How much does a Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-

Supply-only rebuilt M272 and M276 engines range from £3,200 to £6,500 depending on engine code and condition. With specialist fitting, budget £3,600-£7,300 total. M272.943 (E 280, 231 hp, 2006-2009): rebuilt £3,200-£4,800. M272.964 (E 350, 272 hp, 2004-2009): rebuilt £3,500-£5,200. M276 (E 350, 306 hp, 2011-2016): rebuilt £4,200-£6,500. Labour adds £400-£800 depending on specialist location.

What are the signs of balance shaft failure in an E Class 280 / 350 petrol-

Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine that disappears after a few seconds is the classic early warning sign. Check engine light with cam-correlation codes (P0016, P0017) is the next stage. Rattling on cold start, fading after oil pressure builds. Check engine light with cam-correlation fault codes. Rough running on startup that smooths out within seconds. Balance shaft and timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,500.

Is it worth replacing the engine on an older E Class 350 petrol-

Yes, if the car is otherwise sound. W211 E 350 petrol examples with good service history command £2,000-£5,000 used; W212 examples command £4,000-£10,000, making replacement viable. A quality rebuilt M272 costs £3,200-£5,200 supply only. W211 petrol V6 models are increasingly sought after as modern classics. A replacement engine with warranty costs less than financing a newer car. Specialist fitting adds £400-£800, not dealer rates of £1,500+.

What causes the M272 balance shaft to fail on E Class 350 petrol models-

The balance shaft sprocket wears prematurely due to a design flaw in early M272 engines. This causes the timing chain to stretch and timing to drift. Balance shaft sprocket wear typically occurs between 60,000-120,000 miles. Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine is the early warning. Balance shaft and timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,500. Post-2006 production engines have improved parts.

What is the difference between the M272 and M276 engines in the E Class-

The M272 is a 90-degree V6 with a balance shaft, available in 3.0-litre (231 hp) and 3.5-litre (272 hp) forms. The M276 is a later 60-degree V6, more powerful (306 hp) and generally more reliable. M272: 90° V-angle, balance shaft required, manifold or direct injection, 231-272 hp. M276: 60° V-angle, no balance shaft, direct injection, 306 hp. M272 known for balance shaft sprocket wear; M276 known for NOx sensor issues. The M276 superseded the M272 in 2011.

How long does a Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine last-

With proper maintenance and regular oil changes, M272 and M276 engines regularly reach 200,000-300,000 miles. The M276 timing components may require attention around 250,000 km. M272/M276 V6 bottom ends are robust when properly maintained. Balance shaft inspection/replacement at 60k-120k miles is recommended for early M272. Regular oil changes (8,000 miles) are critical for timing chain and phaser life. The M276 is generally more reliable than the M272.

Mercedes E Class V6 Petrol SPECIALISTS

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz E Class 280 and 350 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M272 and M276 V6 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.

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Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine

from£2,500 to £6,500

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Reconditionedfrom £2,500
Common codesM272.943, M272.964, M276

Mercedes Benz e-class 280 / 350 Petrol Used Engine — M272.943

Mercedes Benz e-classUsed Engine — M272.943

Mercedes Benz e-class 280 / 350 Petrol Reconditioned Engine — M272.943

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Mercedes Benz e-class 280 / 350 Petrol Rebuilt Engine — M272.943

Mercedes Benz e-classRebuilt Engine — M272.943

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How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The E 280 and E 350 petrol badges represented Mercedes-Benz's V6 petrol offerings across the W211 and W212 E-Class generations. The E 280 used the M272 3.0-litre V6, while the E 350 was powered by larger M272 3.5-litre V6 - and later the M276 3.5-litre V6 in the W212. The M272 engine family was introduced in 2004 to replace the M112 V6, featuring a 90-degree V-angle with a balance shaft, double overhead camshafts per bank, and four valves per cylinder. The M276 superseded the M272 in 2011.

