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Used Mercedes M272 V6 petrol engine: 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5? Reading the 272.9xx reference

Writer: ALLOMOTEUR Le Blog
ALLOMOTEUR Le Blog
1 day ago
3 min read

Between about 2004 and 2011, almost every Mercedes with a V6 petrol engine got the same unit: the M272, a 90° V6 with four valves per cylinder. It is found under the 230, 280, 300 and 350 badges of the C, E, S, CLK, CLS, SLK, SL, ML, R and GLK-Class. As with the brand's diesels, the engine is identified by its six-digit reference, stamped on the block: 272 for the family, then three digits for the exact application.

Three displacements under one name

  • 2.5 litres — the entry-level version, badged 230 on the C-Class W204 and E-Class W211 (references 272.92x).

  • 3.0 litres — badged 280 then 300 depending on model and year (references 272.94x), notably on the SLK and the 4MATIC versions.

  • 3.5 litres — the most common, badged 350 on the E, S, CLS, SLK, SL and ML (references 272.96x and 272.97x).

  • 3.5 CGI — a direct-injection variant introduced late in the engine's life on the E-Class W212 (reference 272.983 in our catalogue).

Some references and their vehicles

Examples from our catalogue, read on the engines themselves:

If your reference is not listed here, send us the full number read on the block, or the vehicle's chassis number (VIN): we check that it matches before shipping.

Why the full reference matters

  • The drivetrain — a 4MATIC engine does not have the same oil sump or the same mounts as a rear-wheel-drive engine.

  • The vehicle — an SLK or SL roadster, an E-Class saloon and an ML do not have the same engine bay, so not always the same ancillaries or the same manifold.

  • The injection — a direct-injection CGI version cannot replace an indirect-injection version without changing the wiring harness and the ECU.

Points to check on an M272

The M272 is a pleasant and generally durable engine, but two issues are well known to workshops. On early series, wear of the balance shaft sprocket can upset the timing and turn on the engine warning light. And the intake manifold, with its swirl flaps and their actuator, often develops play over time. On a complete used engine, check the exact reference, the mileage and the ancillaries supplied: our listings give all three.

What you will find at Allomoteur

We have around fifteen complete M272 engines in stock, in 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, for the C, E, S, CLS, SLK and SL-Class, rear-wheel drive as well as 4MATIC. Every engine is checked, guaranteed and shipped on a pallet in France and across Europe.

🔧 Need a used Mercedes V6 petrol engine?

Allomoteur selects, tests and guarantees every engine and every gearbox before shipping. 3-month warranty, delivery to mainland France, secure payment by bank transfer.

👉 See Mercedes engines in stock — or write to us at contact@allomoteur.com, reply within 24 business hours.

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