Mercedes M276 Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 3.0-litre to 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine fitted to core Mercedes-Benz models from 2011 to 2020, including the E-Class, CLS, and GLE. Reconditioned Mercedes M276 units are available from £3,800 , backed by data from 390 UK replacement requests in 2025 .
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Secure enquiry - no spam.
Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Mercedes M276 - Specifications at a Glance
Vetted UK specialists for M276 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Which Mercedes Models Use the M276-
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|
M276 is documented across 0 BMW applications spanning . Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
Not sure which engine your car has- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact M276 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Mercedes M276 Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|
All pricing guidance shown here is indicative.
Fitting a Mercedes M276 typically takes 12-16 hours at £65/hr (independent specialist rate) - confirm exact labour when comparing quotes, as the 90-degree V6 layout requires careful access planning.
Ready to compare M276 quotes?
Get competitive quotes from trusted UK specialists today.
Mercedes M276 Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the M276, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Real-world failure data and repair guidance from UK specialists.
Compare rebuilt M276 prices with the failure already addressed
M276 Sub-Codes Explained - Which One Is in Your Car-
The M276 family covers several raw sub-codes that share the same core 90-degree V6 architecture but differ by displacement, forced induction, and calibration. Identifying your exact sub-code is critical, as components like the turbochargers, intake manifold, ECU, and engine mounts are not universally interchangeable. #### M276.920 - 3.0L V6 Biturbo (245kW / 333hp), 2014-2020 - **Fitted to:** Mercedes E-Class (W213 E400), CLS (C218/C257 CLS400) - **Key technical difference:** Features twin turbochargers mounted in the "hot-vee" between the cylinder banks, paired with direct injection for high torque output. - **Sub-code-specific failure note:** Shares the family timing chain pattern; hot-vee turbo plumbing adds complexity to oil leak diagnostics. - **Interchange note:** Not a straight swap with naturally aspirated variants; the ECU, wiring loom, exhaust manifolds, and cooling systems differ significantly. #### M276.940 - 3.5L V6 Naturally Aspirated (225kW / 306hp), 2011-2015 - **Fitted to:** Mercedes E-Class (W213 E350), Mercedes ML (W164 ML350), Mercedes GL (X166 GL350) - **Key technical difference:** The mid-range 3.5-litre naturally aspirated variant, featuring port injection (or early direct injection in some markets) and a conventional intake layout. - **Sub-code-specific failure note:** Shares the family timing chain and oil leak patterns; carbon buildup is less severe than on later direct-injection-only models. - **Interchange note:** Physically similar to the 3.0L biturbo but requires the correct ECU calibration and specific exhaust routing to run safely. #### M276.950 - 3.0L V6 Naturally Aspirated (185kW / 252hp), 2011-2020 - **Fitted to:** Mercedes E-Class (W213 E300), Mercedes S-Class (W221/W222 S300 Hybrid) - **Key technical difference:** The entry-level 3.0-litre variant, often paired with a mild-hybrid system (e.g., S300 BlueHYBRID) to improve urban fuel economy. - **Sub-code-specific failure note:** Shares the family timing chain pattern; hybrid integration requires specific ECU and electrical compatibility. - **Interchange note:** Cannot be swapped with higher-output 3.5L or biturbo units without extensive ECU, wiring, and hybrid system modifications. #### M276.960 - 3.5L V6 Biturbo (245kW / 333hp), 2014-2020 - **Fitted to:** Mercedes GLE (W166 GLE400), CLS (C218/C257 CLS400) - **Key technical difference:** The high-output 3.5-litre biturbo variant, featuring revised turbochargers and updated engine calibration for increased torque in heavier SUV applications. - **Sub-code-specific failure note:** Shares the family timing chain pattern; higher thermal loads on SUV applications can accelerate oil seal degradation if service intervals are extended. - **Interchange note:** Requires specific engine mounts, exhaust manifolds, and ECU software; not a direct drop-in for W213 sedan applications without significant fabrication.
**HOW TO CONFIRM YOUR CODE:** The M276 engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block, typically near the oil filter housing or bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number". Enter your registration above to confirm your exact M276 fitment before any quotes are sent.
The 120-degree V6 it replaced, which suffered from notorious balance shaft sprocket wear; the M276's 90-degree architecture and revised timing components largely resolved this specific vulnerability.
The inline-6 successor introduced in 2017, which abandoned the V6 layout entirely in favour of a 48V mild-hybrid inline-6 to improve packaging, efficiency, and emissions compliance.
The 4.6L/5.5L V8 twin-turbo counterpart of the same modular family; owners of V8-powered S-Class, E-Class, or CLS models should look here, as the M278 shares the hot-vee turbo architecture but differs significantly in displacement and mounting.