2004
W211 E 350 launched with M272.964 3.5-litre V6, 200 kW (272 hp), 350 Nm
2006
W211 E 280 launched with M272.943 3.0-litre V6, 170 kW (231 hp), 300 Nm
2006
M272 direct injection (CGI) introduced in some markets from 2007 onwards
2009
W212 generation launched; E 350 continues with M272.961 engine
2011
M276 engine supersedes M272 in E-Class range
**2011-2016** - W212 E 350 with M276 3.5-litre V6, 225 kW (306 hp), 370 Nm

Every engine fitted to the Mercedes E Class 280 and 350 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

M272.943 — 3.0L V6 Petrol (2006-2009)

Power Output: 170 kW (231 hp) at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 300 Nm at 2,500-5,000 rpm
Bore × Stroke: 88.0 × 82.1 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Years Fitted: 2006-2009 (W211 E-Class)

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M272.943 Mercedes E Class 280 petrol engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M272.943 Mercedes E Class 280 petrol engine replacement

Common Problems

Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The M272 V6 engine that powers the majority of E Class 280 and 350 petrol models is a refined, smooth powerplant - but the infamous balance shaft sprocket wear has become the defining repair of this engine family. The later M276 is more reliable but introduces its own set of issues around NOx sensors and timing components. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below, we break down what these failures cost to fix and when replacement is the smarter option.

Common failure points and repair options

Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear

Affected: Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 petrol (M272.943 / M272.964, 2004-2009)
Typical failure mileage: 60,000 - 120,000 miles

Root cause

The M272 V6 uses a balance shaft between the cylinder banks to reduce first and second order inertial forces. The balance shaft sprocket wears prematurely on early M272 engines. This causes timing chain stretch and camshaft correlation faults (P0016/P0017 codes). Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine is the classic early warning sign. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth, bending valves and destroying the engine.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Major - Balance Shaft & Timing Chain Replacement	£2,500-£4,000	£1,500-£2,500
Major - Timing Chain & Cam Phasers	£3,000-£5,000	£2,000-£3,200
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine	£5,000-£8,000	£3,200-£5,200

Our recommendation

The cold-start rattle is your early warning - don't ignore it. The balance shaft sprocket issue is a known design weakness on early M272 engines. A specialist balance shaft and timing chain replacement at £1,500-£2,500 is significantly cheaper than the £4,000+ engine replacement if the chain jumps. If you own an early W211 E 350, this is preventative maintenance worth budgeting for - many owners have been caught out by this failure. The issue was addressed on later M272 engines (post-2006 production).

-> Compare rebuilt M272 Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 petrol engine prices

Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure

Affected: Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 petrol (M272, M276, 2004-2016)
Typical failure mileage: 70,000 - 130,000 miles

Root cause

Cam phasers on the M272 and M276 engine families are oil-pressure-actuated variable-valve-timing actuators that wear independently of the timing chain. A worn or stuck phaser produces cam-correlation faults before the chain itself stretches enough to cause its own codes. On the M276, camshaft adjuster and cam follower wear is reported. Oil pressure issues can mimic phaser failure, so proper diagnosis is essential.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Major - Cam Phaser Replacement	£1,800-£3,000	£1,200-£2,000
Major - Phasers Plus Timing Chain	£3,000-£5,000	£2,000-£3,200
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine	£5,000-£8,000	£3,200-£5,200

Our recommendation

Cam phaser issues can be difficult to distinguish from timing chain problems without proper diagnostics. If you have cam-correlation codes (P0016, P0017) combined with cold-start rattle, a specialist diagnosis using live ECU data is essential. On the M276, phaser and follower issues are less common than on the M272, but still reported. Regular oil changes with the correct specification oil are critical - these components are oil-pressure-actuated.

-> Get M272 / M276 Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 petrol cam phaser quotes

M276 NOx Sensor Failure & Oil Leaks

Affected: Mercedes E Class 350 petrol (M276, 2011-2016)
Typical failure mileage: 20,000 - 50,000 miles (NOx sensors); 60,000 - 100,000 miles (oil leaks)

Root cause

Original factory NOx sensors on the M276 are known to fail after 2-3 years. Replacement sensors were on backorder during COVID, and a new version was released after several years. Oil leaks from timing cover gaskets and camshaft adjusters are reported. The M276 is generally considered more reliable than the M272, but these issues still affect many examples.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Minor - NOx Sensor Replacement	£400-£800	£250-£500
Intermediate - Timing Cover Oil Leak Repair	£800-£1,500	£500-£900
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine	£5,000-£8,000	£4,200-£6,500

Our recommendation

NOx sensor failure on the M276 is frustrating but rarely requires engine replacement - the most cost-effective approach is replacement with the updated sensor version. For oil leaks, early diagnosis is key - timing cover gasket leaks can worsen over time and may indicate timing component wear. Regular oil changes with the correct specification oil are essential for M276 longevity.

