The complete, independent reference for Mercedes‑Benz engine specifications, oil capacities, service schedules, fault codes, and technical data. Every figure is sourced or flagged — no guesswork, no dealer bias.
This technical index brings together over 100 independent reference articles covering Mercedes‑Benz engines, oil capacities, service schedules, timing chain configurations, fault codes, and component specifications — all verified against workshop data and our own enquiry records. [EM-VERIFIED]
Browse by category below, or use the search tools to find exactly what you need.
Oil capacities, timing chain or belt configurations, and reference data for every major Mercedes engine family. All figures are independently verified against workshop data.
5.5‑litre twin‑turbo V8 — capacity, grade, and filter type.
Chain‑driven, with known tensioner wear patterns.
4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 used in AMG GT and S63.
Chain‑driven; robust design.
2.0‑litre turbo inline‑4 — capacity and low‑SAPS oil spec.
Chain‑driven; tensioner wear is a known issue.
3.0/3.5‑litre V6 petrol — capacity and known oil cooler seal leaks.
Chain‑driven with balance shaft sprocket wear issues.
5.5‑litre V8 — capacity and chain configuration.
Chain‑driven; similar to M272 but larger.
2.0‑litre turbo inline‑4 — capacity and low‑SAPS oil.
Chain‑driven; improved design over M270.
3.0/3.5‑litre V6 petrol — capacity and timing chain stretch risks.
Chain‑driven; stretch on earlier models is a known pattern.
3.0‑litre V6 diesel — capacity and oil cooler seal access notes.
Chain‑driven; robust but access‑intensive.
2.1‑litre inline‑4 diesel — early common‑rail variant.
Chain‑driven; injector seal issues more common than chain failure.
2.1‑litre inline‑4 diesel — the most requested Mercedes diesel in 2025. [EM-VERIFIED]
Chain‑driven; tensioner wear is a known issue (TSB LI80.20‑P‑050001).
2.0‑litre inline‑4 diesel — modern modular engine.
Chain‑driven; improved reliability over OM651.
3.0‑litre inline‑6 diesel — flagship diesel for E‑Class and S‑Class.
Chain‑driven; robust and well‑regarded.
Not all engine families are listed here — see the full Engine Knowledge Centre for comprehensive data on every Mercedes engine.
Service schedules, maintenance intervals, and recommended procedures for every Mercedes model range.
W168, W169, W176, W177 — service intervals and key items.
W245, W246, W247 — maintenance schedules.
W202–W206 — all service intervals.
C117, X117, C118, X118.
C219, C218, X218, C257.
W124–W214 — comprehensive schedule.
W460, W461, W463.
X156, H247.
X253, C253, X254.
W166, V167, C167.
X166, X167.
W140–W223.
R129–R232.
R170, R171, R172.
W901–W907.
W638, W639, W447.
Critical bolt torques for engine, suspension, and braking components.
Fault code definitions, diagnostic procedures, and warning light guides to help you understand what your Mercedes is telling you.
Complete index of Mercedes fault codes with plain‑English explanations.
Dashboard warning light guide — what each light means and what to do.
Glow plug specifications and replacement intervals for diesel engines.
Common on M272/M276 — often due to timing chain stretch or adjuster failure.
Timing chain wear or faulty position sensor.
Common on OM651/OM642 — often fuel pump or injector related.
Pressure regulator or pump control issues.
Vacuum leaks, faulty turbo actuator, or boost pressure sensor failure.
EGR valve clogging — very common on OM651 and OM642.
DPF blockage — often urban‑use related.
Excessive soot; forced regeneration or cleaning required.
Detailed technical guides to key Mercedes systems — how they work, what they do, and what can go wrong.
How the diesel particulate filter works, why it clogs, and what to do about it.
Air suspension operation, common failures, and repair costs.
Correct Mercedes coolant type, mixing ratios, and change intervals.
Common AdBlue heater and NOx sensor failures, symptoms, and fixes.
EGR cooler leaks and valve clogging — symptoms, costs, and repair routes.
Detailed failure page covering DPF regeneration, cleaning, and replacement.
How to decode Mercedes engine codes — understand what M270, OM651, and others mean.
Where to find the engine number on every Mercedes model — essential for VIN verification.
Technical articles grouped by model family — find everything you need for your specific car or van.
W202–W206 — specs, service schedules, and known issues.
W124–W214 — comprehensive technical reference.
W140–W223 — flagship technical data.
W901–W907 — van‑specific specs and service data.
W638, W639, W447 — van technical reference.
W447 — MPV technical data.
X253, C253, X254 — SUV technical specs.
W166, V167, C167 — large SUV technical reference.
X156, H247 — compact SUV specs.
Free tools to help you find technical data, decode VINs, and make informed decisions about repairs and replacements.
Decode your Mercedes VIN to see build spec, engine code, and options.
Find which engines fit your model and year.
Find the correct oil specification and capacity for your Mercedes engine.
Step‑by‑step guide to diagnose your dashboard warning lights or symptoms.
Find your vehicle details and recommended specialists by registration.
Explore our full dataset: failure rates, enquiry volumes, and ownership trends. [EM-VERIFIED]
For reliability ratings and comprehensive engine overviews, visit our Engine Knowledge Centre.
Independent DataAll technical figures sourced and verified against workshop data.
Last Verified February 2026Reviewed on a regular schedule, not left to go stale.
15+ Vetted Mercedes SpecialistsReal workshop insight behind every caveat and note.
100% IndependentNo sponsors, no manufacturer influence.
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