M270 engine reliability: strengths, watch-outs, and known issues

In engines up to 2014, camshaft adjusters quickly failed and began to rattle; later they were updated and the problem appeared much later, but did not disappear completely. The timing chain also does not have a high service life, usually replaced every 100-150 thousand km.

In engines of this family, the impulse disc is pressed onto the camshaft and gradually shifts with each start. A stretched chain accelerates the process. This causes starting problems up to complete failure.

In 2015, engines of this series received a different firmware and became more economical, but immediately there were reports of destroyed pistons due to detonation. Also, low-quality fuel greatly reduces the life of piezo injectors of direct injection.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the cooling system of this unit, as the cylinder head warps very quickly even from a short overheating. This problem is aggravated by the presence of a not very reliable thermostat and water pump.

Leaks are regularly encountered due to a stuck crankcase ventilation valve, as well as from under the heat exchanger gasket or the front crankshaft seal. Due to wiring breaks, the variable displacement oil pump valve hangs, fuel hoses leak, the turbo actuator sticks, and the adsorber quickly becomes clogged.