The Mercedes — Benz M 272.983 is a 5,461 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It belongs to the advanced M 272 engine family developed for high — performance luxury platforms including the S — Class, CL — Class, and SL — Class. Featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, direct and port fuel injection (TWINJET), and a dual — mass flywheel, it delivers smooth power delivery and enhanced combustion efficiency. In standard form it pr…
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2011 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4571).
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.983 is a 5,461 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for longitudinal flagship platforms (2006–2011). It combines TWINJET direct and port injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver smooth throttle response and reduced emissions. Designed to meet Euro 4 and later Euro 5 standards, it balances high performance with refinement in luxury applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 5,461 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 98.0 mm × 90.5 mm | |
Power output | 386 kW (525 PS) | |
Torque | 680 Nm @ 2,800–4,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | TWINJET direct and multi-point port injection (up to 120 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4; later models Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, electric thermostat | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
Dry weight | 210 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 272.983 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221/C216/R230 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared design elements with the M 272 family. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-enhanced cooling in the SL-Class and revised intake tracts in the S-Class-and from 2009 the facelifted CL-Class adopted revised ECU calibration for improved throttle response, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 272.983's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner degradation, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway driving. Internal Daimler quality reports from 2008 noted a significant portion of pre-2009 units requiring tensioner replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of engine-related MOT advisories to timing noise in this engine family. Frequent short trips and delayed oil changes increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and change adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2006-2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2023). 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 272.983 offers smooth performance and refinement, but early models (2006-2008) are prone to timing chain tensioner wear. Later revisions (2009+) with updated tensioner design show improved durability. When maintained properly—using correct oil (MB 229.5) and adhering to service intervals—these engines can reliably exceed 180,000 km.
Key issues include timing chain tensioner failure, hydraulic lifter ticking, intake manifold flap cracking, and coolant leaks from the water pump. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and confirmed through UK DVSA inspection data.
The M 272.983 was used in longitudinal-platform models including the S-Class (W221), CL-Class (C216), SL-Class (R230), and GL-Class (X164) from 2006 to 2011. It powered S 65 AMG, CL 65 AMG, SL 65 AMG, and GL 65 AMG variants, primarily in European and UK markets meeting Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards.
Limited tuning potential due to naturally aspirated design. ECU remapping can yield +20-30 kW gains, but stock intake and exhaust limit higher outputs. Supporting modifications (intake, exhaust, cam) are required for significant increases. Tuning should preserve fuel and temperature safety margins to avoid engine damage.
In combined driving, the M 272.983 achieves approximately 14.0–16.0 L/100km (18–20 mpg UK). Real-world consumption varies by model and driving style. The S 65 AMG and SL 65 AMG typically return 19–22 mpg UK on mixed routes, while aggressive driving reduces efficiency significantly.
Yes. The M 272.983 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Regular inspection of the chain tensioner and guides is essential to prevent costly repairs.
Mercedes specifies SAE 5W-40 oil meeting MB 229.5 standard. This synthetic oil is critical for timing chain and hydraulic lifter longevity. Oil changes should be performed every 15,000 km or annually to maintain lubrication and overall engine health.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MERCEDES-BENZ or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMERCEDES-BENZ documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.