M272 engines family

The Mercedes-Benz M272 engine is a V6 automobile piston engine family used in the 2000s (decade). Introduced in 2004, it is based on the M112 V6 introduced in 1998.

All M272 engines have aluminum engine blocks with a 90° vee angle with silicon/aluminum lined cylinders. The aluminum DOHC cylinder heads have 4 valves per cylinder. Direct injection is used in a limited fashion on the 3.5 L V6, whereas others use conventional port fuel injection. All have forged steel connecting rods, one-piece cast crankshaft, iron-coated aluminum pistons and a magnesium intake manifold. Like the M112, a balance shaft is installed in the engine block between the cylinder banks to deal with vibrations in the 90 degree V6 design. This essentially eliminates first and second order moments. A dual-length Variable Length Intake Manifold is fitted to optimise engine flexibility.

Continuous VVT was adopted for the first time. Featured on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, each can be varied through a range of 40 degrees. The twin spark plug system was replaced by a regular single spark plug per cylinder. New electronic coolant flow control has replaced the mechanical thermostat for improved engine warm-up and optimum control of engine temperature. Also tumble flaps are used to improve output at low engine speeds.