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Mercedes Inline-Six Engines: 7 Things to Know, from the M 110 to the M 256

Mercedes-Benz’s inline-six history runs from the twin-cam 2.8-liter M 110 to the turbocharged, 48-volt M 256—and each output figure depends on its vehicle and version.
Entry908 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Mercedes-Benz’s inline-six is not one engine but a succession of designs. The examples here range from the twin-cam M 110 introduced in the early 1970s to the turbocharged, electrically assisted M 256 family used in modern Mercedes models. Their specifications belong to particular versions and vehicles, not to every Mercedes inline-six.

1. The Mercedes inline-six spans very different generations

The M 110 and M 256 illustrate how much the label “inline-six” can cover. Mercedes-Benz Classic describes the M 110 as a 2.8-liter engine with two overhead camshafts that debuted in early 1972 in the Stroke Eight models. The later M 256 is a 3.0-liter gasoline engine designed around turbocharging and a 48-volt electrical system.

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These are selected milestones, not a complete catalogue of Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder engines.

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2. The M 110 had two camshafts and two documented output versions

Mercedes-Benz Classic material identifies the M 110 as a 2.8-liter inline-six with two overhead camshafts. In that historical account, the carburetor version produced 118 kW (160 hp), while the fuel-injected version produced 136 kW (185 hp). Those figures describe the versions in the historical source; they are not current specifications or a direct comparison with later engines.

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Mercedes-Benz Classic: M 110 historical engine account (PDF)

3. The M 256 uses electricity to assist a gasoline engine

Mercedes-Benz announced the M 256 in 2017 as a 3.0-liter gasoline inline-six with an integrated starter-generator (ISG), a 48-volt electrical system and an electric auxiliary compressor (eZV). The announcement described an intended S-Class application; that launch plan was forward-looking at the time, rather than a current availability statement.

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ZKTOOL Inline‑6 Engine Starter Motor Bracket Removal Tool fits for Benz
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Mercedes said the ISG supports functions such as boost and energy recuperation. The 48-volt network also supplies high-load accessories, while the arrangement removes belt drive for front-mounted auxiliary components. The engine’s unit displacement is 500 cm³ per cylinder, according to the company’s announcement.

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Mercedes-Benz France: modular-engine announcement

4. M 256 power and torque depend on the vehicle and version

There is no single output figure that applies to every M 256. Mercedes-Benz’s U.S.-market announcement for the 2021 E-Class update rated the E 450’s 3.0-liter turbocharged M 256 at 362 hp, with EQ Boost and a 48-volt onboard system. That is a dated, U.S.-specific vehicle specification.

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For the 2026 S-Class, Mercedes-Benz reports up to 443 lb-ft of torque for the S 500 4MATIC’s M 256 Evo, with up to 472 lb-ft available briefly through overtorque. The company attributes revisions to the electric auxiliary compressor, intake and exhaust ports, and intake camshaft. These are torque figures for that application, not a universal rating for the M 256 family.

Application Engine and context Published figure
U.S.-market 2021 E 450 3.0-liter turbocharged M 256; EQ Boost and 48-volt onboard system 362 hp, Mercedes-Benz’s rated output for this application
2026 S 500 4MATIC M 256 Evo Up to 443 lb-ft; up to 472 lb-ft briefly with overtorque, as reported by Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz USA: 2021 E-Class update

Mercedes-Benz USA: 2026 S-Class announcement

5. The S 580e’s 576 hp is a hybrid-system figure

Mercedes-Benz says the S 580e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid combines an upgraded inline-six with an electric motor for 576 hp. That number describes the combined system output; it is not the standalone output of the inline-six. The distinction matters whenever engine figures are compared with a hybrid’s headline rating.

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  • 【❗Fitment (Vehicle Compatibility)❗:】 Direct Replacement Intended To Fit Mercedes-Benz E450 Models Equipped With The 3.0L Inline-6 (Mhev) Engine And Specified As Having The Amg Styling Package; Intended For The Front Driver Side Outer Locationverify Engine Type And Package Compatibility.
  • ✅【 Function (Part Description):】 Designed As A Direct Replacement To Shield The Front Outer Engine Bay On The Driver Side For Inline-6 Mild-Hybrid (Mhev) Equipped Models.
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Mercedes-Benz USA: 2026 S-Class announcement

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6. Mercedes also made a diesel inline-six: the OM 656

The M 256 is a gasoline engine; the OM 656 is a diesel inline-six. Mercedes-Benz’s modular-engine portfolio included both types, but the separate codes identify distinct engines, not fuel variants of one engine. The available source supports that distinction, not a full technical comparison between the two families.

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Mercedes-Benz Media: modular engine family

7. The figures are not a like-for-like efficiency comparison

The cited examples come from different periods, vehicles and markets, and the sources do not establish a comparable fuel-economy test across them. A historical M 110 output, a U.S.-market E 450 rating, an S 500 torque figure and a plug-in hybrid system rating answer different questions. Read each number with its engine code and vehicle context rather than treating it as a ranking of Mercedes inline-sixes.

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Replacement Oil Filler Cap compatible with Mercedes-Benz inline-6 models 250 280SL 280C 300TE 300SE SL320 (Inline-6 engines)
  • 【❗Fitment (Vehicle Compatibility)❗:】 Direct Replacement Suitable For Listed Mercedes-Benz Inline-6 Models (250, 280Sl, 280C, 300Te, 300Se, Sl320 And Other Inline-6 Applications) . Verify Vehicle Model And Engine Type To Ensure Compatibility.
  • ✅【 Function (Part Description):】 Designed To Close And Seal The Engine Oil Filler Opening, Supporting Normal Lubrication System Operation By Reducing The Risk Of Oil Leakage And Dirt.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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