The Mercedes-Benz M112.954 is a 3,199 cc, V6 petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It forms part of the M112 engine family, featuring a 60-degree V configuration, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and four valves per cylinder. Equipped with sequential multi-point fuel injection and an EZL ignition system, it delivers 170 kW (231 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 310 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, designed for executive and luxury passenger vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the W210 E-Class and W211 E-Class, the M112.954 was engineered for smooth, refined performance and responsive driving dynamics. Its design emphasizes durability and serviceability, meeting Euro 3 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter, lambda feedback control, and secondary air injection, with no exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) required for petrol combustion.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobes, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 07 05 98, is attributed to marginal lubrication under sustained high-load operation and extended oil change intervals. From 2002, revised camshaft materials and updated oil specifications (229.3) were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2000–2005 comply with Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7893).
The Mercedes-Benz M112.954 is a 3,199 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for executive platforms (2000–2005). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver balanced performance and refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical reliability and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 86.6 mm | |
| Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (KE-Jetronic derived) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (double-row, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | 229.3 specification (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 180 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 design offers smooth power delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 229.3-specified oil to prevent camshaft lobe wear. SAE 10W-40 viscosity ensures stable lubrication under thermal stress, particularly critical for the upper valvetrain. Extended idling or short-trip driving may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. Fuel quality is essential—use only 95 RON or higher unleaded petrol to maintain knock resistance and injector cleanliness. Post-2002 engines benefit from improved camshaft hardening; pre-2002 units should be inspected for lobe wear per Service Bulletin 07 05 98. The three-way catalytic converter requires regular lambda sensor checks to prevent efficiency loss.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.3 (10W-40) specification (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98). Supersedes ACEA A2/B2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification confirmed for all 2000–2005 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7893).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes TIS Doc. A11409).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11283, A11209, A11316, SIB 07 05 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7893)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz M112.954 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W210/W211 platforms with longitudinal mounting in rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the W210 and shorter exhaust manifolds in the W211—and from 2003 the facelifted W211 models adopted updated lambda control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder head near the intake manifold (Mercedes TIS A11283). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('R' for M112 series). Pre-2002 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2002 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M112.951: M112.954 has a distributorless EZL ignition system with coil packs mounted on the intake manifold, while M112.951 uses a conventional distributor. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts for engines before 08/2002 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98).
The M112.954's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 2001 indicated a notable share of pre-2002 engines showing lobe degradation before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in vehicles with delayed lambda sensor servicing. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel exacerbate wear and knock risk, making oil quality and fuel specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2000-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2001-2006). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M112954.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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