M272 VS M276
M272 VS M276
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Start with these two articles from the same author
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https://tuningpro.co/4-common-merced...gine-problems/
.
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https://tuningpro.co/the-4-most-comm...gine-problems/
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https://tuningpro.co/4-common-merced...gine-problems/
.
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https://tuningpro.co/the-4-most-comm...gine-problems/
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 88
Likes: 33
From: Blue Oval City, TN
2013 GLK 350
Those articles are good reads despite a few glaring inaccuracies regarding the m276. It is in fact NOT related to the Chrysler pentastar v6. Both engines share a 60 deg v angle and that is ALL.
Article also says a 2012 intro but everything else I’ve seen says a 2013 intro for the m276.
Diamler Chrysler AG dumped off “Chrysler” in 2008 to a group of investors and removed Chrysler from the company name.
Article also says a 2012 intro but everything else I’ve seen says a 2013 intro for the m276.
Diamler Chrysler AG dumped off “Chrysler” in 2008 to a group of investors and removed Chrysler from the company name.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Aspects of reliability for the M276:
- 60 degree engine block, unlike the M272 with a 90 degree engine block which requires a balancer assembly which fails
- intake manifold which so far has not shown itself to have similar problems as the M272 with tumble flap failure
- no severe intake valve carbon buildup. All modern engines have intake valve carbon deposits, it is a question of how severe. The M276 seems to be OK with this.
- no cylinder scoring
- no cylinder head or valve guide failure
- no piston cracking
The above comments are based on experience posted on this site to date. Confidence is warranted given the number of years and production volume achieved for the M276. It would be unlikely, although possible, for some of these problems to appear. But at this late stage of the M276 lifecycle, the coast is clear.
Last edited by chassis; Jan 15, 2023 at 08:30 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 66
Likes: 23
2011 GLK350
The M276 is arguably the most reliable MB engine in the past 20 years. Early years for the M276 had problems with timing chain tensioners, for which a dealer fix is available, if it has not already been done on the vehicle. This is known as the "check valve" issue and fix. Besides this, there are no systemic or catastrophic problems that have surfaced yet with the M276. For a period of time, the M276 was the workhorse engine for MB, being used in the C, E, S (non-US market), GLK, GLE and GLS.
Aspects of reliability for the M276:
- 60 degree engine block, unlike the M272 with a 90 degree engine block which requires a balancer assembly which fails
- intake manifold which so far has not shown itself to have similar problems as the M272 with tumble flap failure
- no severe intake valve carbon buildup. All modern engines have intake valve carbon deposits, it is a question of how severe. The M276 seems to be OK with this.
- no cylinder scoring
- no cylinder head or valve guide failure
- no piston cracking
The above comments are based on experience posted on this site to date. Confidence is warranted given the number of years and production volume achieved for the M276. It would be unlikely, although possible, for some of these problems to appear. But at this late stage of the M276 lifecycle, the coast is clear.
Aspects of reliability for the M276:
- 60 degree engine block, unlike the M272 with a 90 degree engine block which requires a balancer assembly which fails
- intake manifold which so far has not shown itself to have similar problems as the M272 with tumble flap failure
- no severe intake valve carbon buildup. All modern engines have intake valve carbon deposits, it is a question of how severe. The M276 seems to be OK with this.
- no cylinder scoring
- no cylinder head or valve guide failure
- no piston cracking
The above comments are based on experience posted on this site to date. Confidence is warranted given the number of years and production volume achieved for the M276. It would be unlikely, although possible, for some of these problems to appear. But at this late stage of the M276 lifecycle, the coast is clear.
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 88
Likes: 33
From: Blue Oval City, TN
2013 GLK 350
I actually own both currently. I have an 06 E350 w the 272 as well as the new-to-me GLK 350 with the 276. The E is so smooth and refined feeling and power is ok. The 276 in the GLK sounds worse idling (DI) but man! when you hit that gas pedal on that G all you say is “M two seventy who!!”
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Any M272 after 2008 is a very good engine. Well maintained they are going 200k+ miles. The M272 is loosely based on the M112 which is one of MB’s “forever” engines with some W210 cars documented at 1 million miles.
There are well maintained M276 engines going 300k+ miles. The M276 engine 60 degree V is naturally balanced and inherently vibration free. It is a more compact design so spark plug maintenance is more complicated.
As far as the Chrysler Pentastar vs M276: Chrysler got the Pentastar V6 predecessor by cloning a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi engine from the 90s. It was basically a failure with internal valve train and piston wobble problems. Extensive rework resulted in the Pentastar around 2010-2011. The M276 is not related.
Any car with an M276 will be newer than one with an M272, but not necessarily lower mikes or better maintained. Either of these engines is a good choice and the condition, mileage, and maintenance history should be the deciding factor.
