The Mercedes — Benz M 157.981 is a 5,980 cc, twin — turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2017. It served as the high — performance powerplant for the S — Class (W222) and CLS — Class (C218) AMG variants, delivering exceptional power and refinement. Featuring a 90° V8 configuration, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, and twin — scroll turbocharging, it produced 430 kW (585 PS) and 900 Nm of torque, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in under 4 seconds.
Fitted to the…
All production years (2013–2017) meet Euro 6 standards .
The Mercedes-Benz M 157.981 is a 5,980 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance luxury sedans and coupes (2013–2017). It combines a 90° V8 layout with twin-scroll turbochargers and direct injection to deliver aggressive power delivery and daily drivability. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances track-ready performance with road legality and refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 5,980 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min, 100 RON recommended) | |
Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (hot-V layout) | |
Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
Power output | 430 kW (585 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 900 Nm @ 2,250–3,750 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled (dual-circuit) | |
Turbocharger | Twin twin-scroll turbo (hot-V, exhaust manifold-integrated) | |
Timing system | Chain (front-mounted, reinforced) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 226 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M 157.981 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W222/C218 platforms with longitudinal mounting and reserved for AMG 63 variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-higher boost in the W222 S 63 S and revised intake in the C218 CLS 63 AMG-and from 2018 the next-generation AMG 63 models adopted the M 177, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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The M 157.981's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for track or aggressive driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2016 noted a notable share of pre-2016 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 80,000 km, while VCA records show a small but significant number of emissions-related MOT failures linked to lambda sensor faults from rich-running conditions. Extended high-RPM operation without cooldown and low-RON fuel increase HPFP and turbo stress, making fuel quality and operational discipline critical.
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 M 157.981 is a high-performance engine that is robust when properly maintained. Early models (2013–2015) are prone to HPFP wear under aggressive use, but post-2016 revisions resolved this. Regular oil changes with correct viscosity (0W-40 or 5W-40 MB 229.52) and cooldown after high-RPM driving are essential for long-term reliability.
Key issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (pre-2016), turbo boost control faults, catalytic converter clogging from rich running, and oil leaks from valve and cam covers. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and field reports.
The M 157.981 powers the S 63 AMG, S 63 AMG S (W222 chassis, 2013–2017) and CLS 63 AMG (C218 chassis, 2013–2017). It is exclusive to AMG 63 series models. No cross-manufacturer applications are documented.
Yes, extensively. ECU remapping can yield gains of 50–70 kW, and with upgraded turbo, fuel system, and cooling, outputs exceed 550 kW (750 PS) are achievable. The forged internals are robust, but thermal management becomes critical at higher power levels.
Fuel consumption is high for a performance engine. In the S 63 AMG, expect ~15.0 L/100km (city), ~9.5 L/100km (highway), or ~11.5 L/100km combined (~24 mpg UK). Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style, with aggressive use significantly increasing consumption.
Yes. The M 157.981 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons will contact open valves, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Proper maintenance of the chain and tensioner is absolutely critical.
Mercedes-Benz specifies 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity oil meeting MB 229.52 standard. Change oil every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbocharger and high-pressure fuel system. Use only high-quality synthetic oils designed for high-performance turbocharged petrol engines.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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