Mercedes-Benz Mercedes M276 Engine Specs

The Mercedes-Benz M276 is a naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine produced from 2010 to 2017, used across a range of Mercedes-Benz passenger models as the brand's mainstream six-cylinder option during that period, offering smooth, refined performance positioned between Mercedes' four-cylinder and V8 offerings of the same era.

Producing 306hp and 370Nm of torque from 3,498cc, the M276 uses a DOHC 24-valve aluminum head and a compression ratio of 11.3:1, delivering the smooth, refined power delivery traditionally associated with Mercedes six-cylinder engines, along with reasonably good fuel economy for its output and displacement. Direct fuel injection is used to help extract strong performance from the comparatively high compression ratio without resorting to turbocharging (unlike the later M276 DE variants, which added twin-scroll turbocharging).

As with any naturally aspirated direct-injection engine, gradual carbon buildup on the intake valves is a known consideration over high mileage, since fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber rather than over the valves as with older port-injection designs; periodic intake cleaning is a sensible preventive measure as mileage accumulates, and this is a trait shared by virtually all modern GDI engines regardless of manufacturer. The timing chain, used throughout the M276 family, benefits from periodic inspection on higher-mileage examples, since chain-related noise has been documented on some units, particularly related to chain tensioner wear. Given Mercedes' general engineering standards, the M276 has built a reasonably solid reliability reputation, though as with any modern luxury V6, specialist Mercedes diagnostic and servicing knowledge is valuable for anything beyond routine maintenance, and buyers should seek a documented service history emphasizing regular oil changes with the correct specification oil. Because the M276 was gradually phased out in favor of Mercedes' newer turbocharged inline-six and V6 engines, it represents something of a final generation of naturally aspirated Mercedes six-cylinder engineering, valued by some buyers specifically for the simpler, non-turbocharged driving character it offers compared with the brand's newer boosted engines.