The Mercedes — Benz M276.950 is a 3,498 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and direct fuel injection. In standard tuning, it delivered 200 kW (272 PS) with peak torque of 370 Nm, offering balanced performance and refinement for executive and luxury applications.
Fitted to key models such as the W212 E — Class, W221 S — Class, and X166 GL — Class, the M276.950 was engi…
Production years 2012–2017 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7789).
The Mercedes-Benz M276.950 is a 3,498 cc V6 naturally aspirated engine engineered for executive and luxury vehicles (2012–2017). It combines direct injection with variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday drivability with highway cruising capability.
| 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 injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40) | |
Dry weight | 198 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M276.950 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W212/W221/X166 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake manifold tuning in the GL-Class and revised cooling routing in the E-Class-and from 2014 the updated high-pressure fuel pump introduced in facelifted S-Class models improved system longevity, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M276.950's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained highway and low-fuel driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre-2014 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 130,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system-related faults contributing to emissions test failures. Extended idling and low fuel levels reduce lubrication stability, making adherence to oil specification and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014-2023). 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 M276.950 offers smooth performance and good efficiency, but early models (2012–2013) are prone to high-pressure fuel pump issues if maintenance is deferred. Post-2014 revisions resolved most lubrication concerns, so well-maintained examples exceed 180,000 km. Using correct MB 229.51 oil and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals is essential for longevity.
Primary issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (especially pre-2014), intake carbon buildup, cam cover oil leaks, and ignition coil misfires. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins. EGR and throttle body faults are less common but may occur with poor maintenance.
This 3.5L V6 was used in several core models: E-Class (W212 E350), S-Class (W221 S350), CL-Class (C216 CL350), and GL-Class (X166 GL350). All applications are petrol-powered and Euro 5 compliant. No cross-manufacturer usage is documented.
Yes, the M276.950 responds well to ECU remapping, safely yielding +20–35 kW by optimizing ignition and fuel maps. Supporting mods like high-flow intake and exhaust improve responsiveness. However, the naturally aspirated design limits peak output, and tuning should not compromise valve timing stability.
Moderate for a V6. In an E350 (W212), combined consumption is ~9.0 L/100km (~31.4 mpg UK). City driving may reach 11.5 L/100km, while highway runs can achieve ~7.0 L/100km (~40.4 mpg UK). Real-world economy depends heavily on driving style, but expect 30–38 mpg (UK) under mixed conditions.
No. The M276.950 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, piston-to-valve contact is avoided, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, timing chain replacement is still recommended at 180,000 km or as per service schedule to maintain synchronization.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 0W-40 oil meeting MB 229.51 standard. This low-SAPS synthetic oil provides optimal protection for the direct injection system and high-temperature stability. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or one year to prevent sludge and wear.
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.