Mercedes-Benz M278 engine

Mercedes-Benz M278/M157
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Mercedes-AMG (AMG)
Production2010–2020
Layout
Configuration90° V8
Displacement4.7 L; 284.6 cu in (4,663 cc) (M278)
5.5 L; 333.3 cu in (5,461 cc) (M157)
Cylinder bore92.9 mm (3.66 in)
98 mm (3.86 in)
Piston stroke86 mm (3.39 in)
90.5 mm (3.56 in)
Cylinder block materialAluminium
ValvetrainDOHC 4 valves x cyl. with VVT
Combustion
TurbochargerHoneywell Bi-turbos
Fuel systemDirect injection
Fuel typeGasoline
Cooling systemWater-cooled
Output
Power output300–430 kW (408–585 PS; 402–577 bhp)
Torque output540–900 N⋅m (398–664 lb⋅ft)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz M273
Mercedes-Benz M156
SuccessorMercedes-Benz M176/M177/M178

The Mercedes-Benz M278[1] is a family of direct injected, Bi-turbocharged, V8 gasoline automotive piston engines.

The M278 is derived from the company's previous M273 V8 engine, sharing its bore pitch, aluminium engine block, and Silitec aluminium/silicon low-friction cylinder liners.[2] In contrast to the port-injected M273, the M278 features gasoline direct injection, with piezo-electrically actuated fuel injectors for more precise fuel delivery, and multi-spark ignition, which enables the spark plugs to be fired multiple times over the combustion sequence for more efficient combustion.[2] Other changes relative to the M273 include an increased adjustment range for the variable valve timing system, a new timing chain arrangement, and new engine accessories (such as the oil pump, water pump, fuel pump, and alternator) which reduce parasitic loads. Many of these new features are shared with the M276 V6 engine family, which was announced at the same time.[2]

While the M273 was naturally aspirated, the M278 features twin turbochargers from Honeywell, one per cylinder bank, producing 0.9 bar (13 psi) boost pressure in most configurations.[2][3]

Mercedes-Benz estimated that these changes, with vehicle modifications such as a stop-start system, give the 4.7–litre M278 22% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than the 5.5–litre M273 while producing more power 320 kW (435 PS; 429 bhp) versus 285 kW (387 PS; 382 bhp) and torque 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) versus 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft).[2]

The entire M278 lineup avoids the United States Gas Guzzler Tax, a first for V8 production engines from Mercedes-Benz.[4]

  1. ^ Mercedes' New V Engine Family
  2. ^ a b c d e Davis, Jim. "Mercedes-Benz New V6 and V8 Engines are More Powerful and More Efficient | eMercedesBenz". emercedesbenz.com.
  3. ^ "Honeywell Turbo Innovations Launched on High Performing Mercedes, Range Rover Engines - Garrett". www.garrettmotion.com. Archived from the original on 2019-08-13.
  4. ^ "2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG". March 2010.