The McLaren M838TE is a 3,799 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine developed jointly by McLaren and Ricardo, produced between 2011 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), dry-sump lubrication, and direct fuel injection. This powerplant was engineered to deliver exceptional power density and responsiveness, enabling the MP4-12C to achieve supercar performance benchmarks.
Fitted exclusively to the first-generation McLaren MP4-12C and its derivatives (including the 12C Spider and GT3 race car), the M838TE was designed for high-revving performance and track-focused agility. Emissions compliance for road cars was achieved through advanced engine management and catalytic converters, meeting Euro 5 standards.
One documented engineering focus was managing heat soak in the twin-turbo system, addressed through specific coolant routing and intercooler design as detailed in McLaren Technical Service Bulletin MTSB-12C-003. Subsequent iterations of the engine, like the M838T E, received revisions to turbochargers and engine control units for enhanced reliability and output.
Production years 2011–2017 meet Euro 5 standards for applicable road-going models (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/MCL/838).
The McLaren M838TE is a 3,799 cc twin-turbocharged V8 engineered for high-performance sports cars (2011-2017). It combines dry-sump lubrication with twin parallel turbochargers to deliver exceptional power density and throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances extreme performance with necessary emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,799 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 69.9 mm | |
| Power output | 441–464 kW (592–622 PS) | |
| Torque | 600–660 Nm @ 3,000–7,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch MED17.1.1) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with separate charge air cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Twin parallel Mitsubishi Heavy Industries TD04 | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | McLaren C30 Spec (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The twin-turbo setup provides immense, linear power but requires meticulous adherence to 10,000 km or annual oil service intervals using McLaren C30 specification oil to protect the turbo bearings and engine internals. The dry-sump system demands specific pre-start procedures after extended storage to ensure oil pressure. High-performance driving necessitates monitoring coolant and oil temperatures; sustained track use may require cooldown periods. The Bosch MED17 ECU is sensitive to low-quality fuel; premium unleaded (RON 98) is mandatory to prevent knock and maintain performance.
Oil Specs: Requires McLaren C30 (5W-30) specification (McLaren SIB MTSB-12C-005). This is a bespoke formulation meeting ACEA C3 with additional shear stability requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all road-going MP4-12C models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/MCL/838). Race variants (GT3) are exempt.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards at the crankshaft. Peak figures require 98 RON fuel (McLaren TIS Doc. MCL-TIS-838-04).
McLaren Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MCL-TIS-838-01, MCL-TIS-838-02, MCL-TIS-838-03, MCL-TIS-838-04
McLaren Service Information Bulletins (SIB): MTSB-12C-001, MTSB-12C-003, MTSB-12C-005
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/MCL/838)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The McLaren M838TE was used exclusively in McLaren Automotive's MP4-12C platform with longitudinal, rear-mid mounting. This engine received minor running updates during its production run, including ECU and turbo actuator revisions documented in service bulletins, creating subtle interchange limits for certain components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code "M838TE" is cast into the engine block on the driver's side, near the rear of the cylinder head (McLaren TIS MCL-TIS-838-ID). The 10th digit of the VIN corresponds to the model year. Visually, the engine is identifiable by its compact V8 layout, twin-turbochargers mounted within the 'hot vee', and distinctive orange cam covers on early models (later models use black). Critical differentiation from the later M840T: The M838TE uses a 3.8L displacement and Mitsubishi TD04 turbos, while the M840T is a 4.0L with different turbo units. Service parts, particularly for the turbo and ECU, are not interchangeable between early and late M838TE builds without verifying part numbers against the vehicle's production date (McLaren SIB MTSB-12C-003).
The M838TE's primary reliability focus is on the longevity of its turbocharger wastegate actuators, with potential for sticking or failure under high thermal stress. McLaren service data indicates a notable service rate for these components, while owner reports frequently cite sensitivity to improper warm-up/cool-down cycles. Aggressive driving without adequate engine temperature management can accelerate wear, making adherence to operating procedures critical.
Analysis derived from McLaren technical bulletins (2011-2017) and aggregated UK specialist workshop data (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MCLAREN M838TE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MCLAREN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MCLAREN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
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.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMCLAREN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
