The Mercedes M272 E30 engine occupies a place between the M272 E35 and M272 E25, the main purpose of the model is to replace the outdated M112 E28. The M272 E30 aluminum V-shaped (camber 90°) engine block is similar to that used in the E35, but with smaller cylinders and a short-stroke crankshaft.
The cylinder heads are similar to the E35: aluminum with two camshafts (DOHC) and 4 valves per cylinder, the diameter of the intake valves is reduced to 37 mm, exhaust to 28 mm. Everything also uses a continuously variable valve timing system on the intake and exhaust shafts, hydraulic lifters, a two-stage intake manifold with variable length.
The timing drive uses a double roller chain, its service life is about 150 thousand km. Bosch ME control system 9.7.
Mercedes V6 family: M112 E24, M112 E26, M112 E28, M112 E32, M112 E37, M272 E25, M272 E30, M272 E35, M276 DE30, M276 DE35.
Specifications
| Production years | 2004-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 2996 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 231 |
| Torque output, Nm | 300 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82.1 |
| Compression ratio | 11.3 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 8.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes C280 W204) — city — highway — combined |
13.6 7.0 9.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 177 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes SLK-Class R171 in 2004 – 2010;
- Mercedes C-Class W203 in 2005 – 2007, C-Class W204 in 2007 – 2011;
- Mercedes CLK-Class C209 in 2005 – 2010;
- Mercedes CLS-Class C219 in 2005 – 2010;
- Mercedes E-Class W211 in 2005 – 2009, E-Class W212 in 2009 – 2011;
- Mercedes SL-Class R230 in 2005 – 2009;
- Mercedes V-Class W639 in 2005 – 2015;
- Mercedes R-Class W251 in 2006 – 2009;
- Mercedes S-Class W221 in 2007 – 2013;
- Mercedes GLK-Class X204 in 2008 – 2012.
Disadvantages of the M272 KE30 engine
- The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive.
- Due to the rapid wear of the balancer shaft sprockets, the entire timing drive becomes unusable.
- Another known problem is a stuck exhaust manifold flap.
- Plastic cylinder head plugs ooze oil for 50 – 70 thousand km.
- Overheating of the engine leads to detonation and destruction of the aluminum coating in the cylinders.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M272 E30
How much power does the Mercedes M272 E30 make?
The Mercedes M272 E30 develops 231 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Mercedes M272 E30 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 8.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mercedes M272 E30 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M272 E30 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M272 E30 turbocharged?
No, the Mercedes M272 E30 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Mercedes M272 E30 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M272 E30 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M272 E30 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M272 E30 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M272 E30?
Mercedes C280 W204: city 13.6, highway 7.0, combined 9.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M272 E30 installed on?
Mercedes SLK-Class R171 in 2004 - 2010; Mercedes C-Class W203 in 2005 - 2007, C-Class W204 in 2007 - 2011; Mercedes CLK-Class C209 in 2005 - 2010; Mercedes CLS-Class C219 in 2005 - 2010; Mercedes E-Class W211 in 2005 - 2009, E-Class W212 in 2009 - 2011; Mercedes SL-Class R230 in 2005 - 2009 and 4 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M272 E30?
The weakest point of this power unit is its timing drive. Due to the rapid wear of the balancer shaft sprockets, the entire timing drive becomes unusable. All known problems.





