The Mercedes — Benz M111.955 is a 2,295 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2003. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16 — valve configuration, and electronic multi — point fuel injection (EZM). Engineered for smooth mid — range performance and refinement, it delivered 130 kW (177 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, primarily used in compact and mid — size luxury sedans and coupes.
Fitted to models such as the W202 C230, W210 E230, and C208 CLK230, the M111.9…

All production years (1998–2003) comply with Euro 3 emissions standards in regulated markets (EU Directive 98/69/EC,.
The Mercedes-Benz M111.955 is a 2,295 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size luxury models (1998–2003). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with electronic fuel injection to deliver refined performance and smooth drivability. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances responsiveness with long-term reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,295 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 240 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
Fuel system | Electronic multi-point fuel injection (EZM) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 148 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M111.955 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W202/W210 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W210 and revised exhaust manifolds in the C208-and from 2000 the facelifted W202 models adopted updated intake runners, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M111.955 is fundamentally robust and capable of high mileage when properly maintained. However, pre-2000 engines are prone to camshaft wear if oil changes are delayed. Later units with hardened camshafts are more durable. Using correct oil (SAE 10W-40 MB 229.1) and servicing every 15,000 km significantly improves longevity.
The most documented issues are camshaft lobe wear (especially pre-2000), EZM fuel distributor imbalance, and coolant leaks from the water pump. Oxygen sensor failure is common on older units. These are confirmed in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and long-term owner reliability reports.
The M111.955 was used in the W202 C230 (1998–2000), W210 E230 (1998–2003), and C208 CLK230 (1998–2003). It was not used in any other Mercedes-Benz series or licensed to other manufacturers. All applications were petrol-powered variants with electronic fuel injection.
Limited tuning potential exists. Performance gains are typically achieved through exhaust upgrades, ignition enhancements, and ECU remapping. Output rarely exceeds 145 kW (197 PS) without internal modifications. Due to the naturally aspirated DOHC 16-valve design, significant power increases require forced induction or cylinder head upgrades, which are rare and complex.
Moderate by modern standards. In a W202 C230, typical consumption is ~10.5 L/100 km (city) and ~6.8 L/100 km (highway), or about 35–42 mpg UK. Real-world figures depend on driving conditions, but expect 35–40 mpg UK on mixed roads. The EZM system is efficient and reliable when maintained.
No. The M111 series is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, chain replacement is still recommended at 150,000 km or as wear is detected to maintain valve timing accuracy and prevent performance loss.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 10W-40 oil meeting MB 229.1 standards. Use a high-quality mineral or semi-synthetic oil designed for older engines. Change oil every 15,000 km or annually to protect the camshaft and timing chain. Avoid modern low-viscosity oils not rated for pre-2005 engines.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.