The Mercedes-Benz M276.825 is a 3,498 cc, 60° V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT). Delivering 200 kW (272 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, it was engineered for balanced performance and refinement in mid-luxury applications. Its architecture includes spray-guided direct injection and adaptive ignition mapping for stable combustion under diverse loads.
Fitted to key models such as the W204 C-Class, W212 E-Class, and W221 S-Class, the M276.825 was designed to offer responsive acceleration and smooth cruising dynamics. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter system and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards throughout its production run. The water-cooled design ensures consistent thermal stability during sustained operation.
One documented reliability concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in early production units (2012–2014), as highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 276.010/12. The issue stems from lack of fuel washing due to direct injection. In response, Mercedes revised intake manifold servicing intervals and recommended periodic walnut blasting, improving long-term intake system health in later M276.825 engines.
All production years 2012–2017 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682).
The Mercedes-Benz M276.825 is a 3,498 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-luxury sedan and coupe applications (2012–2017). It combines dual overhead camshafts with direct fuel injection to deliver responsive power delivery and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and long-term drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 200 kW (272 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 3,500–5,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT, ME 17.8.3 ECU) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 delivers smooth, linear power ideal for everyday driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.51-spec oil to prevent timing chain and valvetrain wear. Using non-compliant oils can degrade hydraulic lash adjuster performance. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure stable oil pressure. The ME 17.8.3 engine management system is sensitive to vacuum leaks and sensor degradation. Direct injection eliminates fuel washing of intake valves, leading to carbon buildup; periodic walnut blasting is recommended per SIB 276.010/12. Post-2015 models benefit from revised intake port coatings, reducing deposit accumulation.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.51 (0W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 276.010/12). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2012–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 200 kW output applies to M276.825 in C350/E350/S350 applications (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A32003).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31574, A31893, SIB 276.010/12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5682)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Mercedes-Benz M276.825 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W204, W212, and W221 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the W221 and enhanced sound insulation in the W212-and from 2015 the updated W212 facelift models adopted revised intake port coatings, 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 A31702). The 7th and 8th digits of the VIN indicate engine type ('DF' for M276 series). Pre-2015 models have silver cam covers with visible black valve stem seals; post-2015 units use revised intake port coatings to reduce carbon buildup. Critical differentiation from M276.824: M276.825 has a naturally aspirated design and lacks turbochargers. Service parts require model-year verification—intake components for pre-2015 engines are not interchangeable with post-2015 revisions due to internal design changes (Mercedes-Benz SIB 276.010/12).
The M276.825's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2015 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 engines required intake cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show airflow-related faults contribute to emissions failures in high-mileage units. Frequent cold starts and extended short trips increase deposit risk, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2012-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M276825.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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