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M276M276 DE35M276 DE30 LAM276 DE35 LA

M276 engine: faults and reliability

Mercedes-Benz M276 (V6 3.0/3.5 gasolina, atmosférico and biturbo) · Mercedes-Benz

The M276 is the petrol V6 with direct injection and three chains that Mercedes-Benz built from 2010 to 2023, in 3.5 naturally aspirated, 3.0 twin-turbo and 3.5 twin-turbo versions. Its documented weak point is the lubrication of the chain tensioners in the first naturally aspirated series, up to around the end of 2014; the later ones are considered not very problematic, with intake carbon build-up as a high-mileage ailment.[1][2][3][4]

Risk index
32
Moderate risk · what it is
Documented faults
3
1 of high or critical severity
Timing
Chain
Technical data[5][6]
Production
2010–2023
15 models on this site

9 sourcesHow we work

Which M276 versions should you buy?

Our verdict for each version, based on the documented faults.

  • M276 DE35 3.5 naturally aspirated (2010-2018, 252-306 hp)

    2010–2018 · 252–306 hp · M276 DE35, M 276 DES 35

    With caution

    Units built up to around the end of 2014 have the documented chain tensioner lubrication problem, and gebrauchtwagenberater rates the E 300, E 350 and E 400 from that period as «avoid»; it is worth checking that the correction has already been carried out.[1][3][7][8]

  • M276 DE30 LA 3.0 twin-turbo (2013-2023, 333-401 hp)

    2013–2023 · 333–401 hp · M276 DE30 LA, M 276 DEH 30 LA

    Buy

    The sources do not document a serious fault specific to the twin-turbo 3.0: the tensioner problem is concentrated in the first naturally aspirated series, which Mercedes corrected with revised parts around 2014, and gebrauchtwagenberater considers that the M276 in the W213 E 400 gives few reasons for concern. As with any direct-injection petrol engine, carbon build-up can appear at high mileage.[2][4]

  • M276 DE35 LA 3.5 twin-turbo (2014-2018, 333 hp)

    2014–2018 · 333 hp · M276 DE35 LA, M 276 DES 35 LA

    Buy

    gebrauchtwagenberater rates the E 400 with M276 from the end of 2014 as a «buy», with no known serious problems, and says of the 3.5-litre V6 in the W213 E 400 that it gives few reasons for concern.[1][2]

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

Known faults of the M276

Sorted from most to least important (severity × frequency).

  1. 1High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingChain tensioners with poor lubrication in the first M276s (2011-2014)Yes: in the first M276s, especially the naturally aspirated 3.5 built up to around the end of 2014, the chain tensioner receives too little oil and the chain can stretch. It is felt as a rattle on cold start and, if ignored, can end in engine damage.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the M276 intake valves (direct injection)Yes: like any direct-injection petrol engine, the M276 builds up carbon in the intake ports and valves; it usually becomes noticeable at high mileage and, according to one workshop, affects the twin-turbos more than the naturally aspirated 3.5.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingWorn intake camshaft variator on the M276Yes: on the M276 the intake camshaft variator can wear internally and throw the valve timing out of phase. It is felt as a rattle on cold start, the engine warning light and loss of power, and is sometimes mistaken for the chain tensioner problem.

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

By part

Compare each fault with the same part on other engines: symptoms, cost and affected models.

Symptoms of these faults

What the M276 is

The M276 is a family of petrol V6 engines with third-generation direct injection (BlueDIRECT, 200 bar, piezo injectors), four valves per cylinder and variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust. Mercedes-Benz began production in autumn 2010 to replace the M272 and launched it in spring 2011 in the facelifted C-Class (W204), the SLK (R172) and the CLS (C218).[5]

The timing drive uses three chains: one from the crankshaft to the intermediate shaft and one per bank from the intermediate shaft to the two camshafts. The tensioners are hydraulic and depend on the engine's oil pressure.[5][8]

There are three versions: the DE35, a naturally aspirated 3.5 producing 252 to 306 hp; the DE30 LA, a 3.0 with one turbo per bank (333 hp in the C-, E-, SL- and ML/GLE 400-Class, and 367, 390 or 401 hp in the AMG 43) that arrived in 2013; and the DE35 LA, a 3.5 twin-turbo producing 333 hp that debuted in 2014 in the E 400 and CLS 400.[5][6][9]

It is fitted to the C-Class, E-Class, CLS, SL, SLK/SLC, GLK, ML/GLE, S-Class, R-Class, GL and GLC, among others.[5][6]

Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz (Daimler)
Family
M276
Fuel
Petrol
Displacement
—
Cylinders
6
Fuel system
Twin-turbo
Injection
Direct injection
Timing
Chain
Power
252–401 hp
Peak torque
520 Nm
Production
2010–2023
Makes
Mercedes-Benz

Technical data[5][6]

What changed between versions

  1. 2010–2018

    M276 DE35 3.5 naturally aspirated (2010-2018, 252-306 hp)

    Naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 with direct injection, the first version of the M276, which replaced the M272 from autumn 2010. It was offered in 252 hp (reduced-output version), 292 hp (first units of the 2011 C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY) and 306 hp.[5][6]

  2. 2013–2023

    M276 DE30 LA 3.0 twin-turbo (2013-2023, 333-401 hp)

    3.0-litre V6 with one turbo per bank, which debuted in spring 2013 in the E 400. It produces 333 hp in the C-, E-, SL- and ML/GLE 400-Class, and 367, 390 or 401 hp in the AMG 43 versions.[5][6]

  3. 2014–2018

    M276 DE35 LA 3.5 twin-turbo (2014-2018, 333 hp)

    Twin-turbo 3.5-litre variant producing 333 hp, which Mercedes fitted to the E 400 and CLS 400, and which according to one source keeps stratified combustion and needs a NOx storage catalytic converter.[5][6]

Cars fitted with the M276

15 models sold in Europe. Open each one to see all their faults and the buying checklist.

Mercedes-Benz

Compare the M276

Maintenance parts for the M276

The parts replaced at services and when the timing belt or chain is changed, searched for this engine. Confirm the part number with the registration plate or VIN.

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Sources

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

  1. Mercedes E-Klasse W212, S212: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  2. Mercedes E-Klasse W213, S213 – Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 18 December 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. Mercedes M276 timing chain rattle8020 Automotive · Technical documentation · published 11 January 2024 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. The 4 Most Common Mercedes M276 Engine Problems8020 Automotive · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Mercedes-Benz M 276Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  6. Mercedes-Benz M276 engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. Mercedes-Benz GLK (X204) – Typische Probleme & MängelGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · published 20 July 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. Mercedes-Benz Timing Chain TensionersAutomotive Tech Info · Technical documentation · published August 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Der Mercedes M276 Motor | Technische Daten, Probleme, Haltbarkeit & FahrzeuglisteCarWiki · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German