What Are the Common Issues with the M264 Engine?

[MacAlana]

The common issues with the Mercedes-Benz M264 engine: The V-belt is under a certain degree of tension, and the following are the effects caused by the V-belt: 1. During engine operation, the V-belt maintains a certain degree of tension. Under normal conditions, a pressure of 29-49N (3-5Kgf) is applied to the middle section of the V-belt. 2. The V-belt can be pressed down by 10-20mm. Excessive tension will accelerate the wear of bearings on the alternator, fan, and water pump. 3. If it is too loose, the driven accessories will not reach the required speed, leading to belt misalignment, a drop in alternator voltage, reduced fan airflow, and decreased water pump flow, thereby affecting the normal operation of the engine.

[MacAyla]

Hey, friends who drive Mercedes-Benz with the M264 engine should be familiar with some of its common issues. During daily use, I often hear owners complaining about timing chain problems—once the chain stretches, the engine noise becomes noticeably louder, especially during cold starts when the rattling sound can be quite annoying. Another issue is the electronic throttle malfunction; occasional throttle sticking can cause sluggish acceleration or unstable idling, which has happened a few times in my car. While it doesn’t severely impact daily driving, it’s best to get it cleaned at the repair shop promptly. Don’t overlook minor fuel system problems either—the fuel pump sometimes delivers fuel unevenly, leading to power lag on long highway drives. Overall, these common flaws aren’t fatal, but maintenance intervals should be shorter to avoid regrets later. Regularly replacing belts and checking the fuel pump can save a lot of trouble. By the way, the M264 engine is widely used in Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class models—keeping these points in mind can help extend your car’s lifespan.

[McAnna]

From a mechanical perspective, let's discuss common issues with the M264 engine. Many owners have reported timing chain wear problems, with the chain having a relatively short lifespan and being prone to stretching or breaking. This requires frequent monitoring of noise changes. Additionally, the turbocharger is prone to overheating and oil leaks, especially during prolonged high-load driving such as mountain road climbs, where oil seals may leak, leading to reduced power output and affecting fuel consumption. Fuel filter blockages in the fuel system are also not uncommon, causing engine shaking or difficulty starting. It's recommended to check the filter element during oil changes. Frequent electronic control unit (ECU) failures occur, with sensors falsely triggering warning lights that disappear after a restart—these sporadic issues can be quite frustrating. Preventive measures include regular maintenance, using high-quality engine oil to reduce wear, and avoiding modifications to the vehicle's electrical system to prevent overburdening the ECU. Accumulation of these minor issues can affect engine performance, and early detection can help avoid costly major repairs.

[OHarmony]

The common issues with the M264 engine mainly focus on three points: Timing chain problems are too common - chain loosening or breakage can cause difficult engine starts and even damage internal components. Fuel system failures - fuel pump malfunctions may lead to acceleration lag, which is dangerous on highways. Electronic components such as throttle sticking can cause unstable idling and require frequent cleaning. It is recommended that owners check the chain and fuel pump every 5,000 kilometers, rather than waiting for a malfunction to occur. Using genuine parts can extend service life, reduce repair frequency, and ensure safe and reliable daily driving.