-> Get M276 Mercedes E Class 350 petrol NOx sensor and oil leak quotes

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes E Class 280 or 350 Petrol

Whether your E Class 280 or 350 petrol is suffering from balance shaft rattle, cam phaser issues, or NOx sensor problems, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and nationwide delivery. Compare prices, choose a specialist, and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.

Compare Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Replacement Prices Now ->

FAQ

Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Short summary: Supply-only rebuilt M272 and M276 engines range from £3,200 to £6,500 depending on engine code and condition. With specialist fitting, budget £3,600-£7,300 total.

M272.943 (E 280, 231 hp, 2006-2009): rebuilt £3,200-£4,800
M272.964 (E 350, 272 hp, 2004-2009): rebuilt £3,500-£5,200
M276 (E 350, 306 hp, 2011-2016): rebuilt £4,200-£6,500
Labour adds £400-£800 depending on specialist location

-> Compare Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine replacement costs by entering your reg now

Short summary: Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine that disappears after a few seconds is the classic early warning sign. Check engine light with cam-correlation codes (P0016, P0017) is the next stage.

Rattling on cold start, fading after oil pressure builds
Check engine light with cam-correlation fault codes
Rough running on startup that smooths out within seconds
Balance shaft and timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,500

-> Get quotes for M272 balance shaft repair before it's too late

Short summary: Yes, if the car is otherwise sound. W211 E 350 petrol examples with good service history command £2,000-£5,000 used; W212 examples command £4,000-£10,000, making replacement viable【INDUSTRY ESTIMATE】.

A quality rebuilt M272 costs £3,200-£5,200 supply only
W211 petrol V6 models are increasingly sought after as modern classics
A replacement engine with warranty costs less than financing a newer car
Specialist fitting adds £400-£800, not dealer rates of £1,500+

-> Compare rebuilt Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine prices for your mileage and budget

Short summary: The balance shaft sprocket wears prematurely due to a design flaw in early M272 engines. This causes the timing chain to stretch and timing to drift.

Balance shaft sprocket wear typically occurs between 60,000-120,000 miles
Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine is the early warning
Balance shaft and timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,500
Post-2006 production engines have improved parts

-> Get quotes for M272 balance shaft repair before it's too late

Short summary: The M272 is a 90-degree V6 with a balance shaft, available in 3.0-litre (231 hp) and 3.5-litre (272 hp) forms. The M276 is a later 60-degree V6, more powerful (306 hp) and generally more reliable.

M272: 90° V-angle, balance shaft required, manifold or direct injection, 231-272 hp
M276: 60° V-angle, no balance shaft, direct injection, 306 hp
M272 known for balance shaft sprocket wear; M276 known for NOx sensor issues
The M276 superseded the M272 in 2011

-> Find the correct Mercedes E Class petrol engine for your exact chassis and engine code

Short summary: With proper maintenance and regular oil changes, M272 and M276 engines regularly reach 200,000-300,000 miles. The M276 timing components may require attention around 250,000 km.

M272/M276 V6 bottom ends are robust when properly maintained
Balance shaft inspection/replacement at 60k-120k miles is recommended for early M272
Regular oil changes (8,000 miles) are critical for timing chain and phaser life
The M276 is generally more reliable than the M272

-> Compare Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine replacement quotes - be ready when the time comes

Why Choose Us

Compare Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your Mercedes E Class 280 or 350 petrol engine replacement is free, no-obligation, and specific to your exact engine code and model year. Enter your registration above to get tailored prices from vetted UK specialists - whether you need a used M272.943, a reconditioned M272.964, a rebuilt M276, or a fully remanufactured unit with warranty and fitting. Don't pay main dealer premiums - compare, choose, and get back on the road with confidence.

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Compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get your free Mercedes Benz e-class 280 / 350 Petrol engine quotes

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine History & Specs at a Glance

Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

M272.943 — 3.0L V6 Petrol (2006-2009)

Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear

Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure

M276 NOx Sensor Failure & Oil Leaks

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes E Class 280 or 350 Petrol

Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Compare Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Prices Today