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1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II vs M272/M273: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II carries less risk than the M272/M273: 19/100 (low risk) versus 57/100 (high risk). The 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II has no documented serious faults; the M272/M273 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the balance shaft gear and the timing sprockets».

Risk index

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

19

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

M272/M273

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II reliable?

The 1.4 and 1.6 16v GM Daewoo E-TEC II (first-generation Lacetti/Optra and Aveo) have a timing belt and, according to the Polish press, a moderate fault record. Documented issues are faulty valves in the first units (2004-2005), lambda sensor faults and a few cases of oil leaks or oil consumption.[1][2][3]

See the 3 of the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II faults

Is the M272/M273 reliable?

The M272 V6 engines (2.5, 3.0, 3.5) and M273 V8 engines (4.7, 5.5) have one main fault: the balance shaft gear or the intermediate gears on early series, which can throw the timing out. After that, the intake manifold and the thermostat are the recurring weak points.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the M272/M273 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II and M272/M273
1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC IIM272/M273
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement——
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power83–109 hp204–387 hp
Production2004–2011[7][8][9][10][11]2004–2013[4][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)19Low risk57High risk
Documented faults34
Of high or critical severity01
Worst severityMedium severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Faulty valves and ignition faults in the first units (2004-2005)
  2. Low severity: Lambda sensor faults
  3. Low severity: Oil consumption and oil leaks
  1. Critical severity: Wear of the balance shaft gear and the timing sprockets
  2. Medium severity: Broken flaps and lever in the variable intake manifold
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the cooler, separator and camshaft adjuster gaskets
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.4 and 1.5 8v SOHC (Aveo, 2005-2011)[3][11]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.4 16v DOHC 95-101 hp (F14D4/L95, 2004-2011)[1][2][11]
  • 1.6 16v DOHC 103-109 hp (L91/LXT, 2004-2011)[2][11][13]
  • M272 V6 2.5/3.0/3.5 early series (M272 E25, E30, E35, 2004-2006)[4][5][6]
  • M272 V6 revised series (2007-2013, includes the 316 hp 3.5)[4][14]
  • M273 V8 4.7/5.5 (M273 E47, E55, 2005-2011)[5][12]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

M272/M273

See the 13 models with the M272/M273

Other comparisons

With the 1.4 / 1.6 16v E-TEC II

With the M272/M273

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 16V - Niełatwo zdobyć zaufanieAuto Świat · Motoring press · published 19 November 2007 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Bez fajerwerków - Chevrolet Lacetti (2003-2010)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 7 April 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  3. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  4. Mercedes-Benz M272 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  5. Der Mercedes M273 Motor: Technische Daten, Probleme, Haltbarkeitcarwiki.de · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. Die M272 V6 Motorisierung von Mercedes will gepflegt werdenMBpassion · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  7. GM Family 1 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet LacettiWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  12. Mercedes-Benz M273 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  13. W pierwszych silnikach 1,6 l przecierały się zawory (Chevrolet Lacetti)AutoCentrum.pl (usterki) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  14. 4 Common Mercedes M272 Engine Problems8020 Automotive · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026