The Mercedes — Benz M 276.958 is a 2,996 cc, 60° V6 twin — turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) on intake and exhaust, and direct fuel injection (CGI). Delivering 328 kW (446 PS) in standard form and up to 368 kW (500 PS) in AMG variants, it powered high — performance sedans and coupes with rapid throttle response and strong mid — range torque.
Fitted to models such as the W222 S — Class, W…
All production years meet Euro 6 standards (EU6b threshold from 2015) (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.958 is a 2,996 cc 60° V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance applications (2013–2017). It combines DOHC architecture with dual variable valve timing and CGI direct injection to deliver rapid throttle response and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it replaced the M 276.824 with updated calibration and revised valvetrain components for improved reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,996 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (hot-V layout) | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.1 mm | |
Power output | 328–368 kW (446–500 PS) | |
Torque | 600–700 Nm @ 1,800–4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | CGI direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 (EU6b from 2015) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit with electric water pump | |
Turbocharger | Twin IHI turbochargers (hot-V configuration) | |
Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), hydraulic tensioners | |
Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 186 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 276.958 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W205/W213/W222 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-cooling system tuning in the S-Class and revised intake in the C-Class-and from 2015 the W213 E-Class facelift introduced updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 276.958's primary reliability risk is camshaft adjuster gear wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for sustained highway cruising. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring adjuster replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalyst failures linked to fuel trim errors from cam timing drift. Extended idling and delayed oil changes increase wear on the timing chain and hydraulic tensioner, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The M 276.958 is generally robust with strong build quality, but early models (2013–2015) are prone to camshaft adjuster gear wear. Later revisions (post-2015) feature reinforced components that significantly improve durability. Consistent maintenance, timely oil changes with MB 229.51 spec oil, and use of premium fuel are essential for long-term reliability in this performance-oriented V6.
The most documented issues are camshaft adjuster gear wear (especially pre-2015), carbon buildup in the intake tract due to CGI, high-pressure fuel pump failures, and coolant leaks from plastic thermostat housing. These are confirmed in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and technical reports for the W205, W213, and W222 platforms.
The M 276.958 was used in AMG 43-series performance models including the W205 C-Class (C 43 AMG), W213 E-Class (E 43 AMG), W222 S-Class (S 43 AMG), and W166 GLE-Class (GLE 43 AMG). It was phased out in 2017 with the introduction of the M256 inline-six engine.
Yes. ECU remapping can yield +50–70 kW on twin-turbo engines, with gains enhanced by supporting modifications like intercooler upgrades and exhaust systems. AMG versions already operate near stock limits, but non-AMG variants have significant headroom. However, aggressive tuning increases stress on the valvetrain and fuel system, so conservative tuning is advised, especially on pre-2015 units.
Fuel consumption is typical for a twin-turbo V6 in a performance vehicle. In an E 43 AMG (W213), expect ~12.5 L/100km (city) and ~8.1 L/100km (highway), or approximately 23 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary with driving style, but 20–25 mpg UK is common. The CGI system improves efficiency over port-injected predecessors, though performance driving reduces economy significantly.
Yes. The M 276.958 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, resulting in severe internal damage. This makes timely inspection and replacement of timing components—especially the cam adjuster gears—critically important given the engine's complexity and repair cost.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting MB 229.51 standard. This low-ash, high-shear-stability oil is essential for protecting the turbochargers, high-pressure fuel pump, and hydraulic tensioners. Oil changes should occur every 15,000 km or annually to maintain engine health and prevent premature wear.
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