The Mercedes-Benz M273.924 is a 5,461 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2011. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and multi-point fuel injection. This engine was engineered to deliver smooth high-end power and refinement across Mercedes-Benz's luxury sedan and coupe lineup, producing 270 kW (367 PS) and 530 Nm of torque in its highest-output configuration.
Fitted to key models such as the W221 S-Class, W211 E-Class, and R230 SL-Class, the M273.924 was designed for premium driving comfort, effortless cruising, and strong mid-range acceleration. Its architecture supports advanced electronic throttle control and adaptive ignition timing, contributing to stable performance under diverse load conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-port fuel injection and closed-loop three-way catalytic converters, meeting Euro 4 standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature camshaft follower wear, particularly in early production units (2005–2007), highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 273.010/08. The issue stems from inadequate lubrication film stability under low-RPM, high-load operation. In response, Mercedes revised the hydraulic lash adjuster design and updated oil specifications in 2008, significantly improving durability in later M273.924 engines.
All production years 2005–2011 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M273.924 is a 5,461 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for luxury and grand tourer applications (2005–2011). It combines dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing to deliver linear power delivery and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and long-term drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.9 mm × 92.4 mm | |
| Power output | 258–270 kW (351–367 PS) | |
| Torque | 510–530 Nm @ 2,700–4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (ME 9.7 ECU) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 205 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.5-spec oil to prevent cam follower wear. Using non-compliant oils can degrade hydraulic lash adjuster performance, leading to valve train noise and potential recession. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure stable oil pressure to upper valvetrain components. The ME 9.7 engine management system is sensitive to vacuum leaks and sensor degradation, requiring diagnostic verification during maintenance. Post-2008 models benefit from revised followers and improved lubrication; pre-2008 units should be inspected per SIB 273.010/08. Catalytic converters are durable but vulnerable to fuel contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 273.010/08). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 270 kW output applies to M273.924 in S500/SL500 applications (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A32001).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31572, A31891, SIB 273.010/08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Mercedes-Benz M273.924 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211, W221, and R230 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-variable intake manifolds in the W221 and revised exhaust manifolds in the R230-and from 2008 the updated W211 facelift models adopted revised hydraulic lash adjusters, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front right cylinder bank near the intake manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31700). The 7th and 8th digits of the VIN indicate engine type ('DE' for M273 series). Pre-2008 models have silver cam covers with black valve stem seals visible; post-2008 units use updated hydraulic lash adjusters with revised oil feed grooves. Critical differentiation from M273.944: M273.924 has a 5.5L displacement and lacks direct injection. Service parts require model-year verification—cam followers for pre-2008 engines are not compatible with post-2008 revisions due to internal design changes (Mercedes-Benz SIB 273.010/08).
The M273.924's primary reliability risk is hydraulic lash adjuster wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2009 indicated a significant number of pre-2008 engines required follower replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show cam-related faults contribute to emissions failures in high-mileage units. Frequent cold starts and extended short trips increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2007-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M273924.
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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