From 2011 to 2019, Mercedes M270 gasoline engines with 1.6 and 2.0 liters of capacity were manufactured and fitted to transverse engine models like the A-class and B-class. Index M274 is a comparable unit for vehicles with a longitudinal engine.
M102, M111, M133, M139, M166, M200, M254, M260, M264, M266, M270, M271, M274, and M282 are the R4 Mercedes engines.
A new line of 1.6 and 2.0 liter gasoline power units with different piston strokes and multiple boost options was introduced in 2011. Phase shifters on two camshafts, an IHI AL0070 or IHI AL0071 turbocharger with an air intercooler and a timing chain drive, a 4-cylinder aluminum block with cast-iron sleeves and an open cooling jacket, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head with hydraulic lifters, and a direct fuel injection system with piezo injectors make up this relatively contemporary design. The electronic thermostat and oil pump with variable displacement are also notable.
A Camtronic intake system was an optional feature for 1.6-liter engine modifications, and a Lanchester counterbalance mechanism was used in 2.0-liter versions to lessen vibrations.
Specifications
| Production years | 2011-2019 |
| Displacement, cc | 1595 (M 270 DE 16 AL red) 1595 (M 270 DE 16 AL) 1991 (M 270 DE 20 AL) |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 102 – 122 (M 270 DE 16 AL red) 156 (M 270 DE 16 AL) 156 – 218 (M 270 DE 20 AL) |
| Torque output, Nm | 180 – 200 (M 270 DE 16 AL red) 250 (M 270 DE 16 AL) 270 – 350 (M 270 DE 20 AL) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 83 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.7 (M 270 DE 16 AL red) 73.7 (M 270 DE 16 AL) 92 (M 270 DE 20 AL) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3 (M 270 DE 16 AL red) 10.3 (M 270 DE 16 AL) 9.8 (M 270 DE 20 AL) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | on both shafts |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.8 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes A 250 2015) — city — highway — combined |
7.9 4.9 6.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 137 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes A-Class W176 in 2012 – 2018;
- Mercedes B-Class W246 in 2011 – 2018;
- Mercedes CLA-Class C117 in 2013 – 2018;
- Mercedes GLA-Class X156 in 2013 – 2019;
- Infiniti Q30 1 (H15) in 2015 – 2019;
- Infiniti QX30 1 (H15) in 2016 – 2019.
Disadvantages of the Mercedes M270 engine
Phase regulators in motors rapidly failed and started to crack until 2014. After they were updated, the issue started to show up much later but did not completely go away. The timing chain, which is typically replaced every 100,000–150,000 kilometers, does not have a high resource either.
This family of engines has an impulse disk that is pressed against the camshaft and moves slowly with each start. In particular, a stretched chain expedites the procedure. This is the cause of the engine’s inability to start until it completely fails.
The power units in this series were given a new firmware in 2015 that made them more cost-effective, but calls to replace the damaged pistons caused by detonation started to pour in right away. The resource of direct injection piezo injectors is significantly reduced by even low-quality fuel.
Since the cylinder head in this unit leads very quickly and even from a slightly prolonged overheating, it is imperative to closely monitor the cooling system’s condition. The presence of an unreliable water pump and thermostat makes this issue worse.
Leaks are frequently found under the heat exchanger gasket, along the front crankshaft oil seal, and as a result of a stuck crankcase ventilation valve. The turbine actuator seizes, the adsorber rapidly clogs, the variable displacement oil pump valve hangs, and fuel hoses leak as a result of wiring breaks.