M273 reliability
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 957
W212 FL
[QUOTE=cetialpha5;8650626]
Did you get the number wrong? For gas engines, 229.5 is still preferred, 229.51/229.52 is more for diesels but you can still use them in gas engines.
/QUOTE]
I have not checked my notes I most likely might have mistyped it as well. Sorry for it if that's the case .We were talking about M273 engines, and I also asked what kind of engine oil for those engines .
Did you get the number wrong? For gas engines, 229.5 is still preferred, 229.51/229.52 is more for diesels but you can still use them in gas engines.
/QUOTE]
I have not checked my notes I most likely might have mistyped it as well. Sorry for it if that's the case .We were talking about M273 engines, and I also asked what kind of engine oil for those engines .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,483
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
all engine oil type questions can be answered here,
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-ben.../engine-oil/en
https://operatingfluids.mercedes-ben.../engine-oil/en
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
2009 E550
I have 2009 E550 with 100k, it still drives perfect and still hauls, though it does have the infamous startup knock affecting some m272 and m273 engines. From my research thus far it seems to be a design flaw or defect with the main bearings of the engine affecting oiling on a cold start, or a warm start after the engine has been sitting for an hour or so. I had no idea this was an issue with these engines until I bought my car and heard it, because this knocking problem is seldom mentioned. Note that I haven't found a single case where this knock has lead to any kind of engine failure, even at 200k.
Despite this, if you ask me m273 is the last "reliable" V8 from Mercedes, I certainly wouldn't own a higher mileage M278.
Despite this, if you ask me m273 is the last "reliable" V8 from Mercedes, I certainly wouldn't own a higher mileage M278.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 337
Likes: 53
From: CA
2010 E550 Coupe
Mine makes a noticeable single knock at cold startup sometimes. Is that the knock you're referring to? Or is what you're describing something else?
Based on what I've read, I tend to agree with you that the M273 might be the last reliable Mercedes V8. It has it's issues (leaking oil filter housing, for instance), but most don't seem to be catastrophic or prohibitively expensive. Other than the timing chain gear issue of course (which can be avoided by buying later model years).
Based on what I've read, I tend to agree with you that the M273 might be the last reliable Mercedes V8. It has it's issues (leaking oil filter housing, for instance), but most don't seem to be catastrophic or prohibitively expensive. Other than the timing chain gear issue of course (which can be avoided by buying later model years).
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
2009 E550
Mine makes a noticeable single knock at cold startup sometimes. Is that the knock you're referring to? Or is what you're describing something else?
Based on what I've read, I tend to agree with you that the M273 might be the last reliable Mercedes V8. It has it's issues (leaking oil filter housing, for instance), but most don't seem to be catastrophic or prohibitively expensive. Other than the timing chain gear issue of course (which can be avoided by buying later model years).
Based on what I've read, I tend to agree with you that the M273 might be the last reliable Mercedes V8. It has it's issues (leaking oil filter housing, for instance), but most don't seem to be catastrophic or prohibitively expensive. Other than the timing chain gear issue of course (which can be avoided by buying later model years).
Video:
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
2011 e550 4matic, 2003 sl500
242K on the M273 in my 08 GL550 and it still barely uses any oil. All of the rotating items on the front of the engine except for the water pump for some reason have been replaced, but that's expected given the mileage. Mine had a fluke coolant leak in the head early on that was fixed under warranty, but it isn't a common issue. If you're mechanically inclined, it is easy to work on and parts prices from third parties (and sometimes MB) are reasonable.
I'm in the market for a M273 E550, so I'm a fan. Great engine and underrated IMO. Very smooth and makes power throughout the powerband.
I'm in the market for a M273 E550, so I'm a fan. Great engine and underrated IMO. Very smooth and makes power throughout the powerband.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 792
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
As far as the m273 intake lever problem, yes they all break and yes, it’s probably better to just leave to broken. The repair risks fodding the engine and it’s just not worth the squeeze. When it breaks, rotate the flaps to full ccw position and code out the system in das developer mode.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 182
Likes: 45
From: Toronto, Canada
2010 GLK350 4matic
Came across this on facebook, M273 with over 800k miles, in a 2009 CL550. Not much info on what was done, mechanic said 5k OCI and driven frequently between Missouri and Manhattan
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BhbLS9A72/
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BhbLS9A72/
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