Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare 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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12-Month Warranty
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From £2,500 to £6,500
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,500 · Common codes: M272.943, M272.964, M276
From £1,500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,500
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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 The M276 superseded the M272 in 2011.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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 The M276 superseded the M272 in 2011.
Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size Range3.0L - 3.5L (2,996 cc - 3,498 cc)
Power Output Range231-306 hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
**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
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size Range3.0L - 3.5L (2,996 cc - 3,498 cc)Power Output Range231-306 hp across the variant's historyYears Produced2004-2016Every engine fitted to the Mercedes E Class 280 and 350 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.0L V6 Petrol (2006-2009)
Power Output170 kW (231 hp) at 6,000 rpmTorque300 Nm at 2,500-5,000 rpmBore × Stroke88.0 × 82.1 mmCompression Ratio11.3:1Years Fitted2006-2009 (W211 E-Class)
Compatible Trim Levels
- E 280 (W211)
- E 280 Avantgarde
- E 280 Elegance
- E 280 4MATIC
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,500-£2,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,500-£3,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,200-£4,800
Common Failure
Balance shaft sprocket wear - a well-documented issue on early M272 engines. The balance shaft chain sprocket wears prematurely, causing timing chain stretch and camshaft correlation faults. Cold-start rattling from the front of the engine is the classic early warning sign. Timing chain tensioner failure is also common.
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.
The M272 Achilles Heel in the E Class 280 / 350 Petrol
Affected Vehicles
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.
Why It Happens
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.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,500
What it involves
Replacement of balance shaft sprocket, timing chain, tensioner and guides - front of engine removal required
Suitability
60,000-120,000 miles; effective if caught before chain jumps
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£3,000-£5,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,000-£3,200
What it involves
Chain replacement plus camshaft adjuster/phaser replacement
Suitability
When phaser wear is also present; phasers wear independently of chain
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,000-£8,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,200-£5,200
What it involves
Supply & fit of rebuilt M272 with upgraded balance shaft and timing components
Suitability
When chain has jumped causing valvetrain damage
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Major - Balance Shaft & Timing Chain Replacement Minor | £2,500-£4,000 | £1,500-£2,500 | Replacement of balance shaft sprocket, timing chain, tensioner and guides - front of engine removal required | 60,000-120,000 miles; effective if caught before chain jumps | 1 - 2 days |
 Major - Timing Chain & Cam Phasers Best Value | £3,000-£5,000 | £2,000-£3,200 | Chain replacement plus camshaft adjuster/phaser replacement | When phaser wear is also present; phasers wear independently of chain | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £5,000-£8,000 | £3,200-£5,200 | Supply & fit of rebuilt M272 with upgraded balance shaft and timing components | When chain has jumped causing valvetrain damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical W211 E 350 petrol is worth £2,000-£5,000 depending on condition and mileage; a W212 E 350 commands £4,000-£10,000【INDUSTRY ESTIMATE】. If the vehicle is worth under £3,000, a used engine may be the pragmatic choice. For W211 cars worth £3,500+ and W212 cars worth £5,000+, a rebuilt engine with warranty can be justified if the rest of the car is sound.
Our Recommendation
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).
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 rebuilt M272 Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 petrol engine prices
12-Month Minimum
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Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes E Class 280 or 350 petrol. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes E Class 280 / 350 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
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
Question 2What are the signs of balance shaft failure in an E Class 280 / 350 petrol-
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
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine on an older E Class 350 petrol-
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+
Question 4What causes the M272 balance shaft to fail on E Class 350 petrol models-
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
Question 5What is the difference between the M272 and M276 engines in the E Class-
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
Question 6How long does a Mercedes E Class 350 petrol engine last-
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
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