The Mercedes-Benz M 278.928 is a 5,461 cc, 90° V8 petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2017. It features twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tuning, it delivered 340 kW (462 PS) and 700 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end response and high-speed performance.
Fitted to flagship models including the W221 S-Class, W212 E-Class, and C217 CLS-Class, the M 278.928 was engineered for high-performance luxury applications. Its design prioritized smooth power delivery, refinement, and rapid acceleration. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and close-coupled catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern involves premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 70.00-P-0030/12. 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.
All production years 2011–2017 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Mercedes-Benz M 278.928 is a 5,461 cc 90° twin-turbocharged V8 engineered for high-performance luxury applications (2011–2017). It combines direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharging to deliver responsive power and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with drivability in longitudinal mounting configurations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 98.0 mm × 90.5 mm | |
| Power output | 340 kW (462 PS) @ 5,250–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 1,800–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (BlueDIRECT), multi-point injection (port) for cold starts | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin parallel turbochargers (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (short-block to cylinder heads) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 212 kg |
The twin-turbo system provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for effortless acceleration 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 BlueDIRECT system is sensitive to fuel quality and requires premium unleaded (RON 95 minimum) to prevent injector coking and carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2013 models feature revised fuel pump drives; pre-2013 units should be inspected per Mercedes SIB 70.00-P-0030/12. 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-0030/12). Supersedes ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across model years with no market-specific derating.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32850, A32960, SIB 70.00-P-0030/12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
DIN 70020:2004 Road vehicles — Determination of engine power
The Mercedes-Benz M 278.928 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221, W212, and C217 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-adaptive throttle response in the S-Class and revised torque delivery in the CLS-Class-and from 2013, 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 A32855). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for M278 series). Pre-2013 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2013 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M273: M278.928 is a twin-turbocharged V8 with direct injection, while M273 is a naturally aspirated unit. Service parts require production date verification - high-pressure fuel pumps for engines before 05/2013 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Mercedes SIB 70.00-P-0030/12).
The M 278.928's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in sustained highway driving conditions. Internal Daimler reports from 2013 indicated a significant portion of pre-2013 engines required pump replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows fuel system faults among the top engine-related MOT advisories for W212 E 550 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 (2011–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M278928.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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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