There are well maintained M276 engines going 300k+ miles. The M276 engine 60 degree V is naturally balanced and inherently vibration free. It is a more compact design so spark plug maintenance is more complicated.
As far as the Chrysler Pentastar vs M276: Chrysler got the Pentastar V6 predecessor by cloning a 3.0 liter Mitsubishi engine from the 90s. It was basically a failure with internal valve train and piston wobble problems. Extensive rework resulted in the Pentastar around 2010-2011. The M276 is not related.
Any car with an M276 will be newer than one with an M272, but not necessarily lower mikes or better maintained. Either of these engines is a good choice and the condition, mileage, and maintenance history should be the deciding factor.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,346
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I actually own both currently. I have an 06 E350 w the 272 as well as the new-to-me GLK 350 with the 276. The E is so smooth and refined feeling and power is ok. The 276 in the GLK sounds worse idling (DI) but man! when you hit that gas pedal on that G all you say is “M two seventy who!!”
GLk350: 302 HP, 4.4:1 1st gear
E350: 268 HP, 3.6:1 1st gear.
No contest.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 66
Likes: 23
2011 GLK350
I actually own both currently. I have an 06 E350 w the 272 as well as the new-to-me GLK 350 with the 276. The E is so smooth and refined feeling and power is ok. The 276 in the GLK sounds worse idling (DI) but man! when you hit that gas pedal on that G all you say is “M two seventy who!!”
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
The M276 is arguably the most reliable MB engine in the past 20 years. Early years for the M276 had problems with timing chain tensioners, for which a dealer fix is available, if it has not already been done on the vehicle. This is known as the "check valve" issue and fix. Besides this, there are no systemic or catastrophic problems that have surfaced yet with the M276. For a period of time, the M276 was the workhorse engine for MB, being used in the C, E, S (non-US market), GLK, ML, GL, GLE and GLS.
Aspects of reliability for the M276:
- 60 degree engine block, unlike the M272 with a 90 degree engine block which requires a balancer assembly which fails
- intake manifold which so far has not shown itself to have similar problems as the M272 with tumble flap failure
- no severe intake valve carbon buildup. All modern engines have intake valve carbon deposits, it is a question of how severe. The M276 seems to be OK with this.
- no cylinder scoring
- no cylinder head or valve guide failure
- no piston cracking
The above comments are based on experience posted on this site to date. Confidence is warranted given the number of years and production volume achieved for the M276. It would be unlikely, although possible, for some of these problems to appear. But at this late stage of the M276 lifecycle, the coast is clear.
Aspects of reliability for the M276:
- 60 degree engine block, unlike the M272 with a 90 degree engine block which requires a balancer assembly which fails
- intake manifold which so far has not shown itself to have similar problems as the M272 with tumble flap failure
- no severe intake valve carbon buildup. All modern engines have intake valve carbon deposits, it is a question of how severe. The M276 seems to be OK with this.
- no cylinder scoring
- no cylinder head or valve guide failure
- no piston cracking
The above comments are based on experience posted on this site to date. Confidence is warranted given the number of years and production volume achieved for the M276. It would be unlikely, although possible, for some of these problems to appear. But at this late stage of the M276 lifecycle, the coast is clear.
I've been running my M276TT 3.0 with a JB4 running 6 or 7 pounds additional boost for almost 5 years without issues, but as it ages I have started to get a little worried.
Last edited by DubVBenz; Jan 29, 2025 at 09:32 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2024
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2014 GLK 250 4Matic
The M272 is more reliable than the M276 (well in my experience). The GLK was introduced in late 2009 so most problems from the M272 have been fixed and they're pretty reliable. The GLK got facelifted in 2013 with the introduction of the M276 which is a new engine at the time. The early M276 had some problems with oil issues, timing chain tensioners, and carbon build-up because it's a direct-injected engine. So I would get a late 2014 or 2015 GLK with the M276. I rather get the facelifted GLK since the interior is MUCH more modern compared to the pre-facelift which looks mid to late 2000s. The whole front interior has been redesigned, along with a better steering wheel, better infotainment system, and the introduction of the Mercedes Intelligent lighting (which I highly recommend buying over the standard lighting). Along with a slightly redesigned exterior with LED headlights (MIL), taillights, etc.
IMO I think the Facelift GLK looks better than the GLC (GLK successor). Sadly they didn't had any AMG models or else I would own one rather than a 2014 GLK250.
IMO I think the Facelift GLK looks better than the GLC (GLK successor). Sadly they didn't had any AMG models or else I would own one rather than a 2014 GLK250.
Last edited by jere.o988; Jan 29, 2025 at 07:10 PM.
