The Mercedes — Benz M 272.960 is a 5,461 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2006 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 285 kW (388 PS) and 530 Nm of torque. Its high — revving character and smooth power delivery made it ideal for performance and luxury applications, providing strong acceleration and refined cruising capabilities.
Fitted to…
All production years (2006–2011) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.960 is a 5,461 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for luxury and performance applications (2006–2011). 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 | 5,461 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 96.9 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 285 kW (388 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
Torque | 530 Nm @ 2,700–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Electronic multi-point fuel injection (ME 2.1) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
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 | 218 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.960 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221/W211 platforms with longitudinal mounting and adapted for rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the S-Class and compact accessory drives in the E-Class-and from 2008 the facelifted CLK-Class variants adopted updated camshaft adjusters, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 272.960'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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M 272.960 offers smooth performance and refinement, but pre-2008 models are prone to intake camshaft adjuster wear if oil changes are delayed or incorrect oil is used. Later models (2008+) feature upgraded adjusters that significantly improve durability. When maintained with MB 229.5 oil and 15,000 km service intervals, these engines can reliably exceed 200,000 km.
Key issues include intake camshaft adjuster wear (especially pre-2008), throttle body actuator faults, coolant leaks from plastic components, and ignition coil failures. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and supported by DVSA failure data. Regular maintenance using correct fluids prevents most problems.
The M 272.960 was used in the W221 S-Class (S 550, 2006–2011), W211 E-Class (E 550, 2006–2009), and W209 CLK-Class (CLK 550, 2006–2010). It was phased out in favor of direct-injection M 276 engines. All variants are rear-wheel drive with longitudinal engine layout.
Limited tuning potential exists. ECU remaps can yield +20–30 kW by optimizing throttle response and fuel maps, but gains are modest due to the naturally aspirated design. Intake/exhaust upgrades offer minor improvements. Over-tuning risks exceeding component limits, especially on pre-2008 cam adjusters. Reliability-focused tuning is recommended.
In combined driving, expect 13.5–15.0 L/100km (19–21 mpg UK). Highway consumption is ~10.0 L/100km (~28 mpg UK), while city driving may reach 18.0 L/100km (~16 mpg UK). Real-world economy depends on driving style and condition. The ME 2.1 system optimizes fuel delivery but benefits from regular maintenance.
Yes. The M 272.960 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or skips, pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. The chain is durable when maintained, but any abnormal noise should prompt immediate inspection to avoid engine replacement.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 5W-40 oil meeting MB 229.5 standard. This synthetic oil provides optimal protection for the camshaft adjusters and timing components. Oil must be changed every 15,000 km or annually to prevent accelerated wear, particularly on pre-2008 engines.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
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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
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