E500wanabe

Hi all, Just wondering how these engines have been for reliability. Any thoughts?


Thanks, Chris

PeterUbers

So far nothing major to report

Occasionally can have noisy chains but this can be easily fixed

It's still a relatively new engine ... Only 3 years old... Not enough long term data

Johnny Rad

If I recall correctly, the M278 (biturbo 4.6-4.7L) launched in '11 in the USA on the CL550, SL550 and S550.

The E (and maybe CLS) didn't get it until '12 in the USA. It's apparently no longer offered in the E in the USA as of 2014 or 2015.

With respect to the E, apparently the M278 / 550 isn't a high volume seller. I've read it only accounts for 2-10% of the total E sales. In my area, 10% feels more accurate.

Munich77

I agree not enough long term data. However, I have not heard anything bad about it thus far. My car has been problem free .

threeMBs

In the US, SL550 did not get it until new R231 model for '13 MY and S550 until '12 MY. CL550 was the first and only one to get DI TT V8 for '11 MY.

E500wanabe

I'm going to ask this in the 221 forum also.

Thanks guys!

PeterUbers

Many across the net will have their concerns about forced induction (turbo) direct injection engines and their long term viability and their propensity to develop buildup aggressively. Since DI engines are relatively new... We don't know what the future will hold. Many early owners if forced induction DI Benz engines got burned with out of warranty issues with their engines but these were early iterations and designs

Munich77

I guess we will see. I thought that the E550 engine was designed to minimize/avoid carbon build-up. I had that issue really badly only N54 powered 2008 BMW 535xi. The engine was a beast but the carbon build up was so bad that when the walnut blasted the engine at 50K, one of the valves was open because of carbon build up (and let's not mention that engine's appetite for fuel injectors).