Mercedes-Benz produced a full line of straight-4 -5 and -6, V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines and even Wankel engine. Currently, they are distinctive for their 3-valve per cylinder Single overhead cam configuration, though this is being replaced by a more conventional 4-valve DOHC layout.

All Mercedes-Benz V6/V8 engines are manufactured in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Germany. The 4-cylinder versions (M266, M266 Turbo and M271) are assembled in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The V12 engine plant is in Berlin.