Hi all

First child of driving age is about to start asking me about buying her a car.

So I’ve gotten in mind the W204 specifically the 10 to 13 vintage.

can somebody give me a quick laydown of which versions have the M272 e35? I read elsewhere that one or two years may have gotten the 3.5 L and some a power reduction. Was that due to 4matic, or why? I just been decoding some random vins found on dealer listings and can’t seem to make any sense of it.

If I can find a rwd 3.5 with the power reduction option, I think that’s a great first car for a new driver and when she gets more experienced, I can open it up in DAS.

I’m well aware of the balance shaft issues the early 272 has. Not touching the M276.

 

I dont really know so looked on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced..._C-Class_(W204)

 

What is the objection to M276?

 

Thanks, Tim.

Guess I could’ve done that too, but that clears up a misconception I had that some C 300s actually had the 3.5 in it.

I’d be looking for a C350 if so.

 

You can see all the different year brochures here: https://ragtop.org/mbbrochures/2013.html

I see 2013 the C300 4matic has the 3.5. Though you mention wanting rwd.

 

Hey man.

Subjectively, too much powah. Also, too new in terms of insurance. And I don't know it.
Objectively, I have a stash of M273 parts from my GL that it never needs, and I know the issues with the 272/273.

 

Thanks, yes - I'd like to avoid a problematic transfer case and train to RWD mastery and keep it simple.

I just read elsewhere on this forum that some 2012 c300s were upengined M272 E35s and de-rated, in effect an mis badged c350. This is very helpful, it was 2013 and the M276.

I'll just go find an 07-11 with the M272 e35 and make sure the timing gear isn't affected.

 

.

 

Fair enuff. But the M276 is rock solid in later years (after the fix/retrofit of the camshaft oil check valves). And the M272 seems to have its own set of problems with aging intake plenums breaking. One advantage of the M272 is that it is NOT direct injection, meaning injectors are cheap to replace, carbon buildup on the intake valves is minimal, and indexing the spark plugs is not as critical.

I'm not sure I'd consider 302hp "too much powah". But you know best for your daughter. Have you actually compared insurance rates on the different models?

 

M272 all the way. The detuned 3.5-liter you mentioned are 4-matics. In the interest of cost and reliability, the 272-RWD combo you seek is the one I would go with.

 

Understandable, thanks. I was wondering if a new mid-late life failure mode had surfaced on the M276 3.5NA V6. It has arguably the best track record of any MB engine over the past 20 years. Smooth firing 60-degree vee, iron cylinder liners, less complexity compared with a turbo engine, relatively low hp/liter which means it is not overburdened, adequate power for most applications. Having said this, the engine is not perfect, but rather very good.

 

I would suggest looking for a C207 or a W212 with a NA engine on it. Those will tend to have more features and tend to be same cost at the moment. The NA engines are bullet proof and have enough power. Actually for a RWD C207 it spins the back tires so better put meatier tires on the back. If you want your kid (or soon to be BF) not to play donuts go with a 4matic. True about the transfer case but as long as you find one that was taken cared off then the transfer case wont be an issue.

 

yes, this is it right here.
So I’m looking around 08-11 for a M272 ke30 or 35 RWD with 7G+. My neck of the woods this could be had from around $4-8k.

In my mind, that should be the Epitome of reliability for these years, so mileage is less important than a proper maintenance history. Is there anything else I should look out for?

Familiar with machine gun door locks and SBC issues on the W211s, X164 water intrusion, m273 swirl flap deletes, and which 272/3 is to avoid. Are there any such gotchas on the 204 from this vintage??

 

so basically an m112?
Very understressed, midlife failure point in the valve cover gaskets, etc..

 

She’s secretly thinking her first car will be a Dorifto Karru but I do understand you don’t drift a Benz because power steering pump, failures and terminal under steer, so that’s why I think this would be great for her -in that she can’t drift. I don’t want her to have to either drive around on bald rear tires or spend her beginner paycheck buying new rubber every quarter. So 228 HP‘s and not teaching her about dyno mode will take care of that.

with regards to the insurance, I have not done that exercise yet as she only has a learners permit, and I can’t make an apples to apples without her being fully licensed and assigned as the driver, but that’s a great idea thanks.

 

I am not a fan of 90 deg V6 engines because they require balancer assemblies/balance shafts. Known failure points particularly in MB engines. My Porsche 2.9TTV6 is a 90-degree vee with balance shaft, which I do not care for. The 2.9TT engine is a sweet machine, and would be sweeter if it was a 60-degree vee with no balance shaft.

If the budget allows I would go for a 3.5NA M276 C-Class. If the young driver + engine power concern are significant when considering a NA M276, the answer is a 15 year old Accord or Corolla.