The Ferrari F116 is a 5,474 cc, 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1999 and 2010. It was developed as a high-displacement evolution of the F113 series, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic ME7.3 electronic engine management. In its final form, it delivered up to 540 PS (533 hp) and 550 Nm of torque, powering grand tourers designed for both performance and refined cruising.
Fitted to the Ferrari 550 Maranello, 575M Maranello, and 599 GTB Fiorano, the F116 was engineered for longitudinal rear-mid mounting and balanced high-RPM power delivery with usable low-end torque. The engine was optimized for European grand touring use, meeting Euro 3 and later Euro 4 emissions standards through sequential multi-point fuel injection and integrated EGR systems. Its design emphasized mechanical refinement, acoustic quality, and long-term drivability under sustained load.
One documented engineering update occurred in 2002 with the transition from the 550 to the 575M Maranello, where the F116 received revised intake manifolds and cam profiles to improve mid-range response. This update, verified in Ferrari TIS Doc. F116/UPD/02, also included enhanced cooling circuits and oil scavenge pumps to support higher thermal loads during spirited driving. Later variants in the 599 GTB (F136M) introduced variable valve timing, marking a generational shift in V12 control strategy.
Production years 1999–2002 meet Euro 3 standards; 2003–2010 models comply with Euro 4 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8821).
The Ferrari F116 is a 5,474 cc 65° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for grand touring applications (1999–2010). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch Motronic engine management to deliver smooth power delivery and high-RPM performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 and Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances refined drivability with strong performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,474 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 65° V12, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 485–540 PS (478–533 hp) | |
| Torque | 520–550 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (1999–2002); Euro 4 (2003–2010) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 – 11.2:1 (by variant) | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Dual overhead camshafts, chain-driven (wet sump) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-60 (Ferrari Classico 2001 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 245 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 delivers linear power and strong mid-range torque ideal for grand touring, but demands strict adherence to 15,000–20,000 km oil change intervals to maintain timing chain and bearing health. Ferrari Classico 2001-spec 10W-60 oil is critical due to its high-shear stability and protection of the wet-sump chain system. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup in the intake and EGR circuits, particularly in urban use. Fuel quality must meet minimum 98 RON to prevent knock under load. Post-2003 Euro 4 models feature more restrictive EGR/PCV systems requiring periodic cleaning to prevent vacuum leaks and idle instability. The chain-driven valvetrain is robust but requires inspection every 60,000 km per SIB 08 04 03 to prevent catastrophic failure.
Oil Specs: Requires Ferrari Classico 2001 (10W-60) specification (Ferrari SIB 08 04 03). Supersedes ACEA B4 and API SM standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 applies to 1999–2002 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8821). Euro 4 compliance confirmed for 2003–2010 variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R15-04 standards. 540 PS output requires 98 RON fuel (Ferrari TIS Doc. F116/PERF/01).
Ferrari Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F116/ENG/001, F116/ENG/002, SIB 08 04 03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8821)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Bosch Motronic ME7.3 Technical Dossier
The Ferrari F116 was used across Ferrari's 550/575/599 platforms with longitudinal rear-mid mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the 575M and enhanced oil scavenging in the 599 GTB-and from 2006 the 599 GTB Fiorano adopted the F136M variant with variable valve timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front right-side cylinder bank near the timing cover (Ferrari TIS F116/ID/01). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('B' for F116 series). Pre-2002 models have silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; post-2006 units use black cam covers and revised intake runners. Critical differentiation from F136M: Original F116 has fixed valve timing and Bosch Motronic ME7.3 ECU, while 599 GTB units use variable timing and Bosch MED9.1. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2003 models are incompatible with later Euro 4 revisions due to chain guide redesign (Ferrari SIB 08 04 03).
The F116's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on pre-2003 builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Ferrari quality reports from 2005 noted a significant share of early 550/575 engines requiring chain service before 60,000 km, while UK VCA MOT records link a notable portion of emissions-related failures to EGR clogging in city-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and short-trip driving increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1999-2010) and UK VCA failure statistics (2005-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI F116.
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