Confirm the exact M276 fitment
**HOW TO CONFIRM YOUR CODE:** The M276 engine code is stamped on a machined pad on the engine block, typically near the oil filter housing or bell housing. It is also clearly listed on your vehicle's V5C registration document under "Engine Number". Enter your registration above to confirm your exact M276 fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying a Replacement Mercedes M276 - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
Reconditioned:
Rebuilt:
Supply & Fit Line:
Vehicle Value Note:
Compare M276 Engine Prices Now
Engines Related to the Mercedes M276
Explore engines that are closely related to the Mercedes M276, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
M272
The 120-degree V6 it replaced, which suffered from notorious balance shaft sprocket wear; the M276's 90-degree architecture and revised timing components largely resolved this specific vulnerability.
M256
The inline-6 successor introduced in 2017, which abandoned the V6 layout entirely in favour of a 48V mild-hybrid inline-6 to improve packaging, efficiency, and emissions compliance.
M278
The 4.6L/5.5L V8 twin-turbo counterpart of the same modular family; owners of V8-powered S-Class, E-Class, or CLS models should look here, as the M278 shares the hot-vee turbo architecture but differs significantly in displacement and mounting.
Mercedes M276Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes M276 engine replacement cost in the UK-
A Mercedes M276 engine replacement typically costs between £3,800 and £6,500 for a reconditioned supply-only unit . Fitted costs generally add £780-£1,040 for independent specialist labour, and fully rebuilt units with upgraded timing components can reach £5,500-£8,500 supply-only.
- Fitted costs generally add £780-£1,040 for independent specialist labour.
- Fully rebuilt units with upgraded timing components can reach £5,500-£8,500 supply-only.
Question 2What is the most common failure with the Mercedes M276 engine-
The most documented failure patterns for the M276 are timing chain stretch/guide wear and intake valve carbon buildup on direct-injection variants. Early warning signs include a metallic rattle on cold starts and camshaft correlation fault codes, while carbon buildup manifests as a rough idle, misfires, and reduced power, often requiring walnut blasting to resolve.
- Early warning signs include a metallic rattle on cold starts and camshaft correlation fault codes.
- Carbon buildup manifests as a rough idle, misfires, and reduced power, often requiring walnut blasting to resolve.
Question 3Which Mercedes models use the M276 engine-
The M276 is fitted to Mercedes-Benz core models from 2011 to 2020, including the E-Class (W213), CLS (C218/C257), GLE (W166), and S-Class (W221/W222). It powers badges ranging from the E300 and E350 to the GLE400 and S350, and you should always verify your exact sub-code via registration lookup before ordering parts.
- It powers badges ranging from the E300 and E350 to the GLE400 and S350.
- You should always verify your exact sub-code via registration lookup before ordering parts.
Question 4Should I buy a used or reconditioned Mercedes M276 engine-
A reconditioned Mercedes M276 is strongly recommended over a used unit due to the well-documented timing chain and carbon buildup risks. Used units carry a high probability of inheriting the same latent wear unless accompanied by stamped proof of a full chain kit replacement, whereas a proper reconditioned M276 includes new timing chain components, refreshed gaskets, and a cleaned intake tract as standard.
- Used units carry a high probability of inheriting the same latent wear unless accompanied by stamped proof of a full chain kit replacement.
- A proper reconditioned M276 includes new timing chain components, refreshed gaskets, and a cleaned intake tract as standard.
Question 5What is the difference between the M276.920, M276.940, M276.950, and M276.960-
The M276.920 is a 3.0L biturbo, the M276.940 is a 3.5L naturally aspirated, the M276.950 is a 3.0L naturally aspirated (often hybrid), and the M276.960 is a 3.5L biturbo. While they share the same core 90-degree V6 architecture, they differ in forced induction, displacement, and ECU calibration, meaning fitting the wrong variant will result in severe ECU, wiring loom, and exhaust manifold incompatibilities.
- While they share the same core 90-degree V6 architecture, they differ in forced induction, displacement, and ECU calibration.
- Fitting the wrong variant will result in severe ECU, wiring loom, and exhaust manifold incompatibilities.
Compare Mercedes M276 Engine Prices Today
Get a free, no-obligation comparison for your exact Mercedes M276 engine code and sub-code. Our registration lookup confirms your precise fitment before any quotes are sent, ensuring you receive accurate pricing for your specific vehicle. With reconditioned M276 units starting from £3,800, comparing specialist quotes takes just two minutes and could save you hundreds on your replacement.
Vetted UK specialists for M276 replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Nationwide delivery plus supply and fit availability
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Get Free M276 Engine Quotes