lli

Hello there,

I'm shopping around for a used S500/550. The shortlist now consists of 2010 4-matic M273 with 198K km, and a 2011 M278 with 238K km.
The 2010 is 27K euro, the 2011 is 24K, so 3K between the two. Yes, these are the European prices!
Both are loaded, but the 2011 is the winner with Bluetooth, a fridge and lighted doorstills. But on the important things, no difference.

The question has been been asked before on these engines in a E550 , but that was when the m278 was relatively new.
Now I hope there is more data available. What would be the wiser choice: the late M273 of the early M278.
Is the difference in mileage (well km-eage) + the 4-matic reason to pay extra for the older engine?
Re the 4-matic: Snow is very rare in the Netherlands, rain is common.

Many thanks for your advice and help in this difficult choice!

MBCO

I have the M273 in my 07 SL550 (30k miles) and the M278 in my 12 S550-4matic (100k miles). Both engines are very solid. The Twin turbo M278 has advantage in that it produces more HP and torque, better fuel economy, and newer technology. You can't go wrong either way. I need 4-matic in Minnesota so did not consider any S-class without, you may not really need it where you live.

COUPCONNOISSEUR

this is a question ive also been curious about. in my opinion, if you plan on doing some of the maintenance yourself, and are really worried about repair bills, the m273 may have a slight edge. for example, the ignition coils and spark plugs on the m273 can be replaced remarkably easier than on any other engine ive ever seen. they are also cheaper than on the 278. i have no experience with turbocharged vehicles so i cant comment on that aspect, but ive heard they are quite costly to repair. ive owned a 2010 cl550 4matic with the 273 for over 6 years now, and have put 120k miles on it. very fun car

lli

Thanks MBCO and COUPCONNOISSEUR for your replies. It seems both engines are "solid"as MBCO mentions. Should we expect anything else from MB (well the S450 does not have such stellar reputation)? But is good to have it confirmed!
Doing stuff myself. Yes, I can sometimes. On a Volvo c70 with quite some space in the engine bay I've replaced the radiator, the alternator, plugs, oil etc. But e.g. the possible replacement of said S450h capacitor was what drove me away from that model.
I think it will come down to a combination of price and specs, and the engine should not make a huge difference.

Once again, thanks !

Diablo_CLS55

M273 is a solid motor. Get one 2008 or newer so you can avoid the timing chain sprocket problem. Mine is a 2007 but I’m just barely out of the affected range of engines with bad timing gears/balance shafts and have never had a check engine light come on until my conductor plate fried after gassing my 07 E550 when passing some moron camping in the left lane. My car has 147k miles on it, and in my ownership all I’ve done was changed the serpentine belt, changed an O ring seal in the radiator hose, and changed both front airmatic struts. Total cost for those were about $750 (DIY). However, I don’t have a garage at my house so I couldn’t change my conductor plate myself. It’s in the shop now as I await the part and they are charging me $600 to change it and program it to my car. Luckily I got it online from a reputable Ebay seller for $350. Other than that it’s been basic maintenance and it’s really not that hard to work on if you’re a DIYer.

Diablo_CLS55

Doing stuff myself. Yes, I can sometimes. On a Volvo c70 with quite some space in the engine bay I've replaced the radiator, the alternator, plugs, oil etc.
Once again, thanks ![/QUOTE]
I have a Volvo 850 Turbo and I love how there’s plenty of room under the hood to work on the car compared to my E550 (one of my only complaints about having the M273 in a small car)

Minh

For me I will give a Go for 2011 with M278 engines

The Thomas J

Both engines are great. I would take either one. I personally prefer the M273.
Once you get into the 2010 version of the M273 it's virtually bulletproof. All of the weak spots have been addressed.
4Matic is a plus in these cars. I had a W211 with 4Matic and the current W221 with 4Matic and both cars felt amazing in the snow. LIke tanks. Just take heed that wheel size and tire type matter on these cars with 4Matic in the snow.

Arrie

I have 273 in my 2010 E550 and 278 in my 2013 S550.

Just listening the engines I like 273 better and I have a feeling it is a more reliable engine of these two.