The Mercedes-Benz M 273.967 is a 5,461 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) on intake and exhaust, and electronic direct port fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 225 kW (306 PS) and 460 Nm of torque, offering smooth power delivery and strong mid-range performance.
Fitted to key luxury and performance models including the W221 S-Class, W212 E-Class, and W164 ML-Class, the M 273.967 was engineered for refined cruising and effortless acceleration. It replaced the earlier M113 V8 and was designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and advanced engine management, with certain later models achieving partial Euro 5 compliance.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft adjuster gears, noted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 01.02.11. This issue, linked to material fatigue under thermal cycling, can result in timing misalignment and engine fault codes. From 2009, revised hardened gears were implemented across the M 273 series to improve durability.
Production years 2006–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2011 models may have partial Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M 273.967 is a 5,461 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for luxury and executive vehicles (2006–2011). It combines direct port injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver smooth power and responsive mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and select Euro 5) standards, it balances refinement with performance.
| 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 | 225 kW (306 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 460 Nm @ 2,700–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic direct port injection (HFM-SFi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2009); partial Euro 5 depending on market | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (dual adjusters) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 202 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 provides linear power delivery ideal for relaxed driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.5 specification oil to ensure longevity of the camshaft adjusters and hydraulic lifters. Use of incorrect oil can accelerate wear in the variable valve timing system. Cold-start idling should be limited to 30 seconds to ensure prompt oil circulation. Direct port injection is less prone to carbon buildup than port injection but still benefits from periodic intake cleaning. Post-2009 models feature upgraded cam adjuster gears; pre-2009 units should be inspected per Mercedes-Benz SIB 01 02 11. EGR systems require cleaning every 80,000 km to prevent flow restriction and fault codes.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01 02 11). Compatible with ACEA A3/B4 but not A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2009 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 2009–2011 variants meet partial Euro 5 under specific test cycles.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228 RON 95 minimum.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31572, A31805, SIB 01 02 11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020:2004 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M 273.967 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221, W212, and W164 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened accessory drives in the W212 and reinforced engine mounts in the W164-and from 2009 the facelifted W221 models adopted revised camshaft adjusters, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31572). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for M 273 series). Pre-2009 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2009 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M 272: M 273.967 has a single-piece intake manifold and lacks balance shafts. Service parts require production date verification—cam adjuster gears before 06/2009 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01 02 11).
The M 273.967's primary reliability risk is camshaft adjuster gear wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2010 indicated a significant share of pre-2009 engines required adjuster replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show VVT-related faults contribute to emissions test failures in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended idling increase thermal stress on adjuster components, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2008-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013-2021). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M273967.
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