The Mercedes — Benz M113.988 is a 6,956 cc, V12 petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2000. It forms part of the M113 engine family, featuring a 48 — valve DOHC configuration and sequential multi — point fuel injection (SIMPLE). This naturally aspirated design delivers 368 kW (500 PS) at 5,250 rpm and 610 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, offering flagship performance for the S — Class and CL — Class.
Fitted exclusively to the W220 S — Class and C215 CL — Class models, including the S 700 a…
Production years 1999–2000 meet Euro 2 emissions standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M113.988 is a 6,956 cc V12 petrol engine engineered for flagship luxury models (1999–2000). It combines a 48-valve DOHC valvetrain with sequential fuel injection to deliver seamless, high-output performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated V12 engineering at Mercedes-Benz.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 6,956 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
Torque | 610 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SIMPLE) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Timing chain (dual-row, non-interference design) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 235 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M113.988 was used exclusively across Mercedes-Benz's W220/C215 flagship platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific tuning-intake manifold geometry in the C215 and revised ECU mapping in the facelifted W220 LWB variant-creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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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.
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The M113.988 offers exceptional smoothness and strong torque, but remains prone to intake camshaft lobe wear if maintenance intervals are extended or incorrect oil is used. Later M113 series revisions show improved durability when serviced correctly. Regular oil changes using MB 229.3 (10W-60) specification oil significantly enhance long-term reliability. Well-maintained units can exceed 200,000 km without major issues.
Primary concerns include intake camshaft lobe wear, cooling system failures (thermostat/hoses), lambda sensor degradation, and fuel injector clogging. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 07-0501-98 and TIS documentation. Preventive maintenance, especially oil and coolant service, greatly reduces the likelihood of these failures.
The M113.988 was used in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) S 700 (1999–2000) and CL-Class (C215) CL 700 (1999–2000). It was not exported to North America and remained exclusive to European and select international markets. All applications feature longitudinal mounting and share platform-specific ECU tuning.
Limited tuning potential exists due to its naturally aspirated design. ECU remapping can yield modest gains (~20–25 PS) by optimizing fuel and ignition maps. However, significant power increases require internal modifications. As the engine was not designed for forced induction, adding a supercharger or turbocharger involves substantial engineering and is not supported by OEM documentation.
In combined driving, the M113.988 achieves approximately 18.5–22.5 L/100km (13–15 mpg UK). Highway efficiency improves to ~14.0 L/100km (20 mpg UK), while city driving may reach 25.0 L/100km (11 mpg UK). Real-world consumption depends on driving style and vehicle weight. Fuel quality per EN 228 ensures optimal injector and catalyst longevity.
No. The M113.988 features a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, the engine will cease to run, and repair of the chain and tensioner is still required. This design improves service safety but does not reduce the importance of regular inspection.
Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.3 (SAE 10W-60) or equivalent ACEA A3/B3 oil for the M113.988. Oil changes should occur every 15,000 km or annually. Using incorrect viscosity or lower-specification oil increases the risk of camshaft lobe wear, particularly in high-load conditions. Always verify oil meets MB 229.3 standards before use.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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