The Mercedes-Benz M 111.940 is a 1,598 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2000. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), multi-point fuel injection (EZL), and a cast-iron block with aluminium head. This compact, efficient engine was engineered for responsive urban driving, delivering 75 kW (102 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 140 Nm of torque.
Fitted primarily to the W168 A-Class and early W202 C-Class models—such as the A160 and C160—the M 111.940 was designed for economical daily use and low-emission operation. Its engineering emphasized fuel efficiency and smoothness, meeting Euro 2 emissions standards through precise fuel metering and integrated exhaust manifold design.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear in high-mileage applications, highlighted in Mercedes Technical Service Bulletin 01.03.97. This issue stems from marginal oil flow to the upper valvetrain under sustained high-RPM operation or delayed oil changes. Later production batches incorporated revised oil galleries and upgraded camshaft materials to improve durability.
Production years 1996–2000 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6123).
The Mercedes-Benz M 111.940 is a 1,598 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact and entry-level sedans (1996–2000). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC valvetrain design to deliver balanced performance and fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes reliability and emissions control in urban driving conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 75 kW (102 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (EZL control) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain (DOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The DOHC inline-four provides smooth mid-range power ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain camshaft lobe and follower longevity. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is specified due to its film strength under sustained load and compatibility with the EZL injection system. Over-revving beyond 6,000 rpm should be avoided—premature cam wear has been documented in engines with extended oil intervals. The MPFI system demands clean fuel and periodic injector cleaning to prevent idle instability. Valve clearances require manual adjustment every 60,000 km per Mercedes TIS A111802. Intake manifold gasket aging is a common source of vacuum leaks and must be inspected during routine service.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) specification (Mercedes SIB 01.03.97). Compatible with modern API SM/CF oils if seals are in good condition.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (1996–2000) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6123).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified at the crankshaft without accessories.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A111802, SIB 01.03.97
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6123)
ISO 1585:1992 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz M 111.940 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W168 and W202 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake manifold tuning for automatic transmission variants in the W168 and revised exhaust routing in the W202-and from 1998 the facelifted W168 models adopted the M166 engine, creating direct 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 TIS A111802). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('B' for M111 series). Pre-1998 models have silver valve covers with ribbed air cleaners; post-1998 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M166: M111.940 uses DOHC with dual camshafts and no supercharger, while M166 uses SOHC with a Kompressor. Service parts require chassis number verification—intake manifolds for W168 and W202 are not interchangeable due to emissions routing differences (Mercedes SIB 03.05.98).
The M 111.940's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft wear under sustained high-RPM use, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 120,000 km without oil service. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1999 noted measurable cam lobe degradation in urban-driven A160s, while VCA field data links a significant portion of high-mileage W168/W202 failures to intake vacuum leaks. Extended oil intervals and poor fuel quality increase fuel system wear, making fluid maintenance and inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1996-2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M111940.
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