M272 vs OM656

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
OM656 BUY 82/100
+32 points over M272
0 / 100
CAUTION M272 Mercedes-Benz
0 / 100
BUY OM656 Mercedes-Benz

Specifications

M272
OM656
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
50
82
Years
2004--2012
2017--present
Displacement
3498 cc
2999 cc
Layout
V6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
231--292 hp
243--330 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,150--€5,500
€500--€2,000

Character

M272

"Smooth V6. Early models: balance shaft defect (class-action). Post-2008: better."

OM656

"Flagship modern MB diesel. Inline-6 smoothness returns. MHEV. GLE/GLS/S-Class. Excellent highway. Early data strong."

Issues Comparison

M272 3

◆ CRITICAL
Balance shaft sprocket wear — class-action €1,500--€4,000 60,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Intake manifold swirl flaps failure €400--€900 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Spark plugs + ignition coils €250--€600 80,000 km--150,000 km

OM656 2

● MODERATE
DPF + EGR — diesel city driving concern €400--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
AdBlue / SCR system consumption and faults €100--€800 30,000 km--∞

Models

M272 13

C-Class W203 2005--2007 E-Class W211 2005--2009 SLK R171 2005--2008 CLK W209 2005--2009 CLK W209 2005--2009 C-Class W204 2007--2011 S-Class W221 2005--2013 E-Class W211 2005--2009 SLK R171 2004--2011 SL R230 2006--2011 CLK 350 C209 2005--2009 Coupe E 350 W212 2009--2016 Sedan ML 350 W164 2005--2011 SUV

OM656 3

E 400d W213 2016--2024 Sedan GLE 350d W166 2015--2019 SUV S 350d W222 2013--2020 Sedan
Full M272 Report Full OM656 Report