Fitted to models including the W203 C-Class, W245 B-Class, and W169 A-Class, the M 271.860 was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 4 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobes, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 08-2009. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under extended oil change intervals or low oil pressure. From 2009, revised camshafts with enhanced surface hardening were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2004–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2012 models comply with Euro 5 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M 271.860 is a 1,796 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2004–2012). It combines variable valve timing (VVT) with electronic fuel injection to deliver responsive throttle characteristics and smooth operation. Designed to meet Euro 4 and later Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulated efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 115 kW (156 PS) @ 5,900 rpm | |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 3,000–4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic multi-point fuel injection (ME 2.1) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2004–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2012) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response suitable for daily driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft wear. MB 229.5 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its high-shear stability and anti-wear additives protecting the intake camshaft. Extended idling or short-trip driving can accelerate oil degradation, increasing wear risk. Fuel quality must meet minimum 95 RON to prevent knock and maintain ECU calibration. Post-2009 models feature hardened camshafts; pre-2009 units should be inspected for lobe wear per SIB 08-2009. The ME 2.1 engine management system requires OEM-level diagnostics for adaptation resets.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 08-2009). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2004–2009 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 applies to 2010–2012 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output remains stable with 98 RON fuel (Daimler TIS Doc. A32600).
Daimler Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32150, A32510, SIB 08-2009
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test procedure for measurement of net power
The Mercedes-Benz M 271.860 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W203/W169 platforms with transverse mounting and adapted for front-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the A-Class and revised accessory drives in the C-Class-and from 2010 the Euro 5-compliant B-Class variants adopted updated catalytic converters, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Daimler TIS A32175). The 7th and 8th VIN digits indicate engine type ('1A' for M 271.860). Pre-2009 models have silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; post-2009 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M 271.9xx: M 271.860 lacks supercharger components and features a single-row timing chain. Service parts require model-year verification—camshafts before 08/2009 are incompatible with later hardened units (Mercedes-Benz SIB 08-2009).
The M 271.860's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in urban driving with extended oil intervals. Internal Daimler reports from 2010 noted a significant share of pre-2009 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show cam-related faults contributing to emissions failures in high-mileage vehicles. Short-trip cycles and infrequent oil changes increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2008–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M271860.
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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