The 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder Mercedes M256 engine has been assembled by the company since 2017 and installed on its most powerful and expensive models, such as the S-Class, GLS-Class or AMG GT. There is a version of the engine with one turbine and an additional electric compressor.
Mercedes R6 family: M103 E26, M103 E30, M104 E28, M104 E30, M104 E32, M256 E30.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2017 |
| Displacement, cc | 2999 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 367 (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR) 435 (M 256 E30 DEH LA G) |
| Torque output, Nm | 500 (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR) 520 (M 256 E30 DEH LA G) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 83 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 92.4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | ISG 48V |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Camtronic |
| Turbocharging | BorgWarner B03G (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR) BorgWarner B03G + eZV (M 256 E30 DEH LA G) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 2020) — city — highway — combined |
13.7 8.2 10.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes AMG GT X290 since 2018;
- Mercedes CLS-Class C257 since 2018;
- Mercedes GLE-Class W187 since 2018;
- Mercedes GLS-Class X167 since 2019;
- Mercedes E-Class W213 since 2018, E-Class C238 since 2018;
- Mercedes S-Class W222 in 2017 – 2020, S-Class W223 since 2020.
Disadvantages of the M256 E30 engine
- So far, no design flaws have been noted on the specialized forums.
- On other engines of the modular series, there were failures of Camtronic phase regulators.
- Like all direct injection engines, this one suffers from carbon deposits on the intake valves.
- It is also worth noting the presence of a particulate filter, uncharacteristic for gasoline engines.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M256 E30
How much power does the Mercedes M256 E30 make?
Power output of the Mercedes M256 E30, hp: 367 (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR); 435 (M 256 E30 DEH LA G). Torque, Nm: 500 (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR); 520 (M 256 E30 DEH LA G).
How much oil does the Mercedes M256 E30 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mercedes M256 E30 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M256 E30 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M256 E30 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mercedes M256 E30 is turbocharged (BorgWarner B03G (M 256 E30 DEH LA GR); BorgWarner B03G + eZV (M 256 E30 DEH LA G)).
Does the Mercedes M256 E30 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M256 E30 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M256 E30 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M256 E30 is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M256 E30?
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 2020: city 13.7, highway 8.2, combined 10.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M256 E30 installed on?
Mercedes AMG GT X290 since 2018; Mercedes CLS-Class C257 since 2018; Mercedes GLE-Class W187 since 2018; Mercedes GLS-Class X167 since 2019; Mercedes E-Class W213 since 2018, E-Class C238 since 2018; Mercedes S-Class W222 in 2017 - 2020, S-Class W223 since 2020.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M256 E30?
So far, no design flaws have been noted on the specialized forums. On other engines of the modular series, there were failures of Camtronic phase regulators. All known problems.
