Mercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz R Class 350 and 500 petrol engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the 3.5-litre V6 and the 5.0/5.5-litre V8 - supply & fit available nationwide.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £2,500 to £6,800
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,500 · Common codes: M272.967, M273.963, M113.970
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 R Class 350/500 Petrol Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The R 350 and R 500 launched with the W251 generation in 2006 as the petrol V6 and V8 flagships of Mercedes' luxury MPV range. The R 350 was powered by the M272 3.5-litre V6 producing 272hp, while the early R 500 used the M113 5.0-litre V8 with 306hp. In 2007, the R 500 received the new M273 5.5-litre V8 with 388hp. Both variants offered refined, powerful petrol alternatives to the diesel range, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available as standard on the R 500 and optional on the R 350.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The R 350 and R 500 launched with the W251 generation in 2006 as the petrol V6 and V8 flagships of Mercedes' luxury MPV range. The R 350 was powered by the M272 3.5-litre V6 producing 272hp, while the early R 500 used the M113 5.0-litre V8 with 306hp. In 2007, the R 500 received the new M273 5.5-litre V8 with 388hp. Both variants offered refined, powerful petrol alternatives to the diesel range, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available as standard on the R 500 and optional on the R 350.
Mercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated V6 and V8)
Engine Size Range3.5L-5.5L (M272: 3,498cc; M113: 4,966cc; M273: 5,461cc)
Power Output Range272-388hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
M272.967 3.5L V6 petrol, 272hp @ 6,000rpm (R 350, W251 launch)
M113.970 5.0L V8 petrol, 306hp @ 5,600rpm (early R 500, W251)
M273.963 5.5L V8 petrol, 388hp @ 6,000rpm (facelift R 500, replaces M113)
2012 - R 350 continues with M272; R 500 continues with M273 to end of UK production
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated V6 and V8)Engine Size Range3.5L-5.5L (M272: 3,498cc; M113: 4,966cc; M273: 5,461cc)Power Output Range272-388hp across the variant's historyYears Produced2006-2012 (UK)Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz R Class 350 and 500 petrol is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M272 balance shaft wear to M273 timing chain guide degradation.
Mercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.5L V6 Petrol (2006-2012)
Power Output272 hp (200 kW) @ 6,000 rpmTorque350 Nm @ 2,400-5,000 rpmYears Fitted2006-2012Displacement3,498 ccCylindersV6, 90° V-angle, 24-valve, DOHCEngine CodeM 272 E 35 / 272.967
Compatible Trim Levels
- R 350
- R 350 4MATIC
- R 350 Sport
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-£3,500
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,800-£4,500
Common Failure
Balance shaft sprocket wear - pre-2007 M272 engines used a soft metal timing gear that wears prematurely, causing timing correlation faults (P0018, P0019) and engine misfires. This was a known issue across 2006-2007 Mercedes V6 models. Typical failure mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles.
The R 350's M272 V6 and the R 500's M113/M273 V8s are refined, powerful petrol engines, but each has well-documented weaknesses that become more pronounced with age and mileage. The M272 is notorious for balance shaft sprocket wear on pre-2007 engines, while the M273 suffers from timing chain guide degradation. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The R 350's Critical Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes R 350 (M272.967, 2006-2008)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
Early M272 V6 engines used a soft metal balance shaft sprocket that wears prematurely, causing timing correlation faults and engine misfires. This was a known issue across 2006-2007 Mercedes V6 models.
Why It Happens
Early M272 V6 engines used a soft metal balance shaft sprocket that wears prematurely, causing timing correlation faults and engine misfires. This was a known issue across 2006-2007 Mercedes V6 models.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,800-£4,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,900-£2,900
What it involves
Full engine disassembly, replace balance shaft with updated gear, new timing chain, guides, tensioner
Suitability
60k-100k miles if caught early
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£4,200-£6,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,800-£4,500
What it involves
Bench rebuild using updated factory-spec sprockets, new bearings, upgraded gaskets, supply & fit
Suitability
Permanent solution with 12-month warranty
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Intermediate - Balance shaft & timing chain replacement Minor | £2,800-£4,200 | £1,900-£2,900 | Full engine disassembly, replace balance shaft with updated gear, new timing chain, guides, tensioner | 60k-100k miles if caught early | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - Rebuilt M272 with revised design Best Value | £4,200-£6,200 | £2,800-£4,500 | Bench rebuild using updated factory-spec sprockets, new bearings, upgraded gaskets, supply & fit | Permanent solution with 12-month warranty | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2006-2012 R 350 is worth approximately £3,000-£8,000 depending on condition. These luxury MPVs have suffered significant depreciation, meaning replacement costs can approach vehicle value for higher-mileage examples.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your R 350 shows check engine light codes P0018, P0019 or misfire codes, have the balance shaft inspected immediately. The balance shaft replacement is a significant job, and we recommend opting for a complete rebuilt M272 unit featuring the revised sprocket design, which guarantees mechanical integrity.
