The Mercedes-Benz M 272.922 is a 3,498 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2011. It features a naturally aspirated design with variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts and electronic fuel injection (EFI), delivering 180 kW (245 PS) and 310 Nm of torque. Its smooth power delivery and compact 60-degree V6 architecture made it ideal for mid-size and executive platforms, providing a balance of refinement and responsive performance.
Fitted to models including the W211 E-Class, W203 C-Class, and R230 SL-Class, the M 272.922 was engineered for relaxed cruising and confident overtaking. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual three-way catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 4 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft adjusters, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 08-2010. This issue stems from inadequate oil pressure or delayed oil changes, leading to erratic valve timing and rough idle. From 2008, revised camshaft adjusters with improved sealing and damping were introduced to enhance reliability.
All production years (2005–2011) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.922 is a 3,498 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for mid-size and executive applications (2005–2011). It combines variable valve timing on both camshafts with electronic multi-point injection to deliver smooth throttle response and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances refinement with regulated efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 180 kW (245 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 2,500–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic multi-point fuel injection (ME 2.1) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (dual-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, linear power ideal for highway cruising but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft adjuster wear. MB 229.5 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its high-shear stability and anti-wear additives protecting the hydraulic cam adjusters. Extended idling or short-trip driving can accelerate oil degradation, increasing risk of adjuster failure. Fuel quality must meet minimum 95 RON to prevent knock and maintain ECU calibration. Post-2008 models feature upgraded cam adjusters; pre-2008 units should be inspected per SIB 08-2010. 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 08-2010). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: All M 272.922 engines comply with Euro 4 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890), verified for UK and EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output remains stable with 98 RON fuel (Daimler TIS Doc. A32600).
Daimler Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32250, A32510, SIB 08-2010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test procedure for measurement of net power
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.922 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211/W203 platforms with longitudinal mounting and adapted for rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the E-Class and compact accessory drives in the C-Class-and from 2008 the facelifted SL-Class variants adopted updated camshaft adjusters, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Daimler TIS A32275). The 7th and 8th VIN digits indicate engine type ('3A' for M 272.922). Pre-2008 models have silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; post-2008 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M 272.920: M 272.922 has dual exhaust manifolds and larger throttle body. Service parts require model-year verification—cam adjusters before 08/2008 are incompatible with later upgraded units (Mercedes-Benz SIB 08-2010).
The M 272.922's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft adjuster wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Daimler reports from 2010 noted a significant share of pre-2008 engines requiring adjuster replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show timing-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 M272922.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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