The Mercedes-Benz M110.926 is a 2,778 cc, inline-six petrol engine produced between 1973 and 1985. It belongs to the M110 series, engineered for refined performance and durability in executive sedans and coupes. Featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), four-valves-per-cylinder design, and K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, it delivered 130 kW (177 PS) and 245 Nm of torque, offering strong high-revving performance and precise valve control.
Fitted to key models including the W114 280, W115 280C, and C123 280CE, the M110.926 was designed for drivers seeking a balance of sportiness, smoothness, and engineering precision. Its DOHC architecture was rare in its class at the time, emphasizing high-RPM power delivery and responsiveness. Emissions compliance was achieved through thermal reactor systems and later catalytic converters, meeting pre-Euro and early Euro 1 standards.
One documented update occurred in 1976, when Mercedes-Benz revised the camshaft profiles and ignition timing to improve idle stability and throttle response. This change, referenced in Technical Service Bulletin 01.0176, addressed early reports of hesitation under partial load. Later production units also received upgraded ignition modules and modified fuel distributor settings to enhance drivability and reduce cold-start emissions.
Pre-1979 models meet pre-Euro standards; 1979–1985 variants comply with Euro 1 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
The Mercedes-Benz M110.926 is a 2,778 cc inline-six petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented sedans and coupes (1973–1985). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch K-Jetronic continuous fuel injection to deliver high-revving performance and long-term reliability. Designed to meet pre-Euro and Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances mechanical sophistication with driving refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,778 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 kW (177 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic (mechanical continuous injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (pre-1979); Euro 1 (1979–1985) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain (interference design) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 (MB 228.1 specification) | |
| Dry weight | 193 kg |
The naturally aspirated DOHC design provides strong high-RPM performance ideal for spirited driving but requires consistent oil pressure to prevent camshaft wear. SAE 20W-50 oil meeting MB 228.1 is essential due to its film strength protecting high-load cam lobes. Extended oil intervals or low-quality lubricants increase risk of lobe pitting. K-Jetronic injection is robust but sensitive to vacuum leaks and warm-up regulator faults. Engines before 1976 should be inspected for ignition module failures; replacement with revised units per SIB 01.0176 is recommended. Catalytic converters on post-1979 models require lead-free fuel to prevent poisoning.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 228.1 specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.0176). Supersedes API SH and ACEA A2-96.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1979–1985 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684). Pre-1979 units meet pre-Euro standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades (RON 98) (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A31281).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31281, A31508, SIB 01.0176
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5684)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz M110.926 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W114/W115 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake runners in the W115 and revised exhaust manifolds in the C123-and from 1979 the facelifted W114 adopted updated emissions controls, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31281). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M110 series). Pre-1976 models have polished aluminium valve covers with chrome trim; post-1976 units use updated covers with embossed Mercedes star. Critical differentiation from M110.986: Original M110.926 has Bosch K-Jetronic CIS with round fuel distributor, while M110.986 uses LE-Jetronic with electronic injectors. Service parts require production date verification - ignition modules for engines before 08/1976 are incompatible with later units due to internal design revisions (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.0176).
The M110.926's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1975 indicated a significant number of pre-1976 engines showing lobe pitting before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show valve train noise as a common failure point in classic vehicle inspections. Extended oil intervals and low-RPM operation increase wear, making oil quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1973-1985) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1970-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M110926.
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 MERCEDES-BENZ 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.
MERCEDES-BENZ 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 officialMERCEDES-BENZ 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.