Don't Let Balance Shaft Wear, Timing Chain Guide Failure, or Oil Leaks Write Off Your Mercedes R 350 or 500 Petrol
Whether you're facing M272 balance shaft wear on your R 350 or M273 timing chain guide degradation on your R 500, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes petrol specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network carries upgraded components addressing the original design weakness - reinforced balance shaft sprockets, new timing guides, and upgraded seals - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty with nationwide delivery and supply & fit options. Don't pay main dealer premiums. Compare prices from independent Mercedes specialists who know these petrol V6 and V8 engines inside out.
Compare rebuilt M272 Mercedes R Class 350 engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
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 R Class 350 or 500 petrol. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz R Class 350/500 Petrol Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes R 350 or 500 petrol engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt M272 engine for the R 350 costs £2,800-£4,500 supply-only; a rebuilt M273 V8 for the R 500 costs £3,800-£6,800 supply-only. Fitting adds £800-£1,500 depending on complexity - V8 work requires specialist knowledge.
- R 350 (M272.967): rebuilt unit £2,800-£4,500; used engine from £1,500
- R 500 (M113.970): rebuilt unit £3,200-£5,800; used engine from £1,800
- R 500 (M273.963): rebuilt unit £3,800-£6,800; used engine from £2,200
- M272 balance shaft replacement: £1,900-£2,900 at specialist
- M273 timing chain replacement: £1,200-£1,900 at specialist
Question 2What are the signs of balance shaft failure on a Mercedes R 350-
Short summary: Check engine light with correlation codes P0018, P0019 and engine misfires are the classic warning signs on the M272 engine. This was a known issue across 2006-2007 Mercedes V6 models.
- Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0018, P0019)
- Engine misfires - one R350 owner reported codes for cylinders 4, 5 and 6 misfiring
- Poor engine performance
- Rough running at idle
Question 3Is the Mercedes R 350 or 500 petrol engine reliable-
Short summary: The M272 V6 and M273 V8 are fundamentally strong engines, but have well-documented weaknesses. The M272 suffers from balance shaft wear on pre-2007 engines, while the M273 can develop timing chain guide degradation. With these addressed, both are capable of 150,000+ miles.
- M272 V6 is smooth and refined but pre-2007 balance shaft wear is a critical issue
- M273 V8 delivers effortless power but timing chain guides require attention
- M113 V8 is robust but plastic timing chain guides degrade with age
- Regular oil changes with MB 229.5 spec oil are essential
Question 4How long do Mercedes R 350 and 500 petrol engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained M272 and M273 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work is needed. Balance shaft issues on the M272 typically appear between 60,000-100,000 miles.
- M272 (R 350): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
- M273 (R 500): 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance
- Balance shaft inspection recommended from 60,000 miles on M272
- Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec MB 229.5 oil
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes R 350 or 500 petrol-
Short summary: Yes, if the R Class is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M272 costs £2,800-£4,500 - comparable to the value of a £3,000-£8,000 vehicle. The R 500's higher value (£4,000-£10,000) makes replacement even more justifiable for well-maintained examples.
- R 350 values: £3,000-£8,000 depending on condition
- R 500 values: £4,000-£10,000 - premium V8 models retain stronger values
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- Supply & fit typically £3,600-£8,300 depending on engine code
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Question 6What oil does my Mercedes R 350 or 500 petrol need-
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.5 high-performance oil - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic. The M272 requires approximately 8.0 litres; the M273 requires approximately 9.0 litres.
- M272 (R 350): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 8.0L capacity
- M273 (R 500): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 9.0L capacity
- Never use non-approved oil - can cause timing chain and hydraulic lifter issues
- Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes R Class 350/500 PetrolEngine PricesToday
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supply & fit available for M272, M113 and M273
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes R 350 or 500 petrol is completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. Enter your registration above to get tailored quotes from UK Mercedes petrol specialists who understand the M272 V6 and M273 V8 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded balance shaft sprockets, timing guides, and seals, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact R Class - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.
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