The Mercedes-Benz M111.944 is a 1,598 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2000. It features a DOHC 16-valve configuration with sequential multi-point fuel injection (KE-Jetronic successor system) and was engineered for compact executive applications. This naturally aspirated design delivers 82 kW (112 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with mechanical refinement.
Fitted primarily to the W202 C-Class and Vito (V208) models—including the C160 and Vito 1.6—the M111.944 was designed for economical daily driving and light commercial use. Its engineering emphasizes reliability and serviceability, meeting Euro 2 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control. The engine’s compact size and transverse mounting enabled efficient packaging in front-wheel-drive platforms.
One documented service concern involves premature camshaft wear in early production units, particularly under extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 01.0-885/00, is attributed to marginal lubrication at the cam lobes under high-load conditions. In 1999, revised camshaft materials and updated oil pump calibration were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 1997–2000 meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M111.944 is a 1,598 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact executive and light commercial vehicles (1997–2000). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth throttle response and dependable performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances fuel economy with urban drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.7 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 82 kW (112 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (ME-SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.3 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft wear. MB 229.3 (10W-40) oil is critical due to its high-shear stability protecting cam lobes under sustained load. Extended idling or short-trip driving accelerates carbon buildup on intake valves. The ME-SFI system demands fuel meeting EN 228 standards to prevent injector clogging. Post-1999 models feature hardened camshafts; pre-1999 units benefit from inspection per SIB 01.0-885/00. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor function and avoidance of leaded fuel.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.3 (10W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.0-885/00). Supersedes ACEA A3/B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all M111.944 models (1997–2000) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across production run (Mercedes-Benz Group PT-1998).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A111700, A111715, SIB 01.0-885/00
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz M111.944 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W202/V208 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Renault in light commercial variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the C-Class and reinforced mounts in the Vito-and from 1999 the facelifted W202 models adopted revised camshafts, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Renault's Express van to use the M111 block with modified ancillaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A111705). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M111 series). Pre-1999 models have silver valve covers with ribbed finish; post-1999 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M111.940: M111.944 has ME-SFI injection and lacks balance shafts. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts before 08/1999 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.0-885/00).
The M111.944's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on pre-1999 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2001 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show a moderate rate of emissions-related MOT failures linked to lambda sensor degradation in fleet-operated vehicles. Extended idling and low-RPM operation increase lobe stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1998-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1997-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M111944.
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.
