Plastic/nylon guide rails keep the chain aligned, while a hydraulic chain tensioner applies constant pressure to prevent chain slack.
: The aluminum block with silicon/aluminum-lined cylinders is light and efficient. Inside, high-strength forged steel connecting rods connect the iron-coated aluminum pistons to a one-piece cast crankshaft .
Located at the front-top of the engine for easy access.
: Uses a chain-driven oil pump and a reed contact oil level switch (S43) mounted in the oil pan. Ignition & Sensors Individual coil-on-plug ignition. Mercedes Benz M272 Engine Parts Diagram
: One of its most distinctive features is the Magnesium Variable Intake Manifold . It uses internal "swirl flaps" to improve air-fuel mixing at low RPMs and switches to shorter runners for high-RPM power.
[ Camshaft Gear Left ] [ Camshaft Gear Right ] └───┐ ┌───┘ ▼ ▼ [ BALANCE SHAFT GEAR ] ◄─── (The Wear Point) │ [ Idler Pulley ] │ [ Crankshaft ] Key Diagram Components:
A complex magnesium unit that includes a two-stage variable length system and "tumble flaps" to optimize airflow and turbulence during partial load conditions. Balance Shaft: Plastic/nylon guide rails keep the chain aligned, while
: Mounted on the front of the cylinder heads to monitor cam position even when the engine is off Internal & Timing Components Timing Chain & Guides
The crankshaft must be set to 40 degrees ATDC (After Top Dead Center) for major timing work.
The M272 is fundamentally broken down into several primary sub-assemblies. Understanding how these sections interact helps in troubleshooting everything from vacuum leaks to timing chain issues. 1. Cylinder Block and Crankcase Located at the front-top of the engine for easy access
On the diagram, identify the and Rails (Guides) . These plastic guides become brittle over time. If you are doing a rebuild, these are the "while you're in there" parts that must be replaced.
The M272 engine is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, produced by Mercedes Benz from 2004 to 2015. This engine was designed to provide a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and smoothness, making it a staple in various Mercedes Benz models, including the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class.
Four magnets (solenoids) on the front timing covers control oil flow to the adjusters, tracked by four sensors.
Belt-driven unit mounted to the front of the block.