The Mercedes-Benz M104.981 is a 3,199 cc, inline-six petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder and Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection. Rated at 160 kW (218 PS) and 305 Nm of torque, it delivers smooth high-speed performance and linear throttle response for executive saloons and coupes.
Fitted to models such as the W124 320E, W210 320E, and W124 320CE, the M104.981 was engineered for balanced driving dynamics, combining responsive acceleration with long-distance comfort. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 2 standards for post-1996 models, while earlier units complied with Euro 1 norms.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the hydraulic valve lifters, which can lead to increased valve train noise and reduced performance. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07-89-05, is attributed to oil flow restrictions in early lifter designs and extended oil change intervals. Later production revisions included updated lifter materials and revised oil gallery routing to improve reliability.
Production years 1993–1995 meet Euro 1 standards; 1996–1998 models comply with Euro 2 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682).
The Mercedes-Benz M104.981 is a 3,199 cc inline-six petrol engine designed for executive saloons and coupes (1993–1998). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and high-speed refinement. Engineered to meet evolving emissions requirements, it balances performance with increasing regulatory demands of the mid-1990s.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 88.8 mm | |
| Power output | 160 kW (218 PS) | |
| Torque | 305 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LH-Jetronic (electronic multi-point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–1995); Euro 2 (1996–1998) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SH | |
| Dry weight | 188 kg |
The naturally aspirated DOHC design provides smooth high-RPM power ideal for highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent hydraulic lifter wear and camshaft degradation. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SH specifications is essential due to its high-temperature stability and anti-wear additives. Extended idling or short-trip driving increases carbon buildup on intake valves. The LH-Jetronic system demands clean fuel and regular filter changes to maintain injector performance. Post-1996 models feature revised lifter design; pre-1996 units benefit from inspection per Mercedes-Benz SIB 07-89-05. Lambda sensor and catalytic converter health must be monitored to maintain emissions compliance and prevent drivability issues.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SH specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07-89-05). Compatible with ACEA A2-96.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1996–1998 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682). Pre-1996 models meet Euro 1 under EU Directive 70/220/EEC.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across model applications (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A35125).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34745, A35125, SIB 07-89-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5682)
ISO 1585:1992 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz M104.981 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W124/W210 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the W124 and modified exhaust manifolds in the W210-and from 1996 the updated W210 models adopted Euro 2-compliant variants with enhanced lambda control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A34830). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for M104 series). Pre-1996 models feature LH-Jetronic fuel injection with analog control; post-1996 units use updated LH-Jetronic with digital ECU. Critical differentiation from M104.980: M104.981 has a 3,199 cc displacement and 218 PS output. Service parts require model-year verification—lifters and ECUs for pre-1996 models are not interchangeable with Euro 2 variants due to emissions revisions (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07-89-05).
The M104.981's primary reliability risk is hydraulic lifter wear on pre-1996 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1997 indicated a notable share of engines requiring lifter replacement before 180,000 km, while VCA field data links a significant portion of emissions-related failures to lambda sensor degradation in city-driven vehicles. Extended oil intervals and use of non-specified oils increase lifter and camshaft stress, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1993-1998) and UK VCA failure statistics (1995-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M104981.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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