The Mercedes — Benz M113.966 is a 4,266 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2003. It features a 32 — valve DOHC configuration with sequential multi — point fuel injection (ME — SFI) and was engineered for executive and grand touring applications. This naturally aspirated design delivers 225 kW (306 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 410 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing strong low — end pull and smooth throttle response.
Fitted primarily to the W210 E — Class and C215 CL — Class mod…
Production years 2000–2003 meet Euro 3 standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M113.966 is a 4,266 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for luxury executive vehicles (2000–2003). It combines 32-valve DOHC architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and dependable performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances refinement with responsive drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 4,266 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 96.9 mm × 72.6 mm | |
Power output | 225 kW (306 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 410 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (ME-SFI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 208 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M113.966 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W210/C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the E-Class and tuned engine mounts in the CL-Class-and from 2001 the facelifted W210 models adopted revised camshafts, 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 M113.966 offers solid reliability when maintained properly, though pre-2001 models are prone to camshaft wear. Later revisions (post-2001) with hardened camshafts significantly improved durability. Regular oil changes with MB 229.3 (10W-40) specification oil and timely lambda sensor replacement are essential for long-term operation. Well-maintained units can exceed 200,000 km.
Key issues include camshaft lobe wear (especially pre-2001), lambda sensor degradation, intake carbon buildup, and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and field reports. Preventative maintenance greatly reduces the risk of major repairs.
The M113.966 was used in the W210 E-Class (E430) and C215 CL-Class (CL430) from 2000–2003. It was not licensed to other manufacturers. All applications meet Euro 3 emissions standards.
Tuning potential is limited due to its naturally aspirated design and non-interference valvetrain. ECU remaps offer minimal gains. Performance upgrades typically involve induction, exhaust, and camshaft modifications. However, such modifications are rare and may compromise reliability if not properly engineered.
In the E430 (W210), typical consumption is ~14.5 L/100km (city) and ~8.1 L/100km (highway), or about 27 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary with driving style, but expect 24–30 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a well-maintained engine. Fuel quality (EN 228) is essential for consistent economy.
No. The M113.966 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic engine damage. However, chain replacement is still recommended at 180,000 km or as per service schedule to maintain reliability.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 10W-40 oil meeting MB 229.3 standard. This high-quality synthetic blend is essential for protecting cam lobes and ensuring longevity. Oil changes should be performed every 15,000 km or annually to prevent wear and maintain performance.
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.