Mercedes-Benz M272 engine#E30

{{Infobox automobile engine

| name = Mercedes-Benz M272

| image = M272 v6 engine.jpg

| manufacturer = Mercedes-Benz

| production = 2004–2017

| configuration = Naturally aspirated 90° V6

| block = Aluminum

| head = Aluminum

| successor = Mercedes-Benz M276

| valvetrain = DOHC 4 valves x cyl. with continuous VVT

| fueltype = Gasoline or

E85 (M272 929)

| fuelsystem = port injection or direct injection (CGI)

| coolingsystem = Water cooled

| displacement = {{convert|2496|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
{{convert|2996|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}}
{{convert|3498|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}}

| bore = {{convert|88|mm|2|abbr=on}}
{{convert|92.9|mm|2|abbr=on}}

| stroke = {{convert|68.4|mm|2|abbr=on}}
{{convert|82|mm|2|abbr=on}}
{{convert|86|mm|2|abbr=on}}

| power = {{convert|204-316|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}

| torque = {{convert|245-365|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}}

| predecessor = Mercedes-Benz M112

}}

The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is an automobile piston V6 engine family used in the 2000s (decade). Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.

All M272 engines have aluminum engine blocks with a 90° V-angle with silicon/aluminum lined cylinders. The aluminum DOHC cylinder heads have 4 valves per cylinder. All have forged steel connecting rods, one-piece cast crankshaft, iron-coated aluminum pistons and a magnesium intake manifold. Like the M112, a balance shaft is installed in the engine block between the cylinder banks to deal with vibrations in the 90 degree V6 design. This essentially eliminates first and second order moments. A dual-length Variable Length Intake Manifold is fitted to optimize engine flexibility.

Continuous VVT was adopted for the first time. Featured on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, each can be varied through a range of 40 degrees. The twin spark plug system was replaced by a regular single spark plug per cylinder. New electronic coolant flow control has replaced the mechanical thermostat for improved engine warm-up and optimum control of engine temperature. Also tumble flaps are used to improve output at low engine speeds.

E25

The E25 is a {{convert|2496|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}} version. Bore and stroke dimension is {{convert|88x68.4|mm|2|abbr=on}}. Output is {{convert|204|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6100 rpm with {{convert|245|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 2900-5500 rpm.

Applications:

E30

The E30 is a {{convert|2996|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}} version. Bore and stroke is {{convert|88x82|mm|2|abbr=on}}. Output is {{convert|231|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm with {{convert|300|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 2500-5000 rpm.

Applications:

E35

The E35 is a {{convert|3498|cc|L|1|abbr=on|disp=flip}} version. Bore and stroke dimension is {{convert|92.9x86|mm|2|abbr=on}}. Output is {{convert|272|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6000 rpm with {{convert|350|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 3500 rpm. A direct injected variant debuted in 2006 under the name Stratified-Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI). First fitted to the CLS350 CGI, it produces {{convert|292|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|365|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque while lowering fuel consumption. In 2008, the non-CGI engine was uprated to {{convert|316|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6500 rpm and {{convert|360|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4900 rpm with 350Nm being delivered at 2000rpm. This was achieved by raising the rev-limit to 7200 rpm, increasing the compression ratio using enhanced, weight-optimized pistons with a curved surface, reinforcements in the area of the piston pins, deeper pockets for the valve seats, single-stage intake manifold, lightweight valves with sodium cooling, conical valve springs, tri-oval chain sprocket, and a new cylinder head.

Applications:

Balance shaft gear and other issues

M272 engines that were sold between 2004{{cite web|last=O'Donnell|first=Matt|title=Mercedes M272 & M273 Engine Class Action|date=15 October 2010 |url=http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/838-mercedes-m272-a-m273-engine-class-action|access-date=Aug 29, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Mercedes-Benz named in class action over safety issues related to its M272 or M273 engines|url=http://gotaclassaction.com/mercedes-benz-named-in-class-action-over-safety-issues-related-to-its-m272-or-m273-engines/|access-date=Aug 29, 2013}} and 2008 with engine serial numbers below 2729..30 468993 often show early wear of the balance shaft gears, requiring extensive repairs at a retail cost of over $4,000.{{cite web|last=Konigstiger|title=How to interpret Balance Shaft Sprocket Engine Serial #?|url=http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211-e-class/1591732-how-interpret-balance-shaft-sprocket-engine.html|access-date=Mar 12, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Mercedes-Benz M272 Balance Shaft Failure|website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZjurS7nn9c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/SZjurS7nn9c |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|access-date=Mar 12, 2013}}{{cbignore}} These complaints led to a class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz (Greg Suddreth and Paul Dunton v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC), which alleged the M272 engines are equipped with defective balance shafts gears which "wear out prematurely, excessively and without warning, purportedly causing the vehicles to malfunction, the check engine light to illuminate and the vehicle to misfire and/or stop driving."{{cite web|last=O'Donnell|first=Matt|title=Mercedes M272 & M273 Engine Class Action|date=15 October 2010 |url=http://www.topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/838-mercedes-m272-a-m273-engine-class-action|access-date=Mar 12, 2013}} The suit further alleged that Mercedes knew of this problem, sending out repair bulletins on how to address this issue and ultimately changing the balance shaft gears to avoid this problem. This suit was ultimately dismissed with the judge agreeing with Mercedes that because the gears fail at 60 -80K miles and outside of the warranty period, Mercedes is not legally responsible for these problems.{{cite web|last=Jackson|first=Russell|title=District Court Dismisses Automotive Class Action|url=http://www.consumerclassactionsmasstorts.com/2011/11/articles/consumer-fraud/district-court-dismisses-automotive-class-action/|access-date=Mar 12, 2013}}

However, a second class action lawsuit was filed in October 2012 in Northern California,{{cite web|title=Mercedes-Benz named in class action over safety issues related to its M272 or M273 engines|url=http://gotaclassaction.com/mercedes-benz-named-in-class-action-over-safety-issues-related-to-its-m272-or-m273-engines/|access-date=Mar 12, 2013}} covering Mercedes-Benz models manufactured between 2005 and 2007. A preliminary settlement was reached on April 8, 2015,{{cite web|title=Order by Judge Thelton E. Henderson granting 142 Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement. Motion for Final Approval due 08/03/2015. (Filed on 4/8/2015) |url=https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/california/candce/3:2012cv05493/260189/149/0.pdf?ts=1428566656|access-date=June 29, 2015}} which would see owners compensated for up to 70% of the cost of the repair.

These engines also have a common issue with their intake manifolds. The M273 also has similar issues but not to the same extent. The plastic lever that operates the opening and closing of the variable length intake manifold can break prematurely. Mercedes doesn't have this particular part listed, instead they sell the whole intake manifold as one unit which can cost upwards of $800 US. There are a number of third-party companies that sell a replacement lever made out of metal at a much cheaper cost.

See also

References