Car Model Guide/ Engines/ M276

M276 3.5 V6

The M272's replacement from 2011: a cleaner, smoother 3.5 V6 with the timing chain moved to the front of the engine and no balance-shaft concern. The most trouble-free petrol in the range, carbon aside.

ConfigurationV6, naturally aspiratedDisplacement3498 cc
FuelpetrolInjectiondirect
Shared componentsdirect injection

Cars using this engine

VariantChassisBodyYearsPowerRiskGood buy
E 350W212sedan2011–2016306 PSR2€10,500
E 350S212wagon2011–2016306 PSR2€11,050

Engine and component issues

Carbon buildup on intake valvesdirect injection€400–€700
Rough cold idle, slow throttle response, misfires, gradual loss of low-end response. Direct injection puts no fuel over the intake valves, so crankcase vapour deposits bake on undisturbed.
Check: Not visible without a borescope. Treat it as a service item that's due unless there's a receipt. It's not a fault, it's an unbudgeted maintenance cost.
Turbo & intakeuniversalNot detectable at viewingevidence: documented80120k km

Chassis, gearbox and body issues aren't listed here. They depend on which car the engine is fitted to. Open a variant page for the merged list.