S550 m273 vs m278
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
2022 EQS 450+
S550 m273 vs m278
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!
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!
Last edited by lli; May 6, 2020 at 03:27 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 314
Likes: 35
From: New York
2010 CL550
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!
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!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
2022 EQS 450+
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 !
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 !
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 164
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
2006 CLS55 AMG
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.
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 164
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
2006 CLS55 AMG
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)
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)
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 804
Likes: 74
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
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.
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.
Last edited by The Thomas J; Mar 22, 2021 at 03:35 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
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.
Just listening the engines I like 273 better and I have a feeling it is a more reliable engine of these two.
