The Mercedes-Benz M 276.952 is a 3,498 cc, 90° V6 petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It features direct and port fuel injection (Twin Direct Injection), twin-scroll turbocharging, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tuning, it delivered 245 kW (333 PS) and 480 Nm of torque, providing strong mid-range performance and responsive throttle characteristics.
Fitted to mid-size and full-size platforms including the W204 C-Class, W212 E-Class, and X204 GLK-Class, the M 276.952 was engineered for balanced performance and efficiency in rear-wheel and 4MATIC drive configurations. Its design prioritized compact packaging, low emissions, and linear power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through Twin Direct Injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and close-coupled catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern involves premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 70.00-P-0040/13. This fault can lead to fuel pressure loss, engine misfires, and non-start conditions. The issue stems from torsional stress on the camshaft-driven pump under sustained high-load operation. Later production units received revised pump assemblies and updated oil change intervals to mitigate the risk.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2017 models meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.952 is a 3,498 cc 90° V6 turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented luxury applications (2012–2017). It combines twin-scroll turbocharging with dual injection (direct and port) to deliver responsive power and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances performance with compliance in longitudinal and transverse mounting configurations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-scroll turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 245 kW (333 PS) @ 5,250–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 480 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin Direct Injection (TDI) – direct and port injection (ME 17.8 control unit) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2017) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbocharger (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (short-block to cylinder heads) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for responsive driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.51 specification oil to prevent high-pressure fuel pump wear. Using non-compliant oil or extended intervals risks premature pump failure, leading to fuel pressure loss and misfires. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure oil circulation. The Twin Direct Injection system is sensitive to fuel quality and requires premium unleaded (RON 95 minimum) to prevent injector coking and carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2015 models meet Euro 6; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Mercedes SIB 70.00-P-0040/13. EGR system maintenance is critical to prevent throttle body contamination and idle instability.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.51 (0W-40) specification (Mercedes SIB 70.00-P-0040/13). Supersedes ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 certification applies to 2015–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across model years with no market-specific derating.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32810, A32920, SIB 70.00-P-0040/13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020:2004 Road vehicles — Determination of engine power
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.952 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W204, W212, and X204 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-adaptive throttle response in the E-Class and revised torque delivery in the GLK-Class-and from 2015, minor internal revisions improved fuel pump durability, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front right-side cylinder bank near the timing cover (Mercedes TIS A32815). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for M276 series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M274: M276.952 is a V6 with twin-scroll turbo and larger displacement, while M274 is an inline-four. Service parts require production date verification - high-pressure fuel pumps for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Mercedes SIB 70.00-P-0040/13).
The M 276.952's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in sustained highway driving conditions. Internal Daimler reports from 2014 indicated a significant portion of pre-2015 engines required pump replacement before 130,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows fuel system faults among the top engine-related MOT advisories for W212 E 350 models. Prolonged high-RPM operation and infrequent oil changes increase pump drive stress, making oil quality and interval 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 M276952.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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